The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has created a new digital television branch to aid the switchover to digital TV by 2013.
The reorganisation will see the division handle digital TV work previously overseen by the other four departments in ACMA’s Inputs to Industry division.
The digital TV branch will be tasked with spectrum planning work, signal measurement, technical work and research into the impact of the switchover on Australian households.
ACMA said that the move will provide clearer lines of internal communication on the issue of digital TV switchover. David Brumfield will be the acting executive manager of the digital television branch.
“Very importantly, the formation of a digital television branch will mean there is a single ACMA point of contact and accountability for all television digitisation work,” said Chris Chapman, chairman of ACMA.
‘The establishment of the new branch will also ensure that ACMA is best placed to meet the challenges that lie ahead following the Minister’s announcement last October of the digital switchover timetable.’
ACMA has also come up with a set of performance standards for electronic program guides provided by free-to-air broadcasters.
As well as EPG data being freely available, ACMA identified accurate timing information, a minimum of seven days of schedule information and the inclusion of parental guidance ratings to be they key characteristics of EPG services. .
“Effective EPGs significantly enhance the viewing experience for digital TV audiences and are expected to be a factor in its take-up as digital switchover progresses,” said Chapman
“In general terms, ACMA will consider formal regulatory intervention if it forms a view that the EPG offering from industry participants does not conform with these general principles.”
FTA body Free TV welcomed the move, saying that the FTA broadcasters were committed to providing quality EPG services.
