Rupavahini enlists Harris for switch to digital TV

State broadcaster Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) has contracted Harris Broadcast Communications to provide it with DVB-T2 transmission equipment as the South Asian nation migrates from analogue to digital terrestrial television.

The contract involves a number of Harris Maxiva ULX UHF transmitters to support eight over the air digital channels for SLRC. Targeted DVB-T2 channel insertions in specific regions will also allow the network to retain local as well as national broadcasts.

“The Harris DVB-T2 platform will provide SLRC with a complete and simple solution to implement their digital TV services in the short term without the need for an immense investment in resources,” said Harris Broadcast Communications Vice President, Sales and Service, Middle East and South Asia Said Bacho.

DVB-T2, the digital transmission format adopted by the Sri Lankan Government, will enable broadcasters to deliver more digital and high definition (HD) television channels than its predecessor DVB-T, offering a 30-50% increase in spectrum-use efficiency. DVB-T2 also supports the transmission of digital applications such as video on demand and electronic programme guides (EPG).

“The operational benefits of DVB-T2 broadcasting and Harris PowerSmart technology for green, high-density transmission operations will deliver a real return on investment and an overall lower total cost of ownership for SLRC,” Bacho added.

SLRC broadcasts in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages from its headquarters in Colombo.

The Sri Lankan terrestrial broadcasting system will be fully converted to digital by 2017, according to comments made by the Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella last December.