142 Channels in Home Theater, Digital Satellite Broadcasting Started

Skylife (chairman, Gang Hyun Doo) which is the first digital satellite broadcasting in domestic, using satellite Mugunghwa 3 started broadcasting from the first at 00::00 Hrs.

Therefore Korea broadcasting is facing full scale new media era, since Kyong Sung broadcast launched the first frequency in February 1927, induction of color T.V. in 1980, and opening Cable TV in 1995.

Skylife was supposed to broadcast 144 channels besides existing 74 TV channels such as 10 PPV (pay-per –view), 60 audio channels, however, 2 channels like citizen channel and Disney channel is delayed broadcasting due to incomplete programs.

MBC and SBS, which was criticized because of re-broadcasting so far, will not be broadcasted as Skylife accepted request of broadcasting committee.

Although total 500,000 families reserved registration to Skylife till the first of March so far, currently only 6500 families can watch Skylife due to problem in manufacturing receiver of satellite broadcasting

Skylife side stated, ¡°production of receivers will normalize soon, therefore, installation of receiver to actual registered will be completed till May last¡°.

Skylife plans to test operate data broadcasting services like SMS on the first of June.

Seung-Heon Lee ddr@donga.com