Cyprus expected to go fully digital by 2011

DIGITAL television is expected fully to replace analogue terrestrial transmission in Cyprus by 2011.

The programme for digital switchover was announced by Communications Minister Nicos Nicolaides and Interior Minister Nicos Sylikiotis at a news conference yesterday.

Nicolaides said that by the end of 2012 all European Countries would have gone digital, while Cyprus is expected to have fully switched over by 2011.

He added that the new technology used in the transmission of the digital network would benefit every citizen.

“The introduction of digital television transmission is a step towards the future,” said Nicolaides. “Our entry into the digital age will advance our global communications and access to electronic information.”

He said that with the introduction of a digital terrestrial network, viewers would be able to enjoy excellent image and sound quality on their televisions and would have access to a vast selection radio and television channels, which were not available before.

According to EU objectives, the analogue switch-off deadline for European countries has been set for 2012, while Cyprus will undergo a phased switch-off of analogue television and will be completely digital by 2011.

During the phased switch-off period, analogue and digital transmission will be in operation.

Citizens who own non digital televisions will need to purchase a set-top box to receive digital transmission.

A set-top box, also refered to as a digi box, is an external device that connects to a television set and allows the viewer to receive digital signals.

Interior Minister Sylikiotis said that during the digital switchover, CyBC would be offered every form of technical assistance, to ensure it carried on broadcasting to citizens.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.