IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA
GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA
ttv (PTY) LTD Applicant
and
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
MINISTER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONSAND POSTAL SERVICES
INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITYOF SOUTH AFRICA
UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND ACCESS AGENCY OFSOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTINGCORPORATION SOC LIMITED
ELECTRONIC MEDIA NETWORK LTD
ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY TELEVISION — SA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERSOF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNICATIONS FORUM
SENTECH SOC LTD
CELL C (PTY) LTD
TELKOM SOC LTD
TELLUMAT (PTY) LTD
SUPPORT PUBLIC BROADCASTINGCOALITION
MEDIA MONITORING AFRICA
1
Case number:26166/2015
In the matter between:
1st Respondent
Respondent
3rd Respondent
4th Respondent
5th Respondent
6th Respondent
7th Respondent
8th Respondent
9th Respondent
th
13th
Respondent
Respondent
Respondent
Respondent
14111 Respondent
15th Respondent
2
SIXTH RESPONDENT'S ANSWERING AFFIDAVIT
I, the undersigned,
KAREN HELENA WILLENBERO
do hereby make oath and say that:
1. I am the Director of Regulatory and Legal Affairs of Electronic Media
Network (Pty) Limited (M-Net) at 137 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg.
2. I am duly authorised to oppose this application and depose to this
answering affidavit on behalf of M-Net.
3. The contents of this affidavit are true and correct and, unless otherwise
stated, fall within my personal knowledge and experience.
4. I have followed and been involved in key aspects of the broadcasting
digital migration planning process since 2005. In the course of my
regulatory work at M-Net I have monitored and made submissions on
the development and implementation of television broadcasting policy
and regulations. Digital migration has been a key area of focus for
M-Net which, as a terrestrial television broadcaster, is directly affected
by the digital migration process. I have also played a broader advisory
role as a co-chairperson of the Content Committee of the ministerial
Digital Migration Working Group and as a member of the Digital
3
Dzonga Advisory Councils established by Ministers of Communications
Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri and Siphiwe Nyanda to oversee the
implementation of digital migration in South Africa.
5. Where I make factual allegations which are within the knowledge of
other persons, I refer the Court to their confirmatory affidavits filed with
this affidavit.
6. Where I deal with technological aspects of 'digital migration', 'STBs',
'conditional access' and 'encryption', I refer the Court to the
confirmatory affidavit of Gerhardus Jacobus van Eeden.
7. Where I make submissions of a legal nature, I do so on the advice of
M-Net's legal representatives, which I believe to be correct.
TERMINOLOGY
8. The issues canvassed in the affidavits and documents in this
application involve a number of technological concepts and terms
which are specific to the television broadcasting industry. The key
terms which are used, and the meanings which I ascribe to them, are
set out hereunder:
8.1. Analogue terrestrial television broadcasting: terrestrial
television where the broadcast signal is in analogue format;
4
8.2. Conditional access (CA): a broad term referring to a range of
security technologies which enable a television broadcaster to
restrict access to its broadcast content based on payment or the
use of an authorised device. Conditional access generally
includes the encryption of television broadcast signals (known as
full conditional access, as used by subscription television
broadcasters), but the term is also used to refer to
software-based security technologies which do not include the
encryption of television broadcast signals;
8.3. Control systema'STB control: uniquely South African terms,
initially proposed by the SABC in May 2008 to refer to software-
based security technologies which do not include the encryption
of television broadcast signals;
8.4. Digital migration: the transition from analogue broadcasting to
digital broadcasting;
8.5. Digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTT): terrestrial
television where the broadcast signal is in digital format;
8.6. Encryption: the use of cryptography to scramble television
broadcast signals so that they can only be unscrambled and
viewed by those who have the software necessary to decrypt
those signals;
5
8.7. Free-to-air broadcasting services: broadcasting services
which viewers can access without having to pay a subscription
fee;
8.8. Integrated digital television set (1DTV): a television set with a
built in digital tuner for receiving DVB-T2 transmissions, which
dispenses with the need for a set top box for converting digital
signals for reception on a television set;
8.9. Satellite television broadcasting: transmission of television
broadcast signals via geostationary communication satellites;
8.10. Set top box (SIB): a device capable of receiving DTT
broadcast signals and converting those back into analogue
format so that viewers with analogue television sets are able to
continue to watch television broadcasting services. In this
affidavit this term is used to refer only to the STB required to
view free-to-air terrestrial television broadcasting services;
8.11. Subscription broadcasting services: broadcasting services
which viewers can access only by paying a subscription fee;
8.12. Terrestrial television broadcasting: transmission of television
broadcast signals via terrestrial transmitters.
6
9. In what follows, unless I indicate otherwise —
9.1. my reference to 'free-to-air broadcasters' and to 'free-to-air
broadcast signals' should be taken to refer to free-to-air
terrestrial broadcasters and broadcast signals;
9.2. my reference to 'STBs' should be taken to refer to free-to-air
DII STBs; and
93. my reference to a 'control system with encryption' should be
taken to refer to a control system in an STB which includes the
capability to 'encrypt' and 'decrypt' broadcast signals (encryption
capability).
THE APPLICATION
10. This application concerns the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy for
South Africa which was published by the Minister of Communications
(the Minister) on 8 September 2008 and amended on 7 February 2012,
17 February 2012, and 18 March 2015 (the Policy) in terms of
section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005 (the
ECA).
11. In what follows I refer to the relevant iterations of the Policy as 'the
2008 Policy',1 'the 2012 Policy'2 and 'the 2015 Policy'.3
The Policy published on 8 September 2008I \J2 The Policy foliowing its amendment on 7 February 2012 and 17 February 2012
The Policy following its amendment on 18 March 2015
7
12. The main relief sought by e.tv relates to two clauses inserted in the
Policy by amendment on 18 March 2015 (the impugned amendments):
12.1. Clause 5.1.2(A), also referred to as 'the non-mandatory STB
control amendment', which provides as follows:
"In keeping with the objectives of ensuring universal access tobroadcasting seivices in South Africa and protecting governmentinvestment in subsidised 5Th market, STB control system in thefree-to-air DTT will be non-mandatoty."
12.2. Clause 5.1.2(B)(a), also referred to as 'the encryption
amendment', which provides as follows:
"The STB control system for the free-to-air DTT STBs shall.. .nothave capabilities to encrypt broadcasting signals for thesubsidised STBs."
13. e.tv seeks an order -
13.1. reviewing and setting aside the Minister's decision to enact the
impugned amendments;
13.2. declaring the impugned amendments unlawful and invalid; and
13.3. 'remedying' an alleged defect in the non-mandatory STB control
amendment.
14. I have read e.tvs founding affidavit deposed to by Lara Jane Kantor.
Insofar as Ms Kantor deals with technological aspects of digital
migration, STBs, and encryption, I point out that she does not refer to
any qualifications which permit her to give evidence on these issues.
8
15. As will appear from what follows, M-Net contends that e.tv has failed to
make out a case for the relief which it seeks.
16. In this affidavit,
16.1. I set out M-Net's general response to the application,
canvassing —
16.1.1. M-Net's case in overview;
16.1.2. e.tv's claim to standing in the public interest;
16.1.3. the background to the application;
16.1.4. the implications of an SIB control system with
encryption;
16.1.5. the reviewability of the impugned amendments;
16.1.6. the lawfulness of the encryption amendment;
16.1.7. the rationality of the encryption amendment;
16.1.8. the rationality of the non-mandatory STB control
amendment;
16.1.9. the procedural fairness of the impugned amendments;
and
16.1.10. the relief sought by e.tv; and
9
16.2. I deal with the individual allegations in the founding affidavit.
GENERAL RESPONSE TO THE APPLICATION
M-Net's case in overview
17. e.tv wishes to encrypt its free-to-air television broadcast signals in the
DTT environment. It is the only free-to-air television broadcaster in
South Africa which wishes to do so, and its intention is at odds with the
global trend. The overwhelming majority of free-to-air terrestrial
television broadcasters worldwide do not encrypt their broadcast
signals.
18. The reasons which e.tv puts forward for wishing to encrypt its free-to-
air broadcast signals are based on flawed and incorrect assumptions
which are contradicted by e.tv's own previous statements.
19. Contrary to the misconceptions promulgated by e.tv in its founding
affidavit, and by recent commentators in the media, encryption of free-
to-air broadcasting signals —
19.1. is not required to prevent piracy of television broadcasting
content. As I explain below, this objective is met by the
incorporation in the STB of High-bandwidth Digital Content
Protection (HDCP), a form of digital copy protection which
prevents unauthorised copying of content. The standard
developed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for
10
STBs, SANS 862:2013 Edition 2.1 (the National Standard),
explicitly requires the inclusion of HDCP in STBs;
19.2. is required to enable free-to-air broadcasters to obtain high
definition content. As I explain below, the majority of free-to-air
terrestrial broadcasters worldwide broadcast their signals
unencrypted and obtain and broadcast high definition content.
These broadcasters include, in the United Kingdom, the public
broadcaster, the BBC, and public commercial broadcasters llV
and Channel 5; in the United States, the public broadcaster
PBS, and commercial broadcasters ABC, NBC and CBS; and in
Australia, the public broadcaster ABC and commercial
broadcasters Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten and
SBS. Leading international programme suppliers do not require
encryption of their programmes on free-to-air terrestrial
networks; and
19.3. is not required to prevent the importation and sale of cheap, poor
quality STBs to the public. As I explain below, this objective will
be addressed by a range of conformance measures to protect
consumers against poor quality products, including the adoption
of the National Standard, the certification of compliant products,
and consumer education on the risks of purchasing STBs which
are not certified.
11
20. At the heart of e.tv's challenge is the claim that the encryption
amendment will directly preclude free-to-air terrestrial broadcasters
from encrypting their broadcast signals in respect of the five million
households which will have government-subsidised STBs, and
indirectly preclude them from deciding to encrypt their signals at all.
Both parts of this claim are unfounded and untrue.
21. What e.tv does not acknowledge or even disclose is that it can itself
fund the manufacture and provision of its own customised SIBs with
encryption capability for the households which it wishes to reach. As a
commercial broadcaster which, we are told, has identified the
encryption of its signals as 'critical to its business', e.tv does not explain
why it expects the cost of this decision to be borne by government.
22. Also absent from e.tv's account is a recognition of the transitory role
which the STB is expected to play in the terrestrial television
broadcasting landscape. It has always been accepted that the STB will
be a temporary feature of television broadcasting. It is attractive in the
early stages of digital migration as a low cost means of enabling an
existing analogue television set to receive digital transmissions.
Viewers already using iDTVs when digital migration is concluded will
not need to use STBs at all. When, as has happened globally, iDTV5
become more widely available and affordable, the STB will become
redundant.
12
23. If the government-subsidised SIBs were to incorporate encryption
capability to meet e.tv's needs, viewers would be reliant in perpetuity
on STBs and STBs would have to be manufactured, purchased and
maintained indefinitely for e.tv's commercial benefit. Since digital tuners
can and will be built into a wide range of consumer products, including
portable TVs, viewers using all of these products would require STBs
as well.
24. e.tv also does not deal with the other significant implications of
including encryption capability in STBs, which include not only the cost
but also the technical complexity which it will add to each STB, thus
increasing the risk of SIB malfunction and giving rise to higher
maintenance and repair costs for the consumer, and a higher risk of
replacement. As explained below, the inclusion of encryption capability
also has important implications for emerging manufacturers of STBs in
South Africa.
25. Evidently e.tv does not wish to make the investment necessitated by its
decision to encrypt its free-to-air broadcast signals. Instead, it wants
encryption capability to be incorporated in the control system in all the
government-subsidised STBs. Having failed to persuade government of
the merits of its views for purposes of the formulation of government
policy, it now seeks to achieve this objective by way of judicial review. It
seeks, in essence, to usurp government policy for its own commercial
advantage.
13
26. e.tv acknowledges that its views on the merits of encrypting free-to-air
broadcast signals are 'strenuously contested' by 'certain interested
parties', but asserts that its case does not depend on the Court
determining whether encryption of free-to-air broadcast signals is good
or bad for broadcasters or the country as a whole.
27. In fact, e.tv's views on encryption are unsupported by the facts, have
no support among South African free-to-air television broadcasters,
and are aberrant globally. In these circumstances, e.tv's contention that
it brings this application in the public interest is unsustainable. The
application has self-evidently been brought only in e.tv's commercial
interest. Since the reasons afforded by e.tv for wishing to encrypt its
free-to-air broadcast signals are groundless, it can only be assumed
that e.tv has a different, undisclosed objective.
28. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument, the impugned
amendments do not constitute administrative action and are
accordingly not reviewable under the Promotion of Administrative
Justice Act, 3 of 2000 (PAJA). Even if they were, e.tv has not
established that the impugned amendments fall to be reviewed and set
aside on any of the PAJA grounds on which it relies.
29. If the making of policy is reviewable as an exercise of public power in
terms of the constitutional principle of legality (a matter for legal
argument at the hearing of the application), the impugned amendments
in any event do not fall foul of legality standards.
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e.tv's claim to standing in the public interest
30. e.tv claims to bring the application both in its own interest and in the
public interest. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument,
e.tv has failed to make the allegations necessary to establish that it is
has standing to act in the public interest and its claim to such standing
is disputed.
Background to the application
31. The process of developing national policy on broadcasting digital
migration commenced in 2005 with the Minister's establishment of the
Digital Migration Working Group.
32. Among the issues addressed in policy planning were SIBs, which have
a key role to play in digital migration. After digital migration has been
completed, viewers who do not have iDTV5 will require STBs in order
to continue viewing terrestrial television on 'old' television sets with
analogue tuners.
33. As is the case internationally, free-to-air STBs have always been
understood to have a transitory role. As e.tv itself explained in
submissions to the Minister in March 2008,
15
"The box is merely a bridging mechanism to a/low analogue televisionsets to receive a digita/ signal — when digital television sets areavailable on a large scale, the box will no longer be required. Thenotion of such a basic box is in line with international experienceincluding the United Kingdom.'4
34. Since 2005 two key questions related to STBs have been debated:
first, whether STBs should include a 'control system', and second,
whether such a control system should include encryption capability.
35. Government policy and individual television broadcasters' positions on
these issues have fluctuated over the last decade. The debates on
these issues have also been bedevilled by different parties' different
understanding (and interchangeable use) of the key terms 'control
system', 'conditional access' and 'encryption'.
Prior to September 2008
36. In the period leading up to the publication of the 2008 Policy, the main
terrestrial broadcasters (e.tv, the SABC and M-Net) were opposed to
the encryption of the broadcasting signals of free-to-air television
broadcasting services and the inclusion of encryption capability in
STBs.
Paragraph 5.1.4 of the e.tv submissions, which will be dealt with in more detail below
16
37. In submissions to the Department of Communications dated 17 March
2008 (the 2008 e.tv submissions, annexed as 'KWI) e.tv furnished the
following reasons for its opposition to a control system with encryption
(which it called a 'CA system'):
37.1. CA is a subscription television concept and is 'wholly unsuited to
free-to-air television
37.2. The inclusion of CA in the basic free-to-air SIB 'raises critical
constitutional, economic, financial and competition issues'6 and
'infringes on the right of viewers to freedom of expression'.7
37.3. The inclusion of CA in the basic SIB would add 'complexity and
expense' to the entire digital migration process.8
37.4. 'The use of CA in a free-to-air environment is highly unusual and
untested in comparable jurisdictions'.9
37.5. 'It would ... cause unnecessaty complications down the line,
especially when integrated digital TV sets are introduced into the
market'.1°
(As is evident from its founding affidavit, e.tv now holds a position
which directly contradicts the views it expressed in 2008. It does not
offer any meaningful explanation as to why its position has changed.)
Paragraph 2.3 of the 2008 e.tv submissions6 Paragraph 2.5 of the 2008 ely submissions
Paragraph 3.2.5.2 of the 2008 e.tv submissionsParagraph 3.1.1 of the 2008 e.tv submissions
° Paragraph 3.1.2 of the 2008 e.tv submissions10 Paragraph 3.2.1.3 of the 2008 ely submissions
17
38. The SABC articulated its opposition to a control system with encryption
in submissions to the Department of Communications in May 2008
(annexed as 'KW2').
39. In a request for proposals issued by the SABC on 24 June 2008 in
respect of control system software for STBs (annexed as 'KW3') the
specifications required a low-cost, low-maintenance solution
appropriate to a free-to-air market, capable of preventing subsidised
STBs from leaving South Africa, and capable of turning off stolen
STBs, with no encryption of broadcast signals.
The 2008 Policy, the 2012 Policy, and the National Standard
40. The 2008 Policy, published in September 2008, provided that STBs
would have 'a control system to prevent STBs from being used outside
the borders of South Africa and to disable the usage of stolen STBs',11
and 'capabilities to unscramble the encrypted broadcast signals so that
only fully compliant STBs made or authorised for use in South Africa
[could] work on the network'.12
41. In the period which followed, during which various amendments were
made to the Policy, the positions of some individual broadcasters have
changed.
Para 5.1.22 of the 2008 Policy12 Para 5.1.2.7 of the 2008 Policy
18
42. e.tv, which in 2008 was strongly opposed to a control system with
encryption for STBs, has completely reversed its position. The public
position of the SABC, on the other hand, has varied over time.
43. The 2012 Policy provided that STBs would have 'a robust STB control
system', but deleted the reference in the 2008 Policy to 'capabilities to
unscramble ... encrypted signals'.
44. The Department of Communications, in a presentation on 18 February
2014,13 described this amendment as follows:
"In 2012, an amendment to the BDM Policy was gazetted to soften theuse of the STB Control System. For example, Encryption was droppedbut STB Control maintained to ensure that STBs conform to SABC(South African Bureau of Standards) standards")'4
45. On 1 June 2012 the SABS approved the National Standard (an
updated and full copy of which is attached as 'KW4'), which noted the
need for 'control means ... to prevent subsidised STB decoders from
being used outside South Africa', and provided that the STB decoder
control specification could be obtained by manufacturers from the
incumbent terrestrial free-to-air broadcasting service licensees. No
reference was made to a control system with encryption.
13 Annexure LK3O to the founding affidavit14 Slide 8. Emphasis added
19
The e.tv iudgment
46. On 12 September 2012 e.tv instituted an application in the South
Gauteng High Court seeking declaratory relief on the question whether
the Minister had the power to determine who had responsibility for the
set-top box control system' for free-to-air DTT.
47. This relief was sought in circumstances in which Minister Pule had, in
May 2012, appointed the signal distributor Sentech Limited to 'assume
responsibility for the STB control system, despite the Department of
Communications having requested the SABC, in March 2011, to work
in co-operation with other free-to-air broadcasters 'to commence a
process to select a suitable STB Control vendor'.
48. The narrow issue which the Court was called upon to determine was
whether the Minister was entitled to determine who should 'manage'
the control system in SIBs. (On the facts before the Court, STB control
'management' involved the selection and appointment of a suitable
STB control vendor.) On the basis that the ECA draws a clear
distinction between ICASA's power to regulate and the Minister's power
to develop policy, the Court found that ICASA, and not the Minister,
had the power to decide this issue, and that in the absence of any
determination of this issue by ICASA, the responsibility lay with the
free-to-air broadcasters.
20
49. The e.tv judgment is not, as e.tv contends, authority for the proposition
that the Minister cannot make policy on the question whether
government-subsidised STBs should have a control system with
encryption.
Proposed amendments to the 2012 Policy
50. On 21 May 2013 Minister Pule announced in Parliament that she had
taken a decision to review the policy on the 'SIB control system' 'to
make this system non-mandatory. Before any such steps were taken,
Minister Pule was succeeded by Mr Yunus Carrim.
51. On 23 August 2013 Minister Carrim invited interested parties to a
round-table discussion to try to reach consensus on (among other
things) the question whether STBs should have a 'control capability. In
the terms of reference for this process (annexed as 'KW5') the issues
identified to guide the discussion were (a) whether the SIB should
have a 'CA-based control system', and (b) if so, the forms and
modalities of the 'CA-based control system'.
52. On 6 December 2013 Minister Carrim published for comment proposed
amendments to the 2012 Policy (the 2013 proposed amendments)15
which envisaged that a 'control system' for STBs would be mandatory,
but that its 'use' by broadcasters would not be mandatory.
15 Annexure LK3 to the founding affidavit
21
53. The written comments made in response to the 2013 proposed
amendments reflect a common understanding that Minister Carrim's
reference to a 'control system' meant a control system with encryption.
54. With the exception of e.tv, all the terrestrial television broadcasters
opposed the mandatory inclusion of a control system with encryption in
STBs.
55. The SABC recommended that the 'control system' in STB's should be
non-mandatory and that 'the Department should subsidise the standard
box, which has no conditional access, which box the SABC supports
and will be using'. The SABC also made the point that '[t]here is no
basis for the Department to pay for conditional access because by so
doing it will be paying for commercial broadcasters, which would be in
contravention of the [Public Finance Management Act]'.16
56. Act-SA, on behalf of all seven community television broadcasters in
South Africa, expressed its disappointment at the proposed
amendments requiring all free-to-air STBs to have 'STB control',
describing it as 'a system which benefits only the chosen few who have
vested interests in a short-term technology which has no added value
to the poor'.17
16 Annexure LK12 to the founding affidavitI? Annexure LK14 to the founding affidavit
22
57. M-Net canvassed comprehensively the flaws in the various arguments
in support of a control system with encryption in STBs,18 and the costs
that would be added to every part of the broadcasting value chain if this
was required.
58. The National Association of Manufacturers of Electronic Components
(NAMEC), representing black-owned small, medium and micro
enterprises in the electronics industry, articulated its continuing
opposition to any form of conditional access and encryption capability
in the STBs on the grounds, among others, that:
58.1. it is an undesirable system that has never been implemented as
a government policy anywhere in the world;
58.2. the costs that the system introduced would be borne by the
South African taxpayer forever; and
58.3. the requirements for manufacturers to produce STBs with
encryption technology would prejudice emerging black
manufacturers entering the market.19
18 Annexure LK13 to the founding affidavit19 Annexure LK1 5 to the founding affidavit
23
The 2015 Policy
59. The current Minister (Ms Faith Muthambi) published the 2015 Policy on
18 March 2015. In respect of STB control, the 2015 Policy provides
that—
59.1. government-subsidised free-to-air OTT STBs must have a
control system to prevent those STBs from functioning in non-
South African OTT networks;2°
59.2. the STB control system for free-to-air OTT STBs will not have
capabilities to encrypt broadcast signals for the subsidised
STBs;21 and
59.3. depending on the kind of broadcasting services that
broadcasters may want to provide to their customers, individual
broadcasters may at their own cost make decisions regarding
encryption of content.22
60. The current position is accordingly that free-to-air broadcasters who
wish to encrypt their signals may do so, but will have to bear the costs
associated with this decision.
61. At the same time that the 2015 Policy was published, the Department
of Communications announced that Government has decided to fund
the five million government-subsidised STBs fully.
20 Paragraph 5.12.2 of the 2015 Policy21 Paragraph 5.1.2(B)(a) of the 2015 Policy22 Paragraph 5.1.2(c) of the 2015 Policy
24
The implications of a control system with encryption
Negative impact and effects
62. The far-reaching adverse implications of including a control system with
encryption in STBs have been canvassed fully in the 2008 e.tv
submissions (annexed as 'KWI), and M-Net's submissions of 3
January 2014 (annexure LK13 to the founding affidavit).
63. Most compelling are the cost implications. The inclusion of a control
system with encryption in the government-subsidised STBs wilt
significantly increase the costs for government and consumers.
64. The encryption system must be procured from an international
encryption vendor. I am not aware of any South African encryption
vendors.
65. Encryption vendors require approved manufacturers to go through a
security clearance process of certification and licensing. The cost of
this process will be incurred by the manufacturers of the
government-subsidised STBs and simply passed on to government.
66. The STB hardware will be more costly because it will need to be
adapted to accommodate encryption.
67. Encryption vendors will require the payment of annual license fees and
royalties for the use of their proprietary encryption systems.
25
68. In addition, there are costs associated with the daily maintenance and
management of the encryption system which include the
implementation of business systems to manage the user data base and
a call centre to address activations, de-activations, technical support
and queries.23
69. Many of these cost considerations were highlighted by e.tv in its 2008
submissions:
"4.1.1 The cost of including CA in the basic free-to-air STB
4.1.1.1 Both the CA itself, as well as the various securityelements (necessary only to support CA) which areproposed to be inserted into the STB from the outset,add costs to the basic free-to-air STB. This isunjustifiable in a situation where most South Africansrely on free-to-air television for their information needsand where most cannot afford the STB. Each additionalcost to the basic free-to-air STB makes the STB moreunaffordable for low-income viewers and thereforeinhibits their access to free-to-air television.
4.1.1.2 In addition, the inclusion of CA in the basic STB meansthat, in addition to the royalties payable to the CAvendor for every box, there will be significant ongoingcosts in managing the STB both from a security and asubscriber/viewer management perspective. The costof turning the free-to-air television environment into onewhich is controlled through CA is not a once-off costThese are ongoing costs which are ordinarily carried bypay-TV operators who cover such costs from theirsubscribers. In the free-to-air environment, free-to-airbroadcasters will need to carry these ongoingoperational costs without any additional incomestream. ,,24
23 encryption capability was to be included in the government-subsidised STBs, and nofree-to-air broadcaster decided to use it, these costs would fall to be carried by
government24 Para 4.1.1 of the 2008 e.tv submissions
26
70. At the time that these submissions were made, e.tv anticipated that
these costs would impact adversely on the future of its business:
"4.1.1.4 e.tv is deeply concerned that the addition of extensiveoperating costs by the unnecessary inclusion of CA in thebasic free-to-air STB will be passed to broadcasters, As afree-to-air broadcaster which is entirely dependent onadvertising revenue and which has no access to public orstate funding e.tv is concerned at the implications on the
future of its business of the unnecessary inclusion of CA inthe basic free-to-air S TB."25
71. Another risk specified by e.tv in its 2008 submissions is that the
inclusion of 'cardless' encryption capabilities in STBs increases the risk
of the system being hacked, with the accompanying economic risk. As
e.tv put it, 'if the system is hacked after the STBs have been rolled out
to the existing eight million TV households, each of these STBs will
have to be replaced'. 26
72. Ultimately the inclusion of a control system with encryption would make
consumers dependent on STBs. Viewers who had iDTVs when the
migration is effected, and viewers who acquired iDTV5 at a later stage,
would nevertheless require STBs27 in order to receive the services of
free-to-air broadcasters who had opted to use encryption, and would
have to continue to use (and maintain and replace) those STBs in
perpetuity.
(fr\25 Para 4.1.1.4 of the 2008 e.tv submissions26 Para 4.1.2.3 of the 2008 e.tv submissions27 Or another device known as a conditional access module
27
73. The free-to-air STBs, which were conceived of as a temporary solution
(and have been employed as such in other jurisdictions) would thus
become a permanent feature of broadcasting in South Africa.
74. The inclusion of a control system with encryption would also have a
significant adverse impact on emerging electronic manufacturers who
tendered to supply government-subsidised STBs.
75. As NAMEC explained in its submissions on the 2013 proposed
amendments, the inclusion of a control system with encryption will have
numerous adverse consequences for its members.2°
76. The encryption of the signals of free-to-air broadcasters is both unusual
and undesirable. Encryption is usually used by subscription
broadcasters which wish to prevent non-subscribers from accessing
their services. The technology is costly to operate, but is considered
essential by subscription broadcasters to protect their subscription
revenue.
77. As is confirmed in the affidavit of Andrew John Snoad, filed with this
affidavit, Futuresource Consulting Limited (Futuresource), a specialist
research and consulting firm which provides services to a range of
industry sectors, including the broadcasting sector, has found that —
28 Annexure LK15 to the founding affidavit
28
77.1. more than 150 countries worldwide have commenced or
completed digital migration and, with the exception of Ukraine,
Futuresource was unable to identify any country which has
required the encryption of terrestrial free-to-air broadcast
signals;
77.2. the possibility of requiring encryption was debated, but rejected,
in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and
Singapore, for reasons which included the cost implications and
the inappropriateness of encrypting public broadcasting
services;
77.3. certain countries, such as Tanzania, Malaysia, Uganda and
Kenya, have provided for the optional inclusion in STBs of a
'smart card reader' or 'DVB-Cl (Common Interface) slot', which
allows for the optional introduction of encryption, but does not
require the encryption of free-to-air services, and free-to-air
services have continued to be broadcast unencrypted; and
77.4. in most jurisdictions the free-to-air OTT STBs which have been
introduced to the market have not contained encryption
capability.
29
The alleged necessity of a control system with encryption
78. e.tv contends that the encryption of free-to-air broadcasting signals is
required for three main purposes: to enable free-to-air broadcasters to
protect their content from piracy; to enable free-to-air broadcasters to
obtain high definition content; and to prevent the importation and sale
of cheap, poor quality STBs.
79. As I have indicated above, encryption is not required for any of these
purposes.
80. The incorporation of HDCP in STBs (in accordance with the National
Standard)29 will prevent unauthorised copying of content.
81. As is confirmed by Mr Snoad, most free-to-air broadcasters worldwide
do not encrypt their signals, and are nevertheless able to, and do,
obtain high definition television content from international studios and
other sources. As is evident from the letters annexed as 'KW6' and
'KW7' respectively:
81.1. CBS Studios International (CBS), a leading supplier of
programming to the international television market, does not
require encryption of its programming (in respect of standard
definition or high definition content) for free-to-air linear
broadcast over analogue or digital terrestrial networks; and
29 Table 1 of the National Standard
30
81.2. The Walt Disney Company Limited (Walt Disney), another
leading supplier of programming to the international television
market, when licensing programming content (including high
definition content) in the sub-Saharan region, does not typically
require encryption of that content on free-to-air linear channels
distributed over an analogue or digital terrestrial television
network.
82. Encryption is also not required to prevent the importation and sale of
cheap, poor quality STBs to the public. Internationally, consumers are
protected against poor quality products by less costly and less complex
measures. In South Africa the measures to be used will include the
adoption of the National Standard, the incorporation of the National
Standard into type approval regulations by ICASA in terms of section
35 of the ECA, funding by government of a conformance testing
process to be administered by the SABS, the certification of conformant
STBs, and a comprehensive consumer education campaign on the
risks of purchasing STBs which are not certified.
83. It is remarkable that e.tv contends that encryption is required for this
purpose. In its 2008 submissions it specifically highlighted the
alternatives to encryption which would meet this objective:
"3.2.1.4 If the concern is that the imported goods would not meet theSABS specifications (Le. inferior products), then thiscan be addressed through means other than creating aclosed system with a CA-controlled box. The following lawfulmeasures could be considered:
31
3.2.1.4.1 Make the standard mandatory and provide forconformance testing. Both SABS and ICASA canprovide this facility;
3.2.1.4.2 There are secure technical solutions that canensure that non-compliant imports are unable toprovide the full functionality of a locallydeveloped and certified STB (e.g. restrictingaccess to the EPO application, the extendedprogramme information, and 7 day programmeschedules). This will not add cost to the STB billof materials (BoM) and would require a minimaldevelopment overhead.
3.2.1.4.3 Consumer education and awareness campaign(which broadcasters could support with airtime):
3.2.1.4.3.1 To promote South African STBs;and,
In addition, broadcastersto advertise STBs withICASA approved logo —employed by FreeviewUnited Kingdom.
would be required onlya Digital Dzonga or.
in the same manner asand Digital UK in the
3.2.1.4.4 Consumer incentives at retail level (Le. discountvouchers, etc.)."3°
Review of the impugned amendments
84. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument at the hearing
of the application, I am advised and submit that —
Para 3.2.1.4 of the 2008 e.tv submissions
3.2.1.4.3.2 To warn consumers of the dangers ofbuying grey products.
32
84.1. the Minister's decision to make the impugned amendments did
not constitute administrative action as defined in PAJA and the
impugned amendments are accordingly not reviewable under
PAJA. Even if they were, e.tv has not established that the
impugned amendments fall to be reviewed and set aside on any
of the PAJA grounds on which they rely; and
84.2. insofar as the impugned amendments may be reviewable in
terms of the constitutional principle of legality, the grounds on
which they may be so reviewed are limited to the standards
encompassed in lawfulness.
85. In what follows I deal in any event with e.tv's challenges to the
lawfulness, rationality, reasonableness and procedural fairness of the
impugned amendments.
The lawfulness of the encryption amendment
86. The Minister has the power, under section 3(1 )(d) of the ECA, to make
policies on matters of national policy applicable to the ICT sector,
consistent with the objects of [the ECA] and of the related legislation in
relation to ... the application of new technologies pertaining to
broadcasting services'.
87. The Minister has decided that, as a matter of policy, the
government-subsidised STBs will have a control system which does
not include encryption capability.
33
88. This decision falls within the Minister's powers under section 3(1) of the
ECA.
89. It also accords with the distinction made in the ECA (and recognised in
the e.tv judgment) between the Minister's power to make policy and
ICASA's power to regulate.
90. e.tv contends that it is by virtue of its effect that the encryption
amendment is ultra vires the Minister's powers. It does so on the
grounds that:
90.1. the practical effect of the encryption amendment is (a)to prevent
free-to-air broadcasters who choose to encrypt from accessing
the five million households with government-subsidised STBs;
and (b) to prevent any free-to-air broadcaster from choosing to
encrypt at all; and
90.2. this is an unlawful effect.
91. It will be argued at the hearing of the application that the effects of a
decision are not a cognisable basis for legality review. In any event, as
indicated elsewhere in this affidavit, the effects which e.tv alleges are
not supported by the facts. Nor can the encryption amendment have
any effect on the rights of free-to-air broadcasters. The effects relied
upon by e.tv could flow only from a decision based on the Policy. No
such decision is raised or impugned by e.tv in this application.
34
The rationality of the encryption amendment
92. e.tv contends that there is an internal contradiction in the amendments
introduced by the Minister in that the encryption amendment renders
'nugatory and meaningless' broadcasters' 'right' under clause 5.1.2(C)
to make their own decisions on the question of encryption, and that this
contradiction renders the Minister's decision to enact the encryption
amendment irrational and unreasonable.31
93. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument at the hearing
of the application, I am advised and submit that in legality review the
'rationality' standard requires only that the exercise of executive power
is rationally related to its purpose, and not arbitrary, and that objective
'reasonableness' is not a ground of review.
94. The encryption amendment is rationally related to the purpose for
which the Minister's power under section 3(1) of the ECA was granted,
namely to make national policy on 'the application of new technologies
pertaining to ... broadcasting services'.
95. The contradiction which e.tv alleges is based on the proposition that
clause 5.1.2(C) purports 'to allow broadcasters the rjgkt to make their
own decisions on the question of encryption' while clause 5.1.2(B)(a)
'render[sJ this entirely nugatory and meaningless'.
31 Paragraph 124 of the founding affidavit
35
96. This proposition is incorrect. To the extent that broadcasters have the
right to decide to encrypt their signals, it is not the Policy which confers
such a right on them.
97. There is accordingly no contradiction which gives rise to arbitrariness
or irrationality. The contradiction which e.tv alleges is entirely self-
constructed and illusory.
The rationality of the non-mandatory STB control amendment
98. e.tv contends that the non-mandatory STB control amendment has
been afflicted by a drafting error, and that it was intended to provide
that 'the use of' the STB control system would be non-mandatory.
99. However, e.tv has not made out a case for the meaning or the
correction for which it contends.
100. Properly interpreted, in the context of all the control system provisions
in the 2015 Policy and as confirmed in the statement issued by the
Department of Communications on 13 March 2015 (annexure LK39 to
the founding affidavit), clause 5.2.1(A) means that the Minister does not
seek to make policy on the question whether STBs other than the
government-subsidised STBs should have a control system, or whether
such a control system should contain encryption.
36
101. I am advised and submit that, in any event, e.tv has laid no basis for
the exceptional corrective remedy which it seeks, and that this is not
competent relief. This will be a matter for legal argument at the hearing
of the application.
The procedural fairness of the impugned amendments
102. e.tv contends that the impugned amendments should have been
published for comment before they were enacted, and that the failure to
publish them renders them reviewable for procedural unfairness.
103. The ECA does not require the Minister, prior to making amendments to
a policy issued in terms of section 3(1), to publish the proposed
amendments for comment.
104. In any event, the impugned amendments were made after all interested
parties had had an opportunity to comment fully on the issue whether
STBs should include a control system with encryption in response to
the 2013 proposed amendments.
105. As is evident from the submissions made by the fifth to thirteenth
respondents in respect of the 2013 proposed amendments, this issue
was fully canvassed in the process.
106. Minister Muthambi, in her introduction to the 2015 Policy, states directly
that her amendments were made taking into consideration
submissions made by stakeholders on the amendments proposed by
the Department of Communications on 06 December 2013'.
37
107. Contrary to e.tv's contention that the encryption amendment 'was not a
result of the representations made to the Minister' and 'no party
proposed that only government-subsidised STBs should be precluded
from decrypting encrypted signals, the SABC in terms recommended
that the amendments should be confined to making the control system
in the free-to-air STB 'non-mandatory' and that the Department should
subsidise the 'standard box' without conditional access.32
The relief sought by e.tv
108. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, e.tv is not entitled to the
relief which it seeks.
RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS IN THE FOUNDING AFFIDAVIT
Ad paragraphs Ito II
109. For the reasons set out in this affidavit, M-Net denies that all the
allegations in the founding affidavit are true.
32 Paragraph 3 of the SABC submissions, annexure LK12 to the founding affidavit
38
110. While it is correct to say that the 2013 proposed amendments were
different to the amendments now enacted by the Minister, both sets of
amendments canvassed the common issue whether, and to what
extent, the government-subsidised STBs should contain a control
system, and if so, whether that control system should include
encryption capability. Whereas Minister Carrim proposed that a control
system with encryption should be required for all STBs, Minister
Muthambi has made policy in respect of the narrower category of
government-subsidised STBs.
Ad paragraphs 12 to 16
111. Minister Carrim, in seeking public comment on the 2013 proposed
amendments, did not act in accordance with section 3(5)(b) and 3(8) of
the ECA. These provisions did not at that time, nor do they now,
require amendments to a policy made under section 3(1) of the ECA to
be published for comment.
Ad paragraphs 17 to 20
112. For the reasons set out in this affidavit, M-Net denies that the
impugned amendments fall to be reviewed and set aside on any
grounds, and denies the effects contended for by e.tv.
113. e.tv presumably means to put forward its contentions on the proper
interpretation of the impugned amendments, rather than 'explain' their
meaning.
Ad paragraph 21
39
114. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument at the hearing
of the application, M-Net denies that the Minister's decision to make the
impugned amendments amounts to administrative action in terms of
PAJA.
115. To the extent that the impugned amendments may be reviewable in
terms of the principle of legality, such review is limited to the standards
encompassed by lawfulness.
Ad paragraph 22
116. As set out in paragraph 30 above, M-Net disputes e.tv's claim to have
standing to bring the application in the public interest.
Ad paragraph 23 (including sub-paragraphs)
117. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument, M-Net denies
that the encryption amendment is ultra vires or breaches any relevant
principles emerging from the e.tv judgment.
118. The only
judgment
Minister's
proposition relevant to this application for which the e.tv
is authority is that the ECA distinguishes between the
power to make policy and ICASA's power to regulate.
40
119. There is nothing in the e.tv judgment which can be construed as
precluding the Minister from deciding, as a matter of policy, that the
government-subsidised STBs should contain a control system which
does not include encryption capability.
120. For the reasons set out elsewhere, the encryption amendment does
preclude free-to-air broadcasters from encrypting their broadcast
signals. It simply precludes them from doing so at the government's
expense.
Ad paragraph 24 (including sub-paragraphs)
121. For the reasons set out in this affidavit, the encryption amendment
does not preclude free-to-air broadcasters from encrypting their
broadcast signals.
122. There is no internal contradiction in the amendments introduced by the
Minister. In the encryption amendment, the Minister states that the
control system in the government-subsidised STBs will not include
encryption capability. In clause 5.1.2(C), she states that free-to-air
broadcasters may encrypt their signals at their own cost.
123. e.tv fails to distinguish between its freedom to encrypt its signals and its
freedom to do so at the government's expense. As I have indicated
above, clause 5.1.2(c) does not confer a on free-to-air
broadcasters to encrypt their signals.
41
124. The 'very significant deleterious effects' alleged by e.tv are, for all the
reasons set out in this affidavit, baseless.
Ad paragraph 25 (including sub-paragraphs)
125. For the reasons set out above, this clause, properly interpreted, means
nothing more than that the Minister does not purport to make policy
regarding the inclusion of a control system in the STBs which are not
subsidised by government. This is precisely the meaning ascribed to
the clause by e.tv itself in paragraph 25.2 of the founding affidavit.
126. The correction which e.tv seeks is incompetent relief, and in any event
e.tv has laid no basis for it.
Ad paragraph 26 (including sub-paragraphs)
127. M-Net denies, for all the reasons set out in paragraphs 102 to 107
above, that the process followed by the Minister in enacting the
impugned amendments was unfair, irrational or unlawful.
Ad paragraph 27 (including sub-paragraphs)
128. M-Netagreesthatthis application should be determined urgently.
129. This is not because there has been 'negative reaction from a wide
range of players', but because the ongoing delay in digital migration is
preventing the release of valuable radio frequency spectrum which is
crucial to the economy.
42
130. As for the negative commentary highlighted by e.tv, which includes
sensationalist predictions of 'television apartheid' and an 'apartheid
style content divide', the articles concerned all disclose the same
fundamental misconception that encryption is necessary for free-to-air
broadcasters to prevent piracy of content, obtain quality content, and to
protect consumers from poor quality STBs.
131. It is in fact astounding that none of the commentators concerned has
taken the trouble to ascertain that most free-to-air broadcasters
worldwide do not encrypt their signals, and yet do not suffer any of the
disadvantages which it is suggested will befall South African free-to-air
broadcasters (and their viewers) if free-to-air signals are not encrypted.
On the contrary, requiring encryption capability in
government-subsidised STBs would increase the price tag to the
government, reduce the number of government-subsidised STBs
available for distribution, and thereby result itself in 'television
apartheid'.
Ad paragraphs 29 to 33
132. I point out that in addition to SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, and e.tv, there
are seven community television terrestrial channels, namely Soweto
TV, Cape Town TV, Bay TV, One KZN, Tshwane TV, North West TV
and Sara TV, broadcast by entities bearing the same names.
43
Ad paragraphs 34 to 35
133. As pointed out by e.tv in a footnote, STBs will not be required by
viewers who have an 1DTV.
134. While it may be correct that 1DTVs currently 'are not a practical option
for the vast majority of ordinary South Africans', this position will
change in the not too distant future. As analogue television sets age,
break down, and become obsolete, consumers may elect to buy an
iDTV when they purchase a new television set, rather than an analogue
television set with an STB. For example, in the United Kingdom, sales
of iDTVs surpassed sales of STBs in This is also likely to occur
in South Africa, as the price of iDTVs comes down.
135. It is not correct that the minimum cost of an iDTV is currently R5000.
An iDTV can currently be purchased for approximately R3000. Whilst
this may not be affordable for the poorest television households, it is a
viable option for many South Africans when they purchase a new
television set.
Otcom http://stakeholders.ofcorn.org.updates/DTV charts QI 2011pdf)
44
Ad paragraphs 36 to 39 (including sub-paragraphs)
136. I point out that while no viewers will be deprived of access to television
services as a result of this delay, South Africa's failure to meet the ITU
deadline will have far-reaching effects since there is serious ongoing
prejudice to the economy arising from the delay in freeing up valuable
spectrum.
137. The key economic benefit of the process of digital migration is the
release of valuable radio frequency spectrum known as the 'digital
dividend'. This radio frequency spectrum will be used to provide new
and improved broadcasting services and electronic communications
services such as wireless broadband. It will also be significantly
cheaper to provide wireless broadband using the specific spectrum that
will be released. Since the digital dividend can only be realised after
migration is complete, any delay in the process of migration means a
delay in the release of the digital dividend.
Ad paragraphs 40 to 45
138. I point out, with regard to the allegations in paragraphs 42 and 43, that
viewers will require either an STB pj an iDTV to watch television after
digital migration. e.tv's account implies inaccurately that viewers will
require STBs in perpetuity. This would only be the case if free-to-air
broadcast signals were to be encrypted.
45
Ad paragraph 46
139. It is correct that the inclusion of a control system will protect the
government's investment in the government-subsidised STBs. Clause
5.1.2(B)(b) states as much, while the encryption amendment provides
that the control system will not include encryption capability.
Ad paragraph 47 to 53 (including sub-paragraphs)
140. It is correct that reference has been made to 'STB control' in the
various iterations of the Policy and in the National Standard. What it
means, and the purposes for which it has been required, has not been
made clear.
141. The term 'STB control' has been loosely used. However, the meaning
which Ms Kantor ascribes to the term 'control system', namely, 'the
extent to which STBs can be managed from and interact with a central
point from which broadcasts originate', is flawed and overbroad. It
describes a system involving two-way interactivity which can only be
achieved with encryption.
142. The basic security objectives outlined in the National Standard (and set
out in sub-paragraphs 53.2.1 to 53.2.3) are achievable through
inexpensive software security systems that do not require the
complexity or the expense of encryption.
46
Ad paragraph 54 (including sub-paragraphs)
143. It is correct that the question whether STBs should have a control
system must be distinguished from the question whether such a control
system should have encryption capability. As I have pointed out above,
the Minister has made this distinction in clause 5.1.2(B) of the 2015
Policy.
144. It is also correct that encryption technology is used by all subscription
television operators. It is highly unusual for encryption technology to be
used in the free-to-air terrestrial television environment.
145. Whatever role the encryption of free-to-air signals would play a role in
preventing the importation of cheap, poor quality STBs, this objective
can be pursued by other, less costly means, which I address in detail in
my response to paragraph 56.1 below.
Ad paragraph 55
146. As I have indicated above, e.tv was in 2008 strenuously opposed to the
encryption of free-to-air television broadcasting signals and to the
inclusion of encryption capability in STBs. I note that Ms Kantor does
not either attach e.tv's 2008 submissions (annexed as 'KWI'), or
explain on what grounds e.tv came to reverse its strongly held positions
'after discussions with various players'. For all the reasons set out in
this affidavit, STB control incorporating encryption capability is
critical to protect the interests of free-to-air broadcasters or viewers.
47
Ad paragraph 56
147. For reasons set out above, there is no foundation for e.tv's contention
that encryption of free-to-air broadcast signals serves any public
interest.
Ad paragraph 56.1 (including sub-paragraphs)
148. Encryption is not required to ensure compliance with a minimum set of
specifications. The National Standard sets out the minimum technical
requirements for STBs in South Africa which, it states:
"wi/I result in a low cost, low maintenance unit that provides basicfunctionality, i.e. decoding the DTT broadcasts to provide basebandand UHF modulated outputs, and an Electronic Programme Guide(EPG) that provides details of the available setvices."34
149. The National Standard, together with the other conformance measures
which will be implemented, will 'allow for FTA broadcasts to be received
in the correct format and with the correct features, ensuring a uniform
and reliable viewer experience'.
Section 11 note 1 of the National Standard
48
150. In South Africa, as in other countries, the problem of ensuring
compliance with the National Standard will be addressed by the
implementation of a certification scheme together with a
comprehensive consumer campaign to ensure that consumers are
educated about the advantages of purchasing STBs which bear the
approved 'digital tick' logo, a certification mark that identifies
conformant STBs. To this end, the Department of Trade and Industry
has already funded a conformance testing facility to be administered by
the SABS which will be responsible for the testing of STBs and the
award of the 'digital tick'. The Department of Communications is also in
the process of developing a comprehensive consumer awareness
campaign.
151. Even if this was not the case, and no certification scheme or consumer
awareness campaign was implemented, encryption would still not be
required. The goal of ensuring compliance could be achieved by ICASA
incorporating the National Standard into Type Approval Regulations in
terms of section 35 of the ECA which would render the possession,
use, supply, sale and offer of non-conformant STBs unlawful.
152. Itake issue with Ms Kantor's assumption that viewers with non-
compliant STBs will (ignorantly) ascribe their viewing problems to the
broadcasters or to the OTT platform.
49
153. Consumers who purchase grey' products are likely to be aware of the
risk which they take in doing so. The free-to-air broadcasters will of
course be able to explain to viewers using non-compliant products that
they are unable to improve the viewer experience.
154. The incorporation of encryption capability in basic STBs would be a
disproportionately complex and expensive means of preventing the
sale of non-compliant STBs.
Ad paragraph 56.2 (including sub-paragraphs)
155. I note that e.tv does not aver in direct terms that encryption of signals is
necessary for free-to-air broadcasters to obtain high definition content.
Instead it is alleged that 'e.tv would in the future likely be unable to
provide broadcasts in high definition' because content providers and
studios 'are increasingly tending to require strict levels of security for
the broadcast of HD versions of programmes' and 'this is likely to be
exacerbated as new forms of technology.., are introduced'.35
156. No factual foundation is furnished for these vague and speculative
averments. No indication is given of particular content providers or
studios which require encryption, nor of particular forms of technology
which might necessitate encryption.
Emphasis added
50
157. As I have set out in detail earlier in this affidavit, the non-encryption of
free-to-air broadcasting signals is not an obstacle to the acquisition of
HD content by free-to-air broadcasters. To the contrary, major
providers like CBS and Walt Disney do not require encryption for this
purpose, and leading free-to-air broadcasters globally acquire HO
content without encrypting their signals. I am not aware of any
anticipated technological advances which would change this position.
Ad paragraphs 57
158. M-Net does not so much strenuously contest these views, as point out
that they have no basis in fact whatsoever. So much so, that e.tv's
perpetuation of these fundamental errors raises serious concerns about
e.tv's true motives in its efforts to obtain encryption capability in the
government-subsidised STBs.
Ad paragraph 58
159. It is unsurprising that e.tv does not wish this Court to determine
whether its position on encryption has any factual foundation. It does
not. However, e.tv relies on the reasons which it has put forward, not
only to establish urgency, but also to establish its standing to act in the
public interest.
51
Ad paragraph 59
160. It is correct that the Minister has left the way open for free-to-air
broadcasters to encrypt their signals, if they wish to do so, albeit at
their own cost.
Ad paragraph 60
161. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, the impugned amendments
do not prevent e.tv from making the decision to encrypt its own
free-to-air broadcast signals.
162. I note that e.tv identifies as the focal objective of the review application
'to ensure that the BDM Policy does not prevent it making its own
decision regarding encryption of its own broadcast signal'. This makes
it clear that the application serves a purely commercial purpose, and
not any public interest. As I have explained, e.tv's encryption of its
broadcast signals would serve no public interest.
Ad paragraphs 61 to 69
163. For the reasons set out in paragraphs 46 to 49 above, the e.tv
judgement is not authority for any proposition other than that the ECA
distinguishes between the Minister's power to make policy and ICASA's
power to regulate.
52
164. In 2008 Minister Pule requested the SABC, along with other free-to-air
broadcasters to take responsibility for selecting the SIB control vendor.
It was in this context that the SABC and e.tv began preparing for the
selection and appointment of an STB control vendor.
Ad paragraphs 70 and 71
165. The Minister has respected the ratio for the e.tv judgment, which is that
the Minister makes policy and ICASA regulates. She has made policy
in respect of the government-subsidised STBs and left it to the free-to-
air broadcasters, should they wish to encrypt their signals, to do so at
their own expense.
Ad paragraphs 72 to 74
166. While opinion among all the stakeholders who commented on the 2013
proposed amendments might have been divided, there was a degree of
consensus among the terrestrial broadcasters.
167. Of the ten terrestrial television broadcasters, and the nine free-to-air
terrestrial television broadcasters, e.tv alone supported the proposed
amendments.
Ad paragraphs 75 to 77
168. Whatever the aim of the 2013 proposed amendments was, they
purported to prescribe the incorporation of a control system with
encryption capability in all STBs.
53
Ad paragraphs 78 and 79
169. The facilitation process conducted by Minister Carrim did foster 'a
measure of consensus' among the broadcasters. The consensus
among the SABC, M-Net and the community television broadcasters
was that STBs should not contain encryption capability.
170. ACT-SA, in its submissions on the 2013 proposed amendments,
reflected the outcome of the discussions, and its surprise that Minister
Carrim had paid no attention to it:
"4.1 ACT-SA participated in the Roundtable Discussion convened bythe Minister in September 2013 on the issue of STB controL
4.2 During this process ACT-SA joined the SABC, the emergingmanufacturers and MultiChoice in opposing the inclusion of STBcontrol in the free-to-air set-top-boxes. The only party whichsupported the inclusion of STB control was e.tv.
5. When we consider that every party to the RoundtableDiscussion (other than e.tv) was opposed [to] the inclusion ofSTB control, we are surprised at the language which theMinister presented to Cabinet and the language which nowappears in the proposed amendments".
Ad paragraphs 80 to 92
171. Insofar as e.tv impugns Mr Solly Mokoetle's assessment of the
anticipated 2015 Policy, it once again confuses the issue of whether
free-to-air broadcasters would be free to encrypt their signals (which
they are) and whether they would be able to do so at the expense of
government (which they are not).
54
Ad paragraph 93 (including sub-paragraphs)
172. For reasons already canvassed in this affidavit, the impugned
amendments are entirely consistent with the e.tv judgment, insofar as it
is of application to the issues in this application.
Ad paragraph 94 (including
173. Public debate between the Department of Communications and
USAASA in respect of the tender for government-subsidised STBs is
not relevant to any issue to be determined in this application.
Ad paragraphs 95 to 101
174. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument at the hearing
of this application, M-Net disputes that the Minister was obliged to give
reasons for the impugned amendments.
175. Nor was the Minister required to give reasons for excluding certain
provisions of the Policy, or for any perceived discrepancy between
cabinet and department statements, on the one hand, and the 2015
Policy, on the other. In any event, in respect of the impugned
amendments, the Minister's responses clearly elucidate what is evident
from the words used in the amendments: encryption is possible, but not
at the expense of government.
55
Ad paragraphs 102 to 107 (including sub-paragraphs)
176. Clause 5.1.2(C) of the 2015 Policy states, as a matter of policy, that
individual broadcasters are free to decide whether they wish to encrypt
their content. This clause does not, as is suggested in paragraph 106
of the founding affidavit, confer (or purport to confer) a rIgPt on
broadcasters to encrypt their signals.
177. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, the impugned amendments
do not — in their terms or in their effect - preclude free-to-air
broadcasters from encrypting their signals.
178. The Minister has decided, as a matter of policy, that the government-
subsidised STBs will have a control system which does not include
encryption capability.
179. This will not preclude free-to-air broadcasters from encrypting their
broadcast signals in respect of the five million television households
which receive government-subsidised STBs.
180. The fallacious assumption underlying e.tv's contentions is that e.tv can
only encrypt its signals if the government funds the inclusion of
encryption capability in the government-subsidised STBs.
181. The government has decided, as it is entitled to decide, that the STBs
which it is subsidising should not contain encryption capability.
56
182. e.tv, as a commercial broadcaster, must accordingly decide whether it
is prepared to make the required investment in encryption. e.tv has no
entitlement to be assisted by government to follow this route.
Ad paragraph 108 (including sub-paragraphs)
183. The encryption amendment clearly states that, as a matter of policy,
the SIBs which government will subsidise will not include encryption
capability.
184. This policy decision will inform the technical requirements for the five
million STBs for the manufacture of which a government tender has
been issued.
185. As indicated above, it is not correct that the encryption amendment will
preclude free-to-air broadcasters from encrypting their signals. They
are free to do so, at their own expense. If they choose to incur this
expense, they will be able to encrypt their signals and reach the five
million television-owning households to which they refer. If they choose
not to incur this expense, they must continue to broadcast their signals
unencrypted.
186. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument, the
consequences outlined in paragraph 108.9 are disputed.
57
Paragraphs 109 and 110 (including sub-paragraphs)
187. For the reasons set out in this affidavit, there is no contradiction
between clause 5.1.2(B)(a) and clause 5.1.2(C) of the 2015 Policy, nor
does the encryption amendment fall to be reviewed and set aside on
this basis or any other.
188. The 'catastrophic' consequences outlined in these paragraphs would
follow, not from the encryption amendment, but from e.tv's decision to
encrypt its broadcasting signals without investing in its own customised
STBs with encryption capability.
189. e.tv's comments on the issue of 'coverage' are confused.
190. In the broadcasting environment, 'coverage' refers to the footprint of the
broadcast signal which is determined by network parameters for the
distribution of the broadcast signal. The concept of 'coverage' relates to
the size and scope of the broadcast network and the geographical area
covered by that network. An obligation to reach a particular coverage
area does not mean that everyone in the coverage area must have the
equipment (either an STB or a television set) to receive the
broadcasting signal. For example, viewers within the coverage area
may not even own a television set, yet this would not impact on a
broadcaster's coverage obligations. Provided the broadcast network
distributes the signal across the coverage area, free-to-air broadcasters
will have met their coverage obligations. e.tv's suggestion of a breach
58
by either it or the SABC of the Digital Migration Regulations and/or their
licence conditions is thus without any foundation.
191. Likewise, if e.tv's advertising revenue depends on its reaching a
minimum percentage of households, it cannot encrypt its signals if by
doing so it will lose critical advertising revenue.
192. In each case, e.tv must make a commercial decision and weigh up the
benefits and disadvantages of encryption of its signals.
193. It does not follow that, because e.tv wishes to encrypt its signals,
government must assist it to meet its advertising revenue targets.
194. Once again, I point out that the Minister has not conferred or purported
to confer a 'right' on free-to-air broadcasters with regard to encryption
of their signals.
Ad paragraphs 111 to 112
195. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument, the impugned
amendments do not constitute administrative action under PAJA. Nor
do they, in any event, adversely affect the rights or legitimate
expectations of free-to-air broadcasters or the public.
196. Insofar as e.tv has a right to encrypt its broadcast signal (as opposed to
a right to encrypt its broadcast signal at the expense of government),
the impugned amendments have no adverse effect on this right.
59
197. For reasons which will be dealt with in legal argument, I am advised
and submit that no statements of Minister Carrim did or could have
given rise to any legitimate expectation cognisable under the law.
198. The impugned amendments also have no adverse effect on the public's
constitutional right to receive free-to-air broadcasting services.
Ad paragraph 114
199. For reasons which will be canvassed in legal argument at the hearing
of the application, if the making of policy is reviewable as an exercise of
public power in terms of the constitutional principle of legality, the
impugned amendments do not fall short of any legality standards.
Ad paragraphs 116 to 122
200. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, particularly in paragraphs 86
to 91, the encryption amendment was not ultra vires.
201. The Minister has not purported either to prescribe to free-to-air
broadcasters how to manage STBs or to make binding decisions
relating to STB control. Nor does the encryption amendment have any
'un/awful' effects.
202. The Minister has decided that, as a matter of policy, government-
subsidised STBs will not include encryption capability.
60
203. If e.tv is unable to encrypt its signals without courting commercial
catastrophe, that is because encryption of free-to-air signals has
significant consequences and a broadcaster which wishes to follow this
route must be prepared to invest in the necessary infrastructure.
Ad paragraphs 123 to 128
204. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, particularly paragraphs 92 to
97, the encryption amendment is not irrational or unreasonable.
205. The Minister has not proscribed the encryption of free-to-air broadcast
signals, nor does she have the power, under section 3(1) of the ECA,
to do so. In any event, the encryption amendment does not directly or
indirectly prevent free-to-air broadcasters from encrypting their signals.
206. For reasons which I have set out in this affidavit, the amendments
introduced by the Minister are not self-contradictory.
207. The Minister has stated, in clause 5.1.2(C) of the 2015 Policy, that
broadcasters may encrypt at their own cost if they wish to do so. As I
have indicated, this clause does not confer on free-to-air broadcasters
a 'right' in respect of encryption.
208. It is quite incorrect to say that the serious effects of the encryption
amendment have nothing to do with costs. Added costs for
government and consumers are among the most serious implications
of including encryption capability in the government-subsidised STBs.
Ad paragraphs 129 to 135
61
209. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, particularly in paragraphs 98
to 101, the non-mandatory STB amendment is not irrational or
unreasonable, and the corrective remedy which e.tv seeks is neither
competent, nor is there any basis for it.
Ad paragraphs 136 to 144
210. For all the reasons set out in this affidavit, particularly in paragraphs
102 to 107, the process pursuant to which the impugned amendments
were made was not procedurally unfair.
211. The ECA does not require the Minister, prior to making amendments to
a policy issued in terms ot section 3(1), to publish the proposed
amendments for comment, or to consult ICASA or USAASA.
212. In any event, the impugned amendments were made after
parties had had an opportunity to comment exhaustively
whether STBs should include a control system with
response to the 2013 proposed amendments.
all interested
on the issue
encryption in
62
CONCLUSION
213. On all the grounds and for all the reasons set out in this affidavit, I ask
that the application be dismissed with costs, including the costs of two
counsel.
KAREN HELENA WILLENBERG
The Deponent has acknowledged that she knows and understands thecontents of this affidavit which was signed and sworn to before me aton this the .&1L. day of May 2015, the regulations contained inNotice No. 1258 of 21 July 1972, as amended and Government Notice No.
R 1648 of 17 August 1977, as amended having been complied with.
COMMISSIONER OF OATHS
GISELLE ANDREA CLEMSONLe Var, North Block, South Wing
45 Jan Smuts Avenue(Corner The Valley Road)Westolift, Johannesburg
Practising Aft orney, Commissioner of Oaths
1
e.tv SUBMISSION TO THE pEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ON THE DRAFT
SHORT-FORM SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE BASIC FREE-TO-AIR DTT SET TOP
BOX
1. Introduction
1.1 e.tv thanks the Department of Communications for the opportunity to
make this submission on the draft short-form specifications on the digital
terrestrial television ("DTT") set top box ('SIB").
1.2 Since the formation of the Digital Migration Working Group in 2005, e.tv has
played a central role in contributing to policy formulation together with other
stakeholders.
1,3As e.tv is South Africa's only private commercial free-to-air television
licensee, relying entirely on advertising for its revenue and with no access to
public, state or subscription funding, the process of digital migration of free-to-
air services is critical to the future of e,tv's business. As a free-to-air
broadcaster e.tv competes for advertising with the SABC, which dominates
the advertising market in South Africa, as well as with M Net and DSTV. Any
adverse effects of digital migration on e.tv's free-to-air business will have a
knock-on effect on its shareholder base.
1.4e.tv is owned by Sabido (Pty) Limited ("Sabido"), the majority of whose shares
are held by Hosken Consolidated lnvdstments Limited ("hICI"). HCI is a
leading Black Economic Empowerment ("BEE") listed on the JSE and is
South Africa's Number 1 financial services BEE company. The BEE
component of HCI is approximately 54.3% with approximately 40% of its
shares being held by the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union
("SACTWU'D. HCI is controlled by SACTWU. and its social benefit trusts. The
members of SACTWU comprise approximately 100 000 clothing and textile
workers. The beneficiaries of the trusts are these workers together with their
2
dependants. A large portion of investment income from I-Id and its
subsidiades (including e.tv) is allocated to SACTWU welfare programmes to
provide the social benelits to SACIWU members and their dependants. Over
the last six years some R15 million of funding per annum has been provided
to the fund's social responsibility programmes. The range of projects funded
by the welfare programmes primarily covers educational support, employment
creation and protection projects, RIV AIDS, healthcare projects and housing.
HCI is one of the few companies on the JSE where broadly based black
empowerment shareholders with substantial social responsibility initiatives
have a major economic interest.
1 .5At the outset, e.tv records its concerns about the process followed in
developing the draft short-form specifications:
1.5.1 e.tv attended a workshop on DTT STB specifications in Sandton in
June 2007 ("the Sandton meeting"). At this meeting certain issues,
specifically whether conditional access should be included in the STB,
were the subject of debate and disagreement between the parties. e.tv
was one of the parties which opposed the basic entry-level STB
incorporating conditional access ('CA") or being CA-ready, while the
SABC and several key STB manufacturers were in favour of CA in the
basic free-to-air OTT box. e.tv raised a range of economic, competition
and legal concerns in this regard both at the meeting and in written
submissions to the DoC. To date, none of these concerns have been
addressed in any manner. Despite the fact that the Sandton meeting
concluded that a further draftof the specifications would be
shortly, no such draft was circulated.
.1.5.2 In February 2008 it came to e.tv's attention that there had been secret
meetings between the Dod and South African set-top-box
manufactUrers regarding the STB specifications. South African set-top-
3
box thanufacturers have a vested financial interest in the design and
specifications of the SIB as they stand to benefit directly and
financially from the production and sale of the STBs. At least one of
these meetings had also been attended by the Chair of the Digital
Dzonga who is also the SABC employee responsible for the SABC's
digital migration. The SABC is e.tv's primary competitor in the free-to-
air terrestrial television market. e,tv was excluded from these secret
meetings.
1.5.3 Following repeated approaches by e.tv to the DoC regarding the issue
of the SIB, the DoG sent to e.tv, on 29 February 2008, an invitation to
a "final set top box specifications workshop" to be held on 6 March
2008. At a briefing by the Minister of Communications to Parliament's
Portfolio Committee on Communications on 4 March 2008, a
representative of the DoC said that the DoC had already determined
which box it wanted and that this would be presented to broadcasters
for their consideration before being sent, the following week, to the
South African Bureau of Standards (SASS) for He
also admitted that the SABC had had an advantage among
broadcasters as the Chair of the Digital Dzonga, who had attended at
least one meeting, was also an SABC employee. On the same day (4
March 2008) e.tv's CEO wrote to the Director-General of the DoC to
record e.tv's concerns at the Also on the same day, two days
prior to the scheduled workthop date, e.tv received a draft short-form
STB specification. It had insufficient time to consider the document
prior to the workshop on 6 March 2008. In addition, e.tv did not receive
the long-form specification for comment despite the fact that it now
appears that this document existed at the time.
1.5.4 During the workshop on 6 March 2008, e.tv raised with the DoC, a
representative of the set top box manufacturers and the Chair of the
4
Digital Dzonga (all of whom attended the meeting) the concerns set out
above, among others. e.tv also noted that it has expected a workshop
between all the interested parties to take place at which e.tv would be
able to consider the submissions made by other stakeholders and
those stakeholders would be able to hear e.tv's submissions. However,
each stakeholder was met separately (and in private) by the DoC and
the Chair of the Digital Dzonga. While the Chair of the Digital Dzonga
(an SABC employee) has been in a position to hear and consider
submission all stakeholders in the process, etv (the SABC's only
competitor) has not had the same opportunity.
1.5.5 During the meeting e.tv requested the DoC, the Chair of the Digital
Dzonga and the representative of the set top box manufacturers to
provide it with an indication of the pricing of the main components
reflected in the set top box specification. It is no secret among other
stakeholders that one of e.tv's primary concerns with the inclusion of
CA or CA-ready components in the STB is the cost which this would
add to the STB. Despite the parties agreeing that this information
would be supplied to e.tv and despite repeated requests by e,tv during
the past week, this information has not been supplied to e.tv. Because
e.tv was unable to fully consider the document in the short time
available to it, e.tv requested that the DoC provided it with the
opportunity to seek urgent technical advice on the SIB and revert with
a written submission on 17 March 2008. At the time e.tv believed the
process would be put on hold until it had the opportunity to make this
recommendation and have it considered by all relevant parties
including the DoC.
1.5.6 On '10 March 2008, on the advice of e.tv's STB consultant, e.tv
requested a copy of the full specification for the STE as the consultant
found it difficult to comment properly on the short-form dralt
specifications because they lacked sufficient detail. While e.tv had not
S
at any stage been advised that such a document existed, e.tv
requested a copy of this document from the DoC but received no
response to its e-mail.
1.5.7 On 12 March 2008, at a meeting of the South African Bureau of
Standards IC 74 committee to consider this matter, e.tv discovered for
the first time that a full SIB specification had in fact been drafted by
the set top box manufacturers and the DoC but that the existence and
contents of this document had been kept secret from e.tv.
1.5.8 While e.tv has used its best endeavours to make comments on the
draft short-form STB specs in this submission, it is limited in its
submission given that it:
1.5.8.1 has still not received a copy of the full specification to
comment on;
1.5.8.2 did not receive the component pricing breakdown as
requested;
1.5.8.3 has not had sight of the submissions of other stakeholders
and has not had the opportunity to hear the arguments of other
stakeholders concerning the STB.
1.5.9 e.tv is also concerned that the delays in establishing the Digital
Dzonga have resulted in a situation where there has been no
representation of átakeholders in decisionà which directly at!ect them
and no procedure for making decisions on critical issues affecting
industry stakeholders.
1.5.10 As stated above, on 12 March 2008 e.tv attended a meeting of the
TC74 committee ("the committee") of the South African Bureau of
6
Standards ("SABS"). At this meeting, the committee set out the
procedure required for setting a standard for the SIB, particularly that:
1.5.1 9.1 an STB working group (as a sub-group of TC74) be set up
to discuss and recommend the standard for the STB;
1.5.10.2 this working group be broadly representative of all the
stakeholders in the industry including broadcasters and that it be
chaired by an independent person (Linden Petzer); and,
1.5,10.3 the full draft STB specification be provided to all the
members of this working group for their consideration.
1.5.11 At the TC74 meeting on 12 March 2008 the DoC endorsed the process
outlined by SABS. e,tv would like to place on record that it also
supports the procedure for determining the STB standard as set out in
the SABS committee meeting. In the circumstances, a copy of.this
submission will, as requested by the 1074 committee, also be
submitted to the TC74 SIB working group.
2. GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT SNORT FORM TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 e.tv's comments relate to the draft short4orm specifications. The comments
are limited by the fact that e.tv has not received a copy of the long-form
spedfications which were drafted' by the set top box manufacturers and the
DoC e,tv therefore reserves its right to submit further comments as and when
the long-form specification is made available to it.
2.2e.tv's comments primarily concern the inclusion in the STB of components
which envisage the introduction of conditional access (CA). At the workshop
7
on 6 March 2008 representatives of the DoC stressed that the draft
specifications did not provide include CA in the STB. However the
documents provided to e.tv prior to this workshop clearly envisage the
introduction of CA and the draft specification requires components which are
only necessary to support CA. The relevant statements in the documents are:
2.2.1 "It is specified to be capable of supporting both Interactive Services
using MHEG at launch and Conditional Access at a later stage."
(emphasis added) (second bullet point on page four of the powerpoint
document entitled "DTI SIB specifications 4 March 2008" ('the
powerpoint document")).
2.2.2 "It therefore contains a secure loader, secure bootstrap and
"cardless" CA capabilIty at inception." (third bullet point on page
four of the powerpoint document).
2.2.3 liSmaticard interface optional — main functions will be addressabilitY,
licence •fee collection and geographic control, which can be
implemented through a combination of MHEG/Sl and a cardless CA
solution". (emphasis added) (second bullet point on page 14 of the
powerpoint document).
2.2.4 "The decoder specification allows for the adoption of a software
based conditional access system .. .' (emphasis added). (Page 4 of
document titled "SIB specification explanation").
2.3 In South Africa, digital migration primarily concerns the migration of existing
analogue free-to-air television services — SABC1, 2 and 3 and e.tv — to
digital. Conditional access is a pay-TV concept and is wholly unsuited to free-
to-air television. Introducing mandatory CA into a free-to-air terrestrial
environment fundamentally changes the nature of free-to-air television
broadcasting — in essence, it removes the control over access to free-to-air
8
television from the viewer/citizen to the broadcaster transmission provider or
a third party.
2.4 In the analogue environment, no person other than the viewer has any control
over the viewer's access to free-to-air television services — all the viewer
requires is a television set and, if necessary, an aerial. The acquisition of this
receiving equipment is entirely the viewer's responsibility and s/he exercises
full control over the equipment and consequently over her/his access to free-
to-air television. Inclusion of CA in the STB removes the viewer's control over
her/his access to free-to-air television and places it in the hands of another
party — the party which will the SIB.
2.5e.tv is not aware of any other free-to-air television environment where CA has
been introduced to manage access to free-to-air television. é.tv further
understands that no other country embarking on digital migration has used or
intends to include CA in the basic free-to-air STB. e.tv submits that the
envisaged inclusion of CA in the basic free-to-air STB raises critical
constitutional economic, financial and competition issues, none of which
appear to have been considered in the process of determining the draft
specifications. e.tv further submits that the sketchy arguments set out in
favour of CA in the basic free-to-air SIB do not justify the disproportionate
impact which the inclusion of CA in this SIB will have on the free-to-air
television environment. Indeed, as set out below, there are less intrusive and
less expensive means for achieving many of the security measures which
have been raised as apparent industry concerns.
2.6 In addition, in many instances, it is not clear why CA is being proposed as a
solution for a basic free-to-air STB and it appears that certain decisions have
been based on proposals from the SABC which e.tv has not had sight of.
9
3. Arguments relating to the necessity of CA in the basic free-to-air STB
3.1 e.tv submits that the documents that have beau provided to it concerning the
draft specifications for the basic SIB do not provide sufficient justification why
it is necessary that the box includes CA or must be CA-ready. Nor does it
appear that there has been any consideration of alternative measures to CA
to achieve the objectives which are alluded to in the documents. e.tv submits
that the consideration of alternatives is critical given:
3.1.1 the complexities and expense which the inclusion of CA in the basic
SIB adds to the entire digital migration process;
3.1.2 the constitutional, economic and competition issues which it raises,
which have not been addressed and which are potentially highly
prejudicial to free-to-air broadcasters relying solely on advertising for
income (and with no public or state subsidy), such as e.tv; and
3.1.3 the use of CA in a free-to-air environment is highly unusual and
untested in comparable jurisdictions.
3.2 Despite the fact that the necessity for the inclusion of CA in a free-to-air STB
has not been properly motivated, e.tv has attempted to address some of the
concerns expressed to it various discussions including comments made at
the SABS 1C74 meeting
3.2.1 The need to prevent "grey imports"
.1 Firstly, it is not clear what is meant by the term "grey
imports"; It is also not clear whether the intention here is to stop
"any imports" or just those which do not meet a basic standard. At
the SABS TC74 meeting on 12 March, the DoC representative
10
stated that the reason that the long-form specification had been
kept secret was that there was a concern that foreign companies
would begin to manufacture STBs for import into South Africa.
3.2.1.2 e,tv submits that it is contrary to South Africa's trade
obligations to design a specification in such a manner as to block
imported goods from competing with locally manufactured goods.
The SABS committee confirmed that a SABS standard would not
exclude an STB on the basis of where it was manufactured — the
committee stated that provided an SIB met the required SABS
standard it would qualify for SABS approval whether it was
manufactured within or outside the country.
3.2.1.3 If the intention of the set top box manufacturers is to use CA
to create a closed system which effectively shuts out foreign
imports (whether or not they comply with the standard), e.tv
submits that this would be unlawful and in breach of South African
trade agreements. It would also cause unnecessary complications
down the line, particularly when integrated digital TV sets are
introduced into the market. e.tv submits that this is a matter for
considered policy formulation and that it cannot be addressed by
creating a closed market through introducing mandatory CA in the
basic free-to-air STB. e.tv further submits that, from a policy point of
view, a lawful and more constructive approach would be the
Incentivizing of local manufacturers in the production of STBs
rather than the attempted blocking of imports. In addition, e.tv
requests the DoC to investigate whether the local set top box
manufacturing industry the capacity to produce 10 million
boxes within the space of three years starting in 2008.
3.2.1.4 If the concern is that the imported goods would not meet the
SABS specifications (i.e. inferior products), then this can be
11
addressed through means other than creating a closed system with
a CA-controlled box. The following lawful measures could be
considered:
3.2.1.4.1 Make the standard mandatory and provide for conformance
testing. Both SABS and ICASA can provide this facility;
3.2.1.4.2 There are secure technical solutions that can ensure that
non-compliant Imports are unable to provide the full
functionality of a locally developed and certified STB (e.g.
restricting access to the EPG application the extended
programme information, and 7 day programme schedules).
This will not add cost to the STB bill of materials (BoM) and
would require a minimal development overhead.
3.2.1.4.3 consumer education and awareness campaign (which
broadcasters could support with airtime):
3.2.1.4.3.1 To promote South African STBs; and,
3.2.1.4.3.2 To warn consumers, of the dangers of buying grey
products.
In addition broadcasters would be required only to
advertise STBs with a Digital Dzonga or.ICASA approved
logo — in the same manner as employed by Freeview and
Digital UK in the United Kingdom.
3.2.1.4.4 consumer incentives at retail level (i.e. discount vouchers,
etc.).
12
3.2.2 The need to prevent the export of a state-subsidised STB
3.2.2.1 Firstly, there is no clarity on how the proposed subsidy would
work — whether the subsidy would be granted to the manufacturer
or retailer or whether individual viewers would receive a direOt
subsidy and how they would do so. e.tv submits that it is essential
to select the subsidy system prior to implementing measures which
may or may not be necessary to prevent the export of subsidized
STBs. For example, in an environment where no direct STB
subsidy is provided, it is not clear whether blocking this opportunity
is in agreement with the other governmental of increasing
exports to other African countries.
3.2.2.2 In any event, there are secure technical solutions (which do
not require CA) that would ensure any South African free-to-air STB
that had been exported into another broadcast network would not
operate as specified. This could either result in the STB not tuning
to any transmission (i.e. blank screen), or only providing basic
zapper features (e.g. no EPG or schedule information).
3.2.3 Ability to turn off decoders
3.2.3.1 e.tv submits that there is no reasonable policy basis for
including CA in the basic free-to-air STB in order to enable the
switching off of an individual's access to free-to-air television. The
reference to the necessity to be able to switch off the STB in case
of theft do not justify the inclusion of CA in the STB — there is
currently no means of switching off television sets in the case of
theft even though the television set is a far more expensive piece of
equipment and without a television set the box is useless. In any
event, this would require a box management system for
13
approximately 10 million households by 2011 — the costs of such a
management system far outweigh any benefit which may be gained
by inhibiting theft. It is also questionable whether integrated digital
television sets would be subject to the same forms of control.
3.2.3.2 In addition any measure which allows control over the
access by individuals to free-to-air television fundamentally
changes the nature of FTA television. In successful free-to-air DTT
models around the world, the box is the consumers responsibility -
it is not the responsibility of the transmission network, broadcaster
or any third party. A model where the network or other third party is
responsible for the box is a pay TV model and not a free-to-air
model.
3.2.4 Stop the download of unauthorized software
3.2.4.1 It is unclear what advantages this capability provides in a
free-to-air environment.
3.2.4.2 In a subsidised environment securing the STB against
unauthorised code installation is critical. However, the level of
protection should be commensurate with the economic cost of
mass-market piracy. At a subsidy level of <$5 (i.e. a levelling of the
cost differences between local and far eastern manufacturers),
jimple protection methods such as signing and the physical
protection of the code in the hardware of the memory subsystems,
would provide a significant economic barrier to mass market piracy.
These methods provide a level of protection that has been in
operation in the United Kingdom market in both free-to-air and pay-
TV networks for 10 years without significant piracy issues. The
manufacturing cost of this method is minimal.
14
3,24.3 In the UK Freeview market some manufacturers implement a
simple challenge/response password protection on an external data
interface.
3.2.5 Licence fee collection and addressable messaging
3.2.5.1 The SABC has previously stated that it wants CA to be included in
the basic free-to-air STB as a means of controlling access to
television by viewers on the basis of whether they have paid their
licence fees. The documents concerning the STB specification
specifically refer to 'control over access to services which may be
in the form of reminder messages and not simply turning off the
decoder" (page 4 of STB Specification Explanation). This certainly
envisages that including CA in the basic free-to-air STB is a means
of removing control from the viewer (where the viewer alone
determines whether or not s/he has access to a free-to-air service)
and vesting it in the SABC or a third party
3,2,5.2 e.tv submits that this raises critical constitutional issues in that it
infringes on the right of viewers to freedom of expression. In the
current environment no person, and certainly no broadcaster, can
controlthe access by an individual viewer to free-to-air television
services. In the DTT environment, with the inclusion of in the
basic free-to-air STB, the viewer's access to the free-to-air services
will be controlled by the broadcaster or a third party.
3.2.5.3 The SABC has also argued the necessity of CA in the basic
free-to-air STB on the basis of "addressable messaging". Again, it
is not clear what is meant by "addressable messaging", what the
SABC seeks tc achieve by it and whether there has beert- any
consideration of less intrusive and less costly measures to achieve
the same objectives. For example, it may be possible to using other
15
personal messaging products (e.g. mobile SMS) to achieve the
same goals.
3.2.5.4 It may also be the case that in a significant number of cases
a free-to-air SIB may be passed to multiple viewers across its
lifespan. As a result the original link between subscriber
purchaser and CA account holder) and the entitled viewer could be
incorrect.
3.2.5.5 Moreover, the co-operation of pay-TV operators will be
required to providing a consistent experience in pay-TV and free-to-
air environments. For example if the SABC sends screen
messages or switches off a licence defaulter who views his
services on a basic free-to-air STB, how will the SABC address or
switch off a licence defaulter who views his free-to-air services on a
DSTV decoder? Given that the DSTV viewer is more likely to be. in
a position to afford his/her licence fee, this would result in an
inequitable situation.
3.2.5.6 If the SABC's intention is to provide broadcast messages (as
opposed to individual addressable messaging) there are simple
non-CA dependant technical solutions to achieve this goal through
the use of interactive applications.
3.2.5.7 In any event, the necessity of any of these services is
unclear giyen the government's stated intention to do away with the
SABC licence fee.
3.2.6 CA not required for e-governnient
The e-government objectives which the DoC has referred to can be
addressed through applications in the middleware of the basic free-to-
16
air STB. CA or a CA-re'aady STB is unnecessary to enable e-
government.
4. Arguments against the inclusion of CA in the STB
4,1 e.tv has set out above the reason why the apparent arguments in favour of
CA do not justify the inclusion of CA in the basic free-to-air STB.. now sets
out the technical legal, economic and competition factors which militate
against the inclusion of CA in the basic STB:
4.1.1 The cost of including CA in the basic free-to-air STB
4.1.1.1 Both the CA itself, as well as the various security elements
(necessary only to support CA) which are proposed to be inserted
into the STB from the outset, add costs to the basic free-to-air SIB.
This is unjustifiable In a situation where most South Africans rely on
free-to-air television for their information needs and where most
cannot afford the STB. Each additional cost to the basic free-to-air
STB makes the STB more unaffordable for low-income viewers and
therefore inhibits their access to free-to-air television.
4.1.1.2 In addition, the inclusion of CA in the basicSTB means that,
in addition to the royalties payable to the CA vendor for every box,
there will be significant ongoing costs in managing the SIB both
from a security and a subscriber/viewer management perspective.
The cost of turning the free-to-air television environment into one
which is controlled through CA is not a once-off cost. These are
ongoing costs which are ordinarily carried by pay-TV operators who
cover such costs from their subscribers. In the free-to-air
environment, free-to-air broadcasters will need to carry these
ongoing operational costs without any additional income stream.
17
4.1.1.3 Ihefollowing components necessary for CA add costs to the
basic free-to-air STB in circumstances where CA is unnecessary for
viewers to receive free-to-air television. e.tv has requested the
costing on these components from the DoC but they have not been
made available:
4.1.1.3.1 Costs which CA adds to the box:
Cost of CA and security elements to make SIB CA ready (CA
drivers, secure bootloader, secure download):
o Secure processor core;
o Smart card interface;
o CA driver development and integration per CA vendor
o CA supplier compliancy testing per CA vendor
Cost of above (BoM) amortised over 100k volume; US$4.20
(SAR33) per SiB.
• Additional cost for per box CA royalty costs between <$1 and $5
per SIB, depending on the level of content security required.
4.1.1.3.2 Costs which CA adds at source
Set up costs:
• Cost of integrating CA at the head end;
• Set up costs for subscriber/viewer
management systems (scalable to 8 to 10
million households);
• Set-up costs for customer call centre (scalable
to 8 to 10 million households);
18
• Set up costs for trusted3Fd party (secure
environment).
Annual costs:
• Annual cost of Trusted Third Party (secure
management and control of software download
processes)
Annual cost of code updates (multiplex
bandwidth allocation and scheduling on per
box' basis)
• Annual operating costs for subscriber/viewer
management systems (scalable to 8 to 10
million households);
• Annual operating costs for customer call centre
(scalable to 8 to 10 million households);
• Cost of replacing 8 to 10 million, boxes in the
- event of a security breach on cardless CA.
4.1.1.4 It is evident that in the drafting of the STB the
financial implications of including CA in the STB or making the STB
CA-ready were not considered. At a briefing in Parliament's
Portfolio committee on Communications on 7 March 2008, the
National Treasury stated that broadcasters would be required to
finance the digital migration process through the tariffs payable to
Sentech for signal distribution. e.tv is deeply concprned that the
addition of extensiVe operating costs by the unnecessary inclusion
of CA in the basic free-to-air STB will be passed to broadcasters.
As a free-to-air broadcaster which is entirely dependent on
advertising revenue and which has no access to public or state
funding e.tv is concerned at the implications on the future of its
business of the unnecessary inclusion of CA in the basic free-to-air
STB.
44.
19
4.1.2 Technical difficulties with cardless CA
4.1.2.1 The draft short-form specifications propose a cardiess GA
solution for the basic free-to-air STB.
4.1.2.2 e.tv is unaware of any other encrypted broadcast platform
with no return path, using a cardless CA system (free-to-air or pay-
- TV). e.tv is concerned that consideration is being given to an
untested and untried CA system in an environment where:
4.1.2.2.1 DTT is launching in less than eight months time;
4.1.2.2.2 south Africa has set the shortest dual illumination timeframe
in the world; and,
4.1.2.2.3 There is regarding subsidies for dual illumination.
4.1.2.3 With cardless CA, the economic risk of a hack to the CA
system has a higher impact, as recovery involves STB replacement
as opposed to a normal card replacement. This means that if the
system is hacked after the STB5 have been rolled out to the
existing eight million South African TV households, each of these
STBs will have to be replaced. In a card-based system CA
providers usually expect a card replacement aff.Qr —5yrs in
operation. A secure processor is predicted to strengthen the
protection of the CA system; however cardless CA creates the
potential for high commercial impact, irrespective of the probability
of occurrence. e.tv submits that the consequences of the decision
to implement cardless CA has not been adequately considered in
the process of drafting the STB specifications.
4.1.2.4 Moreover, it is unlikely that any existing CA vendor would
merely accept the security of the cardless CA system (for future
20
implementation). As there is presently preferred CA provider
significant costs and time delays will be incurred by the set top box
manufacturers if the SIB has to be qualified against all potential CA
providers. If it is not qualified against all potential CA providers
there is a considerable possibility that no existing CA provider will
be willing to risk its CA in the cardless CA system. This would
render the entire process of producing a CA-ready box
meaningless and wasteful.
4.1.2.5 The responsibility of the Trusted Third Party has not been
clearly defined although it is expected that this body will be
responsible for the security of the download mechanism. As such,
the entity will itself need to be qualified as secure by each of the
potential CA vendors (which may require secure environments,
and well as servers and networks). Again if it is not qualified by all
potential CA providers there is a considerable possibility that no
existing CA provider will be willing to risk its CA in the cardless CA
system with the same consequences as set out In paragraph
4.1.2.4 (above).
4.1.3 Secure software download
4.1.3.1 A mandatory requirement for a secure download mbchanism
creates additional complexity in the STB development cycle (hence
cost), which Is unnecessary for the purpose of delivering free-to-air
content S part of the digital migration process.
4.1.3.2 By its very nature, a free-to-air service has no ongoing
commitment to the viewer other than to continue broadcasting.
Hence the only beneficiary of a download service would be a
manufacturer wanting to increase the reliability of a deployed
product. Over time manufacturers will respond to consumer choice
21
by implementing and using a download service if it is necessary for
their own products. It is therefore unnecessary to incorporate this in
the basic free-to-air STB.
4.1.3.3 Security within the download is only required if there is a
revenue stream or cost associated with the entity being protected.
In the defined free-to-air platform, the STB as deployed is capable
of supporting the free-to-air business models and as a result there
is no need for a broadcaster to update the deployed STB. In
addition the very low cost of the STB platform provides little
incentive for the professional pirate to entertain the cost of
repurposing the STB through an unauthorised download (assuming
any subsidisation of the cost is less than the cost of repurposing the
STB). There are limited if any additional capabilities that a pirate
could enable through modifying deployed software.
4.1.3.4 In the UK Freeview service, it is not mandated in the
baseline Freeview specification STB. and manufacturers support
various mechanisms with a range of security methods to implement
software download.
4.1.3.5 Ultimately downloading code live is a costly exercise.
Bandwidth needs to be reserved on a multiplexer for extended
periods1. Using a forced download, 80% success can be achieved
in 2 or 3 days, 99% coverage can take >2 weeks.
4.1.3.6 In operiting a consumer Opt-in download, it is unlikely a
manufacturer would ever be able to update all the STBs in the
installed base.
IFor code size4MB, cycle times — 120 mins, +5kb/s on all muxes. Sentech as transmission
operator must also consider scheduling of capacity based on request from every person with SIB
in field.
22
4.1.4. The secure processor
The strength of the STB security provided by the requirement for a
secure processor (embodied by the secure boot, and download
functionality) could be seen as excessive considering the
commercial value of free-to-air content, and the STB itself. In the
UK, in both Freeview, and pay-N networks (exci. the HD PVR) a
secure processor is not a mandatory STB requirement. In addition it
is unclear whether the core silicon providers will increase the price
to recover the additional costs involved in managing and
configuring the silicon for an individual CA provider.
4.1.5 The SIB as an interim measure
4,1.5.1 The purpose of the basic free-to-air DTT box is to enable
analogue television sets to receive and display the digital signal. It
is intended as an interim or bridging measure to ensure ongoing
reception of free-to-air television signals pending the introduction of
integrated digital television sets (idTVs) and pending the viewer's
ability to afford such a digital TV set. It is not clear how such
television sets would work in the event that CA was mandated in
the basic free-to-air STB as it would require that all such television
sets also be CA-enabled. The cost of producing such television
sets solely for the South African market (as they would have to be
configured specifically for the closed market which results from
free-to-air boxes incorporating mandatory CA), would be
prohibitive. -
4.1.5.2 If CA is mandated, idTV's will require a DVB Common
Interface slot (or equivalent add-on) in order to be made compatible
with the DTT services. These modules are currently retailing in the
23
UK for (R450). This would constitute a significant and
unnecessary expense for the South African viewer in order merely
to receive free-to-air television services.
4.1.6 CompetItion difficulties with mandatory CA
4.1,6.1 Including mandatory CA In the basic free-to-air STB or
mandating a CA-ready basic free-to-air STB ultimately provides an
automatic market of 8 million + households for pay-TV operators in
circumstances where they would otherwise not have such access.
In effect, if a subsidy is involved, government would be subsidising
one industry player ahead of others.
4.1.6.2 As the CA would be in all STBs, this would effectively result
in South Africa adopting a CA standard using a particular CA and
excluding all others, to the benefit of the company which owns the
CA system. Given the likelihood that the basic free-to-air STB will
be subsidised through public funding, this raises serious
competition issues — in effect the government would be subsidising
the profits of a single CA provider in circumstances where CA is
unnecessary for the purposes of digital migration.
4.2e.tv further submits that the inclusien of CA-necessary components in the
basic free-to-air STB 'in case of' the introduction of CA at a later stage — and
thus avoid addressing these issues now — would constitute an unnecessary
and wasteful exercise. There is nothing preventing the development and
manufacture of more technologically advanced boxes during the course. of
digital migration and giving interested consumers the opportunity to acquire
such STBs.
24
5. Conclusion
5.1 e.tv's position on the basic free-to-air STB for OTT is based on the following
principles:
5.1.1 Allowing the consumer the greatest possible choice. This is based on
the principle that the consumer is being compelled to purchase a box
to continue to watch free-to-air television.
5.1.2 Ensuring that the box is as low-cost as possible to ensure that as many
people as possible can afford it. This is based on the fact that most
South Africans simply cannot afford to buy a box and will need to be
subsidised in one way or another.
5.1.3 Limiting government's exposure to high subsidy costs. Once again, the
cheapest possible box will achieve this purpose as in this case more
people will be able to purchase the STB and the cost of the subsidy will
be lower.
5.1.4 Making the STB (including repairs, maintenance and upgrades) the
responsibility of the consumer as would be the case with a normal
television set. The box is merely a bridging mechanism to allow
analogue television sets to receive a digital signal — when digital
television sets are available on a large scale, the box will no longer be
required. The notion of such a basic box is in line with international
experience including the United Kingdom.
5.2 In this context, the inclusion of CA in the basic free-to-air STB runs contrary to
all of the principles. It is unnecessary for digital migration, it
adds costs to the STB, it adds extensive costs to broadcasters and
transmission operators by requiring enormous (for 8 to 10 million households)
subscriber/viewer management systems and call centres (in the absence of
25
additional revenue streams), it inhibits consumer choice and increases the
subsidy cost to government.
5.3e.tv submits that, given the tight timeframes for digital migration and the short
period of dual illumination, South Africa should adopt tried and tested
approaches in successful digital migration markets such as the United
Kingdom. This includes making the basic free-to-air STB simple and
affordable so that there is a minimal delay in the production and take-up of
DTT STBs.
5.4e.tv thanks the DoC for the opportunity to make these submissions and would
like to reiterate its firm commitment to a fast-tracked and successful South
African digital migration process.civ
17 March 2008
II
SABCVuka Sizwe!
16 May 2008
Themba PhiriDepartment of CommunicationsPrivate Bag X860Pretoria0001
Dear Themba
STB CONTROL
As you are aware, there has in recent months been intense debate about the possibilityof including conditional access in the minimum specifications for the DII Set-Top Box.The SABC has been one of the proponents of the argument that the basic STB shouldbe capable of having some form of conditional access, It has been our view that thisneed not be a conditional access system along the lines of the traditional, costlysystems used for pay-TV but that some form of hybrid solution using only a software-based solution may suffice.
This continues to be our view.
While we acknowledge the fact that there has been vociferous opposition to conditionalaccess by other broadcasters, we are of the view that stakeholders are speaking atcross-purposes on this issue.
We therefore wish to make a proposal on how this matter might be resolved in theBroadcasting Digital Migration Policy and final SIB specification. In essence, webelieve that there is general agreement on many of the core issues related toconditional access. We believe that reformulating the issue as one of STB control andmaking clear that there is no intention to limit viewers' access to free-to-air television,should help ensure the support of different stakeholders and enable the Department tomove forward on this mailer.
1. Importance of STB control
There are various public-interest reasons why some form of control of the SIB isimportant. It should be noted that this SIB control can be achieved through certainhardware specifications, security requirements and the inclusion of STB control
South African Broadcasting corporation Limited Registration Number: 2003/023915/06Non-Executive Directors Ms Kanyisiwe Mkonza (chairperson), Ms christine Ounta (Deputy chairperson), Prof. Ailson
Oiiiiwaid, Ms Fadiia Lagadien, Ms Gloria Serobe, Ms Nadia Bulbutia, Adv Pansy Tiakula, Mr A Mbeki, Mr Peter vundla,Mr Desmond CoWing, Mr Ashwin Trikamjee, Mr Bheki KhumaioExecutive Directors: Adv. Dali Mpofu (Group Chief Executive Officer), Ms chariotte Manipane (Acting) Chief Operating Officer)Mr Robin Nicholson (chiol Financial officer)company Secretary (Acting) Ntando Simelane
software. The encryption of services is not required. This would therefore not be aconditional access system in the traditional sense of the term.We believe the public-interest reasons for STB control should have the support of allstakeholders. These public-interest reasons are:
To prevent subsidisod STBs leaving SA
• There is a real risk that STBs could be shipped out of South Africa and used inother territories. This has happened in other jurisdictions. If the South AfricanSTBs are subsidized, this would effectively mean that government funds wouldbe wasted. This should obviously be avoided and can be prevented byconfiguring the STB so that it is able to validate authenticated networkmessages and parameters and only operates in their presence.
• For the method to remain secure in the long term the use of asymmetriccryptography is essential. In this way discovery of keys held in the STBs wouldnot allow hackers to generate legitimate messages. It must not be possible tochange these keys within the STB, or at least the cost must be greater thanmanufacturing a new STB, However, it may not be necessary for these keys tobe kept secret for the system to remain secure, as there is no requirement toencrypt broadcast services using secret keys. Ideally the keys and the uniqueaddress would be programmed into the chipset at the time of chipsetmanufacture. Alternative but less secure means might allow for the informationto be programmed during STB manufacture, It is not possible to programme thisunique data at a later stage, since the means to target any message carryingunique data is dependent on the address and means of validation being presentin the STB.
To be able to turn off stolen STBs
• The value of stolen STBs can be minimized by ensuring that particular STBs, ifreported stolen, can be disabled. It is therefore necessary for the STB to be ableto process messages that turn the STB on and off. As above, the STB must beable to validate the authenticity of these messages. In addition, as it can neverbe certain that the STB will receive a switch-off message, the system shouldrequire that the STB receives periodic addressed switch-on messages. Theeffective duration of these messages should be variable and may in typicaloperation be set to be around 1 — 3 months, An efficient means of addressingis also required and the address of the STB must be stored in a secure way(along with the key data mentioned above), otherwise this might be modified andmessages destined for one STB might be processed by another. The STBaddress will best be stored within the STB chipset but it might be possible toachieve sufficient security if the address is stored within the secure boot sectorof the memory referred to below.
To secure software download capability
• The STBs will require software download capability and it is important that this isdone securely, in order to prevent illegal software being loaded into the STBwhich might be used to circumvent the mechanisms described above. A secureloader can be implemented in many ways: the most important features are thevalidation of the software, again requiring the use of asymmetric cryptography,and a requirement that the loader software cannot be modified. Furthermore, theloader must be designed to be efficient and operating in the presence of errors,so for example the design should not require that the whole image is resent inthe case of a few errors. The operation of a secure loader requires a secure bootprocess, which is described below. As the loader is an essential component ofthe STB and required for reliable operation it must not be possible to corrupt theloader software. Accordingly, the loader software should be stored in such a waythat it cannot be modified by the application software.
• All of the above requirements could be circumvented if the STB can be made tostart up using alternative software. Most STB chipsets incorporate hardware thatallows for the boot-up (start-up) software to be validated before any software isrun in the STB. The use of these chipsets requires data to be stored at the timeof STB manufacture. Software based validation methods are not as secure asthe chip set based methods and are not recommended for high volumeproduction.
To target messages to STBs and groups of STBs
• It is one of government's expectations that DTT could be used for the delivery ofe-government messages. It is also the SABC's strong belief that DTT shouldallow for messaging so that TV licence fee reminders can be sent. The SABCexpects that this will result in substantially improved licence fee collections. Thiswould require the inclusion of a unique address in the STB. The applicationsoftware may later be changed or may make use of group addresses that areprogrammed using the unique address. For example, one group might becustomers with subsidized STBs and another might be customers in a givenregion. As the unique address is the same as that required for the functionsdescribed above, this requirement has no impact on the STB manufacturingprocess. However, application software to make use of this address will berequired and ideally the system will make use of the MHEG applicationenvironment to enable a wide range of interesting and useful messages to be
displayed.
It should be apparent that no encryption of services is required to meet any of thesefour public-service objectives
In the light of these requirements for STB control, the SABC makes the followingspecific recommendations:
43
Recommendations
1. The policy should specifically state that there will be no encryption of free-to-airservices on the DTT platform. In our view this should go a long way to assuagethe fears of other broadcasters on the matter of conditional access.
2. In light of this, it is the SABC's further recommendation that any references to"Conditional Access" in the STB specification should be changed to "STBcontrol".
3. Finally, the STB specification should include the following requirements
• a secure bootstrap loader,
• unique serial number (SA DTT ID), and keys
• secure download function
• secure hardware layout
It should be noted that if there is no encryption of services, the ability to restrict theentrance of non-conformant STBs into the South African market will be weakened.However, the use of other mechanisms such as strong regulation, a well-organisedconformance regime and import tariffs can act to protect the domestic market, althoughthese are not easily achieved. In our view, the risks associated with the conformanceissues are mitigated by the advantages secured by getting the agreement of allstakeholders on the matter of STB control.
The SABC thanks you for the opportunity to share our views on this important matter.We are available for future discussions on this matter.
Yours sincerely
— IYusut NabeeDTT PROJECT LEADER
aA
SABC FVukaSizwe!
SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION LIMITED
TENDERERS ARE REQUIRED TO TREAT THE DETAILS OF THIS
PROPOSAL AS CONFIDENTIAL
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) - S0E108104
RFP TITLE: SET- TOP BOX (5Th) CONTROL SOFTWARE
CONTENTS
DOCUMENT A: CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED WHEN TENDERING
DOCUMENT B: GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE PROPOSAL
DOCUMENT C: QUESTIONNAIRE
DOCUMENT D: DECLARATION OF INTEREST
DOCUMENT E: GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT
DOCUMENT F: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
DOCUMENT G: NOTICE TO TENDERERS
DOCUMENT H: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION
DOCUMENT I: BROAD BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BBBEE)
DOCUMENT J: VENDOR FORM (SABC SUPPLIERNENDOR REGISTRATION FORML
(ATTACHED SEPARATELYJ
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control Software
A CMandatory Documents
frkL) PVuka Sizwe!
TENDER TITLE: SET-TOP BOX (STB) CONTROL SOFTWARE
EXPECTED TIMEFRAME
rTENDER_PROCESSEXPECTED DATES
U:.:. .24JUfle2008
July2008
The Corporation retains the right to change the timeframe whenever necessary and for
whatever reason it deems fit.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
1) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
2) Valid TV Licence (Cothpany'S and all Directors) (If Applicable)
3) BBBEE Certificate (If Applicable)
4) signed Declaration of Interest Form (Document D)
5) signed Tender Form (Document E)
6) Last Three Years Audited Financial Statements
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 2 of 49 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control Software
A flDocument A: Conditions To Be Observed When Tendering
MD PVukasizwel
DOCUMENT A
CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED WHEN TENDERING
1.0 LODGING OF PROPOSALS
1.1 Tenderers are required to complete and sign the Tender Form and initial all
pages (including brochures).
1.2 Tenders must be submitted in triplicate, one (1) original, one (1) copy of the
original and 1 (one) electronic copy (CD) by hand and be enclosed in a seated
envelope marked distinctly with the tender number. This envelope must not bear
the name of or any reference to the Tenderer. Tenders must be lodged in the
South African BroadcastingTender Box, Main Entrance, Radio
Park Office Block, Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, by not later than
12-noon on the closing date as specified. Tenders not received by the specified
time and date as set out on front page of the Tender Enquiry, will be liable to
rejection.
Please note that electronic submission will also be accepted but the South African
based suppliers are encouraged to submit their tenders to SABC Tender Office.
1.3 No refund will be made for tender documents sold, irrespective of whether a
tender is submitted or awarded or not.
2.0 COMPLIANCE WITH GENERAL CONDITIONS OF PROPOSAL
2.1 No alteration, amendment or variation of the General Conditions of Contract shall
be permitted unless otherwise agreed in writing. Should the Tenderer desire in
case of non-compliance to make any amendments to the General Conditions of
Contract, he shall stipulate his tender clearly in which case and where possible
also stating any increase or decrease in cost involved by such tenders. The
Corporation reserves the right to reject such a tender.
3.0 COMPLIANCE WITH TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 All Tenderers are required to submit tenders in accordance with stipulated
technical specification as indicated on this tender. Failure to comply with the
required technical specification will result in disqualification.
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 3 of 48 Tender Document \)
RFP Number: SGE/08104RFP Title: STB Control Software
A
Document A: Conditions To Be Obsewed When TenderingP
Vuka Sizwel
4.0 SCHEDULE OF QUANTITIES
4.1 Tenderers are required to submit a detailed Schedule of Quantities indicating
how the tender amount is composed. This schedule shall contain itemised
descriptions, quantities and unit prices.
5.0 TENDER PRICES
5.1 No change in the submitted tender prices shall be amended after receipt and
before award of a contract.
5.2 In the case of equipment manufactured outside the Republic of South Africa,
prices must be quoted "free on board" (f.o.b.) in the currency of the country of
origin, and if possible, in US dollars, or a fixed price in Rand stating exchange
rate used, with clarification of import charges included. Value Added Tax should
be a separate item. Any hedging calculations must be transparent.
5.3 In the case of equipment manufactured in the Republic of South Africa, prices
are to be quoted in Rand with VAT as a separate item.
5.4 In case of equipment partially manufactured in the Republic of South Africa and
partially elsewhere, the total price must be broken up into its relevant proportions
and quoted as above in 5.2.
5.5 Fixed tender prices and delivery periods are preferred. consequently Tenderers
shall clearly state whether prices and delivery periods will remain fixed or flexible
for the duration of the contract.
5,6 Tender prices for supplies in respect of whichis a
requirement, shall include ALL costs on a basis of delivered on site as specified.
5.7 Tender prices shall, where necessary, include packing. If desired, packing
material may be returned to the Tenderer provided the amount of credit that will
be allowed for the returnable packing, forwarded railage to pay, is shown against
each item concerned.
6.0 SOURCE OF SERVICE AND MATERIAL
6.1 In the case of equipmentlgoods which are partially or completely designed and/or
manufactured in the Republic of South Africa, Tenderers shall state the local
content percentage.
6.2 Documentation certifying the local content percentage shall be submitted.
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 4 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control Software
A
Document A: Conditions To Be ObseNed When TenderingP
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7.0 ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSALS
7.1 The Corporation applies a policy of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment
(BBBEE) in all its employment, programmes, practices and business
relationships.
Information submitted will be taken into consideration during the tender
adjudication process The BBBEE certificate from an Association of Black
Verification Agencies (ABVA) affiliated Agency should be submitted.
7.2 The Corporation does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender nor shall
it be responsible for or pay any expenses or tosses which may be incurred by the
Tenderer in the preparation and delivery of his tender, The Corporation reserves
the right to accept a separate tender or separate tenders for any one or more of
the sections of a specification. The corporation also reserves the right to
withdraw the tender at any stage.
7.3 No tender shalt be deemed to have been accepted unless and until a formal
contract / letter of intent is prepared and executed.
7.4 The Corporation reserves the right, should it deem it necessary, to monitor every
stage of the contract to ensure:
— that the directors who were awarded the tender are in control of the
company and/or that changes in directors does not affect delivery of the
contract adversely;
— that, if there are changes in the control of the company these should be
brought to the attention of the Corporation
— that in the event that the tender or any part thereof is to be subcontracted
to another company or organisation after the tender was awarded, the
Tenderer must immediately advise the Corporation and the Corporation
shall approve as it deems fit.
— successful delivery of the contract, or timeous termination of the contract
should such action be in the best interest of the Corporation.
7.5 Tenders shall remain open for acceptance by the Corporation for a period of 120
days from the closing date of the Tender Enquiry.
7.6 Audit the successful Tenderer's contract from time to time
8.0 DEFAULT BY TENDERERS
8.1 If Tenderers purport to withdraw their tender(s) within the period for which they
have agreed that their tender shall remain open for acceptance, or fails to enter
into a written contract when called upon to do so, or fails to accept an order in
terms of the tender, the Corporation may, without prejudice to any other legal
Confidential and In formation Page 5 of 48 Tender Document
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Document A: Conditions To Be Obsen.'ed When Tendering#4 P
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remedy which it may have, accept their tender(s) notwithstanding the purported
withdrawal or proceed to accept any other less favourable tender or call for
tenders afresh and may recover from the defaulting Tenderers any additional
expense to which it has been put by reason of the calling for new tenders or the
acceptance of any less favourable tender.
9.0 AMPLIFICATION OF PROPOSALS
9.1 The Corporation may1 after the opening of tenders; call on the Tenderer to
amplify in writing any matter which is not clear in the Tenderer's tender and such
amplification shall form part of the original tender.
9.2 In the event of the Tenderers failing to supply such information within the
specified timeframe, the tender will be liable to rejection.
9.3 The Corporation reserves the right to:
9.3.1 not evaluate and award tenders that do not comply strictly with this tender
document.9.3.2 make a selection solely on the information received in the tenders and
enter into negotiations with any one or more of preferred Tenderer(s)
based on the criteria specified in the evaluation of this tender.
9.3.3 contact any Tenderer during the evaluation process, in order to clarify any
information, without Informing any other Tenderers. During the evaluation
process no change in the content of the tender shall be sought offered
or permitted.9.3.4 award a contract to one or more Tenderer(s).
93.5 accept any tender in part or full at its own discretion.
9.3.6 cancel this tender or any part thereof at any time.
Should Tenderer(s) be selected for further negotiations, they will be chosen on
the basis of the greatest benefit to the Corporation and not necessarily on the
basis of the lowest costs.
10.0 IMPORT/EXPORT PERMITS
10.1 Tenderers are required to include complete information on equipment and/or
components requiring export/import permits.
11.0 COST OF BIDDING
11.1 The Tenderer shall bear all costs and expenses associated with preparation and
submission of its tender, and the Corporation shall under no circumstances be
responsible or liable for any such costs, regardless of, without limitation the
conduct or outcome of the bidding1 evaluation, and selection process.
Confidential and In formation Page 6 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: 50E108104RIP Title: STB Control Software A PDocument A: Conditions To Be Obse,ved When Tendering
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12.0 QUERIES FROM TENDERERS
12.1 The SAOG has provided a single point of entry for any questions or queries that
the Tenderer may have. All queries must be submitted in writing and directed to
Mr Mpumelelo Chiliza - Tender Office. Unauthorised communication with any
other personnel or member of staff, of the SABC with regard to this tender is
strongly discouraged and will result in disqualification of the respective
Tenderer's tender submission.
12.2 Should there be a difference of interpretation between the Tenderer and SABO;
SABC reserves the right to make a final ruling on such interpretation.
12.3 The closing time for clarification of queries is 3 (three) days before the deadline
for tender submission. The question and response will be sent to all Tenderers,
please bear this in mind when asking the question. All Tenderers will receive a
copy of all the questions received together with the answers.
Authorised contact's details are as follows:
13.0 BRIEFING SESSION
NIA
END OF DOCUMENT A
Confidential and Proprietw Information Page 7 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEIO8/04RFP Title: STB Control Software
A
Document B: General Conditions Of Tenderr
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DOCUMENT B
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF PROPOSAL
1.0 COMPLIANCE WITH COMPLETION OF PROPOSAL
1.1 The tender forms should not be retyped or redrafted but photocopies may be
prepared and used.
1.2 Tender forms must be signed in the original; that is in ink - forms with
photocopied signatures or other such reproduction of signature will be rejected.
1.3 Should tender forms not be filled in by means of mechanical devices, for example
typewriters, ink, preferably black, must be used to fill in tenders.
1.4 Tenderers shall check the numbers of the pages and satisfy themselves that
none are missing or duplicated. No liability shall be accepted in regard to claims
arising from the fact that pages are missing or duplicated. Incomplete tenders
will result in disqualification.
2.0 COMPLIANCE WITH TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 Unless a departure is clearly stated by the Tenderer at the time of tendering, the
works shall be taken as complying in detail with the Technical Specifications and
the Tenderer shall be held liable on all the terms and conditions of the contract
as if this tender contained no departures. Technical specifications contained in
any brochures or any other descriptions submitted shall apply for acceptance test
purposes.
4.2 Where items are specified In detail, the specifications form an integral part of the
tender document and Tenderers shall indicate in the space provided whether the
items are to specification or not.
4.3 In respect of the paragraphs where the items offered are strictly to specification,
Tenderers shall insert the words "as specified".
4.4 In cases where the items are not to specification, the deviations from the
specifications shall be indicated.
3.0 WARRANTY
5.1 If there are any defects arising from failure of goods to meet the specifications
within the period specified in the contract, the Tenderer shall replace the
defective items at his expense or shall refund the Corporation such costs as the
Corporation may incur in replacing such defective item. The Tenderer shall also
bear the cost of transporting replaced/repaired items to the place of destination.
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RPP Title: STB Control Software
A
Document B: General Conditions Of TenderP
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4.0 INSPECTION
6.1 The Teriderer shall permit and assist the Corporation's representatives in
carrying out any inspections that are called for in the contract or specifications.
5.0 PACKAGING
7.1 Goods purchased on this tender must be adequately protected and securely
packaged during shipment and until delivery at the destination. Goods
purchased on this tender must be adequately protected and securely packaged
during storage at the SABC for a period of six months under anticipated
temperature and humidity conditions.
7.2 Goods must be clearly marked with the Tenderer's name description of contents
and the Corporation's order number and delivery address.
6.0 RISK
8.1 The Tenderer shall bear the risk of damage to or loss of goods bought in
accordance with this contract until the goods are delivered to SABC Stores in
Auckland Park.
7.0 DELIVERY
9.1 Delivery will be to the Radio Park Stores and TV Stores of SABC Ltd situated in
Auckland Park, Johannesburg Republic of South Africa. The contractual
delivery date must be strictly complied with and each delivery must be preceded
or accompanied by delivery note. If delivery does not take place within the
period stipulated, the Corporation may cancel this contract without further notice
to the Tenderer and with immediate effect without prejudice to any other course
of action available to the Corporation to recover any damages out of such delay.
Receipt of the goods by the Corporation will not be regarded as acceptance
thereof until the goods have been acceptance tested in compliance with the
Technical Specifications.
8.0 PAYMENT
10.1 Payment, in currency other than South African Rand, will be made by means of a
telegraphic or wired bank transfer.
The Teriderer must provide:
— Name and address of their bank.
— Company account number to be credited.
— Sort/swift code of bank.
10.2 The Corporation's standard payment terms are 30 days from date of statement.
9.0 ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RH' Title: SIB Control SoftwareDocument B: General Conditions Of Tender
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11.1 The Tenderer shall not have the right to cede any right or delegate any obligation
in terms of this contract to any third party unless with the prior written approval of
the Corporation.
10.0 COMMISSION
12.1 The Corporation shall not in any way be responsible or liable for payment of the
commission due on this contract in so far as the total contract amount would be
exceeded by any addition of such commission. The payment of commission
shall be the exclusive liability of the Tenderer which indemnifies the Corporation
hereby against agent's claims for commission of any nature.
11.0 PUBLICATIONS
13.1 The Tenderer shall not permit or allow any information regarding the contract
works to be published in any scientific, engineering or other newspaper,
periodical or publication without first obtaining the consent of the Corporation
thereto.
12.0 LAW APPLICABLE
14.1 Irrespective of where this contract happens to be finally concluded, it shall be
consistently deemed to have been entered into in the Republic of South Africa
whose law and courts' jurisdiction shall prevail throughout, in this connection.
13.0 PROPOSALS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE BINDING ON THE TENDERERS
15.1 Representations made in the tender, including claims made in respect of
commitments to dates of delivery, shall be considered binding on the Tenderer at
the time of contract negotiation, unless specifically noted by the Tenderer in the
tender;
14.0 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS
16.1 These conditions form part of the tender and failure to comply therewith may
invalidate a tender.
END OF DOCUMENT B
Confidential and Proprietary Information 10 ci 48 tihder Document
C
SABC p
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument C: Questionnaire To Be Completed When Tendering
DOCUMENT C
QUESTIONNAIRE TO BE COMPLETED WHEN TENDERING
if the information required in respect of each item cannot be inserted in the space provided
additional information may be provided on a separate sheet of paper with a suitable reference to
the questionnaire number concerned.
1. What is the tender number?
2. What is!are the item tendering for?(Please List]
3, Are you registered in terms of section23(1) or 23(3) of the Value-added TaxAct, 1991 (Act 89 of 1991)?
4. If so, state your VAT registration
number and original current tax
clearance certificate to be submitted
5. Are the prices quoted fixed for the full
period of contract?
6. is the delivery period stated in the
tender firm?
7, What is the address in the Republic ofSouth Africa where an Item of the type
offered by you may be inspected
preferably under working conditions?
(Where Applicable)
in the Republic of South Africa for thisparticular item? (If required).
rea re the stockheld?
items offered?
Where are these facilities available?
the factorleslsupPliers where, the
supplies will be manufactured and may
be inspected, If re9uired?
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEIO8/04RFP Title: SIB Control SoftwareDocument C: Questionnaire To Be Completed When Tendering
13, Turnover (R): Kindly indicate yourcompany's annual turnover for the pastthree years? (Rands)Please provide Financial Statements orAudited Letter
14. Has your company been accredited forBBBEE?Please provide a BEE certificate fromABVA affiliated agency
* ALSO INDICATE WHICHEVER IS NOT APPLICABLE
END OF DOCUMENT C
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 12 of 48
REP Number: SGE/08/04REP Title: 5Th Control SoftwareDocument 0: Declaration Of Interest
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DOCUMENT D
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Any legal or natural person, excluding any permanent employee of SABC, may make an offer or
offers in terms of this tender invitation. In view of possible allegations of favouritisni, should the
resulting tender, or part thereof be awarded to-
(a) any person employed by the SABC in the capacity of Tenderer consultant or service
provider; or(b) any person who acts on behalf of SABC; or
(c) any person having kinship, including a blood relationship, with a person employed by, or
who acts on behalf of SABC; or(d) any legal person which is in any way connected to any person contemplated in paragraph
(a), (b) or (c),
it is required that
The Tenderer or his/her authorised representative shall declare his/her position vis-a-vls SABC
and/or take an oath declaring his/her interest, where it is known that any such relationship exists
between the Tenderer and a person employed by SABC in any capacity.
Does such a relationship exists? [YES/NO]If YES, state particulars of all such relationships (if necessary, please add additional pages
containing the required information):[2]
NAMEPOSITION .
OFIFICE WHERE EMPLOYEDTELEPHONE NUMBER .
RELATIONSHIP .
2. Failure on the part of a Tenderer to fill In and/or sign this certificate may be interpreted to mean
that an association as stipulated in paragraph 1, supra, exists.
3. In the event of a contract being awarded to a Tenderer with an association as stipulated in
paragraph 1, supra, and it subsequently becomes known that false information was provided in
response to the above question, SABC may, in addition to any other remedy it may have:
- recover from the Tenderer all costs, losses or damages incurred or sustained by SABC
as a result of the award of the contract; and/or
- cancel the contract and claim any damages, which SABC may suffer by having to make
less favourable arrangements after such cancellation.
SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT TENDER NUMBER DATE
POSITION OF DECLARANTNAME OF COMPANY OR TENDERER
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 13 of 48 Tender Document
AFP Number: S0E108104RFP Title: S TB Control SoftwareDocument E: General SpecificatiOnS
DOCUMENT E
GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This specification establishes the documentation and general performance requirements
for equipment and systems to be used by the Corporation. Specific performance
requirements for this tender request are detailed in Document F.
The schedule of compliance at the end of this document must be duly completed and
signed.
It is the Intent of the Corporation to utilize standard equipment and software wherever
possible. Further, it is recognized that not all manufacturers' equipment and software
provides identical design features. Therefore, tenders will be considered which are in
minor variance with these specifications, provided that the tender explicitly indicates
these variations.
2.0 TELEVISION TRANSMISSION STANDARDS
The analogue Television Standard (PAL-I) which is used in the Republic of South Africa,
is detailed in the publication: "Specification of Television Standards for 625 Line System
I Transmission In the Republic of South Africa". (Revised edition February 1976).
For DTT the solution will conform to the DVB suite of standards and other standards
indicated under 3.0 below. The video standard shall be MPEG4 AVC (H.264) Broadcast
quality Standard Definition © L3 and High Definition @ L4. Audio standard will be AAC
and HE MC for effiticient use of bit rate.
3.0 APPLICABLE STANDARDS
DVB suite of standards.ISO/IEC 1318-1, ISO/IEC 1318-2, ISO/IEC 1318-3
EN 300 468, EN 300 292
TRIOI 211TS 101 154ITU-R BT1119-2, ITU-R.775
4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 14 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RIP Title: STD Control SoftwareDocument E: Genera! Specifications
All items of electronic equipment if proposed by tenderers, shall comply with the
following:
4.1 Power Input
The power input shall be 220V 50Hz. The equipment tendered shall meet the
performance specification when the input voltage changes plus minus 10% and
the frequency by plus minus 4%.
4.2 operating Conditions
4.2.1 Unless otherwise specified in this tender document, the reference
ambient temperature will be 23°C and the rated temperature and
humidity ranges of use, within which the equipment specifications are
valid must be:
— TEMPERATURE +5°C TO +40°C
— HUMIDITY 20% to 60% without condensation.
4.2.2 The Tenderer must also indicate the temperature and humidity limits
within which satisfactory operation of the equipment is possible. A clear
distinction between the two sets of operating conditions must, however,
be made.
4.3 connectors
All connectors shall comply with generally accepted, professional broadcast
standards.
Power connectors shall be of the IEC 1OA type fitted with retaining clips.
All mating connectors other than BNC and XLR must be supplied with the
equipment.
All connectors unless otherwise specified in Document E, shall be mounted at
the rear of the equipment and shall be clearly identified as to their function.
Confidential and Proprietary Information page 15 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEIO8/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
4.4 Earthing
All metal work shall be connected to mains earth on the mains connector.
Internal audio earth (0 Volts) shall be connected to pin 1 on all XLR connectors
and bridged to mains earth.
4.5 Impedances
Unless otherwise specified in the tender document, all equipment impedances
shall be:AES/EBU infout :
Balanced 110 ohms (nominal)unbalanced 75 ohms
Analogue Audio Input :Balanced, 10K ohms minimum
Analogue Audio Output :Balanced, Less than 150 ohms
Video : 75 ohms (nominal)
Pulse : 75 ohms (nominal)
4,6 Operating Levels
Unless otherwise specified in the tender document the normal operating levels of
equipment shall be:
Audio Input: 0 dBu nominal (0 dRu = 0,775V R.M.S.
= -4W)+ 6 dBu peak
Max. Headroom: + 20 dBu
Audio Output Gain: Adjustable to + 20 dB
Freq. Response: 20 Hz —20 kHz ± 0,5 dB
Dynamic Range: > 80 dB, 20 Hz — 20 kHz
Signal to Noise: > 80dBTotal Harmonic:
Distortion: 0.1% (-4dB at I kHz)
Digital Audio AES/EBU — IEC 958 200 mV to 10 V p-p
Max Headroom: +18 dBFS
Test Level: -18 (IEC 60268-18)
Video I V p-p composite
Pulse 2 V p-p
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 16 of 48 Tender Documenta
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
4.7 TV Production Standards
All standard definition equipment shall comply with MPEG4 1-1.264 and DVB
suite of standards, ITU-R BT6OI-5 which describes studio encoding parameters
of digital television for standard 4:3 and wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratios.
4.8 Current Corporate Software Environment
The SABC strives for open data architecture solutions. Tenderers shall
demonstrate their approach to third party integration and open solutions.
Operating SystemsLinux RedhatMicrosoft Windows
Enterprise SoftwareSAP R3
Database SoftwareOracle 9iOracle 100SQL
4.9 software Maintenance
Tenderers shall indicate whether software is sold outright or licensed.
All licensing costs, inclusive of third party license costs shall be quoted.
All software support and maintenance options shall be fully specified and priced.
4.10 special Equipment Maintenance Facilities
The Tenderer shall provide a list and quote for the cost of any specialized items
required to maintain the equipment.
The Tenderer shall specify whether any assemblies or units which form part of
the equipment or the equipment as a whole1 require special repair and/or
alignment facilities not normally available. Details of service facilities available
for these units and assemblies must be given.
4.11 Extender Boards
Extender Boards required for equipment maintenance or alignment shall be
supplied as part of the equipment. Tenderer to specify the type and quantity
offered.
4.12 Rack Mounting Equipment
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 17 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEIOB/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwaroDocument E: General Specifications
Unless otherwise specified in Document E, all equipment shall be rackmountable in standard 482,6mm (19 inch) racks and shall be in multiples of
44,5mm (1,75 inches) high.
4.13 Colour and Finish
The colour and finish of all items shall be specified in the tender.
5.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 system Design Information
The Tenderer shall deliver no later than the date specified in Clause 7: submittal
Requirements, all necessary information to allow the Corporation to complete
system designs and wiring diagrams, in order to incorporate the equipment to be
supplied into associated equipment and systems.
The information supplied shall, where applicable include, but not be limited to the
following:
— Weight of each unit and sub-system offered.
External mechanical dimensions of control panels, stand alone or desk top
units, and rack equipment to enable control desk floor and rack space to be
allocated
— Accurate mounting details for all panels designed to be mounted into control
desks. These must include cut out hole sizes, recess and fixing information
depth and cable entry clearance requirements, etc.
— Mating connector types, "pin outs' and recommended cables for all
interconnecting and system cables not supplied with the equipment.
— The maximum distance that units of a system may be removed from each
other e.g. maximum distance between remote control panels and central
electronic chassis.
— Air flow and cooling requirements.
5.2 Quality Assurance Provisions
5.2.1 Quality Control
The Contractor shall provide adequate and effective quality standards
while manufacturing the equipment as per this specification. All
equipment shall be verified for correct identification, proper use of
materials, finishes and records, in accordance with the following:-
— Identification
Confidential and Proprietaflf Information Page 18 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
A positive means for signifying identification of the end item
equipment and each major portion of sub-equipment functioning
as a separate entity shall be established Such identification shall
include the nomenclature description along with Contractor's part,
type or model number permanently and prominently displayed.
Accountability by serial numbers or reference designators shall be
used.
— Records
Complete manufacturing and test documentation essential to
productive effort shall be released and maintained. This data shall
be available for review at any time by representatives of the
Corporation
5,2.2 Reliability and Maintainability
The equipment supplied shall be of the best professional broadcast
quality. It shall have good reliability and shall be designed and
constructed for ease of maintenance.
These requirements may be subject to demonstration and shall be
considered in the design approach relative to quality of materials and
workmanship required. Discrepant materials and equipment shall be
comprehensively analyzed to determine the need for remedial action. An
effective follow-up shall be administered to ensure that the discrepancies
are corrected at the earliest possible date.
5.3 Test Activity
5.3.1 Test Plan Submittal
The Contractor shall submit, at a date not later than that specified in
paragraph 7: submittal Requirements two (2) copies of a recommended
acceptance test plan for review and approval by the Corporation.
53.2 Test Plan Content
The acceptance test plan shall be comprehensive and include detailed
test procedures and test data recording sheets. A list of all required test
equipment and necessary equipment set-up diagrams shall be included.
The test plan shalt ensure that the testing shall demonstrate satisfactorily
system equipment and software compliance with the functional
mechanical, electrical and electronic requirements of this specification.
5,3,3 Acceptance Testing
Performance specification measurements shalt be conducted using the
procedures as specified in 5.3.1 above as approved by the Corporation.
5.3.4 witnessing of Tests
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 19 of 48 Tender Document
RIP Number: SGE/08!04RH' Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: Genera! Specifications
The Corporation reserves the right to witness any or all tests conducted in
accordance with the approved acceptance test plan (refer clause 5.3.2) at
the Contractor's facility. Notice of such testing shall be given to the
Corporation at least twenty (20) days prior to actual test performancestating the anticipated time necessary to conduct such acceptance.
5.3.5 Test Data Sheets
All equipment and software purchased to this specification's requirements
shall be completely tested and test data shall be accurately recorded.
Tolerances and limits corresponding to those of the test procedures shall
be designated on the data sheets. One legible copy shall accompany
each equipment shipment. The copy shall be reproducible (photocopy).
Electronic copies of test data shall be provided to the nominated SABC
representative on completion of tests.
5.3.6 Factory Test Equipment
Calibrated standard or special test equipment shall be used at the
Contractor's facility to perform the tests comprised in the acceptance test
plan. Any test cables and adaptors used to configure equipment for
factory acceptance shall be provided by the Contractor.
5.3.7 Certificate of Compliance
A certificate of compliance shall accompany each shipment of equipment,
certifying full conformity to the requirements of this specification.
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 20 of 48 Tender Document
RIP Number: 50E108/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocumo iii E: General Specifications
5.4 Spare Parts
5.4.1 The Contractor shall at a date not later than that specified in Clause 7:
Submittal Requirements, submit a list of spare parts recommended to
ensure prompt equipment repair in event of failure.
5.4.2 At the same time, a comprehensive list of spares and expendable
maintenance items necessary to ensure satisfactory equipment operation
for two (2) years shall be submitted. The list shall include the component
manufacturer's name part description and complete type/model number.
Unit prices shall be established to allow purchase of any item or group of
items.
5.4.3 Mechanical and Electrical items shall be listed separately.
5,4.4 The Contractor shall give an indication as to the extent of the spares
holdings in the Republic of South Africa for the equipment offered.
5.4.5 The Contractor shall state estimated delivery times for spare parts both
for the normal spares holding of the Corporation and for emergency items
which may be required in the event of equipment failure.
5.4.6 Any spare parts kits offered by the Contractor shall be readily identifiable
by means of a reference number in order to permit re-ordering, if
required, at some future date.
5.4.7 Spare parts kits must be accompanied by a complete listing of the
contents. All parts contained therein shall be marked so as to allow easy
identification by non- technical personnel.
5.4.8 In the case of more than one kit being ordered, either of the same or
differing types, each shall be separately packed and clearly marked with
the equipment type, kit reference number and the Corporation's order
number.
5.4.9 Any spare parts kits ordered as a result of the Contract shall be delivered
complete according to the contents listing supplied by the Contractor.
Delivery of incomplete kits is not acceptable.
5.4.10 All parts lists for the equipment offered must be available on CD or PC
compatible format.
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 21 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RIP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
5.5 Maintenance Instruction Handbooks
The Contractor shall deliver equipment and system handbooks in the English
language in sufficient depth to allow for proper installation, operation
maintenance and repair of the equipment. Handbooks shall include, but not be
limited to the following:
— General description.— Theory of operation.— Operating procedure.— Maintenance instructions.— Schematic, logic and wiring diagrams.— Parts list and locations (preferably with exploded view breakdown).
— Test equipment.— Pictorial views (locations of all controls, connectors, indicators and
replaceable parts),
The maintenance instruction handbooks shall be prepared to good commercial
standards in the English language.
The Tenderer should indicate whether equipment handbooks for broadcasting
equipment have been designed in conformity with the EBU code of practice
described in document TECH 3239-E 'THE DESIGN OF HANDBOOKS FOR
BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT.
5.6 System Integration and Turnkey Solutions
5.6,1 Design Review
The contractor/Integrator shall submit to the Corporation a complete
design package at a date no later than that specified in clause 7:
Submittal Requirements. This design package shall consist of, but not be
limited to, equipment list, design concept, signal flows and proposed
workflows.
The design will be reviewed by the Corporation and after discussion with
the Contractor a final concept will be approved. The Corporation review
will be completed within three (3) weeks after receipt of the design
package. After the design approval it shall be necessary for the
Contractor to obtain approval from the Corporation for any deviations
from the approved design. Please refer to document E for further detail.
5.6.2 Drawings and Documentation
Drawings and documentation shall include:
— Detailed mechanical designs of technical furniture, technical panels
and equipment required for manufacture.
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 22 of 48 Tender Document
RPP Number: 5GE108104RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
— All relevant floor plans, rack and equipment layouts and cable route
drawings.
— For each facility/area as appropriate:
— Digital and analogue audio flows— Video flows— Talkback System Flows— Control flows— Pulse flows— Power and earthing flows— Computer network drawings
— Patch bay, connector panel and terminal block drawings.
— Cable and connector termination sheets.
— Labelling for all cabling patch bays and terminal blocks.
— Labelling of all equipment, racks and facilities,
— A detailed inventory of each facility, complete with location and serial
numbers.
— Operational and technical handbooks for each system and item of
equipment being supplied by the Integrator.
— Following final acceptance the Integrator will provide a number of
copies of the documentation, updated to contain final changes and to
reflect accurately the delivered equipment and system installed.
presented in loose leaf binders (exact number to be agreed). In
addition to hard copies of the information drawings shall be supplied
on computer disks in AutoCAD format and complying with SABC
drawing conventions. Wiring schedules will be supplied on a
Microsoft compatible spreadsheet.
5.6.3 Installation
The Systems Integrator shall carry out the installation of all equipment,
technical furniture and systems as detailed in this document, It shall be
required of the Systems Integrator to manufacture any remote panels1
connector panels and mounting equipment.
All types of hardware used for plugs, sockets interface frames etc., and
choice of cabling to be used shall be agreed with the SABC before
installation commences.
The Systems Integrator shall be responsible for the following:
Confidential and Information Page 23 of 48 Tender Document
APP Number: SGE/08/04APP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
— Supply and administration of the installation team to carry out this
work and ensure adherence to any Safety and Health regulations.(SABC reserves the right to request use of its own installation team,
subject to workload).
— Supply of all cabling, connectors and installation materials.
— The supply of all tools and installation equipment.
— The security of all equipment and materials during the installation
period or until such facilities are accepted as complete by the SABC
or its appointee.
5.6.4 Mechanical Installation
5.6.4.1 Layout
Rack layouts will be decided and agreed with the nominated
SABC representative prior to installation with due consideration to
operational aspects, ventilation (allowing 1 RU between equipment
known to generate heat) and air flow (deeper items located
towards the bottom of the rack).
5.6.4.2 Supports
Where practical and appropriate equipment supports will be fitted
to the bays to reduce the risk of accidents during equipment
removal.
56.4.3 Equipment Fixings
Equipment will be fixed in bays and desks using chrome finish
Posidrive screws, plain washers and black plastic cup washers.
5.6.4.4 Bay Fixings
Normally a wooden plinth shall be provided for the bays fixed to
the floor. The bays will be fixed directly to this. Desks are normally
left free-standing.
5.6.5 Technical Wiring
5.6.5.1 General Standard
In general the contractor shall follow good engineering practice
and standards for wiring and installations.
5.6.5.2 Looming
All cables will be loomed to cable trays in racks, desks and
monitor stands. High quality plastic tie wraps or lacing twine shall
CQnfidontlal and Proprietary Information Page 24 of 48 Tender Document
APP Number SGE/08104RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
be used and cut using an appropriate tool to ensure no sharp
edges remain.
5.6.5.3 Cable Separation
Wherever practical video, audio, data, control and power wiring
looms will be kept separate.
5.6.5.4 Maintenance
All cables shall be left long enough such that equipment and
jackfields can be withdrawn forward for maintenance purposes.
5,6.5.5 cable Numbers
All cables will be uniquely identified at each end by a cable
number and/or a letter, which will allow to the
wiring schedules and drawings. Cable numbers used will be the
plastic coloured type or computer generated wrap around labels
e.g. Brady Laser Tab Markers.
Allocation of numbers shall be agreed upon before
commencement of the project.
5.6.5,6 Cable Identification
Where equipment is likely to be regularly removed for
maintenance, etc., cables will be given a label describing where it
is plugged in. These labels will be created using the "Brady
Marker System" and will be in addition to the number described
above.
5.6.5.7 Jackfield Normalling
Generally, unless specifically requested, jackfield normalling is
done on the rear of the jackfield rather than on the interface frame.
Analogue audio jackfields are usually half normalled, i.e. the hot
and cold of the upper row outers are wired to the hot and cold of
the lower row inners. The sleeves of the jacks are bussed and
connected by a single earth wire per row to the rack earthing
point.
Microphone circuits are not usually taken through jackfields,
however, if this is required, they will be normalled, hot and cold of
the upper row inners to hot and cold of the lower row Inners This
prevents the microphone circuits being paralleled. The jack
sleeves are also normalled from the upper row but not connected
to earth.
Balanced digital audio circuits are normalled in the same way as
specified above for microphone circuits, Unbalanced digital audio
Confidential and in formation Page 25 of 48 Tender Document
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circuits shall be routed through co-axial video patchi9elds and shall
be normalled in the same way as for video circuits.
5,6.6 on-Site Working
5.6.6.1 Safety
The Systems integrator and its sub-contractors shall be expected
to fully comply with the local safety specifications.
All work on site shall be executed within the confines of the
"OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT — ACT NO. 85
OF 1993, THE COMPENSATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL
INJURIES AND DISEASES ACT — ACT NO. 130 OF 1993" as well
as the SABC Safety and Security Requirements and all statutory
laws and by-laws applicable to the installation.
5.6.6.2 Cleaning and Waste Disposal
The Systems Integrator will ensure that their working area is kept
clean and tidy. The SABC shall advise what facilities are available
for waste disposal.
5.6.6.3 working Hours
On-site working hours shall be agreed however, normal working
hours shall be deemed to be between 7am and 7pm. Weekends
shall be worked if deemed necessary
5.6.6.4 Security Passes
The Systems Integrator shall provide a list of all on-site staff on
request so that any appropriate security passes may be issued.
These passes shall be visibly worn at all times.
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6.0 TRAINING, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING SUPPORT
6.1 Training
The Contractor will be required to provide, in Johannesburg, technical instruction
of an agreed standard in the set-up, operation and maintenance of the equipment
covered by this specification.
The Corporation will provide lecture room accommodation and the necessary
access to the equipment and specified facilities, but the Contractor must provide
all travel, transport, accommodation and subsistence for their staff, All lecture
notes, diagrams, manuals, etc., and other instructional material other than the
technical literature normally supplied with the equipment, shall be provided by the
Contractor.
6.2 Installation Support
The Contractor may also be required to provide in Johannesburg, the services of
a skilled field engineer to assist in the installation, set-up and check-out of the
equipment covered by this specification. Prices for such support shall be quoted
as follows:
6.3 Commissioning Support
The Contractor may be required to provide, in Johannesburg, the services of a
field service engineer to assist in the commissioning of the equipment covered by
this contract.
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7.0 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Refer Clause
5.1 System Design 2 Sets Within 30 days after order.
Information
5.3.1 Test Plan Submittal 2 Copies Within 30 days after order.
5.3.5 Test Data Sheets 2 Copy Within each item of equipment.
5.3.7 Certificate of I Copy With equipment delivery.
Compliance
5.4.1 Spare Pads Usts 2 Copies Within 30 days after order.
5.4.2 2 Year Maintenance 2 Copies Within 30 days after order.
Items List
5.5 Maintenance 2 Sets On receipt of order.
InstructionHandbooks 2 Sets With each piece of equipment delivered.
5.6.1 Design ReviewWithin 30 days after order
Confidential and proprlotaq In formationPage 28 of 48 Tender Document
N
RFP Number: SGE/O8/04RFP Title: 5Th Control SoftwareDocument E: General Specifications
GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 29 of 4 a
RFP Number: SGE/08104RPP Title: STB Contro! SoftwareDocument E: GeneralCLAUSE COMPLY: REMARKS
YES!NO
________________________
SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTOR
Confidential and proprietary in formation Page 30 of 48 Tender Document
S
END OF DOCUMENTf
RFP Number: SGE/08!04RFP Title: STR Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical Specifications
DOCUMENT F
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR:
SET-TOP BOX (STB) CONTROL SOFTWARE
I Introduction
This document is an official request for proposal whereby the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC) will appoint a Vendor to supply a STE control software system for the
forthcoming DTT launch. It is envisaged that the market launch will happen in the 2nd quarter of
2009 and that this will be preceded by a pilot in November 2008. Vendors should advise their
ability to meet the above deadlines.
In preparation for the launch of Digital Terrestrial Television ('OTT') services SABC is taking a
leading role in assisting the authorities with the preparations for an efficient and effective launch.
The Government's objectives for the DTT platform are that, apart from releasing spectrum for
other services it should bring new services to the whole population. The OTT STB5 will initially
be sold through retail outlets. Later in their deployment they may be subsidised. Major events
such as the FIFA soccer World Cup are part of the Government's focus, thus being able to
present and promote these events in innovative ways is considered important.
Achieving a low-cost design is also considered to be a primary objective may be subsidised,
however the total cost of operation also has to be considered together with the value of services
that can be supported.Vendors are required to respond to this RFP demonstrating that their proposed approach and
methodologies are a probable fit to SABC's requirements.
All information contained in this RFP or given by management or staff of SABC is solely for the
purpose of providing Vendors with relevant information with which to complete and submit their
proposals.Recipients of this document will be expected to respect the confidentiality of the information
contained therein or any other information obtained in the course of business It is expected that
Vendors will take all reasonable steps to ensure that their employees and associates are aware
of the need for confidentiality.
2 BACKGROUND
2.1.1 BusinessThe SABC is the public broadcaster in South Africa, with a public service mandate which is
defined In the country's Broadcasting Act. Currently, SABC is licensed to operate three
terrestrial free-to-air television channels and eighteen radio stations.
Unlike some public broadcasters elsewhere, SABC enjoys a mixed funding model 18% of
which emanates from the TV licence fee and close to 80% from commercial revenues. The
balance is made up from government grants.
The SABC mission is summarized as: "Broadcasting for Total Citizen Empowerment." This
mission Is to be:• people-centered• Content-driven• Technologically-enabled•
• A sustainable public service broadcaster
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RFP Number: SGE/08104RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical Specifications
4 possible Multiplex Allocation DTT
S Technical considerations
The DTT network, the services and the STBs have to be accessible to the whole population1
which Implies support for multiple languages. South Africa has 11 official languages.
Further information about the SABC, its services and branding can be found at
3 Other relevant broadcasters
Other terrestrial television broadcasters involved in the migration from analogue television to
DTT include the free-to-air commercial player 'etv' and pay-terrestrial player M-Net (owned by
MIH, which also controls the dominant satellite pay-TV platform DStv), New pay-Services may
be launched by any of the operators, though primarily this is a free-to-air environment similar to
that of many other IDTT platforms around the world.
Further information on MIH can be found at:
While more information on etv can be located at:
The DTT multiplex allocations are not yet finalised, However, for the purposes of responding to
this brief the following should be assumed:
Two national multiplexes, one of which will be dedicated to public service broadcasting
(PSB), the other to commercial services
• All of the SABC's public services will be on the PSB multiplex
• There are expected to be many time-shared channels on each multiplex.
SABC expects to have additional services on Dli over the next 2 to 3 years. Regional services
are expected to be introduced on the DTT platform within the first three years. It is unclear at
this stage as to whether all of these services will be available on the PBS multiplex or if some
services will be made available on the commercial multiplex.
It is also expected that eTV will launch new services on the commercial multiplex.
In addition there will be one or two regional multiplexes with services to be defined. However, it
is possible that these multiplexes will be allocated to DVB-H,
Radio services will also be supported on non-DVB-H multiplexes.
DTT services will be broadcast using the advanced MPEG-4 suite of standards rather than
MPEG-2, and it is assumed that there will be at least eight full-time equivalent video services
per multiplex. However, time-sharing of channels will result in significantly more services being
presented by the EPG. Meanwhile, there are expected to be many radio services. Radio will be
a key element of the DTT proposition.
The MHEG-5 interactive environment will be used to support a wide range of interactive
services, both service-bound and unbound, some of which may be allocated their own channel
(e.g. games channels).The STB specification has been chosen to allow for the optimum use of the limited bandwidth
available. This has led to support for MPEG 4 with advanced audio compression and the need
to support caching of applications and EPG data.
Tender DocumentConfidential and proprietary Information Page 32 of 48
RFP Number: SGE/08104RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical Specifications
6 OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
Envisaged services provided by the selected Vendor may include but are not limited to:
• Management of unique addresses• Management of software signing process• Specification or validation of secure download process
• Specification of secure boot process• Provision of the STB software defined in this RFP
7 STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS
SummarY of Requirements
The high level requirements for the STB control software:
• Be low-cost• Be low-maintenance
Efficient addressing means• Provide for a secure software download means
• Provide for a secure boot• Specify an appropriate level of hardware security
• Approve chip sets against the stated requirements
• Encryption of services is not required
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APP Number: SGE/O8/04APP Title: 5Th Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical Specifications
Statement of Requirements
Top Level Requirement Extended Description and Requirements
The solution must be The solution shall not require the use of a smartcard or any other
provided as embedded external security device
software
The STB should operate only on the networks carrying the
appropriate and necessary authentication data.
The network authentication should not require secret data to be
held in the STB. The use of Asymetric cryptography is therefore
To prevent subsidised STBs considered as a requirement
leaving SA
Discovery or modification of data in one STB should not
compromise another STB
It should not be possible to modify the data stored in one SIB at
a cost that is lower than building a new STB
Extended and
The STB should be able to process messages that turn the STB
I
on and off. As above, the SIB must be able to validate the
authenticity of these messages An efficient means of addressing
is also required
In addition, as it can never be certain that the SIB will receive a
switch-off message, the system should require that the STB
I receives periodic addressed switch-on messages. The effective
Tobe able to turn off stolen duration of these messages should be variable and may in typical
operation be set to be around 1 — 3 months.
The STB shall be manufactured with a unique address that cannot
easily be modified
An addressing scheme is required that can be Implemented by all
STB manufacturers
To tar et
Confidential and Proprietary Information page 34 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEfO8IO4RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical S ecificationsSTB5 and groups of STBs It should be possible to target messages at individual STB5 or
groups of STBs and for these messages to trigger the display of
embedded or broadcast MHEG applications
It should be possible to store and modify group addresses or
other means of allowing STBs to be identified according to criteria
to be decided later
Message addressing for each of the above needs to make the
best use of the limited bandwidth available
To secure software To allow the software to be modified in a secure manner so that
download capability only properly approved software signed by the appropriate
authorities will be accepted by the STR
To Secure STB start-up or To ensure that only the authorised software runs in the STB
"Boot-up'
A low cost solution The solution cannot be funded from Pay TV revenues and has to
appropriate for a free to air be appropriate for the OTT market in South Africa
market
COSTING BREAKDOWN
The requirement is for a lightweight low cost system delivering the specification as set out in
Statement of Requirements above,
Pridng options should be provided, taking into account the following options
• Licence costs• Annual maintenance payments with and without upfront integration charges
* Support for new STB manufacturers (cost to manufacturer)
• Support for new STB models (cost to manufacturer)
• Expected headend hardware costs
Vendors should advise how these cost items may change in time and by volume.
Consideration should be given to offering a single cost per annum to support the OTT network
based on the following total STB volumes
1. 0-100,000 STB52. 100000 —500,000 STBs3. 500,000— 1 million STBs
4. 1 million to 2 million STB5
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RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument F: Technical Specifications
5. Greater than 2 million STBs
9 GENERAL INFORMATION
9.1 contact Persons for Tenderer Queries
Enquiries in respect of this tender should be addressed to:
Mpumelelo Chiliza — Tender SupervisorProcurement DivisionRadio Park Office BlockHenley RoadAuckland ParkJohannesburgSouth AfricaE-mail:Phone: 011 7144938
9,2 Evaluation criteria
Tenderers will be evaluated on the following criteria:
B-BBEE — 20%Price — 30%Technical Compliance — 35%
Customer support— 15%
The Corporation reserves the right to adjust these weightings as may be
applicable.
9.3 Project Schedule
The project schedule will be discussed in detail with the successful Tenderer but
should take cognisance of the need to have the appropriate solution available for
the proposed trial/pilot on 1 November 2008.
END OF
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 36 of 46 Tender Document
APP Number: SGE/O8/04APP Title: STB Control Software
A
Document G: Evaluation and Selection Criteriap
Vuka SlzweI
DOCUMENT G
NOTICE TO TENDERERS
1.0 COLLECTION AND INSPECTION OF PROPOSALS
1.1 RFP is awaited from invited Tenderers to supply the above-mentioned requirement to SABO, on or
before the 9 July 2008, 12h00. The Tender documents may be Inspected at, and are obtainable from
Tender Advise Centre:
Address: South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited
Tender Advice Centre (Floor 20)
Radio ParkCnr Artillery and Henley Road
Auckland Park
Contact Person: Mpumelelo Chiliza
Telephone no: (011) 7144749Email:
2.0 QUERIES
2.1 Any additional information or clarifications wilt be faxed or emailed to all potential Tenderers, if
necessary
2.2 Enquiries in respect of this RFP should be addressed to:
Mpumelelo Chiliza - —Tender Supervisor
E-mail:Phone: 0117144947
3.0 SUBMISSION
3.1 Final Proposals in triplicate must reach the Secretary SABC Bid Adjudication Committee before the
closing hour on the date shown below, and must be enclosed in a sealed envelope which must have
inscribed on the outside: The Tender number
Please note that electronic submission will also be accepted but the South African based
suppliers are encouraged to submit their tenders to SABC Tender Office.
3.2 The envelope is to be DELIVERED into the Tender Box at Radio Park Building which is located on
Corner Artillery and Henley Road Main Entrance and should be addressed as follows:
THE TENDER ADVICE CENTRE
SOUTU AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION
RADIOPARK BUILDING
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 37 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/O8/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument G: Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Vuka Sizwel
AUCKLAND PARK
3.3. Late submissions will be disqualified
3.3.1. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TENDER CLOSES PUNCTUALLY AT 12:00 ON THE 9 July 2008
3.4. If responses are not delivered as stipulated herein, such responses will not be considered and will be
considered as "UNRESPONSIVE".
3.5 NO E-MAIL OR FACSIMILE RESPONSES WILL BE CONSIDERED
3.6 The responses to this RFP will be opened as soon as practicable after the expiry of the time advertised
for receiving them.
3.7 SABC shall not at the opening of responses, disclose any confidential details pertaining to the tenders I
information received to any other company, i.e. pricing, delivery etc.
3.8 Envelopes must not contain documents relating to any TENDER other than that shown on the
envelope.
3.9 No slips are to be attached to the response documents. Any additional conditions must be embodied
in an accompanying letter. The Tenderer must not make alterations, additions or deletions to the actual
TENDER documents.
4.0 COMMUNICATION
4.1 Tenderers are warned that a response will be liable to disqualification should any attempt be made
by a Tenderer either directly or Indirectly to canvass any officer(s) or employees of SABC in respect
of a tender between the closing date and the date of the award of the business.
4.2 A Tenderer may, however, BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME direct any enquiries
relating to the TENDER to the SABC employee as indicated in (2.2).
5.0 RFP SCHEDULE
5.1 Tenderers will be contacted as soon as practicable with a status update. At this time, short-listed
Tenderers may be asked to meet with SABC representatives. Tenderers to provide a list of
persons and their contact details who are mandated to negotiate on behalf of their company.
6.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE TENDER
6.1 Sign one set of documents, sign and date the bottom of each page. ThIs set will serve as the legal
and binding copy. The duplicate can be a Photostat copy of the original document.
- Both sets of documents to be submitted to the address specified above.
- The following returnable documents must accompany all tenders:
- The supplier's latest audited financial statements;
- The supplier's valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
Confidential and Proprietary information Page 38 of 48 Tender
RFP Number SGE/08/04RPP Title: 8Th Con trot Software
A
Document 6: Evaluation and Selection Criteriap
Vuka Sizwel
- TV Licenses (applicable for South African companies)
7.0 COMPLIANCE
The Tenderer shall be in full and complete compliance with any and all applicable State and Local
laws and regulations.
8.0 ADDITIONAL NOTES
8.1 All returnable documents as indicated in the tender form must be returned with the
response
8,2 Tenderers are to note that tenders in which firm prices are quoted for the duration of any resulting
contract may receive precedence over prices which are subject to adjustment.
8,3 changes by the Tenderer to his/her submission will not be considered after the closing date.
8.4 The person or persons signing the tenders must be legally authorized by the Tenderer to do so A
list of the person(s) authorized to negotiate on your behalf must be submitted along with the tender,
8.5 All prices must be in Rands and cents. (Price per service item that SABC will be charged (note: this
price should be the lowest possible and preferably be firm for at least a year)).
8.8 sABc reserves the right to undertake post-tender negotiations with the preferred Tenderer or any
number of short-listed Tenderers.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE ANY OF THEREQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN THE
TENDER BEING OVERLOOKED.
9.0 DISCLAIMERS
9.1 Tenderers are hereby advised that SABC is not committed to any course of action as a result of its
issuance of this TENDER and/or its receipt of a tender in response to it. In particular, please note
that SABC may:
9.1.2 change all services on tender and to have Supplier re-bid on any changes.
9.1.3 reject any tender which does not conform to instructions and specifications issued herein
9.1.4 disqualify tenders after the stated submission deadline
9.1.5 not necessarily accept the lowest priced tender
9.1.6 reject all tenders, if it so decides9.1.7 award a contract in connection with this tender at any time
9.1.8 award only a portion as a contract
9.1.9 split the award of the contract to more than one Supplier
9.1.10 make no award of a contract.
Kindly note that SABC will not reimburse any Tenderer for any preparation costs or other work
performed in connection with this tender whether or not the Tenderer is awarded a contract.
Confidential and Information Page 39 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGEIOO/04RFP Title: STB Control Software ADocument 13: Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Vuka Sizwel
10.0 CONFIDENTIALITY
All information related to this tender both during and after completion is to be treated with strict
confidence. Should the need however arise to divulge any information gleaned from the service
which is either directly or indirectly related to SABC Ltd, written approval to divulge such
information will have to be obtained from SABC
Any TENDER submitted by a Tenderer Is subject to negotiation and review of the proposed
contract by SABC's Legal Counsel.
NAME OF TENDERER
PHYSICALADDRESS
Tenderer's contact person: Name:
Telephone:
Mobile:
Fax.:
E-mail address:
______
END OF DOCUMENT G
Confidential and Proprietary In formation Page 40 of 48 Tender
RFP Number: SGE/O8/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument H: Supporting Documentation and In formation
DOCUMENT H
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION
1.0 TAX (VAT) REGISTRATION NUMBER
The Tenderer must state hereunder the tax registration number which is applicable to value
added tax.
2.0 TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
Tenderers are required to forward a valid copy of their Company's Tax Clearance Certificate
with their tender/quotation.
Indicate tax clearance certificate expiry date
3.0 TV LICENSE INFORMATION
Confidential and ProprietarY Information page 41 of 48 Tender Document \
RFP Number: .SGEIO8/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument H: Supporting Documentation and In formation
TV Licence number
H
Name & Surname
ID Number
Physical address
Telephone & cellular phone numbers
E-mail address
________________
TV Licence number
Confidential and ProprietarY Information Page 42 of 48
4.0 RETURNABLE DOCUMENTS
Tenderers are required to submit the following returnable documents with their responses
Audited Financials Statement for Past Three Years (for EME's)
Letter from a reputable audit firm (for EME's)
By signing the TENDER documents, the Tenderer is deemed to acknowledge and accept
that all the conditions governing this TENDER, including those contained in any printed
form stated to form part thereof and SABC Limited. will recognize no claim for relief
based on an allegation that the Tenderer overlooked any such condition or failed
Tender Document 4
RiP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDocument H: Supporting Documentation and In formation
properly to take it into account for the purpose of calculating tendered prices or
otherwise.
SIGNED atthis
day of
2008.
WITNESSES:WITNESSES ADDRESSES:
_____________________________________
1.
2.2.
TENDERER
END OF DOCUMENTII
Con fidential and Proprietary in formation Page 43 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDOCUMENT!: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Form
DOCUMENT I
BROAD BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FORM
1.0 SABC B-BBEE
1,1 The SABO fully endorses and supports the Government's Broad-based Black Economic
Empowerment Programme and it is strongly of the opinion that all South African Business
Enterprises have an equal obligation to redress the imbalances of the past.
1.2 SABC will therefore prefer to do business with local business enterprises who share these same
values. To this end, SABO will seriously reconsider continued business relationships with such
local business enterprises that do not possess a BBBEE "recognition level" of at least level 5.
SABC consequently urges Tenderers (large enterprises and QSE's- see below) to have
themselves accredited by any one of the various Accreditation Agencies available, who do their
BBBEE ratings in accordance with the latest Codes (I.e. those promulgated on 9 February
2007) and whose names appear on the present ABVA (Association of BEE Verification
Agencies) — "List of Full Members" as displayed on the ABVA website (www.abva.co.za).
1.3 Although no agencies have, as yet, been accredited by SANAS (SA NatIonal Accreditation
System), SABC will, in the interim, accept rating certificates of Tenderers who have been
verified by any of the listed agencies.
1.4 In addition to the above, Tenderers who wish to enter into a Joint Venture or subcontract portions of
the contract to BBBEE companies, must state in their tenders the percentage, of the total contract
value that will be allocated to such BBBEE companies, should they be successful in being awarded
any business. A ratin certificate In res ect of such BBBEE JV- artners and I or sub-Tendererls as
well as a breakdown of the distribptionpf the aforementionedi
1.5 In view of the high emphasis which SABG places on Broad-based Black Economic
Empowerment SABC will allocate more points to BBBEE in awarding this tender. However, Price
and delivery head time will also play a very important factor.
1.6 Each Tenderer is required to furnish proof of the above to SABC. Failure to do so will result
in a score of zero being allocated for BBBEE.
Tenderers are required to respond to all the items of this document. Compliance is
Mandatory. The SABC reserves the right to audit and/or request information to support
or validate of any of the figures provided in response to the BEE questionnaire prior to
the award of the tender.
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 44 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDOCUMENT!: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Form
2.0 BUSINESS DETAILS OF TENDERER
2.1 Name of company or close corporation:
2.2 Company or Close Corporation registration number
2.3 VAT number
2.3 Postal Address
2.4 street address
2.5 Telephone Number_____________________ Fax Number
2,6 Contact Person
2.7 Full Names of Shareholders/Members by race and gender and % shareholding (In case
of a public company, shareholders with more than 10%):
NAME SURNAME I ID NUMBER JThACE
Con fiden tie! and Proprietary Information Page 45 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDOCUMENT I: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Form
2.8 Name(s) of responsible officers that will be assigned to this contract if it is awarded to
your company.
2.9 Name and address of bankers: —
Branch___________________________ Account No._________________________
2*10 Name and Address of attorneys:
2.11 Name and address of officer
3.0 BUSINESS DETAILS OF HOLDING SUBSIDIARY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
3.1 Name of Group Holding Company:
3.2 Registration Number of Group Holding Company
3.3 Postal Address
3.4 street Address
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 46 of 48 Tender Document
RPP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDOCUMENT!: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Form
3.5 Names and addresses of all subsidiary companies
4.0 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
4.1 Audited financial statements for the last three financial years, where applicable, of the
tendering company and the holding company must be enclosed with your tender
application.
4.2 State the names of group holding, subsidiary or associated companies that will be
supporting contract undertakings In connection with this tender and state the nature and
extent of this support
4.3 Has the tendering company or any associated company been liquidated or placed under
provisional liquidation or judicial management? If so, give full details and reasons:
4.4 Has any director or former director of the tendering company ever been declared
insolvent and if so has such director rehabilitated?
5.0 CORE BUSINESS,AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
5.1 Tenderers must supply a brief description of their core business in the field in which they
are tendering together with the major users of their services.
Confidential and Proprietary Information page 47 of 48 Tender Document
RFP Number: SGE/08/04RFP Title: STB Control SoftwareDOCUMENT!: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Form
5.2 What business activities are being sub-contracted or can be sub-contracted?
END OF DOCUMENT I
END OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT
Confidential and Proprietary Information Page 48 of 48 Tender Document
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standard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
ISBN 978-0-626-28809-9 SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
SOUTH AFRICAN NATiONAL STANDARD
Set-top box decoder for free-to-air digitalterrestrial television
C-:::
This ad$di4feI!$&bttiet
Published by SABS Standards Division
1 DrLatecjan Road Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27124287911 Fax: +27123441568
© SABS. Single-user licence only: copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
d
Copyright protected. This standardis exclusively [or Calve Mawela ol Multicholce [or use on the local drive of your Personal computer with access only for
your personal use. No local area nelwork, wide area network, intranet or internet storage and access is permlttaø. You can make one paper copy ci the
standard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Table of changes
Change N2i Date Scope
Amdt I j 2013 Amended to update the normative references (see Clause 2). to
I
I include the abbreviation CGMS-A (see 3.2), to define single RF
I
frequency. TFS, NM and HEM input modes (see 4.3.1) to
clarify the situation regarding the levels of RF channels when TFS is
I
supported (see 4.3.3.5.3), to indicate that CGMS-A (copy once set)
I
should be provided with composite (CVBS) video output and that the
I decoder shall provide a single HDMI output with HDCP enabled
output for HD content (see 4.4.2.5), to Indicate that receivers shall
I
include an HIDMI output with HDCP enabled for HD content (see
I
144.3.7.2), to make all the descriptions in table 10 compulsory (see
14.7.2); to change the way schedule information shall be carried and to
I
I delete reference to an MHEG application (see 4.7.4), to modify the
I
requirements for HDMI connectors (type A with HDCP) enable (see
I
14.12.3), to replace the DVB-SSU simple proffle with the DVB-SSU
I
I enhanced profile (see 6.3.2,1 and 6.3.3) and to replace the
_jjequlrements for the user interface (see clause 7).
___________
Acknowledgement
The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance derived from the
publication NorDig unified requirements for integrated receiver decoders for use In cable, satellite,
terrestrial and (P-based networks (ver 2.2,1).
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS/TC 074, communication
technology, in accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with
annex 3 of the WTOITBT agreement.
This document was published in January 2014.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment
No. 1.
This document supersedes SANS B62:2012 (edition 2).
At various places in this document, reference is made to broadcasting service licensees, In South
Africa, this means the free-to-air individual broadcasting service licensees or their appointed agents
(trusted third parties). Contact details for these broadcasting service licensees are available from
the Independent Communicalion Authority of South Africa (ICASA):
Independent Communication Authority of South Africa
Blocks A, B, C and 0, Pinmill Farm
164 Katherine StreetSandton2146
© SASS
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your personal use. No local area network, wide area network, intranet or internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
slandard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Introduction
Digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting has been trialled in South Africa since
1 November 2008 using the Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial System (DVB-T). In
January 2011 the Second Generation Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial System (DVB-T2) was
confirmed as the transmission standard to be used in South Therefore this revision of
SANS 862 Incorporates the requirements for DVB-T2.
Initially, the DTT service will be available in parallel with the existing analogue network, but it is
anticipated that the analogue network will be switched off from December 2013.
The objective of this document is to provide requirements for a set-top box decoder (5Th decoder)
which, in conjunction with an analogue television receiver will provide good quality video and sound
for the viewer, and to ensure the lowest possible cost for the free-to-air set-top box decoder.
Where the document is silent on a specific feature that feature is regarded as being optional. The
inclusion of optional features can be seen as part of the marketing strategy of the manufacturer.
For the South African DTT networks, cached MI-lEG applications and data will be used to avoid the
high bandwidth needs of caroilsels,
The MHEG-5 application environment in accordance with ISOI1EC 13522-5, ETSI ES 202 184 and
the MHEG-5 Profile for South Africa, has been seiected for easy integration. The South African
MHEG-5 profile supports a return path, but this is optional in this document.
The DTT Free to Air User Interface Specification will provide a defined framework for conformance
measurement. Information will be available at http://www.sabc.00.Za/Wp5/P0 SABCfdtt or
http:ilwww.etv.c0.Za/dtt.
The 5Th decoder should also be capable of providing interactive services, and control moans are
required to prevent subsidized STB decoders from being used outside South Africa.
The main functional elements specified for security are:
a) a secure over-the-air software and bootstrap loader;
b) a mechanism to prevent STB decoders from functioning in non-RSA DTT networks;
c) STB control system that will enabte mass messaging.
Detailed security requirements are not specified in this document. The STB decoder manufacturer
is responsible for the implementation of the security requirements specified by the free-to-air
individual service licensees in South Africa and for the proper configuration of the
chipsets.
Manufacturers can obtain the security requirements from the free-to-air individual
service licensees in South Africa or from their appointed agents (trusted third parties)
(sea foreword).
© SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
Copyright protected. This standard is exclusively for calve Mawela of Multichoice for use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only for
your personal use. No local area nelwmk, wide area network. intranet or internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard. No paper copy may he photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013 $
Edidon 2.1
ContentsPage
Acknowledgement
Foreword
Introduction
I ScopeS
2 Normative references5
3 Definitions, abbreviations and symbols7
4 Performance requirements11
4.1 General11
4.2 spectrum and DTT modulation and coding12
4,3 Radio frequency12
4.4 Do-multipleXing and decoding25
4.5 subtitling30
4.6 Teletext31
4,7 service information (SI) and programmesPecific information (PSI) 31
4.8 Menlory4.9 Graphics capabilities
33
4.10 standby operation4.11 Power supply4.12 Interfaces
5 STB decoder control36
5.1 control requirements36
5.2 Menu operation36
5.3 south African OTT identification number36
e Applications
6.1 MHEG-5 Interactive application environment37
6.2 Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and cached applications 37
6.3 Secure downloads and updates37
7 User interface39
7.1 to 7.8 deleted by amendment No. I
B Remote control unit (RcU)
a.i Minimum functionality39
8.2 Alternative RCU design40
8.3 RelIability40
$,4 Packaging40
2©SABS
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6
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your personal use, No local area network, wide area network, intranet or Internet storage and accoss is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard. No paper copy maybe photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Contents (continued)Page
— Main hardware/firmware functions for the various RD configurations
— Mandatory frequency bands
Modulation and transmission parameters
— A limited set of DVB-T2 modes for performance requirements
— Maximum noise figures for set-top box decoders
Minimum required C/N for GEE reception of DVB-T (with 1/4 guard
interval and FFT size a K) for prof ties I and 2
Table 7 — Maximum required C/N for GEE reception of DVI3-T2 at
TS output (with 1/8 guard interval PP2 and EFT size 32 K) for profiles I and 2....
Table 8 — Minimum input signal levels (Pmin.) for GEE reception of DVB-T
(with 1/4 guard interval and FFT size 8K) for profiles 1 and 2
Table 9 — Minimum input signal levels (Pmin.) for GEE reception of DVB-T2
(with 1/8 guard interval, PP2 and FFT size 32 K extended bandwidth
for profiles 1 and 2)
Table 10— Minimum required for GEE reception with Interfering
signals
Table 11 — C/I for QEF in the presence of a co-channel analogue TV carrier
Table 12— C/I for QEF of DVB-T2 in the presence of a co-channel analogue
TV carrier
Table 13— C/N for GEE reception of DVB-T with dynamically varying echo
power levels
Table 14— C/N for GEE reception of DVB-T2 with dynamically varying echo
power levels
Table 15— GEE reception for echoes outside the guard interval for 8 MHz DVB-T
© SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
C
g compliance
9.1 Health and safety9.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
9.3 Performance
10 Accessories
11 Packaging
BiblIography
Tables
Table I
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6 —
41
4141
41
41
42
42
11
12
13
14
15
17
18
19
20
21
21
22
22
23
24
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Contents (concluded) Page
Table 16— QEF reception for echoes outside the guard interval for 8 MHz DVB-T2 24
Table 17— Video decoder— Resolutions and frame rates26
Table IS — Video decoder—Colour frame aspect ratio27
Table 19— 81 table structure32
Table 20 — South African OTT identification number37
I
Table 21 Parental control ratings for South Africa Deleted by amendment No, I
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2,1
Set-top box decoder for free-to-air digital terrestrial television
I Scope
1.1 This standard sets out the minimum technical requirements for a standard-definition and high-
definition set-top box decoder for free-to-air digital terrestrial television In South Africa.
NOTE 1 This will result In a low cost, low maintenance unit that provides basic functionality, I.e. decoding the
OTT broadcasts to provide baseband and UHF modulated outputs, and an Electronic Programme Guide (ERG)
that provides details of the available services,
NOTE 2 Although this standard applies only to free-to-air OTT set-top box decoders, any other set-top box
decoder which is capable of receiving the free-to-air OTT services should ensure that the audio and video
services and over-the-air applications are displayed fully, without any alteration or hindrance.
NOTE 3 A breakdown of the changes is given in Annex A.
1 ,2 This standard applies to
a) broadcasters.
b) broadcasting signal distributors,
c) decoder manufacturers and
d) the public.
1.3 This standard does not cover integrated digital television (IDTV).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division,
OTT, Free to Air User Intedace SpecificationAmdt I
ETSI EN 300 743, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Subtitling systems.
ETSI TR 101 211, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Guidelines 00 implementation and usage of
Sen/Ice Information (SI).
ETSI TS 101 154, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Specification for the use of Video and Audio
Coding in Broadcasting Applications based on the MPEG-2 Transport Stream.
ETSI TS 102 006, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Specification for System Software Update in
DVB Systems.
ETSI TS 102 366, Digital Audio Compression (AC-3, EnhancedAC-3) Standard.
©SABS5
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your personal use, No local area netwoik, wide area network. intranet or Internet storage and access is permitled. You can make one paper copy of the
standard No paper copy maybe photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
IEC 60728-5, Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive sen/ices — Part 6:
Headend equipment.
IEC 61169-2, Radio-frequencY connectors — Part 2: Sectional specification — Radio frequency
coaxial connectors of type 9,52.
EC 61938, Multimedia systems — Guide to the recommended characteristics of analogue interfaces
to achieve interoperability.
ISO 639-4, Codes for the representation of names of languages — Part 4: General principles of
coding of the representation of names of languages end related entities, and application guidelines.
ISO/lEO 13818-7, Information technology — Generic coding of moving pictures and associated
audio information — Part 7: Advanced Audio Coding
ISO/IEC 14496-3, Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 3: Audio.
ISOREC 14496-10,Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Pad 10: Advanced
Video Coding.
1TU-R BT.624-4, Characteristics of television systems.
lu-B BT.709-5, Parameter values for the I-IDTV standards for production and international
programme exchange.
ITU-R Bt1700, Characteristics of composite video signals for conventional analogue television
systems.
MHEG-5 profile for South Africa.
SANS 164-1, plug and socket-outlet systems for household and similar purposes for use in South
Africa -. Pad 1: Conventional system, 16 A 250 V ac.
SANS 213/CISPR 13, sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment — Radio
disturbance characteristics — Limits and methods of measuremenL
SANS 528-21150 639-2, Codes for the representation of names of languages — Pad 2: Alpha -3
code.
SANS 894, Test specifications for SD and HD Level Integrated Receiver Decoders.
SANS 2200/CISPR 20, sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment —
Immunity characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement.
SANS 1381 8-1/ISOIIEC 13818-1. Information technology — Generic coding of moving pictures and
associated audio information: Systems.
SANS 50065/IEC 60065, Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus — Safety requirements.
SANS 60320-I IIEC 60320-1, Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes —
Part 1: General requirements.
SANS 60799/lEG 60799, Electrical accessories — Cord sets and interconnection cord sets.
SANS 61000-3-2, Electromagneticcompatibility (EMC) — Part 3-2: Limits — Limits for
harmonic current emissions (equipment input current 16 A per phase).
6
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slandord. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
SANS 61000-3-3/IEC 61000-3-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 3-3: Limits —
(ion of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in pub/ic low-voltage supply systems,
for equipment with rated current 16 A per phase and not subject to conditional connection.
SANS 61000-4-2/IEC 61000-4-2, ElectromagnetiC compatibility (EMC) — POd 4-2: Testing and
measurement techniques — Electrostatic discharge immunity test.
SANS 61000-4-3/lEG 61000-4-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMO) — Part 4-3: Testing and
measurement techniques — Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test.
SANS 61000-4-4IIEC 61000-4-4,ElectromagnetIc compatibility (EMG) — Part 4-4: Testing and
measurement techniques — Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test.
SANS 61000-4-5/IEC 61000-4-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4-5: Testing and
measurement techniques — Surge immunity test.
SANS 61000-4-1 1/lEO 61000-4-Il, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMO) — Part 4-Il: Testing and
measurement techniques — Voltage dips, shod interruptions and voltage variations immunity tests.
SANS 3004681ETS1 EN 300468, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Specification for Service
lnfonnation (SI) in OVA syslom.s.
SANS 300744/ETSI EN 300744, Digital Video broadcasting (OVA); Framing structure channel
coding and modulation for digital terrestrial television.
SANS 302755/ETSI EN 302755, Digital Video Broadcasting (OVA); Frame structure channel coding
and modulation for a second generation digital terrestrial television broadcasting system (DVB-T2).
SMPTE ST 274, Television — 1920 x 1080 image sample structure, digital representation and digital
timing reference sequences for multiple picture rates.
SMPTE ST 296, 1280 x 720 progressive image 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 sample structure — Analog and
digital representation and analog interface.
3 DefinitionS, abbreviations and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions, abbreviations and symbols apply.
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1audio descriptionancillary service, primarily provided for the visually impaired, that provides a spoken description of
the video component of a service
3.1.2digital terrestrial televisionOTTterrestrial delivery of digital transmissions in the UHFNHF frequency bands using the DVB-T2
standard as set out in SANS 302755
3.1.3free-to-air . -
service which is broadcast and capable of being received without payment of subscription fees
3.1,4multiplex'fluxgroup of digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels that are combined together into one output
signal for broadcast
©SABS7
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standard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
3,1.5private data streamDVB data stream desIgned for a specific application which is ignored by other DVB decoders that
are not designed to use the data
3.1.6set-top box decoderSTB decoderdecoderstand-alone device that converts a DVB-T signal into analogue video and audio signals for
presentation on a television receiver or another suitable display device
3.2 Abbreviations and symbols
a/v AudioNisUaI
AC-3 Audio Coding 3 (Dolby Digital used for 5,1 rnultichannel digital audio)
ACE Active Constellation Extension
AD Audio Description
AEC Automatic Frequency Control
AFD Active Format Descriptor
API Application Programming Interlace
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
AVC Advanced Video Coding
BAT Bouquet Association Table
BCH Bose Chaudhllri Hoequerighem Code
BER Bit Error Rate
bw Bandwidth
Copy Generation Management System AnalogAtndtl
C/(N1-I) Ratio of Carrier to Noise plus Interference
C/IRatio
C/N Ratio
CPU Central processing Unit
CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check
CVBS Composite Video Baseband Signal
DTT Digital Terrestrial Television
DVB Digital Video
DVB-H Digital Video — Handheld
DVB-T Digital Video — Terrestrial
DVB-T2 Second Generation Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial System
Enhanced Audio Coding 3
EDID Extended Display Identification Data
E-EDID Enhanced Extended Display Identification Data
EEPROM Electrically Erasable programmable Read-OnlY Memory
EIT Event Information Table
EPS Electronic Programme Guide
EPT Effective Protection Target
8© SASS
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standard. No paper copy maybe pholocopiod or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Centre Frequency
FEC Forward Error Correcflon
FEF Future Extension Frame
FFT Fast Fourier Transform
FM Frequency Modulation
FTA Free To Air
HO High Definition
HOOP High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection
HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface
HOTV Television
HE-AAC V2 High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding
HEM High Efficiency Mode
HL High Level
HP High Profile
Wanted Carrier
I/CSignal Level Ratio
ID Identification
IDTV Integrated Digital Television
IRD Integrated Receiver Decoder
L Level
LCN Logical Channel Number
LED Light-EmittinQ Diode
MFN Network
MHEG Multimedia and Hypermedia Information Coding Experts Group
MISO Multiple Input Single Output
ML Main Level
MP Main Profile
MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group
N Gaussian Noise
NEC Nippon Electric Company
NF Noise Figure
NICAM Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex
NIT Network Information Table
NM Normal Mode
NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory
OFOM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
P profile
PAL Phase Alternating Line
F'APRRatio
PCM Pulse Code Modulation
PER Packet Error Ratio
PES Packetized Elementary Stream
PID packet Identifier
@SABS9
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2,1
PIN Personal Identification Number
PLP Physical Layer Pipe
Pmin. Minimum Input Signal Level
PP Pilot Pattern
PSI programme-specific Information
PTS Presentation Time Stamp
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
QEF Quasi Error Free
QPSK Quaternary Phase Shift Keying
R Code Rate
RCA Radio Corporation of America
RCU Remote Control Unit
RF Radio Frequency
RGB Red/Greenfalue
r.m.s. Root Mean Square
RST Running Status Table
Rx Transmission Receiver
so Standard Definition
SDT Service Description Table
SDTV Standard-Definition Television
SEN Single Frequency Network
SI Service Information
siso Single Input Single Output
SMPTE Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
S/POlE sony/Phillips digital interface
soi Signal Quality Indicator
Signal Strength Indicator
SSU System Software Update
STB Set-Top Box
TOT Time and Date Table
TFS Time Frequency Slicing
TOT Time Offset Table
TPS Transmission Parameter Signalling
TR Tone Reservation
TS Transport Stream
T0 Useful symbol time
TV Television
UHF Ultra-High Frequency
USB Universal Serial Bus
VCR Video Cassette Recorder
VHF Very High Frequency
10©SABS
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4 Performance requirements
4.1 General
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
The DTT transmissions in South Africa utilize MPEG-4 coding. Transmission shall be DVB-T2 in
accordance with SANS 302755, and shall be in the VHF and UHF bands.
Table 1 indicates some of the major hardware and firmware functions in the STB decoder, Detailed
requirements are specified in the appropriate performance requirements.
Table I —Main bardwarelflrmware functions for the various IRD configurations
Functions
decodinglpr000sstflg
[MPEG.2 MP@ML SDTV video
AVC HL@L4 SDTV+ HDTV video
[Audio docodlnglprOcessin9
including down-mix to stereo
E-AC-3 (E-AC-3 converted to AC-3) digital output
HE-AAC V2 (Mono or stereo audio pairs)
subtitling
(HDTV) subtitling
flietext and API
IDVB MHEO-5
Embedded STB Control
ces
[DVS-T_front end
DVB-T2 front end
UHF re-modulator
RF female Input connector
RF male output connector
Analogue SD video output
HDMI output
HDCP
Analogue audio left output
Analogue audio right output
CGMS-A
i2 V DC input
M = Mandatory
Amdt I
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2 3
DVB-T DVB-T2
4.2.2 OTT modulation and coding
The STB decoder shall support the B K mode of operation in accordance with SANS 300744 (the
DVB-T standard). The decoder shall be capable of achieving full specified performance with any of
the combinations of modulationFEC coding and guard interval as
specified in SANS 300744.
The STB decoder shall support the 16K and 32 K modes, as well as the normal and extended
carrier modes as defined in SANS 302755.
The decoder shall be capable of achieving full specified performance with any of the modes of
operation defined for DVB-T2 in SANS 302755.
4.3 Radio frequency
4.3.1 DII tuner/demodulator
The STB decoder shall be provided with a single oTT tuner/demodulator for the reception of signals
from terrestrial transmitters broadcasting in accordance with SANS 300744 (for OVB-T) and
SANS 302755 (for DVB-T2). It shall be capable of receiving transmissions broadcast with any
allowable combination of modulation and transmission parameters in accordance with
tables 3 and 4.
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4.2 Spectrum and D1'T modulation and coding
4.2.1 spectrum
The STB decoder shall operate within the VHF and UHF television broadcasting bands as shown in
table 2 using 8 MHz channel spacing.
Table 2 — Mandatory frequency bands
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Table 3— ModulatiOn and transmission parameters
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Both input modes to be supported
Amdt I
made.
DVB-T2
QPSK, 16-QAM, QPSK, I6-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM
ConstellatIOn 64-QAM(rotated and non-rotated)
Code rate1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6
Guard intervalTu/4 T0/128, T0/18, 114
Transmission mode 8 KI K, 2 K, 4 K, 8 K, 16 K, 32 K normal and extended
PIlot patternN/A
PPI, PP2, PP3, PP4, FF5, PPS, PP7, PPB
SlSO/ MISO N/ABoth modes to be supported
PAPR N/A No PAPR used, ACE-PArR only used,
TR PAPR only used, ACE and TR PAPR used;
FEC frame length N/A64800, 16200
Mode A (single PLP) or
Input Mode B (Multiple PLPs — Common PLP. Type I
Input mode N/A and 2 up to the maximum allowed figure 255).
The STB Decoder shall automatically detect whichmode is being used.
Both input modes to be suppQrted
STB decoder not required to demodulate or decode
content of FEE parts and auxiliary streams but the
streamsexistence of FEE or auxiliary streams (or both) shall
not cause the STB decoder to malfunction.
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SANS 862:2012Edition 2
E
C.0)
C)t0t0)0.
•0aE
('1
I-;
>a15
(0
•04,4.E
0).0Ce
F-
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4.3.2 TunIng
4.3.2.1 General
The decoder shall ignore all services originating from any non-DTT sources such as ENS-H
services, to avoid confusing the consumer.
4.3.2.2 AutomatiC tuning
The STB decoder shall be capable of performing automatic tuning over the frequency ranges
indicated in table 2, to find all the multiplexes and services received in the complete frequency
range The STB decoder shall automatically detect which mode is being used (see table 3). It shall
also be able to interpret and respond to tuning parameters found in the SI/PSI (e.g. within the NIT).
When receiving a DVB-T2 signal with multiple PLPs (i.e. Mode B), the decodet' shall analyse and
interrogate the SI information per PLP.
The decoder shall display a given service only once in the service list (thereby avoiding duplication
of the same service) even if this service (i.e. the same path comprising an original network
Identifier, transport stream identifier and service identifier) is received from more than one
transmitter. In such a case, the service emanating from the transmission with the highest quality (as
defined by signal strength and signal quality) shall be the one chosen to be entered into the service
list.
4.3,2.3 Manual tuning
In addition to automatic tuning, the STB decoder shall be capable of performing manual tuning
where the channel number or frequency (or both) is entered by the viewer. The decoder shall tune
to the channel entered by the viewer, search all available DTT modes, add any new services and
replace existing services in the service list.
The decoder shall display a given service only once In the service list (thereby avoiding duplication
of the same service), even if this service (i.e. the same path comprising an original network
identifier, transport stream Identifier and service Identifier) is received from more than one
transmitter. In such a case, the service emanating from the transmission with the highest quality (as
defined by signal strength and signal quality) shall be the one chosen to be entered into the service
list.
4.3.3 Tuner performance
4.3,3.1 Noise
The maximum noise figure (NF) of the decoder tuner shall not exceed 6dB across the operational
frequency range in accordance with table 5.
TableS— Maximum noise figures for set-toj) box decoders
15
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
4.3.3,2 Return loss
input return loss measured at the antenna input shall be equal to or loss than —6dB (75 0) across
the operational frequency range.
4,3.3.3 Centre frequencies and signal bandwidth
The decoder tuner shall be capable of tuning to the centre frequency, of the incoming DVB-T and
DVB-T2 signal, as follows:
a) in the case of VHF tuning
= 178 MHz 4' (K — 4)X8MHZ
where
is the centre frequency of the incoming DVB-T signal, in megahertz;
K is an integer from 4 to 13.
b) in the case of UHF tuning
fc = 306 +
where
f0 is the centre frequency of the incoming OVB-T signal, in megahertz;
K is an integer from 21 to 68.
NOTE I For a DV8-T signal, an 8 MHz channel corresponds to a signal bandwidth of 7,61.
NOTE 2 For a OVB-T2 signal, an 8 MHz channel corresponds to a signal bandwidth oF 761 MHz in the
normal carrier mode, and 7,71 MHz for FFT size 8 K and 7,77 MHz for FFT size 16 K and 32 K in the extended
carrier mode
4,3.3.4 MaXiflThfll frequency offset
The Sm decoder shall be able to receive signals with an offset of up to 50 kHz from the nominal
centre frequency.
4.3.3.5 ratio
4.3.3.5,1 The C/N shall be less than one uncorrected error event per hour over the entire frequency
range.
NOTE This requirement is given as QEF in SANS 300744, where QEF means less than one uncorrected
error event per hour and corresponds to BER = 10-Il at the input of the MPEG de.muitlplexer.
SANS 302755 defines QEF for DVB-T2 as "less than one uncorrected error event per transmission
hour at the level of a 5 Mbit/s single TV service decoder", approximateJY correspondino to a TS
PER < 10-7 before the
4.3.3.5.2 The C/N values in tables 6 and 7 are specified for two profiles:
a) Profile 1: Gaussian noise (N) is applied together with the wanted carrier (I) in a signal bandwidth
of a OVB-T signal. No echo is applied.
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b) profile 2: the wanted carrier (I) includes the direct path signal and an echo. The echo has the
same power (0dB echo) as the direct path signal and Is delayed from 1,95 ps to 0,95 times the
guard interval length, and has a 0 degree phase at the channel centre.
4.3.3.5.3 The C/N as given in table 7 applIes generally for all Input Mode A (single PLP) and Input
Mode B (multiple PLP5) including TFS (using 2-6 frequencies). When IFS is supported, the levels
of all RF channels involved are identical and the 0 dU echo profile is also identical on all RF
channels.Amdt I
Table 6— Minimum required CR4 for QEF reception of DVB-T (with 114 guard
interval and FFT size B K) for profiles I and 2
17
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Table 7—Maximum required C/N for QEF reception of DVB-T2 at TS output
(with 118 guard Interval, PP2 and PET size 32K) for profiles I and 2
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(1
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4.3.3.6 MinImum decoder Input signal levels
The 8Th decoder shall provide QEF reception in both the VHF and the UHF bands for the minimum
input signal levels (Prom.), which can be derived as follows:
Pmmn. = —105,2 + NW + CIN
where
Pmin. Is the minimum input signal level, in decibels (dBm);
NF is the noise figure, in decibels (dBm);
C/N is as specified In tables 6 and 7, in decibels (dAm).
The required Pmin. are summarized in tables 8 and 9.
Table Input signal levels (Pmin.) for QEF reception of DVB-1'
(with 114 guard Interval and FET size B K) for profiles I and 2
Minimum input signal level (F'mln.)
Profile 1: Gaussian Profile 2: 0 dE echo
—93,1 —89,4
—91,3 —84,5
—90,3 —80,8
—89,3 —
—88,5 —
—87,4 —84,9
—85,1 —80,3
—83,6 -'76,1
-82,6 —
—82,2 —
—81,7 —79,2
—79,5 —75,0
—78,0 —70,6
—78,6 —
—75,7
19
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Table 9—Minimum input signal levels (Pmin.) for QEF reception of DVB-T2
(with 118 guard interval, PP2 and EFT size 32 K extended bandwidth for profiles I and 2)
1 24
Minimum input signal level (Pmln.)
d8
Prof lie 1: GaussIan ProfIle 2:0dB echo
—95,6 —93,9
—94,4 —92,3
—93,5 —90,7
—92,5 —89,3
-91,9 —88,2
—91,4 —87,0
—90,4 —88,2
—89,0 —86,4
—87,7 —84,8
—86,6 —82,8
'45,8 —81,3
—85,3 —80,2
—86,1 —83,1
—84,3 —81,1
—82,9 —79,4
—81,4 —77,1
—80,4 —75,1
—79,7 —73,6
—82,1 —78,5
—79,7 —76,0
—78,3 —74,0
—76,2 —71,1
—74,8 '48,3
—74,0 —65,5I
4.3.3.7 Maximum STB decoder input signal levels
The STB decoder shall provide QEF reception for DVB-T and DVB-T2 signals up to an input level of
—35 dbm. The analogue TV input signal level is restricted to —20 dBm maximum (where the
analogue TV signal is defined as the r,m.s. value of the vision carrier at peaks of the modulated
envelope).
This maximum input signal level is valid for the following combination of modes:
8 K, 64QAM, R = 2/3, &Tu = 1/8
8K, 64-QAM, R = 2/3. = 1/4;
BK, 64-QAM, R = 3/4. &T0 = 1/4.
The DVB-T2 signal input is valid for the modes shown in table 10.
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4,3.3.8 STB decoder immunity to analogue signals in other channels
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Table 10— Minimum required IIC for QEF reception with interferingDVB-TIDVB-T2 signals
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The 5Th decoder shall maintain QEF reception with adjacent-channel PAL-I carriers of up to 33 dB
higher power levels.
NOTE In South Africa the PAL FM sound carrier level relative to the vision carrier is —13 dB, and the level of
the NICAM signal relative to the vision carrier is —20 dB.
On channels other than adjacent channels QEF reception shall be maintained with analogue PAL
carriers up to 44 dB higher than the wanted DVB-T signal. This applies to IJVB-T transmissions with
the combination of modes given in 4.3.3.7.
For DVB-T2, the requirements in this subclause refer to signals in the UHF and VHF bands for the
modes defined in table 4.
4.3.3.9 STB decoder immunity to digital signals in other channels
Table 10 gives the lowest values of thesignal level ratio (I/C) at which the
decoder shah maintain QEF performance in the presence of an interfering DVB-T signal. This
requirement applies to DVB-T transmissions with the combination of modes given in 4.3.3.7, and for
DVB-T2 with the modes given in table 4.
4.3.3.10 Immunity to co-channel Interference from analogue TV signals
The sensitivity for interference from analogue TV is specified as the minimum
ratio (C/I) requ red for QEF reception.
The SIB decoder shall operate at QEF at values specified in tables 11 and 12 when an 8MHz
DVB-T or IJVB-T2 signal is exposed to interference from a co-channel PAL-I signal including video
with teletext, and an FM sound carrier (see 4.3.3.8).
Table ii — C/I for QEF in the presence of a co-channel analogue TV carrier
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Table 12— C/I for QEE of DVB-T2 in the presence of a co-channel analogue TV carrier
Constellation 266-QAM I
Code rate 3/5 2/3
Lc/ 3dB 5dB 7dB
4.3.3.11 PerformanCe in time-varying channels
The STB decoder shall be able to operate with all signal-time variations that naturally exist in
connection with fixed roof-top reception (e.g. swaying mast, moving antenna) and in-house portable
reception (e.g. people in the vicinity of the receiving antenna).
The Increase in required C/N for QEP reception shall be less than 3dB for a 0 d13 echo with
frequency separation equal to 20 Hz and a delay of 20 is (corresponding to a Doppler shift of
± 10Hz (after AFC)), compared to a 0dB echo with frequency separation equal to 1 Hz and a delay
of 20 pa (corresponding to a Doppler shift of ± 0,5 Hz (after AFt)), for the following modes:
8 K, 64-QAM, R = 2/3, 1/8;
BK, 64-QAM, R = 2/3, A/I0 1/4.
The increase in required C/N for QEF reception shall be less than 3dB for a 0dB echo with
frequency separation equal to 10 Hz and a delay of 20 is (corresponding to a Doppler shift of
± 5 Hz (after AFG)). compared to a 0dB echo with frequency separation equal to 1 Hz and a delay
of 20 ps (corresponding to a Doppler shift of ± 0,5 Hz (after AFC)), for mode 8 K, 64-QAM, R 3/4,
A/Ia = 1/4 and for DVB-T2 for the modes given in table 4.
4.3.3,12 SynchronizatIon for varying echo power levels In single frequency networks
For modes
BK, 64-QAM, ft = 2/3, A/Ta = 1/8,
8K, 64-QAM, ft = 2/3, A/Ta = 1/4,
8K, 64-QAM, ft = 3/4, A/L = 1/4,
the reception shall be QEF at the C/N specified in table 13 (defined at 0dB level crossing) when the
channel contains two paths with relative delay from 1,95 ps up to 0,95 timeS guard interval length
and the relative power levels of the two paths are dynamically varying, including 0 dB echo level
crossing.
Table 13— C/N for QEE reception of DVB-T with dynamically
varying echo power levels
RModulation Coda rate
dB
2/3 26,2
30,6
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For the DVB-T2 modes given in table 4, the required C/N value, specified in table 14, for QEF
reception shall be obtained when the channel contains two paths with relative delay from 195 p5 up
to 095 times guard interval length and the relative power levels of the two paths are dynamically
varying, including 0 dB echo level crossing. The C/N value is defined at 0dB level crossing.
Table 14— C/N for QEF reception of DVB-T2 with dynamicallyvarying echo power levels
4,3.3,13.1 II there are more than one FFT window positions for the time synchronization that will
give an aggregate available CI(N+l) larger than or equal to the required EPT, the STB decoder shall
be able to find one of these positions independently of echo profile. The decoder shall also be able
to correctly equalize the signal for echoes up to
a) 7 T,,/24 (the interval of correct equalization — for an 8 MHz DVB-T signal, up to 260 ps), and
b) 57/64 (= 89,1 %) of the Nyquist time for the scattered pilots (after time interpolation) for a
particular FFT size, pilot pattern and RF bandwidth for DVB-T2.
4,3,3.13.2 For modes
8 K, 64-QAM, R = 2/3, A/T0 = 118,
OK, 64-QAM, R = 2/3, 1/4,
8 K, 34-QAM, R = 3/4, A/Ta = 1/4,
the C/N for profile 2 (specified in 4.3.3.5) for QEF reception shall be obtained when the channel
contains two static paths with relative delay from 1,95 ps up to 0,95 times guard interval length,
independently of the relative amplitudes and phases of the two paths.
For the DVI3-T2 modes shown in table 4, the required C/N value for profile 2 (specified In table 7)
for QEF reception shall be obtained when the channel contains two static paths with relative delay
from 1,95 ps up to 0,95 times guard interval length, independently of the relative amplitudes and
phases of the two paths.
4.3.3.13.3 In the case of specific echo attenuation, the C/N shall have approxiniateiy the same
value, independent of the actual delay length. The deviation in C/N from the median value shall be
less than I dU for any echo length from 1,95 ps up to 0,95 times guard interval length.
In the case of echoes outside the guard interval, for
a) an 8 MHz DVB-T signal: QEF reception shail be possible with echo levels up to the values
defined In table 15;
b) an 8 MHz DVB-T2 signal: QEF reception shall be possible with echo levels up to the values
defined in table 18.
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4.3.3.13 C/(N+i) performance in single frequency networks
The STB decoder shall recover from changes in modulation parameters and output error-free IS.
This should take less than I a for any change. The STB decoder shall be able to detect a change of
modulation parameters signalled in the TPS data of the DVB-T signal, in order to reduce the
recovery time.
The STB decoder tuned to a transmission shall automatically recover from changes in P1,
LI pro-signalling data and Li post signalling. An error-free TS shall be available within 5 s for any
P1 or Li (or both) pro-signalling change. An error-free TS shall be output within 5 s for any LI post-
signalling FEF change and within 2s for any other Li post-signalling change.
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Table 15 — QEF reception for echoes outside the guard interval for 8 MHz DVB-T
Table 16— QEF reception for echoes outside the guard Interval for 8 MI* DVB-T2
4.3.4 Response to changes In modulation
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4.3.6 Bypass
The path from RE input to RE output shall allow HF bypass independently of the operational or
standby status of the decoder, so that connocted equipment (e.g. a TV set) can continue to operate.
The RF bypass gain shall be in the range —1 dB to +3dB over the frequency ranges in table 2.
4.3.6 UHF re-modulator
4.3.6.1 The STB decoder shall provide a UHF re-modulated output for use with a PAL TV receiver
which shall
a) modulate the decoded baseband signal onto PAL-I in accordance with ITU-R BT.624-4, except
that dual side bands shall be allowed;
b) have a peak signal level of 3 mV nominal across 75 0 (—39 dBm);
c) have a return loss at the output of less than 6 dB;
d) be tunable from 470 MHz to 854 MHz;
e) be preset at the factory to channel 63;
f) support PAL mono-audio output, with a volume control;
g) have an audio FM deviation of 40 kHz ± 5kHz at —12dB full-scale transmitter output setting
(equivalent to +6 dBm studio sound level);
h) have a carrier ratio of 16dB ± 4 da;
i) produce spurious output levels that do not exceed
1) in band (as in table 2): 12 dl3pV max.,
2) out of band (30 MHz to 1 GHz, excluding in band above): 43 dBIJV max.; and
j) with the "RF out" terminated in 75 0. exhibit an output voltage leakage to the "HF in" terminal of
( SfidBpVmax.
4.3.6.2 The HF output shall be combined with an HF bypass facility that provides feeds for
analogue TV5 and VCRs. The second-order intermodulation at the HF output, measured in
accordance with IEC 60728-5 with 85 dBpV input, shall be equal to or lower than —60 dBc.
4,3.7 TIme interleaving
The STB decoder shall, at least, include time-interleaving capability that corresponds to the
maximum time interleaving in accordance with SANS 302755, I.e. 219 + 216 OFDM cells for a data
PLP and its common PLP together.
4.4 and decoding
4.4.1 support of MPEG-4
The decoder shall support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 level 3 decoding for standard definition display only.
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The transport stream shall comply with SANS 13818-1. and the video profile level shall be main
profile level 3 In accordance with ISO/IEC 14496-10.
The STB decoder shall support standard-definition video resolution of 720 x 576. The decoder shall
support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video decoding for both and standard-definition display.
The STB decoder shall support the minirnufli set of resolutions and frame rates given in table 17.
4.4.2 Video
Table 17— Video decoder — Resolutions and frame rates
Video decoding shall be in accordance with 4.4.2.2 to 4.4.2.5. The set-top box decoder shall
provide an HO output and aSD output.
4.4.2.2of HO video for SD output
For RF-PAL and CVBS outputs, the decoded HO video shall be by the SD format
converter to SD resolution for output via these outpllts. Down.Conversion of pictures shall be
implemented from any the incoming encoded HO full screen luminance resolution values
(1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080, and 1280 x 720) to so resolution (720 x 576).
When any 1:1 pixel aspect ratio format (i.e. 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080) in the
decoder composition output to 720 x 576 resolutIon, the target shalt be 720 x 576 pixels centred in
the 720 x 576 grid with nine black pixels inserted at the start of the 720 pixel active line and nine
pixels inserted at the end of the 720 pixel active tine. TheHO video shall be
displayed as 16:9 letterbox on 4:3 displays. Centre cut shall not be allowed as a display option,
since it would limit the safe area to 4:3 for HO production.
The SD format converter shall apply appropriate re-interlacing (field mode integration re-Interlacing).
It shall process and output 720 x 576i25 in a 4:3 frame aspect ratio or 16:9 frame aspect ratio video
with colours in accordance with the standards listed in table 18.
4,4.2.1 General
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Table 18— Video decoder — Colour frame aspect ratio
I 2 3
resolution In the decoder Standards for appropriatecomposition output colour processing
Comments
(horizontal x vertical)
720 x 576 lTU-R BT.1700 Note that 576 lines in both
interlaced scan (5761) andprogressive scan (576p) shallbe processed and output with
equal colour parameters.
1280 x 720 ITU-R 61.709-5 The colour parameters in
SMPTE ST 296 are the same(SMPTE ST 296) as In ITU-R BT.709-S.
1920 X 1080lTU-R 61.709-5 The colour parameters in
SMPTE ST 274 are the same(SMPTE ST 274) as in rru-a 61.709-5.
4.4.2.3 Aspect ratio
The STB decoder shall support both 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 picture format changes including
support for the correct aspect ratio and use of the active format descriptor (AFD) as defined in
ETSI TS 101 154.
For the HO outpllt, the STB decoder shall be able to use the EDID information provided by the
display to automatically determine the STU decoder output.
The STB decoder shall provide an "Original Format option i.e. to output the same formal as
received if supported by the display, as indicated by the EDID information, lithe received format is
not supported, the 5Th decoder shall select the display mode that provides the best possible video
quality. This is to prevent the STB decoder output from going black, if there is a mismatch between
received format and display capabilities.
For the SD format, the decoder shall support manual selection of the required
aspect ratio.
For SD video andlID video, the combination of coded frame aspect ratio information
plus the use of the AFD, embedded by the MPEG encoder into the video sequence header, shall
provide the viewer with the following options:
a) 16:9 material on 4:3 displays: the decoder shall provide the following viewer options:
1) display the material as a 16:9 letterbox within a 4:3 frame; or
2) perform a 4:3 centre cut-out on the originating material and present this full frame within the
4:3 display. In this case the decoder shall support a 'pan and scan' operation;
27
© SABS
I
it shall also be possible to manually set the default output format from the SIB decoder to a fixed
format.
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2,1
b) 4:3 material on 16:9 displays: the decoder shall allow "pillarboxing" of 4:3 material into a 16:9
frame, in order to maintain the correct aspect ratio of the originating material.
4.4.2.4 Support of still pictures
The STB decoder shall be able to decode and display still pictures (frame), i.e. a video sequence
that contains a single intra-coded picture. Such a video bitstream will cause the buffer to underfiow.
In this situation, while the decoding process shaH continue to examine the buffer, the display
process associated with the decoder shall repeat the previously decoded picture until the normal
operation of the buffer can resume.
4.4.2.5 Outputs
A PAL-I modulated SD video and audio signal shall be presented as specified in 4.3.6.1 on a
connector as defined in 4,12.3,
The decoder shall also provide a composite (CVBS) video output with CGMSA-A (copy once set) on
anRCA socket as defined in 4.12.3. The composite video signal levels shall be in accordance with
lEO 61938. For HD content, the decoder shall derive aversion for output via this
interface as described in 4.4.3. The decoder shall provide a single HDMI output with I-IDCP enabled
(copy never set) for HD content.Amdt I
4.4.3 AudIo
4.4.3.1 General
The STB decoder shall support the possibility of adjusting the audio-delay on the S/PDIF output (if
available) up to 250 ms. It should be adjustable in 10 ms steps, as the STB decoder might have
several different user set-ups, resulting in different a/v delays, e.g. the STB decoder might be
connected to several types of external audio.ampliflers and the STB decoder might be connected to
several types of external screens.
Receivers shall support decoding of E-AC-3 elementary streams. Receivers shall also support the
conversion of E-AC-3 elementary streams to an AC-3 bitstream for output via E-tDMl and SPDIF.
The decoding and conversion of an E-AC-3 elementary stream shall comply with the requirements
in ETSI TS 102 366. support for decoding MPEG-I Layer II (Musicam) is not required. The decoder
shall use the language descriptors in ISO 639-4 to determine the languages of audio service
elements, handle dynamic changes, and present audio service information.
The decoder shall also comply with the HE-AAC V2 encoding in accordance with ISO/IEC 14496-3
and ISO/lEG 13818-7. The use of HE-MO V2 shall primarily be for mono or stereo video services
or radio services (or both).
4.4.3.2 Audio mode
Receivers shall be capable of decoding the first independent substream of an E-AC-3 elementary
stream (independent substream 0) containing up to 5.1 channels of audio. Receivers shall
implement E-AC-3 decoding functionality that is capable of outputting at least two channels of
decoded PCM. Receivers shall support downmixing of E-AC-3 streams that contain more than two
channels of audio.
4.4.3.3 Bit rate
Receivers shall support decoding of E-AC-3 elementary streams encoded at bit rates of up to
3 024 kbit/s.
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(4
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4,4.3.4 SamplIng frequency
Receivers shall support decoding of E-AC-3 elementary streams encoded at a sample rate of
48 kHz.
4.4.3.6 Substream support
Receivers shall be able to accept E-AC-3 elementary streams that contain more than one
substream. Receivers shalt be capable of decoding independent substream 0. Support for decoding
of additionat dependent substreams is optional.
4.4.3.6 AudIo description
4.4,3.6.1 General
Receivers shall be capable of decoding two different programme elements (main
audio and audio description) carried either in two separate E-AC-3 elementary streams, or in
separate independent substreams within a single E-AC-3 elementary stream, and then combining
the programme elements Into a complete programme. Receivers shall, in addition to the decoding
requirements specified In sections 4.4.3.2 to 4.4.3.5, implement audio description decoding with the
capabilities given in 4.4.3.6.2 to 4.4.3.6.6.
4.4.3.6,2 AudIo mode
The audio description (AD) decoder shall be capable of decoding a single independent substream
from an E-AC-3 elementary stream containing up to 5.1 channels of audio. The AD decoder shall be
capable of outputting at least two channels of decoded PCM. The AD decoder shall support
downmixing of E-AC-3 streams that contain more than two channels of audio.
4.4.3.6.3 sampling frequency
The AD decoder shall support decoding of E-AC-3 substreams and elementary streams encoded at
a sample rate of 48 kHz. If the sample rate of the AD service does not match the sample rate of the
main audio service, the receiver shall decode only the main audio service.
4.4,3.6.4 Substream support
The AD decoder shall support decoding of a single independent substreani. Substream ID values of
0, 1, 2 and 3 shall be supported. Receivers shall be able to select a single independent substream
from an E-AC-3 elementary stream that contains multiple independent substreams and route this
single substrearfl to the AD decoder. Receivers shall support AD services delivered within the same
E-.AC-3 bitstream as the main audio service, and delivered using a separate E-AC3 elementary
stream carried in a separate PID within the broadcast transport stream
4.4.3.6.5 MixIng metadata
The AD decoder shall support extraction of mixing metadata from the E-AC-3 bitstream and delivery
of this mixing metadata to an audio mixing component within the receiver. The
AD synchronization requirements.
If audio access units from two audio services, which are to be simultaneously decoded, have
identical values of PTS indicated in their corresponding PES headers, then the corresponding audio
access units shail be presented to the audio decoder for simultaneous synchronous decoding.
Synchronous decoding means that for corresponding audio frames (access units), corresponding
audio samples are presented at the identical time. 29
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If the PTS values do not match (indicating that the audio encoding was not frame synchronous)
then the audio frames (access units) of the main audio service may be presented to the audio
decoder for decoding and presentation at the time indicated by the P15. An AD service, which is
being simultaneously decoded may have its audio frames, which are in closest time alignment (as
indicated by the PTS) to those ol the main service being decoded, presented to the audio decoder
for simultaneous decoding. In this case, the associated service may be reproduced out of sync by
as much as 1/2 of a video frame.
4,4.3.7 Mono-audiO
4.4.3.7.1 General
There shall be a configurable option in the on-screen menu to replace the analogue Stereo Left
signal output via one of the RCA sockets with a derived analogue monofeed.
4.4.3.7.2 HDMI outputs
I Receivers shall include an HDMI output with HDCP enabled (copy never set), as described In
4.12.3, and the following audio-specific requirements shall be implemented: Amdt I
a) Receivers shall determine the audio decoding capability of a connected HDMI sink device bY
reading the E-EDID structure of the sink device.
b) If the 1-IDMI sink device indicates support for E-AC-3 decoding, the receiver shall output the
E-AC-3 elementary stream directly to the HDMI sink device.
c) If the HOMI sink device does not Indicate support for E-AC-3 decoding, but supports AC-S
decoding, the receiver shall convert the E-AC-3 elementary stream to an AC-S bitstream before
HDMI output.
d) If the sink device does not indicate support for either AC-S or F-AC-a decoding, or the user has
selected "stereo" output via the on-screen menu, the receiver shall decode the elementary
stream to stereo PCM before HOMI output.
4,4.3.7.3 S/PDIF audio outputs
Receivers shall include an S/PDIF output, as described In 4,12.3, and the following requirements
shall be implemented:
a) The receiver shall convert the F-AC-3 elementary stream to AC-a before S/PDIF output.
b) If the user has selected "stereo" output via the on-screen menu, the receiver shall deoode the
elementary stream to stereo PCM before SIPDIF output.
4.4.3.7.4 Analogue audio outputs
Receivers shall include an analogue audio output, as described in 4.12.3, and deoode the audio
elementary stream before analogue audio output.
4.5 Subtitling
The STB decoder shall be capable of displaying subtitles for the hearing impaired in accordance
with ETSI EN 300 743. The decoder shall be capable of overlaying the subtitle text on the picture.
The subtitles for the hearing impaired may differ from the normal subtitles by the amount of text
displayed per second, which is controlled by the broadcasted content.
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The decoder shall be capable of displaying subtitles In the eleven official languages when
transmitted. The order of the transmitted subtitle services will be determined by the broadcaster.
The language codes of the transmitted subtitle descriptors shall be in accordance with SANS 528-2
and as given below:
Afrikaans (Afrikaans) air
English (English)
Ndebele (IsiNdebele) nbl
Sotho, Northern (Sepedi) nso
Sotho, Southern (Sesotho) sot
Swati (SiSwati) ssw
Tsonga (Xitsonga) tao
Tswana (Setswana) tsn
Venda (Tshivenda) yen
Xhosa (IsiXhosa) xho
Zulu (IsiZulu) zul
The decoder shall provide the option of enabling or disabling the display of subtitles. When enabled,
subtitles will automatically be displayed. When disabled, the decoder shall allow manual selection
from the available UsI of broadcasted subtitle services. The decoder shall allow the user to configure
the preferred first and second language subtitle services, which will be automatically displayed,
when available. Should neither be available, the first available subtitle language shall be presented.
The decoder shall provide the option of disabling the language presented or of selecting another
available language.
The presence of subtitle services shall be indicated by a subtitle icon on the Now and Next Banner.
When the languages button is selected on the remote control unit, the list of available subtitle
languages shall be displayed and the user can select his preference.
The decoder shall be capable of displaying subtitling and interactive graphics where
available.
4.6 Teletext
MHEG-5 shall be used to provide all Interactive services, including teletext-like services.
4.7 service information (SI) andinformation (PSI)
4.7.1 SI tables
The general implementation of SI and PSI shall be in accordance with SANS 300744 and
SANS 300468. Table 19 sun,marizes the SI table structure and the mandatory and optional
descriptors as defined in SANS 300468.
The STB decoder shall be able to process the PSI/SI tables, including the mandatory and optional•
PSI/SI tables, both for the 'Actual" and for "Othel" transport streams.
4.7.2 Networks and bouquets
It is anticipated thatbouquets: will be allocated on a regional basis. Services will be broadcast on
both a national and regional basis with the SI tables containing information on all events. The STB
31
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SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
decoder shall use the descriptors in the BAT and the LCN functionality to construct accurate Now
and Next Information for the region identified on the appropriate menu screen.
Table 19— SI table structure
Actual transport stream Other transport stream
Mandatory Optional
Mandatory N/A
— Mandatory Optional
EIT present-/following Mandatory Mandatory
Eli schedule Mandatory Mandatory
TOTMandatory N/A
TOTOptional NIA
RSTOptional N/A
Amdt I
4.7.3 Service configuration
The STB decoder shall automatically detect configuration changes, such as service information
(see table 19), modulation (see 4.2) and frequency (see 4.2) as well as the adding or the deleting
of services, and shall amend its operation accordingly without user intervention or disruption to
services.
NOTE It Is anticipated that the OTT service wilt include a dynamic element In terms of the use of available
bandwidth.
4.7.4 FITactual/other and EIT schedule
Only [IT presentlfoltoWin9 (Now and Next) information shall be broadcast, inclyding extended event
information, for services carried in all OTT transport streams, I.e. [IT presentlfollowing including
genre tables, parental control and series descriptors. Schedule information for a full function EPG
will be carried in [IT schedule.Amdt I
4.7.5 services
The STB decoder shall support the use of time.exclusiVe services, i.e. where part of the multiplex
capacity is used to support different services depending upon the time of the day. The services shall
be shown within the relevant channel listings and users shall be able to select them as for normal
services. During the time period when a service is not using the multiplex capacity (I.e. the service
is inactive) the decoder shall display the notification screen (the Placehotder) provided by an
MHEG application which will typically provide the service name and its hours of operation. The
location and parameters of the placeholder screens will be defined by the Mt-lEG application
The decoder shall provide seamless transitions between active and inactive states so that the user
experiences the replacement of the Placehoider screen with the active service, and vice versa.
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SANS 562:2013Edition 2.1
4.8 Memory
4.8.1 The STB decoder shall have a memory capacity of
a) 64 Mbytes flash memory and
b) 256 Mbytes RAM.
4.8.2 settings and parameters, for example security-related data, shall be stored in non-volatile
memory.
4.8.3 There shall be at least 32 Mbytes of free flash memory in the STB decoder dedicated for
MHEO file system acceleration cache and 512 KB dedicated for the MHEG non-volatile memory
persistent store.
4.8.4 Manufacturers may emulate EEPROM in flash memory in which case some parts of this
( data shall be enciphered in the NVRAM.
4.8.5 The memory specification has been chosen to allow for the lowest component price
assuming the use of NAND Flash, but manufacturers are free to propose alternative technologies,
such as a hybrid solution making use of NOR and WAND Flash, where these comply with the
requirements of this standard.
4.9 Graphics capabilities
4.9.1 ResolutiOn
The colour resolution shall be at least 16 bits (4:4:4:4) and the STB deooder shall include a look-up
table capable of storing a minimum of 256 x 24-bit ROB colour/transparency entries.
4.9,2 MultIple display planes
The STB decoder shall have three display planes:
a) Graphics plane ("front" plane), that supports full screen MHEG-5 graphics and on-screen display
information. The sizing of the graphics display plane shall be a 4:3 aspect ratio, regardless of the
( video aspect ratio.
b) Video plane, that supports a full screen MPEG video stream or still image.
c) Background plane ("back" plane), that comprises a single-colour (24-bit ROB) background with a
default setting of black.
Each display plane shall have the capability of blending with active video. A minimum of 16
individual transparency levels shall be supported.
4.10 Standby operation
4.10.1 Passive standby operation
Passive standby shall be provided and shall be the main standby mode, with the main CPU
disabled but the RCU Rx function active and the re-modulator bypass active.
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4.10.2 Active standby operation
Where it is not possible to provide a passive standby with the power requirements given in
4,10.4(c), the STB decoder shall provide an active standby slate. After selecting standby, the
decoder shall remain in active standby for 5 mm before switching to passive standby.
This mode shall support the downloading of data using DVB-SSU (including SIB decoder control
information, if this capability is installed) to the STB decoder flash memory.
4,10.3 Power"Up times
The STB decoder shall generate an message within lOs of the start of a reboot
operation confirrfliflg that the decoder is powering up.
The following time limits shall apply to transitions in and out of standby operations:
a) 5Th decoder off to service display: a maximum of 20 s;
b) active standby to service display: a maximum of 5 s;
c) passive standby to service display: a maximum of los.
4.10.4 Power consumption
The decoder, together with its power supply, shall have the following maximum power consumption:
a) normal operation: 10W;
b) standby (active): 6 W;
c) standby (passive): 3 W.
NOTE These values will be reviewed to reduce energy consumption when technologically possible.
4.11 Power supply
The Sm decoder shall be capable of operating in a voltage range of 10,8 V to 14,4 V d.c. with a
socket for connection to a 12 V d.c. source. Protection against overvoltage or undervoltage and
reversed polarity shall be incorporated.
In addition, the decoder may have the optional capability of operating on a 230 V ac. ± 10% mains
supply. The mains supply power unit may, at the discretion of the manufacturer, be incorporated in
the decoder.
A d.c. power supply of +5 V capable of supplying a maximum current of 100 mA suitable for
powering an external antenna amplifier shall be available on the input RF connector. The d.c. power
supply should not degrade the performance of the RF input. The d.c. power supply shall be
protected against short circuits. It shall be possible to switch the d.c. power supply on or off via a
selection In the menu structure. The default at first-time initialization and resetting to factory default
shall be the d.c. supply switched off.
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4.12 tnterfaces
4.12.1 LED indications
4.12.1.1 Ri-colour LEDS
The STB decoder shall have a minimum of two bi-colour LED5 (LED1 and LED2) on the front panel.
The two LEDs shall be clearly distinguishable from each other either by their physical position
(separation, left side LED and right side LED), or by means of a label.
LED1 shall be defined as the power LED on the left-hand side.
LED2 shall be defined as the status LED on the right-hand side.
The colours of the power LED shall be red/green.
The colours of the status LED shall he red/green.
4.12.1.2 Power LED — Red/green
The power LEO indications shall be as follows:
a) standby: red;
b) operate: green: and
c) reception of RCU command: flashing single burst (either red or green).
4.12.1.3 Status LED Red/green
The status LED indications shall be as follows:
a) system boot/programme search: flashing green:
b) normal operation: continuous green;
c) fault/no signal found: continuous red;
d) software download in progress: flashing red.
4.12.2 controls
The following controls shall be provided on the front panel:
a) programme selector Pt and P-i
b) volume selector V+ and V—;
c) standby/on.
4.12.3 connectors
The following connectors shall be used:
a) An RE input female connector that complies with IEC 61169-2.
35
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b) An RF output male Connector that Complies with IEC 61169-2.
c) Colour-coded RCA sockets for composite (CVBS) video and stereo audio.
d) A dc. power jack of length 9,5 mm, outside diameter (00) of 5,5 mm, centre pin of 2,5 mm, and
with the centre pin as +12 V and the outer contact as earth.
e) A USB 2,0 port via a LJSB type A jack (for future use).
if) HDMI — type A with I-lOOP enabled (copy never set).Amdt I
g) S/PUIF (electrical).
The use of a 08 ac. power inlet in accordance with SANS 60320-1, if the power supply Is built into
the STB decoder is optional.
4.12.4 identIfication
The decoder shall have an external label with the following information:
a) identification of the manufacturer or the supplier (or both);
14 model number of the decoder; and -
c) serial number of tile decoder.
5 Sit decoder control
5.1 control requirements
The minimum hardware and software requirements for STB decoder control shall be implemented
in accordance with the STB decoder control specification for free-to-air OTT in South Africa.
Manufacturers can obtain the STB decoder control specification from the incumbent terrestrial free-
to-air broadcasting service licensees in South Africa or their appointed agents (trusted third parties)
(see foreword).
5.2 Menu operation
The menu structure shall Include a dedicated page for STB decoder control support, accessed from
the Main Menu page. The dedicated page shall contain the unique South African OTT identification
number, plus headings for the following minimum information:
a) the system name: a maximum of 10 characters; and
b) the software version number: a maximum of 8 characters.
53 South African OTT identification number
Each SIB decoder shall have a unique South African OTT identification number stored securely In
fully write-protected, non-volatile memory. This number shall be the same as the serial number of
the STB decoder. The decoder serial number shall be a maximum of 14 digits. The unique address
comprises only 10 of the digits. Numbering shall be from the most significant digit first and
subsequently as shown in table 20.
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Table 20— South African DTT Identification number
2 3 6 7 8 9 loll 12 13 14
South African DTT Identification number
Manufacturer's Manufacturers Trans-
Identification model mission Unique serial
numbers number" typed'
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 6th 9th 10th 11th 12th Check° checke
digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit digit
The format of the numbers shall be ASCII.
° The manufacturer's code is allocated by free-to-air broadcasting service licensees (see foreword).
The manufacturer's model number is selected by the manufacturer.
The transmission type e.g. I DYF Is selected by the manufacturer.
The serial number Is made up of consecutive numbers.
Two check digits using an approved cyclic redundancy check digit scheme.
6 Applications
6.1 MHEG-5 interactive application environment
The 8Th decoder shall implement ali the mandatory requirements of the MI-lEG-b Profile for South
Africa.
6.2 Electronic programme guide (EPO) and cached applications
The EF'G shall be provided by an MHEG application and shall include the Now and Next Banner.
The application shall be delivered over broadcast object carousel by the PTA broadcasting service
licensees in South Africa or their appointed agents (trusted third parties) (see foreword).
The EPG function shalt be launched by a single press of a key on the RCU. The EPO schedule data
shall describe all the services carried on the DTT PTA platform for that region for the current day
plus the following 7 d.
In order to provide a timely response) when a service carrying the appropriate signalling is selected
the decoder shall cache both the MHEG EPG application and the EPG schedule data. In addition,
when the 8Th decoder is in active standby, it may download and cache the PPG application and
schedule data as described in 4.10.2 and 4.10.3.
6.3 Secure downloads and updates
6.3.1 Support for downloads
The STB decoder control function shall support the over-the-air downloads of authorized software.
6.3.2 Secure download function
6.3.2.1 The STI3 decoder operating system shall include the DVB-SSU enhanced profile download
function that supports the partial or total updating of any code stored in flash memory (a code
update). All downloads shall be subject to authentication by a double signature process. with
downloads signed by both the manufacturer and the body responsible for the engineering channel
on the DTT frequency network.Amdt I
0 SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one prIntout oF the standard may be made.
Copyright protected. This standard is exclusively [or Calve Mawela oF Multicholco for use on the local drive ci your Personal Computer with access only br
your personal use. No local area network, wide area network, intranel or Inlernet storage and access is pennilted. You can make one paper copy oF the
standard, No paper copy may be photocopied 01 reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
To support reliable downloads, the loader shalt be capable of starting from any segment in the
download, and of receiving subsequent segments in any order. Where a downloaded segment is
found to contain an error, the loader shall repeat the download for that segment alone, rather than
restart the whole process.
The download function employed In the decoder shall be approved by the free-to-air broadcasting
service licensees or their appointed agents (trusted third parties) (see foreword). The decoder shall
check for the presence of an applicable code update whenever power is applied or whenever the
decoder comes out of passive standby.
The decoder shall check for updates at least every 7 days if a check has not been triggered.
6.3.2.2 An applicable code update is one that is labelled as
a) intended for the specific hardware build of the SIB decoder, and
b) being a version with a later version number than that of the code currently stored In the flash
( memory.
6.3.2.3 On detecting the presence of an applicable code update, the 5Th decoder shall present an
advisory message to the user and prompt one of three responses;
a) update now;
b) update later; or
c) do not update.
6.3.2.4 Where the user requests an immediate update, the decoder shall commence the update
process whilst displaying a dynamic indication of its progress.
6.3.2,5 Should the update process fall to complete. the decoder shall abort the process once an
error is detected or after a time-out period of 10 mm from initiation. Unique error messages shall be
displayed for
a) failure to complete the download of the new data:
b) failure of the CRC check; and
c) failure to complete the update within the time-out period.
6.3.2,6 where an update is requested for later, the decoder shall take no action until next placed in
standby, when it wilt first complete the update process. Advisory messages and indications shalt be
provided to the user as In 6.3.2.3. (See also 4.10.3.)
6.3.2.7 If an 5Th decoder is not placed in standby within 24 h of an applicable code update being
detected, the decoder shall Initiate the update process at the following local time of 03:00, as
determined from the appropriate SI tables.
6.3.3 over-the-air updates
Over-the-air updates shall use the IJVB system software update mechanism (DVB-SSU enhanced
profile) specified in ETSI TS 102 006. The SIB decoder shall ensure the security of downloaded
data by the use of a digital signature mechanism specified by the free-to-air service
licensees (see foreword).Amdt I
38©SABS
© SABS. SIngle-user licence only: copying and networkIng prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
Copyright protected This standard is exclusively for Calvo Mawola of Muttichotce for use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only for
your personal use. No local area network, wide area network iniranet or internal storage arid access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard. No papor copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
Each software release has a unique model or version reference which shall be used by the decoder
to establish whether it is to be downloaded. The decoder shall only respond to updates that contain
this unique identifier. In particular. the decoder shall not respond to updates targeted at other
decoder models produced by the same manufacturer.
The system shall allow for separate test keys to enable laboratory and field trial tests of new
software without affecting the in-field population of decoders.
Decoders shall be supplied with the download mode enabled, such that any updates issued after
the production date will immediately be recognized and processed as part of the initial setting up
operation.
'7 User interface
The STB decoder shall imploment all the mandatory requirements of the OTT Free to Air User Inleffaco
Specification.
Amdt I
8 Remote control unit (RCU)
8.1 Minimum functionality
8.1.1 ProtocOl
Each STB decoder shall be supplied with an RCLJ with which the full functionality of the decoder
shall be operated.
The decoder shall use a standardized RCU protocol.
For nteroperability. the manufacturers should use the NEC protocol for the RCU,
8.1.2 Infrared frequency
The infrared carrier frequency for the RCU shall be 38 kHz.
8.1.3 Keys and layout
8.1.3.1 It shall be possIble to perform the following functions by means of the RCU:
a) enter the programme channel number by numeric keys:
b) access and navigate the menu structure;
c) access the EPO (Now and Next Banner and event) and programme informatiOn
d) confirm an option selection;
e) control the on-screen cursor (up. down, left, right);
f) exit from the menu and information structure;
g) select the next service up or down (P+ and P—);
h) increase or decrease the audio level;
I) adjust the audio level to zero (mute) and restore to previous setting;
J)display and suppress subtitles;
©SABS
© SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohIbited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
Copyright protected. This standard is exclusively for Celvo Mawela of Mutticholce for use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only tor
your personal use. No local area network, wide area network, intranet or Internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
slandard. No paper copy may be photocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2,1
k) toggle between normal and standby operation;
I) toggle between television and radio services; and
m) provide a short cut to interactive services and overlay text.
8.1.3.2 The RCU shall implement all the keys in accordance with the SA-MHEG profile.
8.1.3.3 The design requirements for the RCU will be provided by the free-to-air broadcasters.
8.1.4 Operation
8.1.4.1 Response time
The design of the STB decoder and the RCU operating system shall ensure a maximum time of
100 ms between the release of the key and the commencement of the specified response.
8.1.4.2 Channel entry
All television, radio and interactive services shall be assigned a three-digit LCN. The RCU shall be
configured for three-digit LCN operation.
8.1.4.3 N-key rollover
The design of the keypad and the RCU operating system shall prevent unintended repeated entries.
This shall include a delay of 100 ms between the completion of a key press and the recognition of
the next entry
8.2 Alternative RCU design
Manufacturers should make available alternative RCUs for those with impaired vision or impaired
manual dexterity (e.g. over-sized keys and character fonts, and shaped keys).
8.3 Reliability
8.3.1 Robustness
The RCU shall be designed to withstand frequent usage. It shall have a robust case which is
resistant to damage when dropped onto hard surfaces.
8.3.2 Environmental
The RCU shall be designed to work in the same environmental conditions (i.e. ambient temperature
and humidity) as the SIB decoder.
8.4 Packaging
The RCU shall be included in the same shipping carton as the 5Th decoder. The internal packaging
shall be sufficient to prevent any damage or scuffing to the RCU during transit. Batteries shall be
provided separately and packaged to prevent accidental during transit.
40©SABS
© SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
Copyright protected This standard is exclusively for CalvoMawela of Multicholce for use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only for
your personal use, No local area network, wide area network, intranet or internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard No paper copy may he photocopied Of reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
9 CompHance
9.1 Health and safety
The STB decoder and all accessories shall comply with SANS 60065.
9.2compatibility (EMC)
9.2.1 The 5Th decoder and all accessories shall comply with the following standards:
a) Emissions: SANS 213;
b) Immunity: SANS 2200.
9.2.2 The following test methods shall be used:
a) SANS 61000-3-2;
b) SANS 61000-3-3;
c) SANS 61000-4-2:
d) SANS 61000-4-3:
e) SANS 61000-4-4:
I) SANS 61000-4-SI
g) SANS 61000-4-11.
9.3 Performance
Compliance of the STB decoder and the RCU with the performancerequirements shall be
determined using the relevant test methods given in SANS 894.
io Accessories
The 5Th decoder shall be supplied with the following accessories:
a) 230 V ac. to 12 V d.c. converter (in the case of an external power supply).
b) Mains cord set, of length at least 1,5 m, that complies with SANS 60799 and that incorporates a
plug that complies with SANS 164-1, and an appliance connector C7 that complies with
SANS 60320-1 (in the case of an internal power supply).
c) RF flexible coaxial 75 0 cable, of length ?t least 1,5 m (RG6 or equivalent doubie.Screened),
fitted with TV aerial connectors (one male and one female) at either end.
d) Composite (CVBS) video/stereo audio cable, of length al least 1,5 m. terminated with RCA
connectors.
e) Remote control unit (RCU), that complies with the requirements in clause 8, together with "M" or
"AAA" sized batteries.
I) User manual.
© SASS
© SABS. Single-user licence only; copying and networkingprohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be mode.
I
test level (4 kV contact/S kV air);
test level (10 V/m);
test level 3;
test level 4;
Gopyrighi protected. This standard is exclusively For Catvo Mawela oF Multlchoice for use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only (or
your personal use. No local area network wide area network, inlranel or Internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard. No paper copy may bephotocopied or reproduced in any way.
SANS 862:2013Edition 2.1
g) Quick guide (in English and at least one other official language) that contains a basic wiring
diagram, which shows alternative connections for installations with and without a VCR, and with
and without baseband (video and audio) input to the television display.
ii Packaging
11.1 The SIB decoder shall be securely packaged to protect it against possible damage during
transit.
11.2 The packaging shall contain all the accessories set out in clause 10, and the following
information which shall be visible on the outside of the packaging:
a) the identification of the manufacturer:
b) the model number of the decoder:
c) the serial number of the decoder.
BibliographY
ETSI ES 202 184, MHEG-5 Broadcast Profile.
ISO/IEC 13522-5, Information technology — Coding of multimedia and hypennedia information —
Pad 5: Support for base-level interactive applications.
NorDig unified requirements for into grated receiver decoders for use in cable, terrestrial
and IP-besed networks. Ver 2.2.1. NorDig Unified. 2010.
© SABS
42
© SABS. Single-user licence only: copying and networking prohibited. that only one prIntout of the standard may be made.
Copyright protected. ThIs standard is exclusively for Calvo Mawela of Multichoice tar use on the local drive of your Personal Computer with access only br
your personal use. No local area network, wide area network, lntranet or internet storage and access is permitted. You can make one paper copy of the
standard. No paper copy maybe photocoplod or reproduced in any way.
SASS Standards Division
The objective of the SASS Standards Division is to develop promote and maintain South African
National Standards. This objective is incorporated in the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No.8 of 2008).
Amendments and Revisions -
South African National Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of South African
National Standards should ensure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
The SASS continuously strives to improve the quality of its products and services and would
therefore be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this standard would
inform the secretary of the technical committee responsible the identity of which can be found in
the foreword.
The SASS offers an individual notification service, which ensures that subscribers automatically
receive notification regarding amendments and revisions to South African National Standards.
Tel: +27 (0)124286883 Fax: +27 (0) 124286928 E-mail:
Buying Standards
Contact the Sales Office for South African and international standards, which are available in both
electronic and hard copy format.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12428 6928 E-mail:
South African National Standards are also available online from the SASS website
Information on Standards
The Standards Information Centre provides a wide range of information on both
national and international standards. The Centre also offers an individual updating service called
INFOPLUS, which ensures that subscribers automatically receive notification regarding
amendments to, and revisions of, international standards.
Tel:+27(0)124287911/0861 277227 Fax: +27 (0)124286928 E-mail:
copyright
The copyright in a South African National Standard or any other publication published by the SASS
Standards Division vests in the SABS or, In the case of a South African National Standard based on
an international standard, in the organization from which the SASS adopted the standard under
licence or membership agreement. In the latter case, the SASS has the obligation to protect such
copyright. Unless exemption has been granted, no extract may be reproduced stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the SASS
Standards Division. This does not preclude the free use, In the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any purpose other than implementation, prior written permission must be
obtained.
Details and advice can be obtained from the Manager — Standards Sales and Information Services.
Tel: +27(0) 124286883 Fax: +27 (0)124286928 E-mail:
© SAnS. Single-user licence only; copying and networking prohibited. Note that only one printout of the standard may be made.
" (I
MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001. Tel: +27124278270 Fax: *27124278115Tel: +27 469 5223 Fax: +27 462 1646Private Bag X9151, Cape Town, 8000
23 August 2013
Mr Imtiaz PatelChief Executive OfficerMultichoiceP0 Box 1502Randburg2125
Dear Mr Patel
Set Top Boxes Round table 10 september, 10:00, Johannesburg
As you are aware, the government sees the digital migration process of the
broadcasting services as critical in meeting a number of the country's socio-economic
needs. The digital migration process is, as you know, seen as leading to a "digital
dividend" that will enable the country to transform our communications environment
to enable faster and cheaper broadband services among other benefits.
There have been many delays in the digital migration process, and the Ministry of
Communications accepts our fair share of responsibility for the delays. But we have to
move on. We simply cannot afford any further delays! It's just not in the country's
interest.
Government is ready to move fast. But we cannot take significant steps forward
because of the differences among key stakeholders on the Set Top Boxes (STBs),particularly whether they should have a control capability or not. To try to secure a
degree of consensus on the matter round table discussions will be held on the above
date. You are invited to send two representatives to participate in the discussions. You
will be notified of the venue shortly.
Enclosed is an outline of the process envisaged. Kindly respond to this document as
soon as possible. You can contact me throughand or 012-4278000.
We look forward to seeing you on the10th and convey good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Yunus Carrim MPMinister of Communications
\'
®rr, OS) )iiR)SIN I SNA1 tONAL
70
MO: (lien Marques, Esq.,Electronic Media Network Proprietary Urn ited137 I lendrik Verwoerd Drive,Randhurg 2194,South Africa
14 April 2015
Dear Glen
CBS licensed p'rarjjnjjn'
loilowi rig our conversation, I am just dropping you a quick note to explain CBS's position C MNet were
to seek to license CBS progranini rig (SD and I-ID content) lbr free—to—air I near broadcast. Given that iiithese circumstances the CBS progranirning Id be ci istributed free—to—air over analogue or digital
terrestrial networks CBS would riot require encryption of its progranim rig.
With best wishes
Michelle PayneV ice President Regional Sales, C l3S Stud ins International
The CompanyEurope, Middle East & Africa
Multichoice (Pty) Limited
251 Oak Avenue
Rand burg
South Africa
Date: 1p't'( toil
To whom it may concern,
The Walt Disney Company Limited hereby confirms that when licensing programming content in the
sub-Saharan region, including high definition content, it does not typically require encryption of that
content for broadcast on free-to-air over an analogue or digital terrestrialN
television network. / N/ g \Notwithstanding the toregoin4, TheWalt Disney
Limit\d tak1s the protection of its content
very seriously and considers the recjuirements content licence a case by case basis
/Yours faithfully, \ 1; 1
N. •//
For and on behalf of the Walt Disney Company Limited
Sasha Haines
Deputy Regional Counsel
the Wait Disney company Ltd.3 Queen Street. Harnniersnhith. LondorrW6 9PE. Un,tect i<ingdom
lei (0)208222TheWait Disnay Company Limited. Registered clOse: 3 Queen Caroline Street. Ranimersnirth. London W6 9P5
Registered i. Errgland anti Waies, Registered No. 530001
LtStIIY