Liu Shunfa, an official in charge of the municipality's digital TV promotion, said subscribers of the digital TV programs had access to many more channels and services than previously.

Digitally broadcast and receiving systems also enable subscribers to enjoy brand-new services, such as broadcast-on-demand audio and video content, remote education, medical services, digital banking, and shopping, said Liu.

Viewers had access to channels devoted to films, fashion, finance, real-time stock market information and programs broadcast by other provincial TV stations.

To watch the coded digital programs, subscribers must buy a special device to be placed on the television set, and a "smart card" from the local cable company specializing in transmitting radio and television.

According to China's timetable for digital radio and television broadcasting unveiled two years ago, Chongqing, and the municipalities of Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, and some other areas, are scheduled to switch their analogue radio and television broadcasting to digital by 2005 with about 80 channels available.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2003)