Harare (New Ziana)- State broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) on Thursday launched a new television transmission system which improves quality of its content aired on DSTV platforms.
Speaking at the launch, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa commended the strides that ZBC was making in improving its picture quality and programming.
“Gone are the days when ZBC was synonymous with poor picture quality. Following a public outcry over poor programming and picture quality, I am proud to say that you paid attention and addressed the public concerns. Let me hasten to say you have a reputation for producing high-quality content that is both informative and entertaining thus competing with international broadcasters,” she said.
She said launch of the ZBC new television transmission system was another example of how the Second Republic is serious about investing in technological innovation.
“Government recognizes the critical role that you play in informing, educating and entertaining the nation, and we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that you remain at the top of the game,” Mutsvangwa said.
“However, I urge you to keep improving your programming as you have stiff competition from other broadcasters,” she said.
Mutsvangwa also lauded the public broadcaster’s preparedness in covering the impending harmonised general elections.
“Recently you acquired vehicles that will assist bureau chiefs in covering Government’s projects and programmes in the country’s 10 provinces as espoused by the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
Over the years, ZBC viewers in Zimbabwe have consumed ZBC TV content using MultiChoice’s Digital Satellite Television (DSTV). Unfortunately, the quality of the channel on DSTV has been poor, despite the content being produced by ZBC with high-definition quality.
The poor quality was due to the use of aging analogue transmission networks by third parties.
As a result, the ZBC feed had to be downgraded from high definition to standard definition and analogue formats before contribution to DSTV.
In a speech read on his behalf, ZBC board chair Josiah Tayi said the upgrade on the DSTV transmission system improved the quality of service to customers.
“The strategic intent is to improve the quality of ZBC TV channel 280 on DSTV. In addition, the system will enable onboarding of up to 4 ZBC Television channels on DSTV without additional hardware cost,” he said.
He said by introducing new technology, ZBC was responding to the needs of viewers.
“Our viewers have been experiencing poor picture quality for far too long, and we have heard their complaints loud and clear. But I am pleased to report that those days are now behind us. With the new DSTV contribution system, ZTV’s picture quality has improved dramatically, from poor to HD clear. Our audience can now enjoy watching their favourite programs in crystal-clear quality, just like the other channels on the DSTV platform.
“At ZBC, we are committed to bringing quality content to our audience, and we recognize that this is only possible if we have the right technology to support it. Our partnership with MultiChoice has been instrumental in providing us with the necessary tools to deliver on this promise,” Tayi said.
He added: “In the past, the picture quality of ZTV on the DSTV platform was painful to watch, while other channels were clear. But thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, we have been able to turn things around.
“I am pleased to announce that all of our radio stations are now available on the DSTV platform, providing our listeners with even more opportunities to tune in to their favourite programs. I encourage everyone to tune in to our channels and witness for themselves the transformation that has taken place.”
ZBC chief executive Adelaide Chikunguru said total cost of the system was approximately $80,000, and it was aimed at facilitating the direct transmission of digital signals from ZBC to DSTV.
“I am happy to report that the system was successfully installed, tested, and commissioned by ZBC and MultiChoice engineers. Tremendous quality improvements were observed, and we have received positive feedback since the system went live. This is a significant milestone for ZBC, and we are proud to have taken this step towards providing high-quality content to our viewers,” she said.
New Ziana
