NBTC widens use of digital TV vouchers
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THE National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has expanded the types of digital TV receivers that can be purchased with the Bt690 vouchers it began distributing last year, as only about half of the coupons have been redeemed. The move will f
“We want to stimulate redemption of the outstanding vouchers. Of the total of 8.3 million distributed, so far only 4.1 million have been redeemed to purchase digital terrestrial TV receivers,” NBTC secre
tary-general Takorn Tantasith said yesterday.
Consumers now will be able to use the vouchers towards the purchase of a hybrid set-top box, which is compatible with both terrestrial-based digital and satellite-based TV signals. As well, the expiry dates of the vouchers will be extended by two months.
Cable-TV boxes are still not eligible for discounts under the voucher scheme.
Takorn said the change was aimed at providing an alternative for people who watch TV on different platforms, particularly in those areas of the country still not covered by terrestrial digital signals.
In addition, with hybrid boxes compatible with the second generation of digital video broadcast, or DVB-S2, viewers will be able to enjoy high-definition programmes broadcast by seven of the digital terrestrial channels. They cost about Bt300 more than a normal digital receiver.
He said the changes in the voucher conditions had been approved by the military’s ruling National Council for Peace and Order.
About 16,000 DVB-S2 hybrid boxes are available in the market, distributed by the country’s largest manufacturer of satellite-TV receivers, PSI Holdings. That company has deployed more than 14 satellite-TV boxes but they use the old DVB-S1 technology.
