South Africa chooses MHEG-5 for DTT

South Africa’s digital-terrestrial advisory council, Digital Dzonga, has chosen MHEG-5 as the interactive middleware for its digital switchover project.

Following a DTT trial that began last year, public broadcaster SABC led the development of a MHEG-5 profile for South Africa to meet the needs of the South African market. The profile has now been finalised and can be obtained from SABC while the overall receiver specifications are being completed.

The MHEG specification includes a platform-wide EPG that will allow consistent listings and onscreen branding. The profile also includes support for the delivery of a range of interactive services.