New features implemented in the CSMW (Control systems middleware for operator functioning), developed by the General Satellite, attracted special interest. These features allow use of terrestrial digital broadcasting as a mean of public information. The following features of set-top boxes with integrated CSMW support were presented to the visitors of the exhibition:
- individual and group video and audio Civil Defense and Emergency information via digital set-top box with CSMW support;
- various announcement modes - if a TV-set is turned off the announcement is made via a loudspeaker installed into a set-top box;
- emergency announcements addressed to a single house, settlement or a whole region;
- voice messaging;
- visual instructions for the population on what to do in case of an emergency by distributing video clips
Infomat - apparatus which enables access to the government services portal even for those who do not have internet access - were another subject of interest.
When the switch to digital broadcasting is complete everyone will require either a modern TV-set or special set-top box for an older TV-set in order to receive digital transmissions. The Minister informed the audience that the price of such a set-top box is already comparable to one of a low-end mobile phone and has a tendency to decline further.
A multifunctional set-top box could be used not just to watch TV channels but also to get an access to the Internet and to "The Electronic Government" services, the Minister pointed out.
"There are Russian made set-top boxes which allow access to both digital TV channels and the government services portal. Information is displayed on a TV screen. It is also possible to watch video, pay for goods and services using a bank card, make VoIP calls", - said the Minister.
While talking to journalists after the speech the Minister had the following to say about gradual switching off terrestrial analog TV broadcasting: "We have chosen a soft approach to turning off of analog broadcasting. It will actually be turned off only when most of the population has access to digital broadcasting, - said Igor Schegolev. - We together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade intend to pass a legislation later this year requiring every piece of receiving equipment imported to Russia to contain a module for receiving a digital signal."
Igor Schegolev emphasized that Russian industry will be capable of meeting at least 90% of the demand for transmitters and over 75% for receiving equipment once TV broadcasting is switched to a digital format.