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The transition of broadcasting operations from the current analogue system to digital would take some time in the Asia-Pacific (A-Pac) region, remarked David Astley, Acting Secretary-General for Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

He elaborated that the challenges for the broadcasters in the region is operating parallel systems and the cost of simulcasting in the process of transiting from analogue to digital. The two, thus, put strain on the financials and resources of the broadcasters.

Following the economic downturn “Cheaper production, more efficiencies and lower transmission costs are what broadcasters are looking for,” he said.

Thus, he feels that the pace of digital transition in the A-Pac region would be not as fast as it was perceived five years back.

Other impediments during the process of digital transition for broadcasters comprise of technical training for the staff on the new systems, the cost of preserving archives, adapting to new delivery platforms, and competition from new start-ups facilitated by the lower cost of entry to the industry.

However, despite some scepticism when digital broadcasting first started, the industry had seen enormous progress, Mr Astley said.

“Challenges will continue to grow, and with the pace of technology change, it is going to get more complex in future years.”

Mr David Astley made the statement at the 2010 ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur.