The Office of Public Information/KVZK TV has announced that New Zealand-based MMG Communications has won a government tender to upgrade its main playout center and transmission system in Pago Pago.
The upgrade will see a switch from analogue to digital and will mean an end to using older video tape technology to high end digital-based playout systems. The new playout solution will see an improvement to KVZK’s “on air” quality with an upgrade to its transmission system to allow for more digital channels to be broadcast nationwide.
Director of the Office of Public Information/KVZK-TV Tialuga Vincent Iuli said, “We were impressed with the work MMG did at the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa. They have a strong record of providing broadcast solutions that are suited to our Pacific conditions. We are very pleased that our people will see the benefit of this upgrade in the second half of 2021.”
Director Tialuga says the upgrade was part of Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga’s vision of updating the broadcast capability of the 56 year-old television station, which was created for classroom instructions via TV from the studios in Utulei in 1964.
“This much-needed project was part of Governor Lolo’s eight year mission to catch up with technology and the global TV community by putting ‘people first.’ The Territory is very thankful for this upgrade, as it comes at a great time as American Samoa prepares to welcome Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Sialega Mauga as its new governor in the new year.”