[opendtv] Altech warns court action over ISDB-T adoption

From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:48:29 -0500
I don't understand the last paragraph, about the effect this would have on 
cross-border interference. Whether South Africa adopts ISDB-T or DVB-T, the 
interference issues should be pretty close to identical.

I would be pushing for DVB-T2 from the start, rather than ISDB-T or DVB-T. It 
will be interesting to see whether DVB-T2 ever becomes mainstream anywhere. 
Since some countries are already transmitting HD over DVB-T, you just don't 
know how it will play out.

Bert

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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?class=countries&subclass=0&id=3877

Altech warns court action over ISDB-T adoption 

Links:
www.altech.co.za

Set-top box manufacturer Altech has warned the South African Government they 
will be taking legal action if the ISDB-T standard-based technology currently 
used in Japan and Brazil is adopted for devices in South Africa, according to a 
statement released by the company.

In 2006 the South African Government announced it would be adopting the DVB-T 
standard. However, the Government announced this May that it was considering a 
switch to the ISDB-T standard.

In their statement Altech said their subsidiary company Altech UEC had 
'invested millions' in developing set-top box technology based on the DVB-T 
standard.

Commenting on the possible move to ISDB-T Altech CEO Craig Venter said: The 
company is able to rapidly understand and adopt any technology in the broadcast 
STB space. As such Altech UEC is technology neutral.

"However, it needs to be stated that should government decide to go with the 
ISDB-T technology, Altech and other industry players will not hesitate to 
launch legal proceedings against government, not only to reverse the decision, 
but also to claim millions of rands spent on costs and wasted resources."

Altech stated that ISDB-T is deployed in Japan, Brazil and other South American 
countries, while DVB-T is used in 120 countries. "Most broadcasters, 
manufacturers and retailers of television equipment support DVB-T because it 
will stimulate the local market. On the other hand, adoption of the ISDB-T 
platform will reduce competition, increase telecoms costs and thereby reduce 
benefits to consumers.

"In fact, if a different standard is adopted, we will have to import skills and 
technology and turn our backs on what exists locally. This will stifle growth 
of the ICT sector," added Venter.

Altech also stated a move to ISDB-T would affect have implications for all 
Southern African Development Community countries because they will have to 
follow suit to ensure harmonisation in radio frequency spectrum in order to 
prevent cross-border spectrum interference.

DTG Staff 21.09.2010
 
 
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[opendtv] Altech warns court action over ISDB-T adoption

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