Pushing digital television, China plans to end traditional analog broadcasts in 33 major cities by the end of 2005 and start delivering 120 digital channels by satellite, a news report said yesterday.
The government has been trying to encourage the development of digital television, driven in part by hopes of creating its own technology that can be sold abroad.
Beijing has already launched three digital cable channels on a trial basis, the China Daily newspaper said, adding that 33 cities have been designated as test sites for digital broadcasts.
The report didn't specify which cities would be affected, or how TV users would be accommodated when analog broadcasts end.
Traditional analog television uses radio wave signals, but digital TV uses the language of computers, allowing for sharper pictures and sound.
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