Framework

Television  consists, according to Law no. 27/2007 of 30 July, of the ''unencrypted or coded transmission of moving images with or without sound, through an electronic communications network, intended for simultaneous reception by the general public''.

For several decades this transmission through space (satellite and terrestrial broadcasting) and, more recently, over mixed networks of fibre optic and coaxial cable, was based on analogue technology.

Meanwhile, innovation and development has provided more efficient means for recording, storing and processing electrical signals as well as the possibility of transmission in digital rather than analogue form. The range of sounds and images captured by a television camera, including related data, is converted into a sequence of bits and transmitted to receivers, which through an external set top box or already incorporating this functionality, convert these bits into sound and image.

Digital television is the name used for the technology that enables the transmission of the digital television signal, offering considerably better quality - due, among other things, to greater immunity from disturbances in the picture - and providing space for more television channels, as well as other possibilities. Digital transmission replaces analogue transmission bringing advantages over various types of support such as cable, satellite and terrestrial broadcasting.

In this context and in line with Community level recommendations, the analogue terrestrial broadcasting system - currently used by most Portuguese homes - should cease by 2012.  This requires that individual Member States create conditions so that alternatives are available in advance for access to television services by the great part of their national populations.

Replacing analogue broadcasting with a system based on digital techniques has major advantages in terms of efficiency of spectrum use and transmission capacity.  This can be channelled into the availability of other types of electronic communications services or used to increase the provision of television itself (in terms of the number of programs), enhancing quality (for example, high-definition television) and for the introduction of new features, particularly in terms of mobility and interactivity.

Television therefore becomes an open door for the proliferation of offers which go far beyond conventional services, in this way responding to the development of the information society and enabling greater choice for consumers and fostering competition.

With the consideration that digital television and its implementation in Portugal is a matter of transversal nature, with impact in several areas and of particular complexity, ANACOM set up the Digital Television Mission Unit (UM-TD) in June 2004. The goal of this unit is to provide for the elimination of any obstacles to the effective development and mass roll-out of digital television in Portugal - and the consequent migration / deactivation of the existing analogue systems - in a sustained and balanced form, minimizing any asymmetries and maximizing benefits for all economic agents and consumers in particular. This shall be based on a diversified offer (the level of services, access technology platforms and equipment) that has quality and is affordable and accessible to the general population.

More info:

Law no. 27/2007, of 30 of July http://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=515993

Digital Television Mission Unit (DTMU) http://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=443512