Changjiang Daily:

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to operate the TV. Many people believe that there are too many remote controls and buttons, often causing them to be unable to find the live channels and programs they prefer. This is particularly unfriendly for the elderly. My question is whether the NRTA has any measures to improve these matters.   

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your question, which reflects the thoughts of our audience. We are actively addressing this issue, and Mr. Zhu is responsible for this matter. He will provide an answer to your question.

Zhu Yonglei:

I will address the question. At times, people have reported that it is difficult to locate live channels due to several different remote controls and confusing buttons. Moreover, there are too many cables connecting the TV and set-top box. The NRTA places significant importance on addressing these issues of public concern, seeing it as part of people's wellbeing and making every effort to improve the situation. Based on our investigations and research, we have introduced a specialized improvement plan and collaborated with the MIIT to issue relevant circulars and implement a series of measures.

For example, we have launched a pilot project to upgrade the software of cable TV and IPTV set-top boxes, ensuring that people can directly watch a live channel when they turn on the box. Additionally, we are working on positioning the window for live channels prominently on the interactive page. Across the country, over 20 million cable TV and IPTV set-top box subscribers can now directly watch a live channel when they turn on the TV and box. Among them, more than 5 million cable TV subscribers are in the pilot city Beijing. By the end of this year, 80% of cable TV subscribers and 85% of IPTV subscribers will be able to directly watch a live channel when they switch on the TV. We also encourage cable TV and IPTV operators to simplify the replay operation. Certain advanced smart set-top boxes can also quickly awaken from standby mode, reducing boot-up time.

We have collaborated with the MIIT and encouraged TV manufacturers to research and develop smart TV sets that can automatically prioritize live channels when powered on. Additionally, we have convened R&D institutions and manufacturers to streamline and reduce remote controls, exploring various methods to integrate the functions of TV sets and set-top boxes into a single remote control, and ultimately creating all-in-one receiving devices.

At the same time, we also actively organized and guided cable TV and IPTV platforms to increase the supply of free high-quality content. For example, Beijing Gehua Cable recently launched a free "classics" section. Viewers in Beijing can watch top classic TV series such as "The Water Margin," "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "A Dream of Red Mansions" and "Journey to the West," which have been restored in high-definition on the Gehua Cable platform. 

Next, we will continue to promote the specialized improvement plan, take concrete actions to address the problem of complicated TV viewing operations and continuously improve the viewing experience for the users.

Thank you.