Shadow
30-09-2010, 09:59
*Brazil has agreed with South Africa the promotion of ISDB-T adoption The Brazilian Digital TV Forum and the South African National Association of Electronic Component Factories (Namec) executed an intention agreement by means of which Brazil will train technicians and African companies in case ISDB-T standard is adopted. In turn, entrepreneurs committed themselves to working on such standard adoption promotion. The final decision will be released before year end. The Telecommunications Secretary advisor, Flavio Lenz, one of the Brazilian committee members, pointed out that the idea was to show that South African small and medium size companies can receive training to manufacture electronic devices and produce digital TV content. According to a press release issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Communications, South Africa had adopted the European DVB, but decided to review such decision - together with the Austral Africa Development Community, made up by 15 countries (South Africa among them) - when Brazil started negotiations. One of the issues highlighted by the Brazilian committee is the possibility to carry out HD broadcastings. At present, South Africa has turned to standard definition broadcastings. HD would be available only for Pay-TV. Additionally, it was denied that European standard STBs were cheaper, since ISDB-T devices will be produced at great scale thus reducing prices. The Brazilian delegation also met with local broadcasters. In South Africa, there are six TV channels, three of which are state-owned and form part of SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) network, the other two pay and subscription channels belong to M-NET network, and the third one is a free-to-air private channel. Private channels are mainly opposed to the standard change. In face of this, Brazilian representatives took advantage of the occasion to tighten relationships and show that they can also benefit from ISDB-T adoption.*