Users of terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) mobile TV receivers in Korea are being asked to check with manufacturers for an upgrade as soon as possible, as most units sold before March are expected to experience malfunctions due to technical glitches since local broadcasters KBS, MBS and SBS started transmitting BIFS (binary format for scenes) signals October 16.
According to the Korea Times, a number of users have already reported receiver breakdowns in the Pusan and Kwangju trial areas. There are around 120 companies selling various types of DMB receivers in Korea, and many of them have yet to offer the necessary upgrade for the BIFS signals.
The BIFS is a two-way communication technology that enables users to interact with broadcasters. Broadcasters have been pushing for the adoption of the system to increase ad revenue, as they have so far failed to make profits.