No More Analog TV in 2019! The Shift to Digital TV Begins

A digital TV set-top box connected to their currently-owned TV set is needed for the Filipino viewers to enjoy the benefits of digital television. (Photo Courtesy of Pinoy Techno Guide)

For those who are currently watching their favorite shows on analog TV, rejoice!! Because now you're gonna have to wait for three to five more years before all analog TV broadcasts will be officially cut off. This is in preparation for the country's upcoming transition to digital terrestrial television. But when will analog TV shut down permanently? Well, it all depends on the migration plan that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is crafting after finalizing its implementing rules and regulations for the said transition, which is currently in development.



In 2013, through the approval of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the NTC has officially adopted with finality the Japanese ISDB-T as the country's national standard for digital television. In August of this year, the said agency released its newly-drafted IRR for the country's migration to digital TV broadcast. The draft IRR stated that ISDB-T will be the sole standard in providing digital free TV services in the country. Also according to the draft IRR, all TV stations in the country are required to simulcast their digital and analog TV services within the year of the effectivity of the IRR. BEAM Channel 31 was the first who supported the said draft.

Digital television in the Philippines through ISDB-T will definitely benefit more than 90 percent of the Filipino viewing population who cannot afford to subscribe to pay TV services due to lack of financial capacity. Digital TV set-top boxes will be made available for very affordable prices once digital TV begins to familiarize. What makes digital free TV interesting for the Filipinos is that it can save many lives through information dissemination with its built-in emergency broadcast system feature which notifies viewers of the latest weather updates and disaster alerts. Digital television will also benefit those who are watching on their mobile devices anywhere with just a good full charge.

I hope this will remind all of you that there is time to enjoy watching on analog TV until you can. There is no escaping the fact that the future of Philippine television is beginning to exist in our tubes, so be prepared!!