By Denise A. Valdez, Reporter
GMA Network, Inc. said it is earmarking more than P1 billion for the second phase of its efforts to digitize its operations.
In a statement on Friday, the media giant said part of the investment will be used to fund its digital terrestrial transmitters (DTT), which are devices used to air GMA shows on digital TV.
“The second phase encompasses the production, post-production, content management and distribution of GMA and GMA News TV’s programs, starting with the commissioning of the DTT that now provide superior digital TV signal reach, enabling the viewership of Kapuso programs through digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes,” the company said.
GMA said enhancements to media asset management and broadcast automation systems are now complete, while the upgrade of its electronic field production capabilities and post production equipment and software are underway.
The projects are expected to elevate the quality of GMA’s image capture to Full 2K/4K High Definition and its capability to process in these formats.
GMA said it is also investing in a new News Automation System (NAS) that will improve its speed in news and information delivery through eight shows: Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, 24 Oras Weekend, Saksi, News To Go, Balitanghali, Quick Response Team, and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.
“All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world class programming to our viewers here and abroad,” GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felipe L. Gozon said in the statement.
“We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will…revolutionize the TV viewing experience in the Philippines,” he added.
Last month, GMA’s New Media, Inc. (NMI) signed a technology, content and distribution agreement with PLDT, Inc. and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. for the network’s digitization project.

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