Gov't to inject 15 bln won into digital broadcasting R&D

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- The government said Thursday it will spend 15 billion won (US$12 million) this year to support research and development (R&D) in the digital broadcasting equipment sector.

The move aims to develop the country's nascent broadcast industry that currently
plays a limited role in the global market, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy
said.
As of last year, the total production of local companies amounted to $630 million
or just 1.1 percent of the global market, which is effectively controlled by
manufacturers from countries like Japan.
The ministry in charge of the country's industrial policies and trade promotion
said the sector has considerable growth potential because the world is moving to
switch to digital broadcasting in the coming years.
"South Korea's prowess in information technology could contribute to growth in
this industry," an official said.
Related to the support measures, TV stations and small- and medium-sized
companies that make digital broadcasting equipment must train skilled workers,
devise ways to market locally made products abroad and boost reliability, which
is critical in this field.
They added that attention also needs to be paid to after-sales service, which has
prevented many South Korean broadcaster from buying locally made products.
The country plans to convert to a fully digital broadcasting system in December
2012.