Ministry to test digital TV standards over the next 3-months

Chiles Government will evaluate the technical standards and implications of the three competing terrestrial digital TV standards over the next three months, according to an announcement by telecommunications and transport minister Réne Cortázar at the second government sponsored debate on Digital TV in Santiago.
Another study will consider the general economic advantages and disadvantages of one standard over another, such as the cost of set-top-boxes.
Cortázar mentioned that interactive TV, more channels and higher quality were the main priorities for a digital TV system.
Pablo Belo the head of Subtel, the telecom regulator, said that he was confident that a decision would be made this year and that there would probably be an 8-10 year grace period before analogue TV is completely replaced by the chosen digital alternative.
Source: Business News Americas
Item added: 26th June 2007