SABC confident for 2010

Johannesburg, 19 Feb 2009

Despite the challenges the SABC faces with its technology strategy for 2010, plans are still on track, it says.

The SABC's technology cluster, which is charged with providing technology infrastructure solutions for the broadcaster, says it continues to make progress with its digital broadcasting infrastructure.

Thandiwe Mathibela, communications manager for SABC content enterprises, says the SABC takes its role very seriously. “As the official broadcaster of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, our broadcast will cover the 2010 fan park, public viewing events, our own unilateral coverage and unilateral coverage for other broadcasters - as promised.”

The broadcaster is currently involved in three areas of upgrade, namely studio upgrades, digital terrestrial television (DTT) migration and the digitisation of broadcasting infrastructure and archives.

Ready for anything?

Mathibela says the broadcaster is “well under way” with its DTT plans.

“The SABC is establishing a channel offering for DTT. Currently in trial phase, DTT is bound to have measurable spin-off benefits. It is planned to have 56% population coverage by the end of the first year of operation and above 60% coverage by the time of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.”

Currently in trial phase, DTT is bound to have measurable spin-off benefits.
Thandiwe Mathibela, communications manager, SABC content enterprises

The SABC has said the project will be rolled out in three phases: trial, dual-illumination and switch-off.

The SABC also maintains it is equipped to deal with challenges, saying: “Many of the challenges have been identified. Therefore, we plan to address many of these in the short- and long-term. We also have an internal team of resources, supported by local and international resources in specific areas for ongoing advice.”

Mathibela says plans to provide the country with more content during 2010 and additional broadcasts related to the World Cup, through a dedicated sports channel, are under way. She adds that a dedicated 2010 channel is still only a “possibility”.

Out with the old

As part of its digitisation process, the SABC will also upgrade its radio broadcast facilities and replace any redundant equipment with fully digital equipment. While the process may experience operational problems in 2008 with its digital play-out system, Mathibela says it has been completely “stabilised”.

Mathibela also states the SABC has invested in technology such as its six HD TV outside broadcast units (OBU) - two of which are complete, with the remaining four still under construction. She adds that two OBUs are planned to be delivered in May, in time for the Confederations Cup. The other two will be delivered in September - and these timelines will not change.

She adds that plans to deliver broadcasts via satellite in time for the Confederations Cup, in June, will go ahead with its four mini satellite radio OBUs.

The SABC also previously revealed plans for the development of a sports centre which would act as a hub for all live and non-live feeds during the World Cup. Mathibela says the development of this centre has begun - and details of the project would be available at a later stage.