South Africa has decided to include the interactive TV middleware MHEG-5 as a key part of the DTT trial recently launched in the country. The trial, which began in November, is designed to test a variety of technical factors. IMPALA, the International MHEG Promotion Alliance, is pleased with the decision.
Lara Kantor, chairperson of The Digital Dzonga Advisory Councilset up to advise and oversee the process of migrating South Africa’s analogue system to digital, said in a statement:, “Subject to successful testing and development of the profile to meet the needs of the South African market, it is our intention to use MHEG for DTT in SA.”
Currently a group brought together by the free-to-air broadcasters running the DTT trial is working on the specification of a suitable MHEG profile for the market. A commercial launch is planned for later this year.
Giri Valliappan, director of market development with IMPALA, said in a statement: “MHEG’s international reach continues to expand and we are very pleased to see its inclusion in this trial. As the move to digital terrestrial continues globally we expect significant further announcements this year.”
