Starting 2015, Georgia transitions into digital terrestrial broadcasting.

The reform implementation represents an international obligation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) member states, including Georgia, defined by the 2006 Geneva Agreement.

Numerous activities were carried out in order to raise public awareness, including enactment of a hot line. Today, residents can call at 14 80 number and receive detailed information 24/7 regarding the transition into digital broadcasting.

Based on inquires of the population received from the hot line, as a result of the monitoring, Digital Broadcasting Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, has selected important topics which at this time are offered to the residents via press.

In order to receive digital and open air broadcasting while purchasing modern TV or “set-top-box,” it is important for the costumer to be informed when visiting electronics store. He/she should know what kind of features will TV or a receiver require after the switch off from analogue terrestrial signal.

Georgia, for the purpose of effective utilization of radio frequencies, to implement digital terrestrial TV networks will use one of the most refined and tested DVB-T2 standards in use today, MPEG 4 data compression technology which, within frequency recourses dedicated for 1 multiplex platform, allows to extend up to 15 standard definition (SD) or up to 4 or 6 high-definition (HD) television programs.

What consumers need to ask when buying a “set-top-box” needed for digital open- air broadcasting?

If the consumers’ TV set does not meet technical requirements provided for digital TV’s in Georgia, they will have to purchase an individual digital signal receiver device with DVB-T2 support – “set-top-box.” Preferably, “set-top-box” functionality should be compatible with the document of technical requirements developed for the Georgian individual receiver devices.

After selecting a “set-top-box” for digital open- air broadcasting, resident should ask a consultant to connect the noted receiver to TV and open- air broadcasting antenna in order to make sure, that during the regime of simultaneous broadcasting (from March 17, 2015 up until June 17) he/she is receiving at least 8 programs. Including: 1^st and 2^nd channels of Public Broadcaster, Adjara Public Broadcaster, “Rustavi 2,””Imedi,” “Comedy TV,” Tabula” and “GDS.”

The buyer should definitely express an interest so that ”set-top-box” is capable to display electronic program guide, also, must be capable of Georgian font perception, for example, the content of 1^st and 2^nd channels of the Public Broadcaster (GPB 1 and GPB 2)  must be readable in Georgian language.

It is preferable, if resident checks that receiver comes with consumer instruction guide in Georgian language.

It is recommended, that “set-top-box” should be accompanied by RoHS and CE certificates to confirm that the goods meet the EU consumer safety, health and environmental requirements.

If you desire to receive high definition (HD) programs by using the “set-top-box,” you must examine if receiver has HDMI cable connector interface (port).

In addition with other accessories, when connecting to TV, the “set-top-box” will need HDMI,RCA or SCART cables. 

When purchasing a “set-top-box’’ it is important, that consumer asks how he/she will receive installation service of the device.

The buyer must examine whether “set-top-box” comes with warranty conditions.

What should consumer ask at electronic goods store when buying a TV set to receive digital open-air broadcasting programs?

(Such TV sets are called integrated or iDTV)

The consumer, who wishes to buy a new, modern TV set in order to receive digital open-air programs, must select a TV with DVB-T2 support. Preferably, “set-top-box” functionality should be compatible with the document of technical requirements developed for Georgian digital TV sets. 

After selecting a “set-top-box” for digital open- air broadcasting, resident should ask a consultant to connect the noted receiver to TV and open- air broadcasting antenna in order to make sure, that during the regime of simultaneous broadcasting (from March 17, 2015 up until June 17) he/she is receiving at least 8 programs. Including: 1^st and 2^nd channels of Public Broadcaster, Adjara Public Broadcaster, “Rustavi 2,””Imedi,” “Comedy TV,” Tabula” and “GDS.”

It is recommended that “set-top-box” should be accompanied by RoHS and CE certificates to confirm that the goods meet the EU consumer safety, health and environmental requirements.

The buyer should definitely express an interest so that ”set-top-box” is capable to display electronic program guide, also, must be capable of Georgian font perception, for example, the content of 1^st and 2^nd channels of the Public Broadcaster (GPB 1 and GPB 2)  must be readable in Georgian language.

It is preferable for TV set to come with a consumer instruction guide in Georgian language.

The buyer must examine whether “set-top-box” comes with warranty conditions.

How to get a guaranteed digital open-air signal if we have a modern TV set with DVB-T2 standard support?

If you are using a TV set supporting DVB-T2 standard (so-called iDTV) to receive a digital open-air broadcasting, you will need: 

Antenna – the residents may use metric and decimeter range antennas, the same ones that they used for receiving analogue signal. It might be installed on the roof, or, in some cases, house antenna directed towards TV tower.

Antenna bands must be 174-230 MHz frequencies within VHF frequency zone and 470-694 MHz frequencies within UHF frequency zones.

• Cable - to receive digital broadcasting signal you will need following: standard - 75 OMI coaxial cable, so-called “TV Cable.”

The state multiplex platform frequencies and channel numbers of the whole Georgia are shown at the following link:

http://gncc.ge/uploads/other/0/499.xls

 The scheme of technical parameters and reassembly sequence is available at the official website of Digital Broadcasting Agency of Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia:  www.digitaltv.ge, social media website: www.facebook.com/digitaltv.ge, or call the hot line at 1480. Source: www.digitaltv.ge.