The Office of the Telecommunications Authority has introduced a voluntary labelling scheme to help consumers make informed choices when they purchase digital terrestrial television receivers.

Only receivers capable of reception of local digital terrestrial television services will be affixed with the label. There are two labels under the scheme, namely the basic-tier receiver and the higher-tier receiver.

The former is for receiving the four existing channels transmitted in digital format (Standard Definition Television programmes). The latter is for receiving both High and Standard Definition Television programmes.

Scheme details: The voluntary labelling scheme comprises two labels, one for the basic-tier receiver and the other for the higher-tier receiver.

Digital terrestrial television receiver suppliers are welcome to join the scheme. To indicate that their products are in compliance with the prescribed requirements, suppliers can affix the labels to digital terrestrial television receivers on display or for sale, or use the labels in their promotional materials.

A register of the brand names and models of all digital terrestrial television receivers on which the labels are used will be published. The scheme is based on self-declaration of the participants and testing by third-party testing agencies is not required. However, random inspections will be conducted to detect any unauthorised use of the labels.

As the scheme focuses on the capability of receiving digital terrestrial television programme channels, it will not be concerned with whether the registered digital terrestrial television receivers are capable of supporting the optional services, such as datacasting and interactive services which the broadcasters may provide.

More details about the scheme can be found here.