Frequently Asked Questions

United MixMedia started with DVB-T transmission in Erbil in 2012, but is now passing to the advantages of the newest technology available, using DVB-T2. DVB-T2 is enabling a wider selection of channels, thereby providing the best service and coverage.

In the DVB-T transmission we are able to send 6 HD channels in each frequency but in DVB-T2 we will be able to send twice as many HD channels in one frequency. DVB-T2 is the superior technology allowing us to broadcast more channels to you.

Terrestrial broadcast (DVB-T or DVB-T2) uses UHF frequencies to broadcast the data to the customers. These UHF bands of frequencies are limited in numbers and are fully controlled and regulated by the government. The government administers the UHF frequencies through a license system and granted UMM a license in 2012 for a specific number of frequencies against a licensing fee. Due to the limited number of UHF frequencies available, the change from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is imperative to be able to provide more channels using the allocated frequencies.

Satellite TVs work by sending their video to a satellite operator via UP-Link. Then the operator will arrange many channels and put them together in allocated frequencies and sends them back to earth. Each individual satellite is covering one specific, often huge area, requiring many channels with different cultures. This may cause issues of culture difference as religious and cultural values may not be shared by the countries, thereby occasionally providing content not suitable for children.
In terrestrial broadcast the content of the TVs are subject to government approval and under obligation to follow the government cultural guidelines and rules.
In terestrial broadcast the content of TV is subject to government approval and under obligation to follow the governement cultural guidlines and rules.

Terrestrial broadcasting is of importance for national security, as it is locally controlled, broadcasted and monitored and cannot be shut down by foreign powers.

Scrambling is the only way to attract coveted world known contents ranging from movies to Sporting events that are otherwise unavailable in the Kurdistan Region and rebroadcast them in a legal way.

United MixMedia is adding new towers, antennas, servers and world’s latest technology equipment to ensure availability and service and by scrambling the contents, United MixMedia assures continued world class service to the people.

UMM has established Call centers where qualified staff are working 24/7 to support the clients.

A Service Call Center to process and solve questions and issues for end users, the viewers & a Call & Monitoring Center to process and solve issues reported by the TV station clients.

In addition to the purchase of the newest technology and the construction and upgrading of the 25 and counting towers and rebroadcasting stations, United MixMedia has heavily in the receiver product package.

United MixMedia has introduced its’ own unique STB package to avoid confusion and reduce the impacts of the poor quality STBs available in the market.

The package is comprised of high quality antenna, 20m cable and STB with conditional access fees, special chipset and maximum security measures. This STB has a one year guarantee, yet the service package with FTA channels is free of charge for the lifespan of the device.

Some local TV channels have limited licenses, which allow them to broadcast only in their own area.

The number of frequencies allocated are different from area to area and some TV broadcasters are illegally using our frequencies, which impact the number channels available to the viewer. The ongoing system upgrading will solve this problem within 2017.

United MixMedia’s future plans start with upgrading the whole system into DVB-T2 for the entire region. This will assure that we provide the best service available in the market.

Increasing TV channels is a cornerstone of United MixMedia’s expansion plan for the future. Eventually, at least 100 TV channels will be aired with World standard quality (technically and service wise). This plan is currently being implemented, and we strive to be at 100 TV channels by the end of 2017.