Israel’s new digital terrestrial service went live on August 2. The nationwide multiplex is running the European DVB-T system with MPEG-4 compression.
Five channels are carried in the free-to-air multiplex: IBA 1, IBA 33, Channel 2, Channel 10 and the Knesset Channel. A seven-day EPG is also included and even though there are no HD channels at present the IDAN Plus (Israeli Accessible Digital Channels) system requires users to have an HD compatible receiver. Boxes can be purchased for around NIS400 (€70) with subsidies for half the cost available for certain population groups.
The Beseq-managed network is running 13 main transmitter sites with plans to upgrade relay services in the near future. Analogue switch-off is slated for 2011.
