The switch off from analogue to digital TV transmission to commence December 13th 2013 we ready?

Well, if you have been an avid reader of this blog then you will realize my that at first I used to right about anything with regard to technology trends in Kenya and around the world. We live in a very tech mobile country and some developments should never go unnoticed. Since the year mid 2000 we have been hearing of digital migration that is the migration from analogue to digital video broadcast, just like many of you TV enthusiasts, I was very excited about this especially whenever I heard the former communications PS Dr. Bitange talk about the migration. 

My first digital TV encounter was Oxygen TV and then SMART TV which I had the privilege to work with them. While in the industry, I got to learn about the different kinds of technologies and the benefits. I must state that I found it very ambitious that the country was determined to frog DVBT1 a technology that was already widely used by the two pioneers of digital TV SMART TV and STAR TIMES. The other thing that amazed was the politics in the broadcast TV especially from the dominant players despite the fact that there is a lot of opportunity to round to very player subject to their ingeniousness. 

With the recent announcement by CCK that the switch off (hopping that this will not be a hoax) is scheduled for the 13th of December 2013, I decided to ask a few questions of which you can see a response below. Let me know what more to ask...

1.     Timeline of country wide implementation country wide
Digital Migration started in 2006 when all member states at the Regional Radio Conference resolved to migrate by 17^th June 2015. Kenya was party and a signatory to the said agreement.  The government has adopted a phased analogue switch off system. The timelines are:
PHASE 1: 13^th December 2013- Nairobi.PHASE2: 30^th March 2014-Mombasa,Malindi,Nyeri,Meru,Kisumu, Webuye, Kisii, Nakuru, and Eldoret.PHASE 3: 30^th June 2013- All other remaining sites
2.     Benefits to the common consumer
Digital migration has various benefits to consumers. These are:

•  Access more and diverse content due to many/multiple channels (video or audio)

• Activate the parental control feature that enables you to control the channels and information received

• Access electronic program guides for all channels

• Provide more information on programs aired on all channels

• Access value added services such as radio programs

3.     What to expect
Consumers need to purchase complaint DVB-T2 set top boxes in order to be able to continue to receive TV transmissions once the analogue signals are switched off, and enjoy the benefits listed above.
4.     Role of manufacturers like Samsung and HuaweiManufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei play a role in the migration process as they manufacture transmission or end user equipment. For instance, there is a digitally integrated Samsung TV model that has been type approved for the Kenyan market.
5.     Clear technology description and why it is the preferred (give standard frequency guideline) DVBT2, HD, 4KHD (supper HD)
Migration from analogue to digital migration will generally optimize the use of frequency spectrum. Kenya adopted DVB-T2 standard under which one frequency will typically accommodate up to 20 standard television programs compared to analogue technology that accommodated only one program. 
6.     Is the government going to subsidize the equipment’s and whether it has been factored din the current budget? How much will the average consumer pay?
The government in its budget of 2012/2013 waived the import tax on the set top boxes. The government is still considering other initiatives with a view of bringing down the cost of the set top box. At the moment, a free to air set top box costs Kshs. 5,000
7.     Consumer awareness (Chances of dumping happening assuming that we are to adopt obsolete tech not HD)
DVB-T2 is currently the most advanced Digital video broadcasting technology on the terrestrial platform, hence dumping is not likely to occur. HD is an abbreviation forHigh-Definition and refers to a program with higher resolution than the standard television which is not expected to pick up soon due to the limits in the spectrum available for broadcasting and the relatively higher cost of HD set top boxes.
8.     Number of players in the market with digital quality content and the type of content offered
Today, we have a total of 28 broadcasters on the digital platform. The content is varied from Local classics, property advertising, religion, shopping channel, and regional content (East Africa).
9.     Role of KBC, any commercial section like BBC?
The Government authorized KBC as the 1^st signal distributor. KBC is in the process of forming a subsidiary company namely Signet, whose responsibility will be signal distribution.
10. Protection of smaller players from unfair competition practices by the monopoly (we don't want to see another smart TV case)
The Commission authorizes broadcasting services including broadcasting signal distribution and broadcasting content service provision. The regulatory mechanisms in place ensure equal treatment of all players in all the broadcasting market segments in a bid to curb unfair trade practices/ anti-competitiveness.
11. What happens to the freed up frequency ( give a layman explanation)
The frequency spectrum freed up is expected to accommodate other services arising from emerging technological developments such as broadband wireless access services.
12. Why are some claiming to be having DVBT2 set-top boxes but with my experience, all I see is just  marketing and not real technology could you be having a sample decoder images preferable front display and rear images that show the inputs and out puts
On September 1st 2012 all signal distributors switched their DVB-T transmissions. This was occasioned by the innovation of DVB-T2 which is a higher compression technology. DVB-T set top boxes will not be able to receive DVB-T2 transmissions as the 2 are not compatible. Unfortunately it’s not something you can see on the display of the gadget. DVB-T2 technology is imprinted in the devices motherboard or components. The list of type approved DVB-T2 set top boxes is available in the Digital Kenya website www.digitalkenya.go.ke