Broadcast giant GMA Network led in an independent study measuring digital TV presence in the country, affirming the robust coverage of the Network’s digital TV signal.
The study, which was conducted by local smartphone and tablet manufacturer Starmobile, revealed that GMA 1SEG and GMA News TV were available in 10 out of the 14 test locations in Metro Manila. American market research firm IDC (International Data Corporation) was commissioned by Starmobile to perform the study.
Other channels surveyed were ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Sports, TV5, and AKSYON TV, among others.
“The results of the study confirm our readiness for the eventual shift to Digital TV,” says Engr. Elvis B. Ancheta, GMA Senior Vice President for Engineering.
In compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission, GMA has started to adapt the Japanese DTV standard or ISDB-T.
“Moreover, it manifests the level of importance the Network has placed in being able to reach as many viewers as possible as this ultimately determines our audience size,” Ancheta adds.
The Network takes pride in its commitment to signal superiority as evidenced by its excellent signal across the country, an advantage over competitors exhibited consistently by its analog footprint which it commits to carry over to digital.
Based on claimed household reception findings in the 2014 TV Establishment Survey of Nielsen Philippines, GMA is received by 99 percent of all TV households in Total Urban Philippines, leading other local free-to-air channels.
As it continues to improve and expand its coverage in the regions, GMA completed numerous transmission upgrades in 2014. The Network commissioned a new 2KW TV relay station in Daet, Camarines Norte and re-located its transmitting station in Iligan City to enable the re-broadcast of Northern Mindanao programs from Cagayan de Oro.
GMA is set to commission a new 5KW TV relay station in Butuan City this May.