MMU signs MoU with Eastool to dive deep into DTTB

By Digital News Asia July 10, 2014

MMU to research matters related to DTTB technology and innovations
Eastool to provide industrial updates and knowledge application

MMU signs MoU with Eastool to dive deep into DTTB

Multimedia University (MMU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eastool Solution Sdn Bhd (Eastool) to conduct joint research, which could contribute to a faster and smoother Digital Terrestrial TV Broadcasting (DTTB) switchover in Malaysia.

Together with Eastool, MMU will research matters related to standards, technology, and field reception issues, as well as improvements in telecommunications, wireless propagation, antenna design and power electronics.

This joint research is considered important for the Malaysian broadcasting industry, because the implementation of DTTB means the move for Malaysian broadcasters to a fully digital platform, which would allow them to offer more TV and radio channels, compared to what is possible with the current analogue system.

Commenting on the collaboration, Eastool managing director, Lim Seng Swee, said that the company was looking forward to working closely with MMU.

“Under this MoU, Eastool will be able to access MMU’s academic strength and expertise in the area of wireless communication. In return, MMU will be able to benefit by getting industrial updates and applying knowledge specifically in research and development,” he said.

Eastool, based in Kulai, Johor, is a manufacturer of broadcast equipment components, and counts companies such as Humax, Jiuzhou, Marusys, Innopia and Digital Stream among its customers.

MMU president, Professor Dr Muhamad Rasat Muhamad, expressed his happiness at MMU being involved in DTTB, highlighting the university’s strong relationship with telecommunications and creative multimedia industries.

“We are also looking forward to collaborating closely with Eastool Solution. They are a Malaysian-based R&D company with 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing broadcast equipment and components, and have been entrusted by many companies which have chosen to partner with them,” he added.

Under the government’s DTTB plans, Malaysia will have a digital multimedia hub and network of high, medium and low powered digital TV transmitters nationwide.

Initially, these will have the technical capability to carry up to 45 standard definition (SD) or 15 high definition (HD) digital television channels. The migration will involve government-owned as well as private Malaysian TV stations: TV1, TV2, TV3, ntv7, 8TV, TV9, TV Alhijrah and Bernama TV.

The switch over will involve installation of new and upgraded equipment not only for broadcasters and infrastructure owners, but also for consumers.

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