04-02-2010

Digital TV to launch on July 1 in Romania

By Iulia Blaga

    The National Authority for Communications' Administration and Regulation (ANCOM, www.anrcti.ro) is awaiting a decision on the selection procedure for the use of the radio frequencies in digital terrestrial system.

    ANCOM has already allocated the frequencies allowing that the first two multiplexes to function along with the existing frequencies for at least one year. They could begin operating July the 1, 2010.

    The digital system will be implemented in Romania seven months after its first deadline. Romania has agreed to the EU digital television deadline of 2012. The first deadline was the end of 2009. The extended date was caused by the delay in the approvement of an ordinance modifing the Audiovisual Law.

    The plan calls for six multiplexes: two of them will go together with the analog television, the other four will be implemented later, until December 30, 2010.

    The first two multiplexes will encompass 14 TV channels: TVR 1, TVR 2, Antena 1, Prima TV, Realitatea TV, Pro TV and Naţional TV, while the other 7 will be choosen by the National Audiovisual Council (www.cna.ro).