Categories: Digital LifeNews

Analogue TV switched off in Langkawi, nationwide switchover to happen later

Analogue TV transmission has officially switched off in Langkawi as Malaysia is moving towards digital TV. The Analogue Switch Off (ASO) took place this morning at 2:30am and Langkawi residents have to switch to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast (DTTB) to continue watching free to air channels.

The digital switchover in Langkawi is seen as an Analogue Switch off pilot project before it is implemented nationwide. MCMC will work closely with private broadcasters to conduct a comprehensive test run and study for the next two weeks. According to Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo, the nationwide DTTB ASO will be announced at a later date and this transition marks a new era of technological advancement in Malaysia’s broadcasting field.

The move from analogue to digital TV will free up the 700MHz spectrum which can be better utilised for wireless broadband communications such as 5G. Analogue TV transmission is very inefficient and the spectrum used to broadcast one analogue TV channel can be used for 10 channels in digital format.

The 700MHz spectrum can help to increase mobile wireless coverage as it can provide up to 12 times in coverage area than 1800MHz if it’s used for 4G LTE. In addition, the lower frequency signal also allows better building and wall penetration compared to higher frequency LTE bands.

With digital TV, the general public can enjoy 15 TV channels and 6 radio channels from RTM, Media Prima, TV Alhijrah and Bernama News Channel for free and in higher definition. At the moment, DTTB covers 98% of populated areas nationwide.

Most new TVs have a built-in DVB-T2 decoder and you can start enjoying digital TV when it’s hooked up to an aerial UHF antenna. For older TVs, you’ll need a myFreeview digital TV decoder which is available online.

Earlier this year, it was announced that MYTV will be giving out 1.5 million free decoders for eligible recipients with priority given to lower-income groups. You can check if you’re eligible here.

Related reading

Recent Posts

Huawei Mate 80 Pro is coming to Malaysia on 12 March, early-bird customers get free Huawei MatePad 11.5 Standard

The candy bar Huawei Mate series smartphone is making a comeback on the global stage.…

1 minute ago

Maybank and TNB Electron launch EV charging pilot at Bangi, exploring rollout at selected branches

Maybank has partnered with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through its EV charging arm TNB Electron,…

20 hours ago

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 & Buds 4 Pro Malaysia: New looks, improved sound & battery life, head gestures, priced from RM699

In addition to the Galaxy S26, Samsung has also launched its latest true wireless earbuds,…

22 hours ago

Leapmotor C10+: Upgraded 295hp motor, bigger battery with up to 510km range and faster 180kW DC Charging

Stellantis Malaysia has introduced its new Leapmotor C10 PLUS (C10+) for our local market. This…

1 day ago

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Privacy Display, overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, brighter cameras, faster charging

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might have brought the biggest change to Samsung's flagship series…

1 day ago

Samsung Galaxy S26 & S26+: Minor spec tweaks, new AI call screening, agentic AI features

Samsung's latest flagship Galaxy S26 series is now official. The Galaxy S26 Ultra might get…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.