Cignal drives digital TV broadcast service with more channels

MANILA, Philippines –  Cignal is on track to bring digital TV broadcast service to every Filipino home as it beefs up subscription packages and fortifies its channel line-up with a wider selection of digital programming and the most high definition channels. It now offers more than 45 digital channels, including nine HD channels.

Cignal is operated by MediaScape, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.

According to MediaQuest president and chief executive officer Ray Espinosa, the company is focused on changing the media landscape by providing homes around the country with a 100 percent digital experience regardless what kind of television set they use. Cignal has 90,000 subscribers to date, most of whom are from Visayas and Mindanao. Espinosa projects the subscriber base to reach 120,000 by the end of the year, then double by next year.

“Cignal is setting the bar in TV viewing experience from analog cable to full digital,” he said. Backed by the solid business foundation of the PLDT network, the company has infused more than P1.5 billion in investments. Consumers benefit from the digital system because it offers high quality due to the absence of ‘snowy’ images and noise.

Digital television broadcast is an advanced technology that is superior to analog broadcasting. It allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality because Cignal’s head end is all digital and uses the latest state of the art encoding and compression system plus audio/video processing equipment from abroad. 

MediaScape’s managing director for sales and marketing Annie Naval said Cignal’s subscription bundles and enhanced payment options make it possible for consumers to avail themselves of the service that best fits their budget and viewing preference. “Cignal’s subscription plans range from P250 to P1,290 monthly and subscribers have a choice between lease or straight out cash purchase of the digital kit. We have a centralized customer care system in place and now have dealerships nationwide, as well as over a million retailers for reloading or payment options.   

Cignal’s programming selection spans genres from information to sports, movies, lifestyle, and children’s entertainment.  “Filipino viewers turn to television for information and entertainment. TV remains one of the most accessible media and our goal is to upgrade viewing experience with the best technology available for every member of the Filipino family,” she said.