Digital revolution to dominate meeting of Russian broadcasters.

MOSCOW, November 17 (Itar-Tass) - Digital revolution will be the main
subject of the 13th International Congress of the National Association of
Television Broadcasters. The congress will open at the All-Russian
exhibition centre on Tuesday.


Concurrently, an exhibition of professional
equipment for television and radio broadcasts will be put on view.
This annual action has already become an event in the life of the
media community.
"The introduction of media technologies is in full swing," Eduard
Sagalayev, the president of the National Association of Television
Broadcasters, told Itar-Tass. He said that the construction of digital
transmitters is being completed in the Siberia and the Far East, while a
pilot project will soon kick off in the Kursk region. Sagalayev said that
the industry had switched over from developing a concept to large-scale
implementation of this project, which is important for Russia and all
Russians.
Sagalayev said that transition to digital technologies would help
removing inequality in gaining access to information. He said that at
present residents in big cities have access to 20 and more channels
compared to no more than three channels in rural areas.
"Following a decree by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev residents in
big cities will get free access to eight television and 4 radio channels,"
Sagalayev said.
"By 2015 the number of channels available to the general public will
increase to 20-24, the number of radio channels will also increase,"
Sagalayev went on to say.
Despite the crisis, there will be more participants in the exhibition
and in the congress. The exposition includes the latest developments of
such giants as Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Apple, etc. The 200 participants
include leading Russian broadcasters such as the First Channel, NTV, TV
Centre, REN TV, TNT, Zvezda, producer centers and distributors.
Russian key ministers and officials who participate in the development
of television and radio programs will also take part.

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