Digital Full HD interactive TV arriving in Brazil

Brazil is stepping into the digital era of Full HD television on december 2, 2007. The transition process will take a few years and the analog signal will be turned off only in 2016, some time to save up for a new set. To receive the 1080p signal will require the purchase of a set top box or a new tv with integrated conversor box as well as a digital UHF antenna to receive the signal. Most cable providers already offer digital tv signals, but only at current analog resolutions. The brazilian digital tv system is a combination of the japanese system and brazilian technology mixed in, ensuring that hardware will only work if purchased in brazil or made to the local specifications.

At this moment there is not a single DSTPB (Digital Set Top Box) available on the market, but several manufacturers and the brazilian government have promised devices that will range from $75 to $500. Several manufacturers of LCD and Plasma TVs have announced sets with integrated receivers as well, but none can be found on the market at this time. Just as digital tv in europe and in japan, the local version of DTV will feature digital audio and video as well as interactivity. Audio will offer 5.1 digital sound and video is delivered at Full HD resolutions of 1080p in 16:9 format.

The advantages of the brasilian system are that it will support mobile devices and non stationary televisions as well as offering interactivity. Mobile phones will be able to receive digital tv and sets that are located inside moving vehicles such as cars and trains can receive even when travelling. Several channels of audio and video will offer total immersion for a given soccer match for example. I for one will wait until LCDs with integrated decoders are available at a more reasonable price. Also, in the beginning only a handful stations will produce full hd content, but by 2009 hopefully the entire country will have the benefit of digital television.