The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is about to develop a nationwide streaming platform, aiming to streamline all real-time streaming content material from current digital TV channels. The platform is anticipated to be fully operational by 2025, aligning with the NBTC’s on-line migration plan and catering to the increasing variety of online content material customers.
This initiative can also be expected to provide a cushion against uncertainties surrounding the digital TV sector, especially post-2029 when current digital TV licenses are set to run out. NBTC commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoota, overseeing the TV sector, revealed that the platform will act as an environment friendly device to gauge digital TV programme rankings, a feature that can prove useful for future digital TV operators.
Pirongrong further defined that every one relevant stakeholders, together with these in digital TV, TV-on-demand, and advertising sectors shall be engaged within the creation of the platform. However, she assured that the prevailing content material streaming on platforms run by digital TV operators will stay unaffected.
As part of this initiative, all existing TV operators will be required to link their streaming programmes with the brand new platform, providing a extra accurate reflection of their business activities and viewer engagement. The NBTC’s engineering and broadcasting expertise division aims to have a platform prototype prepared by the end of 2023, with full growth expected by June 2024.
Pirongrong said that the NBTC has actively engaged with all relevant events, together with the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (Thailand), the Advertising Association of Thailand, and sensible TV producers, to ensure the model new platform is equipped with appropriate features.
The shifting dynamics inside the digital TV business ecosystem, driven by adjustments in consumer behaviour, the rise of social platforms, and the development of over-the-top platforms, have significantly impacted TV channels. They are not solely fighting declining advert spend but additionally grappling with the accuracy of viewer figures.
Moreover, the digital TV sector faces technical challenges due to frequency allocation for broadcasting under worldwide follow and evolving applied sciences like 4K high-definition and the 5G wi-fi broadband system. From Worldwide that secured licenses within the NBTC’s 2013 public sale, solely 15 remain operational today, largely due to monetary constraints.
Pirongrong disclosed that digital TV channels initially operated providers on the spectrum vary between 470-694 megahertz. Currently, they utilise the 470-614MHz vary, as part of the spectrum was reallocated for telecom providers as per the International Telecommunication Union’s normal. The adoption of 4K know-how may further have an effect on the present spectrum range usage.
Predicting the long run, Pirongrong envisages only 3-5 digital TV channels in operation post-2029, doubtlessly broadcasting programmes on high-definition and 4K platforms. However, she believes it is premature to predict whether or not digital TV operators will proceed content material provision by way of a TV screen after 2029.
She additionally highlighted Thailand’s distinctive transition from an analogue TV broadcasting system to a digital ecosystem, which started with 24 digital TV channels and five broadcasting networks operated by three suppliers. This contrasts with the Malaysian transition to a digital TV system, which was accomplished through a single broadcasting network, MYTV Broadcasting, appointed to develop and function infrastructure and network facilities for the digital TV system within the country.
Pirongrong concluded by stating that the NBTC must develop the streaming platform and hold pace with the altering TV broadcasting businesses. Despite the digital shift, she famous that television remains a main supply of knowledge and entertainment for a lot of, significantly those residing in provinces, reports Bangkok Post.
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