DIGITAL SWITCHOVER TO ADVANCE COUNTRY’S BROADCASTING INFRASTRUCTURE... 1/2

Jamaica’s impending Digital Switchover (DSO) will see significant advancements in the capacity of the country’s Public Broadcasting infrastructure.

DSO refers to the transition from analog television broadcasting to Digital Television Broadcasting.

It will involve a phased transition from outdated analog technology to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 called Next Generation (NextGen) TV.

ATSC 3.0 is an Internet Protocol (IP)-based television standard that provides an enhanced viewer experience. It is anticipated to facilitate new domestic and commercial services with better technical quality.

There will also be opportunities for Jamaicans to move from television sets to mobile, portable, and pocket equipment compatible with NextGen Network technologies.

Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, Cordell Green, noted the transition is in keeping with the Government’s mandate to create a digital society.

“The benefits of the switch are numerous, both from the point of view of the television viewer and the television broadcaster perspectives.

Where the viewers are concerned, they should expect more channels. It allows a broadcaster the option to provide as many as 15 video program streams within a single channel,” he explains.

Mr. Green says the switchover is a significant milestone in building the country’s digital infrastructure.

“We will get a modern media infrastructure structured for the internet environment, updated legislation, more opportunities, and channels for content distribution. This will support the creation of more content, better infrastructure to support mobilization and communication of important information in moments of health crises, natural disasters, and security crises,” he states.

“The beauty about this is that the information can be customized for a geographic area. So, you can have an event taking place in one community and another taking place elsewhere. This system is dynamic, so you are watching the television channel, and the information received might be immediately relevant to where you are,” Mr. Green explains.

The technology enables TV programming on phones and tablets, providing higher-quality video and audio, improved accessibility features, and enhanced interactivity capabilities.

Mr. Green notes that the technology has significant implications for the education sector, as it facilitates information sharing.