I believe most of you have come across the TV ads where Kym Ng and Suhaimi Yusof urging viewers to upgrade to Digital TV as simulated broadcast will end by 31 Dec 2018. (Phew! Not 31st Dec 2017!) Is your home Digital TV ready? Let go thru some FAQ!
FAQ 1. Why do we need to switch to Digital TV Broadcasting (DVB)?
Bought a HD TV this 2 years? You use setup box like Mio or Starhub? Chance you have noticed your favorite programs are now much sharp, clear like the camera has close up. This the overall enhance visual and audio experience. In our Singapore terms, "Upgrade" lol!
Well, the truth is that our mobile wireless channels that provide our 3G/4G services have been clogged up. In order to provide faster, enhanced mobile experience, like mobile streaming on the go, the world as a whole is moving away from analogue to digital broadcasting. This allowing the governments to free up frequency spectrum use for analogue TV for new mobile services. For read up, visit Infocomm Media Development Authority website on Singapore's Roadmap to Digital TV.
FAQ2 Benefits of DVB?
-As mention in FAQ1, we can enjoy better quality viewing experience as the programs are broadcast in High Definition (HD) and some are even 3D.
-The audio experience is also enhanced example surround sound that can match cinema experience if you are able to get the right peripherals.
-Electronic Programme Guides (EPG), the next generation of teletext, something that was already available to the paid tv users subscribing to Mio and Starhub. EPG makes TV program guides in magazine and newspaper obsolete. Most new TV even have the function allows you to schedule the records of your favourite programs using EPG
-Learn a new language? Multi language subtitles maybe available to some programs. You can pick up a few korean words while watching your favorite Oppa dramas!
FAQ3 How do i know i am DVB ready?
Before you head out to your nearest mega store or online to scout for a new TV. Here are some checklist to check if your home is DVB/Digtial TV ready!
Checklist 1 You already have a Mio TV or Starhub TV subscription
You are the lucky one, you are not really affected by switching to DVB. But wait... ! What do i mean by "not really affected"?
Let me explained. If you only have one TV in your home and it is connected to Mio TV and Starhub TV, you can still enjoy the free airing digital channel status quo.
However, if you own more than one TV that is not connected to your Setup Box or if you unsubscribe from paid TV, you need to see other checklist below to be sure if you are ready for DVB / Digital TV.
Checklist 2. You bought a TV in the last 2 years with DVB T2 ready
You bought a nice 4K/HD/FHD TV in the last 2 years with the Digital TV ready or DVB T2 ready, definitely my TV is DVB ready! Or is it?
We bought a FHD LED TV with DVB T2 ready last year and we thought we are DVB ready. That is not true. I recalled the saleman asking us want to be the antenna which is optional when we are buying the TV and we opted out. YES, the catch here is antenna.
Without the antenna, you cannot received the free airing DVB Channels although your TV is DVB T2 ready. Not to worry if you do not purchase the antenna. We have done some reviews and we can share with you what type of antenna to purchase.
Checklist 3. We have an old TV without HDMI and/or not DVB T2 ready.
Do i have to subscribe to paid TV or change a new TV? My parent's TV is in such situation. Their TV does have HDMI but not DVB T2 ready. We both share the value, if the set is still working, we are not going to change it and there are cheaper alternatives than buying one decent 32" DVB T2 ready TV is just less than $250.
What you need is a DVB T2 Setup Box and DVB TV Antenna and you can convert your old TV to view DVB channels. Check out our review on the DVB T2 Setup Box below to find a suitable one to cater your needs.
FAQ4 I already have the DVB T2 Antenna. Am I ready?
When my cousin and I buy a DVB T2 antenna for our TV, we bought made a common mistake. Both of us bought an antenna that is zero powered (I bought an antenna with optional use of power adapter) and both antenna are the budget type but with long wire extension.
Both of us thought that a long wire antenna can help to extend the antenna to position near the windows where the digital signal are strong as such we can enjoy the DVB benefits. The results, we can only watch some DVB channels and some channels are really too jittery that you are tried to watch the tv show in less than a minute. You are warned, you really need a power one to improve your viewing experience. Below are reviews are some antennas we bought.
4A. The Non Power DVB Antenna
Above are 2 types of antennas that are non powered. The magnetic based Type A donned the worse signal reception of all DVB antenna. Type B has better reception but it might not capture all free DVB Air Channels
4B Hybrid DVB Antenna
Both antenna have better reception in 4A when they are not powered. However that means the signal will be weak and channel will jitters.
I bought Gazz without the power adapter. The channels are horrible when no power is supplied. I managed to find a 12V power adapter from an discarding Open Net's (Now Net Link Trust) fiber modem. The TV programs are much better after the antenna are power up
4C Better Powered DVB Antenna
I bought Daiyo 1707, the curved shape powered antenna. Without putting in near the windows. I received a jitters free DVB programs. It is also blending in my TV console.
If you have more budget, you can tried the premium black powered DVB T2 Antenna or Funke LTE DVB T2 receiver
FAQ 5 What is DVB Set Top Box?
They are basically 2 type of DVB Set Top Box. One offers the basic recording and media playback capability. The other Set Top Box offers DVB T2 options like basic recording and incorporated xiaomi TV box android capability to install app and allows you to watch app link programs
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