Taking the next step towards the future of TV broadcasting, all seven FTA channels will go fully digital using the DVB-T2 broadcasting standard at the end of 2013.

Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham will be available in High-Definition (HD) as digital broadcasting commences. Channel U, okto and Channel NewsAsia will initially be available in Standard Definition (SD) before transiting to HD in 2016.

Benefits of digital TV include better quality pictures, superior
sound and electronic programme guides

To ensure a smooth switchover, there will be a simulcast period of at least two years, where both digital and analogue FTA television signals will be broadcast. This will ensure that all households have sufficient time to get ready to receive their FTA-TV signals digitally.

In preparation for the transition to digital TV, MDA and Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) worked together to finalise and publish the DVB-T2 receiver specifications. MDA also worked with manufacturers and suppliers to bring in DVB-T2 compatible equipment so that consumers can make the switch to digital TV early.

Consumer labels which will be affixed to
DVB-T2 compatible television sets and
set-top boxes available in retail outlets

DVB-T2 compatible Integrated Digital TVs (IDTVs) are now available on the market, while DVB-T2 set-top boxes are expected to arrive later in the year.

To help consumers identify TVs and set-top boxes compatible with Singapore’s digital TV system, MDA also introduced consumer labels which will be affixed to DVB-T2 compatible television sets and set-top boxes available in retail outlets.

Free-to-air and subscription radio

As of December 2012, there were four FTA radio broadcasters operating 19 FTA radio stations in Singapore. With the exception of the BBC World Service, all the stations are simulcast online. Based on the Nielsen Radio Diary (2012 Wave 2), the top three radio stations¹ were Y.E.S. 93.3FM, Love 97.2FM and Capital 95.8FM.  A new radio station, Kiss 92, was launched by broadcaster SPH Unionworks on 18 September 2012.

The top three radio stations in Singapore, based on the Nielsen Radio Diary (2012 Wave 2)

¹Past week listenership (P15+)