UAE Switches on DVB-T2

Sharjah Media Corporation is among the first media organisations in the UAE and the entire region to leapfrog to digital video broadcasting — terrestrial2 (DVB-T2). At a press conference on Friday, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the corporation, pressed the transmitter button to mark the official launch of the digital telecasting in Sharjah, in line with the latest global technologies deployed in the field.

The broadcasting in digital format was officially launched in presence of Dr Khalid Al Midfa, Director-General of the corporation; Abdullah Al Jenaibi, Advisor of the National Media Council (NMC); Ali Al Jarwan, NMC’s Sharjah Office Director; Tariq Al Awadhi, Executive Director of Spectrum Affairs at the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA); and representatives of government and private entities, and electronic media professionals.

Commenting on the occasion, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed said: “This milestone comes under the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah who stresses on the importance of keeping pace with the latest developments in media. We are committed to deliver our message in a manner consistent with Shaikh Sultan’s unlimited support and will focus on conveying the Sharjah’s message and the UAE’s values and on serving the local and Arab community with meaningful content. We will make sure to deliver the country’s message of peace and communication with the world. I highly appreciate all efforts exerted in this regard and wish continued success.”

Dr Al Midfa said, “The complete switch from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting resulted from our follow up and careful study of this technology …in global media corporations. We aim to enable our viewers to access our conservative channels via the modern broadcasting system for a better viewing experience.”

The project, which cost over Dh7 million, will cover all areas and cities in the emirate, particularly the Central and Eastern Regions, and that the new system can telecast 16 SD channels or five HD channels, and is expandable.

Al Awadhi said this is in compliance with the digital broadcasting plan issued by the International Telecommunication Union. “According to this plan, the latest analogue switch-off date is June 17, 2015.”

Source: www.khaleejtimes.com