DVB-T2 broadcasts in Singapore , how to receiveDVB-T2 broadcasts in Singapore , how to receive

FAQ How to tune into MediaCorp DVB-T2 Digital HD/SD broadcasts

Most younger generation of Singaporeans have not seen a MATV or an external antenna that is housed on the roof top. This is acceptable because most of us lives in a HDB flat which no longer has an external master antenna. In replacement, the TV ports in the HDB flats are connected to the Starhub Cable network to deliver both analog (formerly over the air) and digital DVB-C signals from Starhub.

If you are a non-subscriber to Starhub, your TV is most likely connected through the RF port direct behind the TV. The Starhub cable which is connected to your home TV RF ports delivers the Free to Air MediaCorp 7 channels in Analog format + Starhub test pattern + SportArena channel. When you subscribe to Starhub 3 basic group or package, you will use install the decoder box and tv output will be from the HDMI port. The DVB-C signals from Starhub are decrypted and display on your TV and they look sharper and clearer.  So far, Starhub only delivers HD5 and there is no word on when they will deliver Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham in HD.

The confusion starts here. Some users I saw on another forum bought DVB-T2 capable TV sets but they plugged the antenna to the TV port mounted on the wall. A DVB-T2 decoder is not capable of decoding digital signals from the Starhub cable point in DVB-C signals. Instead, the TV set or set top box should be hooked up to an internal or better, an external antenna to receive the  DVB-T2 signals.

When you are scanning the TV set for both Analog+digital signals, you should not receive the Starhub colour bar test pattern. If you receive that as an analog channel, that means your RF port is connected to the wall mounted port and you will never be able to receive the digital DVB-T2 channels over the air.

Some TV sets with both capability of decoding DVB-T and DVB-T2, will decode two instances of HD5 as it is delivered in both formats. You might be lucky to pick up DVB-T2 broadcasts from Indonesia Batam island if you reside in the southern or western parts of Singapore.

Enjoy tuning your TV set top box or TV set and have fun. Sample screen captures of the HD broadcast can be seen here.

Feel free to post your questions in our forum.

Currently there are sellers of DVB-T2 devices (non Draco brand) on Qoo10.sg, here are two listed items on sale at Qoo10.sg and Lazada.sg

AC Ryan ACR-PV78100 Playon!Live DVB-T2 Recorder #mediacorp #HD receiver  S$99 http://ho.lazada.sg/SHDbOt

You might need a better antenna, I find this to be one of the better options from Amazon USA.

Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna (formerly Leaf Ultimate)

 

More DVB-T2 and Antenna offers

By Harry

6 thoughts on “FAQ How to tune into MediaCorp DVB-T2 Digital HD/SD broadcasts”
  1. Hi,

    We have digital tv. May i know when we gg to get digital channel?
    Or we need to buy extra antenna?
    In online , is stated as indoor reception ready.
    But i am not able to get any digital channel when tv scans for analog+ digital channel
    Should i connect to the wall mount TV antenna or buy seperate antenna?

  2. Check out this Amazon deal: Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna by Mohu http://amzn.to/1Pg2eGj
    50-mile range to access Over-the-Air TV channels without a cable or satellite subscription (NOTE: Enables access to free channels only – does not enable access to paid channels such as ESPN/Fox News)
    CleanPeak Filter technology filters out cellular and FM signals, resulting in a clearer picture and allowing access to more channels
    Multi-directional and Reversible: No “pointing” needed and comes with included 16 ft. high performance cable
    DISCLAIMER: Channel reception varies based on what is broadcast in your area, your distance from broadcast towers, and any geographical obstructions between you and the towers. Before you buy, visit http://dtv.gov/maps to see what channels are available in your area
    Comes with 1 Year warranty. Email us at support@gomohu.com for help setting up your product.
    50-mile range to access Over-the-Air TV channels without a cable or satellite subscription. Modeled after a discrete mud flap antenna designed for the U.S. Military
    Reversible and paintable to match décor and CleanPeak Filter technology filters out cellular and FM signals, resulting in a clearer picture and allowing access to more channels.
    16 ft high performance cable included with 1 year part and labor warranty

  3. Can a Draco HDT2-7300 indoor antenna serve more than one digital tuner TVs by using spliter?

    1. It is point to point.
      In fact once it is deployed countrywide, you probably just need a normal UHF antenna without booster you should be ale to receive the signals

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