August 1 saw the formal implementation of China's first digital television ground transmission standard, which the domestic color television manufacturers say is good for cleansing the color TV market and the development of television technology.

    The new standard GB20600-2006 marks an end to China's use of foreign standards. Six Olympic game hosting cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Qingdao, Shenyang, Shenzhen and Guangzhou will be the first batch of Chinese cities to try the digital television service.

    Shen Jian, a spokesperson from Skyworth, a major color television manufacturer in China, says the television market will be better regulated when the standard is put into force and when television manufacturers abide by it.

    However, Zou Feng from State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, has told local media that due to a lack of technical parameters and relevant industrialization, the standard will face some small hurdles during implementation.