Digital Migration in Africa

Africans are moving towards an era where TV can be enjoyed on an enhanced level

• • Digital Migration is set to make a difference in Africa
  • It opens up a world of opportunity
  • Samsung QLED TV is part of a welcome technological evolution

It’s been over a decade since it was decided that all of Africa’s broadcast companies convert to digital terrestrial television (DTT). The process has however been delayed for many reasons. DTT uses less spectrum than analogue signals and the conversion was meant to free up spectrum for other applications. Spectrum relates to the radio frequencies allocated to the mobile industry and other sectors for communication over the airwaves. Only a few African countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya were able to meet the goal. South Africa came close, with its broadcasters moving to a “dual illumination” mode, which transmits both digital and analogue signals. But much of Africa still has far to go to achieve the objective.

Why Digital Migration Matters

Shifting to a digital format offers a number of advantages, including improved reception quality, expanded channel options and the ability to add enhanced applications like video-on-demand. Additionally, once TV broadcasting switches to digital, the freed-up spectrum can be used for wireless applications, like those required for 5G for smartphones, that could contribute to broader economic growth. Then there are the added advantages of maximising the potential of pioneering technology like Samsung’s 8K QLED.

The QLED range offers crystal clear TV and a host of incredible benefits to viewers. This includes more screen size options, stunning picture quality enhancements, dazzling colours from every angle, exciting new design elements and it provides even more entertainment options. It does this by offering a new iTunes Movies and TV Shows app and supports Apple AirPlay 2.

The shift to digital will unlock even more potential from both 4K and 8K technology. 8K QLED can upscale current content to a level closer to 8K. However, digital migration will allow for the creation and viewing of content that even more matches the tech that goes into the breath-taking QLED range. It’s therefore important that digital migration is still on the agenda for most African countries. The continent has 54 countries and each presents broadcasters with unique challenges in the shift from analogue to digital signals.

When it does, pioneering advancements in mobile technology, as well as pioneering products like Samsung QLED, will capture our imagination even more so.

DTT info sourced from: http://www.intelsat.com/news/blog/digital-television-slowly-coming-to-african-viewers/