KINGSTON, Jamaica – Various broadcasters have commenced testing for digital switchover (DSO), says Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Robert Morgan.

DSO refers to the transition from analogue television broadcasting to digital television broadcasting. It will involve a phased transition from the outdated analogue technology to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0, also referred to as Next Generation (NextGen) TV.

ATSC 3.0 is an Internet Protocol-based television standard that provides an enhanced viewer experience. It is anticipated that it will facilitate new domestic commercial services and better technical quality.

Providing an update in the House of Representatives on November 28, Minister Morgan said local broadcaster, Television Jamaica (TVJ), has been a lead in this regard.

“I am pleased to announce that testing of DSO ATSC 3.0 has commenced by various broadcasters, TVJ being lead in the ATSC 3.0 switch, where they have turned on approximately two antennas and they are planning to install one of their next generation television station at the Office of the Prime Minister for persons to look at and examine,” he said.

He said the Spectrum Management Authority has also been working to assign spectrum to broadcasters for the digital switchover.

Furthermore, he said the Government will increase engagement with stakeholders for DSO, noting that the process has started and continues in earnest.

Jamaica’s impending digital switchover will see significant advancements in the capacity of the country’s public broadcasting infrastructure.

In May 2020, Cabinet gave approval for, among other things, the commencement of the DSO in 2022, with the ATSC 3.0 standard.

For the transition period, broadcasters will simultaneously engage in analogue and digital transmission, as they develop and test their facilities.

Jamaica’s initial implementation time of 2023 for the switchover has been altered due to adverse factors affecting global supply chain systems.

Meanwhile, Morgan said the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, in the execution of its responsibility for project management and lead of the DSO Regulatory & Technical Committee, participated in bi-weekly collaborative planning meetings with the ATSC, organised capacity-building workshops on the technical capabilities of ATSC 3.0 for distance education, emergency messaging and security; and represented Jamaica globally as the Caribbean’s anchor nation for next-generation television.

– JIS