Panama adopts DVB-T format

PANAMA. President Martin Torrijos Espino has signed a decree adopting DVB-T as Panama´s digital terrestrial television standard.

The decision was made to give added flexibility and opportunities to radio and television broadcasters, and consumers, by ultimately providing more channels for less money.

The Public Services Authority (ASEP) said that it was decided to adopt the DVB-T format after the National Technical Committee found that it was the most adequate for the country.

Manuel Troitiño, President of the Technical Committee, said "This decision demonstrates that Panama wants to join the wider broadcast community in the world, whilst maintaining flexibility and the ability to optimize broadcasting options for Panama.

“DVB is superior to other standards in this respect.

ASEP has been mandated to make the necessary arrangements to migrate to digital terrestrial television in less than 18 months".