How to deal with analog TV shutdown? NTC suggests buying set-top box

MANILA — Televisions may still be used even after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shuts down analog broadcasting.

The NTC is set to shut down analog broadcasting in phases starting Nov. 22. 

The transition will begin in Mega Manila which, according to the commission, has mostly transitioned to digital broadcasting. 

Mega Manila comprises Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, and Rizal.

The transition will replace traditional analog television signals with improved capabilities and services through digital broadcasting.

NTC Broadcast Services Division Chief Engineer Anna Liza Buenviaje said that those who will be affected are viewers watching TV using antennas.

However, Buenviaje stressed that TVs can still be used with a set-top box despite the analog shutdown.


“‘Yun [set-top box] po ‘yung magko-convert into [digital] para po ‘yung mga old TV na analog pa po magamit pa rin po sa digital, para po patuloy po silang makapanood ng mga paborito po nilang programa, using ‘yung old analog TV,” she said.

Buenviaje encouraged the public to purchase a set-top box, which ranges from P500 to P800.


“Panawagan po sa ating mga televiewers na mag-prepare na po tayo ng ating TV receiver or ‘yung set-top box para po hindi po tayo maiwanan ‘pag na-shut off na po ‘yung analog,” Buenviaje said.

The analog switch-off in other areas is being studied over concerns about adaptability.

The NTC official said that subscribers of cable, satellite, and direct-to-home TV services will not be affected by the analog shutdown.