Overview of digital television switchover policy in Europe, the United States and Japan
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review current policy and practice in management of analogue‐digital switch in broadcasting.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a case study approach.
Findings
The paper finds that with regard the objectives of switch‐off, the broad policy aims of clearing spectrum, modernising infrastructure, and improving the services to the consumer are shared across the major countries studied. Uncertainty about the cash value and potential alternative uses of spectrum is natural given rapid technological change, but the common potential broadcasting uses include mobile television, high definition digital terrestrial television, and more digital broadcasters and channels, including regional and local developments.
Research limitations/implications
The study is restricted to Europe, Japan and North America.
Practical implications
The study has implications for assessment of European switchover strategies and role of Digital Terrestrial.
Originality/value
There are some overviews, but none of so up to date, nor with this geographical coverage.
Keywords
Citation
Trinidad García Leiva, M., Starks, M. and Tambini, D. (2006), "Overview of digital television switchover policy in Europe, the United States and Japan", info, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 32-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690610664642
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited