Terrestrial Digital Television (DTT) is a new television technology that has replaced the existing analog system. It allows broadcasting audiovisual content in formats widely used in computer and internet technologies. In Armenia, the audiovisual format of DTT is the well-known MPEG-4 format. DTT technology enables the transmission of multiple TV and radio programs, various text, image, and audio information on a single channel. DTT broadcasts can have alternative structures (language, subtitles, or image options), allowing the viewer to choose how they prefer to watch the content (interactivity). Another innovation of DTT technology is the Electronic Program Guide (EPG).
In our country, the DTT broadcasting standard is the European DVB-T2.
The advantages of DTT are:
Improved broadcast coverage
Superior picture and sound quality
Interactivity
New services accompanying TV programs
Possibility to broadcast HDTV programs
Significant increase in the number of broadcast programs with the same number of channels
Efficient use and redistribution of limited frequency resources
Reduced energy consumption in broadcasting
Many televisions produced in recent years come with integrated digital tuners and are designed to receive Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) programs. It is important to check their compatibility, particularly with the DVB-T2 standard. For such TVs, it is sufficient to simply connect to the broadcasting channels.
To watch DTT programs on older analog televisions, it is necessary to use a special decoding set-top box (STB). These devices must also comply with the DVB-T2 standard. DTT set-top boxes are similar in appearance and functionality to satellite and cable TV decoders.
By July 10, 2015, the implementation of Terrestrial Digital Television (DTT) will be completed throughout the entire territory of Armenia, and DTT programs will be available in all settlements of the country. In Yerevan, 18 programs will be broadcast, and in regional settlements, 9 programs. However, many suburban settlements of Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, and Kotayk regions will have access to all 18 programs broadcast in Yerevan.
The 18 TV programs broadcast in Yerevan and the 9 programs in the regions are free of charge and available to all citizens of Armenia.
