Digital Television Broadcasting Extends to Nine Philippine Regions
A Lively Push for Digital Television Expansion across the Philippines' ** secondary and tertiary cities**
Dielectric and 90 Degrees North have been working tirelessly to expand BEAM's (Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media) digital television service, extending beyond Mega Manila.
In the last 18 months, complete ISDB-Tb Powerlite antenna systems, coupled with filters and flex transmission lines, have been deployed to major urban spots like Cebu and Davao. Since then, subsequent shipments have been delivered to secondary emerging cities such as Baguio, Naga, Iloilo, Laguna, Batangas, General Santos, and Zamboanga[1][2].
Now, the third phase of the project has started, focusing on shipping Powerlite turnkey antenna systems for low-power sites in the cities of Legazpi and Cagayan De Oro. This phase aims to strengthen DTV service in Southern Luzon, complementing Naga, and offer DTV service to Northern Mindanao[1][2].
The project is planned to reach up to 30 cities by the end of the fourth phase, projected to be completed in mid-to-late December 2025[1]. Achie Denna, the owner of 90 Degrees North, noted, "These are full-service projects that involve RF network planning, constructing new or rehabilitating existing cabins/shelters, electrical system installation, retrofitting towers, and installing transmitters and filters in the shelters."
According to Achie Denna, Dielectric has proven exceptional in aligning manufacturing and delivery timelines to installation schedules, which conclude with installation, running lines, adding antenna mounts and support, and installing the antennas[1].
The collaboration between Dielectric and 90 Degrees North started in 2018, anchoring the Mega Manila system with a TFU-WB UHF antenna for the UHF Channel 31 single-frequency network (SFN). Low-power DLP and TLP single-channel antennas filled out the flagship network[1]. BEAM transmits programming from Mega Manila to UHF Channel 31 frequencies in Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga; Channel 26 in Baguio and Iloilo; and Channel 32 in Naga. The General Santos transmission operates on Channel 51 with Dielectric Powerlite TLP antennas[1].
For optimal coverage patterns, performance, and efficiency, Dielectric and Progira's RF Network Planning Software have been instrumental in designing the antenna systems with elliptical polarization, slotted antenna designs, and simple tunable coaxial filter designs[1]. This innovative approach benefits building and home penetration, mobile devices, and compact installation, especially in rental shelter spaces[1].
Dielectric's growing market share in the Philippines is noteworthy as the country moves forward with its DTV transition, which includes a nearly wholesale shift from VHF to UHF frequencies. As of now, Dielectric has captured approximately 35-40 percent of the digital TV transition business in the Philippines, with expectations for the DTV transition to continue through 2030[1].
For more updates, visit www.dielectric.com.
[1] Dielectric. (n.d.). Dielectric partners with 90 Degrees North to expand BEAM's digital television service across the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.dielectric.com/news/dielectric-partners-with-90-degrees-north-to-expand-beams-digital-television-service-across-philippines
[2] Cory Edwards, OEM, Distribution & Southeast Asia Sales Manager, Dielectric. (n.d.). Personal communication, October 2022.
- The third phase of the project aims to ship Powerlite turnkey antenna systems for low-power sites in the cities of Legazpi and Cagayan De Oro, further expanding digital television service beyond Mega Manila.
- Due to the collaboration between Dielectric and 90 Degrees North, BEAM transmits programming from Mega Manila to various UHF channels in secondary and tertiary cities such as Baguio, Naga, Iloilo, Laguna, Batangas, General Santos, Zamboanga, Legazpi, and Cagayan De Oro.
- The innovative RF Network Planning Software from Dielectric and Progira has been key in designing the antenna systems with elliptical polarization, slotted antenna designs, and simple tunable coaxial filter designs, enhancing coverage patterns, performance, and efficiency.
- As the Philippines moves forward with its DTV transition, Dielectric has captured roughly 35-40 percent of the digital TV transition business, with expectations for the DTV transition to continue through 2030.
- Digital television content is now being transmitted using IP technology, as part of the Over-The-Top (OTT) media market, offering a new lifestyle opportunity for consumers, particularly in secondary and tertiary cities.
- With the growing market share in the Philippines, Dielectric's advanced television technology plays a significant role in the digital lifestyle of Filipinos, contributing to the advancement of digital media and technology.
