MinDig TV, the new digital terrestrial television service was launched on December 1Monday, 01 December 2008
MinDig TV, the subscription-free digital terrestrial television service was launched on December 1, 2008 at 5:30 PM with Duna TV HD and Duna II Autonómia SD format programs.
As a first stage in the launch of the digital terrestrial platform, Antenna Group concluded a contract with Duna TV for the transmission of two free of charge channels, Duna TV in HD and Duna II Autonómia in SD format from December 1, 2008. This platform aims at fulfilling an important social mission which is to provide info-entertainment for free for every Hungarian citizen, with more content, better quality and new features such as HD or Electronic Progam Guide.
Regarding commercial channels, negotiations are still ongoing with several media group. However it became apparent that the lack of clear rules for their operations in the new digital era, as a consequence of the absence of a New Media Law complicates the decision making when it comes to deciding on joining the MinDig TV platform. Moreover, Antenna Hungária proposes solutions that respect the Competition Law and is not willing to sign agreements breaching that Law.
As illustrated in all other European countries where such a platform has been introduced, the launch of digital terrestrial platforms is a complex and long process. It can be derived from the same examples that all free-to-air digital terrestrial platforms have been successful, independantly from the time it took to set them up. Antenna Hungária concentrates on making digital terrestrial television a success story in Hungary as well, like in the other of the European countries.
Regarding the content AH-Group has signed contract only with Duna Television until now, by this Duna TV HD and Duna II Autonómia SD format programs are available from the service start. AH is having advanced negotiations with Hungarian Television and commercial channels about joining the platform, the company relies on that the subcription-free service can be extended with further HD and SD format programs in the coming weeks. AH hopes that the situation will be clearer soon in connection with the New Media Law and other open issues, which would be a great help to finalize the offer of the MinDig TV service.
As a result of the implementation works that are executed in a very tight schedule – the investment will be approximately 25 billion HUF in the next 4-5 years - MinDig TV subscription-free digital terrestrial television transmission was launched from Budapest, Kabhegy and Szentes transmitter stations on December 1 at 5:30 PM with circa 60% coverage of the Hungarian households.
To join the service as a viewer, a wideband rooftop antenna in good condition, and a DVB-T MPEG-4 HD set-top-box or an integrated television set (IDTV) equipped with a DVB-T MPEG-4 HD tuner are needed. There is a coverage database on the website which informs the interested about the reception possibilities.
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Set-top-boxes and integrated television sets with MinDig TV sticker will be available for sale in retail stores from December. The sticker guarantees, that the equipment is suitable for the reception of digital terrestrial television signals, equipments with sticker will appear in the offer of the following strategic and cooperation partners: P-Sat, Infopatika, Strong, eBolt, Sony Bravia, Bétacom.
The introduction campaign of the digital switchover and the new service starts in December also with upgraded visuals. The website of the service: www.mindigtv.hu
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Antenna Hungária
DVB-T - Digital Video Broadcasting -Terrestrial
SDTV – Standard Definition Television (PAL system: 720 x 576 resolution)
HDTV – High Definition Television: ’HD-ready’ – minimum 1024 x 768 resolution
’Full-HD’ – minimum 1920 x 1080 resolution
MPEG-4 – (Moving Picture Experts Group), compression method
Further information:
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Antenna Hungária
András Tóth
Head of Communication
Tel: +36 1 464-2110
Mobile: +36 70 332-4599
E-mail: totha@ahrt.hu |
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About Antenna Hungária (www.ahrt.hu)
AH is an innovative, customer-oriented telecommunication company, a market leader in terrestrial nationwide television and radio transmission and microwave-based network services in Hungary. Guided by its strengths, its people, and its experience, the company adapts and develops technologies and solutions to bring inspiration, innovation and success for its business customers and the entire industry. As a member of the international TDF Group and as an independent market player, AH is aiming to play a pivotal role in the transition to digital TV and radio transmission, and in the convergence of broadcasting and telecommunication. The company offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art services based on our unique tower infrastructure and on a highly experienced and motivated team. AH lays emphasis on technical innovation, service development, superior customer service and operational excellence.
About MinDig TV (www.mindigtv.hu)
MinDig TV digital terrestrial television service will be launched on December 1, 2008. The excellent quality free-to-air service will be available with a rooftop antenna. To receive the digital television signals, a set-top-box is needed. The MinDig TV service, which provides free-to-air, state-of-the art technology in an excellent sound and picture will be launched from Budapest, Kabhegy and Szentes transmitter stations in 2008, with circa 60% coverage of the Hungarian households.
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