As the country comes close to the deadline for the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) recently launched a jingle and promotion song intended to promote the shift. The jingle and the promotional song aimed at educating, reminding and encouraging the public on the importance and benefits of using the new digital system also directs customers to maintain their previous television sets, as they will still be able to use them even after the deadline by connecting them with a decoder.
According to TCRA Director General, Prof John Nkoma, digital broadcasting has a lot of advantages compared to the analogue systems in terms of improved picture quality, more choice of content and other value added and quality services. TCRA has advised the public to buy decoders from registered agencies in addition to securing the devices' guarantees.
The authority further expects that the public will participate fully to make the exercise successful. "One of the main advantages of Digital TV for viewers is that broadcasters are able to embed digital data into the streams, such as programme information and interactive channel menus, clarified Prof Nkoma.
Another advantage is that digital data takes up less bandwidth, meaning more channels can be broadcast at the same time, enables viewers to get more TV channels more conveniently, gives viewers much more choice in what they watch and allows for follow up channels which broadcast the same programmes. "Viewers will be required to purchase decoders, not for prescribed channels, but for the comfort of enjoying clear images and reception in the comfort of their living rooms", said the TCRA CEO.
The Minister for Communications, Science and Technology, Prof Makame Mbarawa, recently advised broadcasters to put in place strategic plans of changing from music or mobile programmes to development programmes. Professor Mbarawa directed broadcasting stations to increase television programmes prioritizing public interest stories rather than spending a lot of time airing music programmes and foreign adverts as if there is nothing to broadcast. "My call to you directors and owners of broadcasting stations is to ensure that there is a balance between rural and urban coverage due to the fact that majority of Tanzanians live in rural areas," said Prof Mbarawa. He insisted that the government will do its best to ensure that plans to switch from analogue to digital succeed so that Tanzanians benefit through the new technology.
Daily News Tanzania