By Philip Wong
31/05/2006
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/tvs/0,39037594,39362340,00.htm

June 2006 will mark a new era for Singapore media broadcasting as we usher in the inaugural HDTV trials involving 1,800 local households and 200 public facilities. They come just in time for the worldwide high-definition adoption in consumer space, fuelled by next-gen gaming consoles, media players and imaging devices.

	Keep a look out for MDA's HD teaser for the HDTV trials. (Click for larger image)

Speaking at today's press launch event, chief executive officer for the Media Development Authority of Singapore Christopher Chia told media that the successful nationwide HDTV transition hangs on three key factors: Infrastructure and equipment readiness of service providers; availability of quality HD content; consumer market penetration of HD-ready TVs and settop boxes.

Works are already underway to beef up local HD content, with partnership of overseas and local media production houses. These collaborations will result in over 100 hours of HD programs. That's not including a co-produced drama that has already been premiered on China's HDTV network.

The six-month trials will be used as a platform for the service providers to explore viable business models and opportunities, plus a springboard for educating the public on the benefits and capability of high-definition programs. The latter is realized through a series of activities ranging from exhibitions to seminars and roadshows. That's besides a dedicated Web site and brochures available from retailers, libraries, and so on.

Here are five things you should know about the trials and beyond.

1. HDTV service providers
The trials are being conducted by Singapore MediaCorp and StarHub via off-the-air terrestrial and cable broadcast, respectively. These will be transmitted in 1080i format and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

2. HD content
A mix of local and foreign productions will be broadcast throughout the trials. MediaCorp trialists can look forward to documentaries and blockbusters such as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (on June 18), CSI, Smallville and a local drama starring Fann Wong. Their StarHub counterparts will get to enjoy FIFA World Cup 2006, documentaries and entertainment programs the likes of National Geographic Channel HD.

3. HD experience for non-trialists
Non-trialists can also get to sample the HD experience by visiting HDTV showcases and exhibitions set up by MediaCorp. These will be available at selected libraries, community centers and both terminals at Changi Airport.

Libraries	National, Jurong regional, Tampinese regional, Esplanade, Woodlands regional
Community centers/clubs	Paya Lebar Kovan, Nee Soon, Braddell Heights, Jurong Spring, Cheng San, Kallang, Sengkang, Fuchun, Joo Chiat, The Frontier

4. Looking beyond the HD trials
While there are no definite plans from MediaCorp for full HDTV broadcasts, StarHub has indicated a probable commercial launch for its HDTV services at yearend. The former cited market readiness and commercial viability as key drivers for delivering HD content.

5. A/V equipment for those planning to jump onto the HD bandwagon
A few key ingredients are required here. You will need an HD-ready display with 720p or 1080i capability and component-video, DVI or HDMI connectivity. These will ensure compatibility with the vendor's digital TV tuners and HD settop boxes.

To harness the full potential of 5.1 surround sound, users are advised to invest in a Dolby Digital-equipped home theater system with built-in digital audio input. The latter is used to channel surround-encoded audio from settop boxes.