NTC endorses Japan TV technology

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commisison (NTC) endorsed anew to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) the adoption of the Japanese standard for the Philippines’ migration to digital terrestrial television (TV).

NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said the agency already endorsed to DOST the adoption of the Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial or ISDB-T standard last December.

Cordoba said the recommendation was made to the DOST since it is in charge of big ticket projects involving technology and would push the matter in Malacañang.

“We are just awaiting the instruction of the DOTC. They will be the one to push it since they are in charge of big technology projects,” he stressed.

Cordoba pointed out that NTC chose the Japanese standard because it is cheaper than Europe’s Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2 or DVB-T2.

He added that the Japanese standard also has integrated early warning mechanism in times of natural disasters such as tsunami, typhoon, earthquakes, among others unlike the European technology.

In fact, Japan has offered to put up a set-top box factory in the Philippines, and the ISDB-T has an early warning system for earthquakes.

Digital television is an innovative transmitting technology transforming television-viewing experience through better picture and sound quality.

The NTC was supposed to issue the implementing rules and regulations for digital TV in July 2010 but was delayed after Malacañang ordered a review.