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The Philippines is putting in efforts as it transitions from traditional analog broadcasting to a modernized, fully digital terrestrial ecosystem.
Engr. Gemma Baysic of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has said that Mega Manila is set to switch off its analog broadcast by November. Meanwhile, expansion in regions will take place between 2028 and 2029.
The digital broadcast provides enhanced features such as better picture and sound quality, increased free-to-air channel selections, efficient use of frequency spectrum, and the Integrated Warning Broadcast System for real-time disaster alerts.
The OIC-Director III of DICT has noted the importance of ensuring that households are well-informed about the about the transition; which involves shutting down analog terrestrial TV signals and migrating to digital broadcasting.
Sunstar has shared that the information department has conducted an information session in Davao City as part of its effort in its shift to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.
The DICT has said that households could experience the digital broadcast through purchasing a set-top box, a digital TV with built-in receiver, or a subscription to a pay TV service via cable or satellite providers.
Transition period to digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the country began in 2010 with the adoption of the Japanese ISDB-T International Standard. The first fully operational digital TV channel was Channel 49 by the Iglesia ni Cristo.
ABS-CBN launched the ABS-CBN TV Plus also known as “Mahiwagang Blackbox” in 2015, which is a digital TV box that airs digital TV channels. GMA Network has later launched their “GMA Affordabox”, while TV5 had their “Sulit TV.”
While the transition is ongoing, the set date for analog television to shutdown in Mega Manila is November 2026.
