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10 January, 2001 CEO itv/world evaluates the digital TV rollout
10/01/2001. Jason Romney, CEO, itv/world today evaluated the digital TV roll out in Australia, reviewed the shortcomings and proposed solutions for improvement.
Jason states, "The shortcomings of the digital TV (DTV) launch in Australia (e.g.. lack of set top boxes, lack of return path technology and lack of public education)will hopefully focus attention of the nation's DTV decision makers on improvements that will boost uptake.
For example, the US FCC is presently considering whether to make digital tuners mandatory in all new analogue TV sets. Were this to occur in Australia, it would significantly increase digital receiver penetration. Further policies, such as mandating that all new set top boxes be upgradable to receive digital services, would also accelerate industry growth.
The datacasting license auction is overdue and needs to occur in order for aspirant datacasters to commence development of digital datacasting services. Bringing this forward will help foster an important new Australian DTV content creation industry. The dramatic industry growth in countries such as the UK can be repeated here, but only if set top box penetration is improved and steps are taken to quicken the rollout of DTV content which has a clear value proposition for ordinary Australians.
An industry summit would bring clarity to these issues and contribute to industry consensus on next steps to drive DTV forward in Australia at the same rate as it is exploding in Europe and Asia".
Just such a summit has been organised. Broadcast World 2001 will take place 26-28 February in Sydney. In addition to Jason Romney, Senior level speakers from Australia's leading broadcast networks including Seven, Nine, Ten, and SBS will all be discussing the implementation and impact of digital television.
For more information telephone Tony Sprange on +61 2 9210 5732 or email Tony Sprange
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