On January 18, Shanghai-based Maxscend Technologies Inc. officially launched MXD1320, the first digital television terrestrial broadcasting (DTTB) demodulator chip developed by Chinese sources.

Seven Chinese experts have assessed the chip. Wu Hequan, vice president of Chinese Academy of Engineering and also a digital television specialist, viewed it as a technological breakthrough. Another expert, Yang Xingzhi from Tsinghua University, said that this chip would help to make digital television broadcasting a reality in China during the 2008 Olympic Games.

According to statistics, there are 500 million television sets in China, with just 125 million of them covered by cable. The remainder must receive terrestrial signals or satellite signals. Due to strict restrictions, ordinary Chinese TV viewers cannot easily access satellite signals, so they must receive terrestrial signals to watch digital television programs in the future. Because of this DTTB expects to enjoy great potential market in China.

For more details, please read the full story in Chinese. (http://www.dfdaily.com/node2/node27/node120/userobject1ai52801.shtml)

(China.org.cn January 21, 2008)