Whether you're a couch potato or not, if there were only six channels on TV, would you be fed up with the lack of choice? Residents in some cities in China may soon face this problem, as they'll no longer be able to access most analog TV channels if they don't purchase digital TV services.

Though the State Administration of Radio Film and Television requires local TV stations to provide at least six analog signal channels to ordinary viewers, debates are still hot about this issue. Wang Jing offers us closer look today.

Shanghai Securities News says the requirement from the administration is still not enough to protect the interests of families who don't purchase digital TV service. At present, residents in most Chinese cities can watch more than 60 channels. If they don't pay for digital service, they will be deprived of access to most standard analog TV channels. Since some TV channels depend on income from taxpayers, it's unfair to deprive viewers their right of watching programs on these channels.

In addition, the example is given of the United States, where digital TV services were launched and spread step by step. It's impossible for local Chinese TV stations to expect an instant change in customer consumption habits.

As to why digital TV services have received lukewarm response in most Chinese cities, the opinion from Shanghai Securities News blames high fees that daunt some potential customers.

An opinion from Xinhuanet says if digital TV services become compulsory, it will add burdens to many Chinese families. At present, it's actually administrative forces that are enforcing the business on viewers. The opinion says the public's rights and freedom of choice should be duly respected, instead of simply eyeing the development of the local economy and governmental achievements.

A commentary from Yanzhao Metropolis Daily argues public rights are still not well protected, even if they can access six analog channels when they don't subscribe to digital TV services. It further asserts there are some preliminary requirements for promoting digital TV business on a large scale. First, the services must be purchased by choice by viewers, not forced upon them. No administrative measures should be added to business dealings.

Currently, available digital channels fail to provide qualified content at a fair cost. There's a need to further improve digital TV services and technology. Still, most working class families won't pay extra money for this new service, as the previous analog TV programs already met their demands. Digital TV is greatly challenged by the rapid development of the Internet, which is both convenient and cheap.

(CRI.cn February 8, 2007)