Perm to test digital broadcasting from summer

Russia’s Perm region is to start testing digital broadcasting this summer, according to local reports.

The Perm Regional Broadcasting Centre will start broadcasting via five high-power transmitters in June or July in Perm, Kungur, Bardymsky, Kudymkarsky and Berezniki, covering about 1.9 million people. The tests are expected to last about three months. The second and third stages of implementation are expected to see the reach of digital TV in the region extend to about 2.7 million people by 2015.

The first test package of channels will include nine channels.  Digital converters will be made available for older TVs for RUB1,500-2,000 (€37-50).