Digital terrestrial television (DTT) services bring about more programming choices and much improved audio-visual quality, including high definition picture quality and surround sound. With add-on functions like electronic programme guide, closed captioning, datacasting and interactive television services, DTT broadcasting enables the audience to have a brand new audio-visual experience when watching television.

According to a survey conducted jointly by the Government and the two free-to-air television broadcasters in July 2008, over 15% of the population, or 350,000 households, are watching DTT.

Recently, some members of the public have enquired about whether it is possible to install decoders and other associated equipment at the communal aerial system for converting DTT programme channels into analogue format, so that households connecting to the communal aerial system need not install individual decoding device for watching the new digital programme channels.

Regarding this issue, we have the following concerns. First of all, the conversion of digital signals of DTT programme channels to analogue format will incur additional cost to be borne by the households concerned. Also, the wide array of benefits brought about by DTT as set out above, including high definition television and the various new functions, will be trimmed inevitably during the conversion process and hence the enjoyment of watching the programmes will be substantially undermined. Moreover, the two broadcasters possess the copyright of the digital broadcast content. Any person who alters and re-transmits the concerned broadcast without their permission may be held liable for copyright infringement.

Therefore, the best way for households to enjoy the high quality of DTT programmes is to purchase a suitable decoding device on their own.

Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
August 2008