StarTimes, a leading electronics and media company in Sub-Saharan Africa, has phased out its digital video broadcasting (DVB-T1) decoder for Lagos subscribers, TechEconomy can report.
But there is not cause for worry as the Company is migrating the subscribers to a more sophisticated technology, the digital terrestrial TV DVB-T2.
TechEconomy recalls that in 2010, StarTimes ushered in a new era of television viewing to millions of homes.
That marked a major departure from poor picture quality and limited entertainment on TV viewing.
And a new era of digital TV for everyone was born. Digital TV became easily accessible, affordable and families had more entertainment choices.
This technology was powered by digital video broadcasting (DVB-T1) decoder, a digital-terrestrial technology.
With the wide acceptance of StarTimes in various homes and in line with its mission centred on delivering top-notch digital benefits to homes, StarTimes launched the latest digital terrestrial TV DVB-T2 technology in 2012.
Speaking during a press conference at StarTimes office in Tejuosho Lagos on Thursday, April 27, 2023, Eric Xiao, General Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, emphasized the major advantage of the DVB-T2 is its ability to offer more channels and picture quality as one frequency on DVB-T2 has the capacity for more channels than DVB-T1.
In his words:
“The DVB-T2 also has superior digital and audio-visual quality, making TV viewing more enjoyable for families. StarTimes has been using its DVB-T2 technology to support Nigeria’s digital migration switchover, in collaboration with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
“StarTimes has the widest digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage in Nigeria, reaching all 36 states and the FCT, due to its strategic partnership with NTA.
“However, some subscribers are still using the old DVB-T1 decoder, which is now outdated. The time has come to retire the DVB-T1 technology for good.
Speaking further on the shutdown of the DVB-T1 technology and the migration of all customers to the DVB-T2 technology, Xiao said,0
“This switch-off starts in Lagos on May 1, meaning customers still using the old StarTimes decoder will stop receiving signals from May 1. When StarTimes launched in 2010, the T1 decoder was introduced as its initial decoder.
How to upgrade to new decorder – T2
On her part, Abosede Adewara, Assistant Marketing Director, StarTimes Nigeria said the station has invited all its Lagos subscribers to migrate to the T2 decoder for free.
“This upgrade aims to provide our esteemed subscribers with a better viewing experience.
“As a subscriber, if you are still using the T1 decoder (the silver colour set-top box decoder), we understand that you may be experiencing poor signal, unclear images, and limited channel options. However, with the new T2 decoder, you can say goodbye to these issues and enjoy the best of digital television.
“We are offering all our T1 decoder subscribers the opportunity to upgrade to the T2 decoder for free. To take advantage of this offer, visit our business halls or selected dealers, come along with your T1 decoder and remote, recharge for one month on classic bouquet, and swap instantly to the T2 decoder at no extra charge.
“We encourage you to act fast as the old StarTimes (silver colour) decoder will stop receiving signals from May 1”.
Continuing, Xiao said:
“It is important to note that you must present your T1 decoder to get the T2 decoder. However, if you forget to come with your T1 remote, you can purchase the T2 remote for just N500.
“We understand that many of our subscribers fall into the average income bracket, and that is why we have made this upgrade available for free. We believe that every subscriber should be able to enjoy the best digital TV experience regardless of their income”.
He expressed StarTimes commitment to providing quality and affordable digital TV service to all its subscribers.
Meanwhile, Dr Chibuike Ogwumike, Zonal Director, National Broadcasting Commission, was on ground during the press conference.
He said NBC will continue to monitor the process of migrating StarTimes’ customers from DVB-1 to DVB-2, adding that the Commission remains committed to protecting the interest of all stakeholders in the broadcasting industry.
Currently, StarTimes Nigeria has close to 100 channels on its digital terrestrial TV service, which are offered at the cheapest rate in the market.
