Most people attending a public hearing to present their views on Shenzhen's digital TV pricing Thursday favored a monthly service fee of around 30 yuan (US$3.6).

Shenzhen will complete the transition from analog TV (ATV) to digital TV (DTV) by the end of 2005.

Shenzhen Topway Video Communications Co. Ltd, the city's cable TV operator, proposed two price packages for the one-year transition period. The first proposed DTV users be charged 34 yuan and ATV viewers be charged 24 yuan a month. The second proposal was that all users be charged 24 yuan a month during the transition period and after 2005 the first price package would apply. The set-top box, a decoder allowing cable TV viewers to receive DTV programs, would be free during the transition period but would cost 450 yuan after 2005.

"Digital TV is a general consuming tendency, as viewers can enjoy an interactive TV service such as ordering and searching news and information," said Fu Yin, chairman of the Shenzhen Digital TV Industry Association. "Taking Shenzhen's economic development and income level into account, I think 40 yuan per month is reasonable."

There was mixed response from the audience.

"There are a number of Shenzhen citizens who hardly make both ends meet, such as migrant or laid-off workers," said consumer representative Zheng Zhuhua. "We should consider their afford ability."

Zheng recommended simultaneous operation of DTV and ATV and suggested four price packages to cater for different income levels.

Editor: Donald