Taipei, April 9 (CNA) The government launched two television commercials Monday to promote the transition of Taiwan's analog terrestrial TV networks to a fully digital service less than three months from now.

The commercials have been designed to help the public learn about the transformation in TV broadcasting, Government Information Office (GIO) head Philip Yang said at a news conference.

Terrestrial TV in Taiwan will go fully digital by July and the current analog signal will be shut down in phases starting in May, Yang added.

The transition to digital services will begin May 7 in central Taiwan, May 28 in eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands, June 11 in southern Taiwan, and June 30 in northern Taiwan, Yang said.

To receive the digital signal, viewers will need set-top converter boxes or TV sets equipped with digital broadcasting reception devices, according to the GIO commercials.

With the digital system, viewers will be able to enjoy enhanced TV images, Yang said, adding that the GIO is also providing subsidies to companies producing high-resolution TV programs.

"We hope cable TV broadcasting will also go fully digital in two years," he added.

(By Elaine Hou)
ENDITEM/J