Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Teleradio (Production Association of TV-Radio Broadcasting & Satellite Communications of the Ministry of Communications & Information Technologies of Azerbaijan) has developed a plan on switching to digital broadcasting in the country.

Teleradio reports that its officials have already elaborated a plan of introduction of digital television in Azerbaijan.

“We are planning to submit it for consideration of the Cabinet Ministers. After plan is approved, we are going to submit another package to compose two programs: on state-run TV channel AzTV and TV channel Ictimai Television. The package can also be included private channels after coordination with the National Broadcasting Council,” Teleradio says.

The Association plans to launch broadcasting of a TV program via digital television in Baku by late July or early August and before the end of 2009 digital television broadcasting will be launched in Ganja.

Digital television broadcasting will be carried out due to MPEG-4 standard equipment.

According to the International Telecommunication Union’s recommendations, all the countries, including Azerbaijan, should switch fully to digital television broadcasting until 2015.

The relevant program in Azerbaijan consists of three stages (1st stage - 2007-10, 2nd stage - 2011-13, and 3rd stage - 2014-15.

Two broadcasting packages by four channels in each will be put into operation originally in Baku, Ganja and Nakhchivan, and as a whole, only one package will be commissioned around the country. As a result, 60-70% of the population will be covered by digital broadcasting.

An additional package will be introduced at the second stage in order to expand digital broadcasting coverage in Baku, Ganja and Nakhchivan. As a result, three packages will be in operation and two packages throughout the country. After that coverage of the population will increase from 60-70% up to 90%.

Commissioning of three 12 program packages is planned until 2013.

The third stage includes works aimed at improving broadcasting quality due to installation of additional transmitters and obtaining 98% of population coverage.

System of digital television broadcasting was launched in Azerbaijan as a pilot project in Baku on 10 October 2004.

13.07.2009 18:02