ZBC hoists satellite uplink

Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Prisca Mupfumira yesterday witnessed the hoisting of the satellite uplink for the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project as the country makes a transition to digital broadcasting from analogue. The introduction of digital broadcasting technology is in line with developments across the world.

“As part of the implementation of this project, we have just witnessed the hoisting of the satellite uplink dish for the satellite uplink terminal which will be used for the distribution of radio and television programmes from the studios, through the National Head-end to the radio and digital television transmission network and on to our receiver sets,” said Minister Mupfumira.

She said the satellite uplink terminal was an interim, but costly measure adopted due to the absence of optical fibre connectivity to broadcasting transmitter sites being put up throughout the country.

At least seven out of the 48 transmitter sites have optical fibre connectivity.

Minister Mupfumira said in the long run the ministry would engage telecommunication operators for the installation of optical fibre to the transmitter sites as the local solution for broadcast signal distribution for the country.

She said installation of standby power units, together with the electronics and power units of the satellite uplink terminal, should be complete by mid-September.

Minister Mupfumira commended progress made in the identification of sites for the 24 new transmitters, an addition to the already existing 24 to make them 48.

These would allow universal availability of digital television services in the country, she said.

Minister Mupfumira expressed satisfaction with the refurbishment of studio rooms at Pockets Hill, Mbare, Montrose and Gweru in preparation for the installation of studio equipment expected in the country soon.

The project is being administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and Transmedia.

It is expected to boost picture quality in the form of HD.