Dated: 22 June 2001
The National DTV Committee, the industry-led group which advises the Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) on the implementation of digital TV (DTV) in Singapore, recently set up a MHP (Multimedia Home Platform) Task Force to address the implementation of interactive DTV services in Singapore, using the DVB-MHP standard.
This was announced by Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive Officer, SBA at the DVB-MHP Seminar and Dot.Com Workshop on "Data Broadcasting" today, held in conjunction with BroadcastAsia2001. It is the first time that such a seminar was organised in the Asia-Pacific region.
In November 2000, following a study of the various standards for Application Programme Interface (API), the National DTV Committee recommended that Singapore adopts the DVB-MHP standard as it allows the use of a common set-top box for any interactive digital TV service. The recommendation was accepted by SBA.
On the role of the Task Force, Mr Lim said, "The Singapore MHP Task Force aims to build up expertise in MHP to ensure co-ordination and success in its development in Singapore. They will work closely with local industry players, the DVB-MHP Group and other MHP implementers around the world in order to identify and advise on the application of available solutions for local players. They will also serve as an independent moderator for MHP implementations carried out by individual broadcasters and advise SBA on regulatory requirements."
On DTV developments ahead, Mr Lim also said, "The work of the Singapore MHP Task Force would be of great help to our broadcasters as they roll out DTV services. We also look forward to the roll-out of fully compliant MHP set-top boxes soon so that our broadcasters can implement enhanced and interactive TV on a wider scale."
SBA recognises the potential of MHP and encourages industry players to participate actively in MHP development. To facilitate this area of development, besides creating a conducive environment for growth, SBA has established a $5 million Digital Broadcasting Development Fund in June 2000 to assist industry players to develop more original, innovative and high quality applications and services for digital broadcasting.
The DVB-MHP Seminar also featured heavyweights from the European industry who are at the forefront of MHP developments. They included Mr Wilfried Geuen from Panasonic AVC European Laboratory;Mr Rainer Schaefer from Institut für Rundfunktechnik (IRT);and Mr Peter MacAvock from DVB Project Office.
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