We posed several questions to the SABC about the letter, including implications for the broadcaster if financial assistance is withheld, and its response was “we have no say”.
Ntshavheni’s department issued a statement in response to the SABC on Monday, saying that the benefits of digital migration and ending dual illumination outweigh any inconvenience after the analogue switch-off.
“The set-top box (decoder) is not the only way to continue TV watching after the analogue switch-off,” it said.
“Major electronics companies like Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sinotec and AIM have introduced into the market approximately 2.5 million integrated digital television sets (IDTVs) with a built-in digital tuner since 2012.”
The department also provided a list of compatible TV sets. It explained that households with IDTVs, residing within a 30-50km radius of a city, would be able to access digital television without the need for an STB.
“This is because South Africa has a broad digital television coverage of up to 84% of the population,” the department added.
The cost effect on a household of acquiring stuff to make your TV play could be quite considerable. I think many people do not know terms such as analogue and digital when it comes to TV sets. In fact, I wonder what my own TV is - but then I live in an alternative universe.
