Ticino switches to Digi-TV
On July 24, Ticino—a pioneering canton on the path to SRG digital television—will shut down analog terrestrial broadcasting of TV programs. This led to a war of words between local politicians and Ticino Television (TSI) in the run-up to the event.
On July 24, the analogue terrestrial distribution of TV channels will be switched off in Ticino, a pioneering canton on the way to SRG digital television (see SRG makes Ticino a pioneer in Digi-TV). Although the switchover should take place without any significant problems, some local politicians in Ticino are concerned and have responded with a parliamentary motion. The switchover will affect around 25,000 television sets in Tessib, which currently still receive TV programs via antenna.
On the one hand, there are peripheral areas where the new signal cannot be received, claims Cantonal Councillor Lorenzo Quadri in a parliamentary question to the Ticino government. He also claims that the digital receiver required is more expensive than the minimum price of CHF 150 specified by TSI. Older people in particular would have to seek advice for the switchover, as they are not technically savvy, and this would cost money.
The councillors are now calling on the Ticino government to intervene with TSI so that TV reception is guaranteed everywhere. The question also arises as to whether the SRG could waive part of the cost of purchasing a digital receiver for consumers. TSI reacted angrily to the proposal and for its part recalled the Federal Council's decision to introduce digital terrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T), which applies to the whole of Switzerland. The whole of Switzerland is to be covered by 2009. Digital terrestrial broadcasting will result in better picture quality and the reception of more channels. According to SRG estimates, 10 to 15 percent of households currently still watch television via antenna.
TSI spokesperson Paolo Rimoldi assured that the new signal can be received throughout the canton and that everything possible has been done to ensure a smooth transition. There are still technical problems in one municipality, but the old signal will remain in place there until the problem has been resolved.
The TSI has also set up a helpline, and 325 calls were received last week, according to the SDA news agency. Migros is also offering decoders in Ticino for 88 francs in a newspaper advertisement.
On the one hand, there are peripheral areas where the new signal cannot be received, claims Cantonal Councillor Lorenzo Quadri in a parliamentary question to the Ticino government. He also claims that the digital receiver required is more expensive than the minimum price of CHF 150 specified by TSI. Older people in particular would have to seek advice for the switchover, as they are not technically savvy, and this would cost money.
The councillors are now calling on the Ticino government to intervene with TSI so that TV reception is guaranteed everywhere. The question also arises as to whether the SRG could waive part of the cost of purchasing a digital receiver for consumers. TSI reacted angrily to the proposal and for its part recalled the Federal Council's decision to introduce digital terrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T), which applies to the whole of Switzerland. The whole of Switzerland is to be covered by 2009. Digital terrestrial broadcasting will result in better picture quality and the reception of more channels. According to SRG estimates, 10 to 15 percent of households currently still watch television via antenna.
TSI spokesperson Paolo Rimoldi assured that the new signal can be received throughout the canton and that everything possible has been done to ensure a smooth transition. There are still technical problems in one municipality, but the old signal will remain in place there until the problem has been resolved.
The TSI has also set up a helpline, and 325 calls were received last week, according to the SDA news agency. Migros is also offering decoders in Ticino for 88 francs in a newspaper advertisement.
