• RTHK has launched its signal tests for the digital terrestrial television service

    Introduction

    In 2009, the Chief Executive in Council announced the plan to expand the scope of services of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and that RTHK was to fulfill its mission of developing and providing public service broadcasting in Hong Kong. Among its development initiatives was the launch of digital terrestrial television broadcasting service.

    In 2012, the development of digital terrestrial TV service of RTHK has reached a milestone. On 1 July 2012, RTHK will conduct formal signal tests for digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels in the pipeline by broadcasting the services from the Temple Hill Station. By that time, about half of the TV households in Hong Kong can receive broadcasting signals from one high definition television (HDTV) and two standard definition television (SDTV) programme channels of RTHK. If works on the signal tests proceed smoothly, the other three transmission stations located at Golden Hill, Castle Peak and Kowloon Peak are expected to commence operation in phases starting from the first quarter of 2013. By then, the digital coverage of the signal tests will be extended to 75% of the territory.

  • FAQs
    1　Why does RTHK conduct the signal tests?
    The signal tests aim to evaluate the performance of DTT signals prior to the DTT broadcasting service.
    2　How should I tune my television set to RTHK digital TV channels?
    Under normal circumstances, the DTT receivers (including the set-top boxes and the integrated digital televisions (iDTVs)) will be tuned to RTHK DTT channels with the display of channel numbers after the "auto searching" function has been properly performed. In case of doubt, you should contact the retailers/suppliers concerned for enquiries.
    3　What are the channels for RTHK DTT broadcasts?
    Channel No. 31 is assigned to RTHK as HDTV channel, Channel No. 32 as SDTV channel 1 and Channel No. 33 as SDTV channel 2.
    4　Why do I fail to receive the test signals from RTHK digital TV channels?
    －Your location may be out of the coverage area of the DTT broadcasting during the current stage. At present, about 50% of TV households in the territory can receive signals of one HDTV and two SDTV programme channels of RTHK transmitted by Temple Hill Station under trial. If works on the signal tests proceed smoothly, the other three transmission stations located at Golden Hill, Castle Peak and Kowloon Peak will commence operation in phases starting from the first quarter of 2013. By that time, the digital coverage of the signal tests will be extended to 75% of the territory.
    －Under normal circumstances, when stand-alone rooftop TV antennas are used to receive terrestrial television service, the antennas in reasonably good condition should be able to receive RTHK DTT signals. In high-rise buildings, communal aerial broadcast distribution (CABD) systems are usually used to receive terrestrial television service. In this case, the building management companies shall add suitable converters to the CABD systems in order to receive RTHK DTT signals. In addition, you will need an integrated digital TV set or a set-top box with DTT reception capabilities added to your existing TV set.
    5　During the signal test period, what can local viewers expect?
    At this stage, we aim to carry out technical tests and no regular programmes will be broadcast for the viewers. For the purpose of signal testing, RTHK will broadcast some HDTV programmes and motion flip card with background music for testing. The following are the still frames for the three DTT channels.
    HDTV SDTV1 SDTV2
    HD TV

    SD TV1

    SD TV2
    6　When will there be TV broadcasts?
    If the signal tests progress smoothly, the stage will be completed in mid-2013. Then, we shall proceed to the next stage of a trial run. By that time, we shall announce the date and details.
    7　What shall I do if the test signals received are not of a satisfactory quality? Do I need to notify RTHK of this?

    In case of any enquiry about the signal tests of RTHK DTT channels, please call 2339 7653 or email to dtt@rthk.hk.dtt@rthk.hk

    You may also visit the following websites for more information about the DTT service in Hong Kong:
    1. The Communications and Technology Branch of Commerce and Economic Development Bureau(http://www.cedb.gov.hk/ctb)
    2. The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) (http://www.ofca.gov.hk)