SK Broadband, Excellence in Technology Category of Paid Broadcasting Service Quality Evaluation

Ranked First in Set-Top Box Startup Time and Channel Switching Time

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] SK Broadband achieved better results in the technical sector of the paid broadcasting service quality evaluation compared to competitors (KT and LG Uplus). It received high ratings in areas such as set-top box startup time, channel switching time, channel volume level, and perceived video quality.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency conducted the paid broadcasting service quality evaluation and released the results on the 18th. These two organizations annually evaluate quantitative items such as perceived video quality and volume levels, as well as qualitative items like user satisfaction at each service stage, targeting paid broadcasting services provided by a total of 18 paid broadcasting operators. This is to provide objective quality information about paid broadcasting services and to create a competitive environment among operators.

SK Broadband took 1.5 seconds from turning on the set-top box to the point when the service became available. This performance was superior compared to LG Uplus (2.3 seconds) and KT (3.0 seconds). The overall average was 2.77 seconds.

The overall average channel switching time, which measures the time taken to change channels using the remote control while watching, was 1.48 seconds. SK Broadband was the fastest among paid broadcasting operators at 0.7 seconds. LG Uplus and KT recorded 0.9 seconds and 1.9 seconds, respectively.

In addition, the average volume level per live broadcast channel and the average volume difference between channels were measured, and all operators met the standard volume criterion (-24 LKFS). LKFS is a standard unit that measures the perceived loudness of sound by humans. In the measurement model where the maximum volume is set to '0', the volume level most comfortable for humans to hear is defined as -24 LKFS. The '-' indicates that the larger the absolute value, the quieter the sound. SK Broadband and LG Uplus showed excellent volume levels among operators.

The perceived video quality was rated at an overall average of 4.55 points (on a 5-point scale), indicating generally excellent quality. The frequency of abnormal screen occurrences such as freezing or distortion was on average 0.16 times per program, meaning about 16 occurrences per 100 programs viewed. SK Broadband had an abnormal screen occurrence frequency of 0.09 times, about half the average.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "By disclosing the evaluation results, we will provide various information to users and promote quality competition among paid broadcasting operators, contributing to enhancing service competitiveness."