Hong Kong's two domestic free television stations, Asia Television Limited and Television Broadcasts Limited, will phase in digital terrestrial television services from December 31.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma today told reporters Hong Kong will be the first to adopt the national digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmission standard developed by the Mainland.

The initial launch will serve up to half the city's population, covering areas in Kowloon, north Hong Kong Island, part of Sha Tin and east Lantau Island.

Transmission station construction

The companies will expedite the construction of six transmission stations to advance the target of covering 75% of the population from end of next year to early next August, so more people can watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics digitally.

The two stations will simulcast their existing four channels digitally and launch new free channels on standard-definition television and in high definition. They will continue to broadcast the four existing channels in analogue so viewers can choose when to switch to digital broadcasting according to their own needs.

Broadcasting Authority member Adrian Wong said technical standards have been amended and the two stations will enjoy more flexibility in arranging their new programmes. For instance, they will be allowed to have hidden subtitles.

The new channels will be given two-digit channel numbers. The channel numbers for ATV will range from 10 to 19 while TVB's numbers will range from 80 to 89.

Labelling scheme

Televisions currently on the market, including the older cathode ray tube sets and the newer plasma or LCD flat-panel versions, are not capable of decoding DTT signals. To watch DTT programmes viewers need to connect their existing televisions to a digital set-top box, or buy an integrated digital television set with a built-in decoder.

To enable consumers to make an informed choice when purchasing the DTT receivers, the Government has introduced a voluntary scheme to label them.

Two types of DTT receivers will be available. Basic-tier receivers receive the four existing channels simulcast in digital format, with significant improvement in reception quality in eliminating interference. On top of the functions of the basic-tier receivers, higher-tier receivers are capable of receiving all standard and high-definition programmes.

Since DTT signals will be broadcast on new frequency channels, building management offices may need to upgrade their communal aerial system to receive and distribute the DTT programmes.

Upgrading works

The Housing Department will upgrade the cable distribution system at its own expense for all public housing estates in phases. The Government will also liaise with major property management companies to provide them with technical assistance in conducting the upgrades.

To educate the public on DTT, announcements produced for the first time in high-definition format will be aired on television and shown in retailers' showrooms.

The Government, the Consumer Council and the two TV stations will launch education and publicity campaigns.