Issue No. 39 DVBSCENE March 2012 The Technology Update from DVB www.dvb.org PEN STANDARDS
Ken McCann Looks at the Progress of Time for an Enhanced Satellite Standard DVB-T2 in Africa 04 Developing CI Plus High Efficiency Video Coding for Contribution & High Speed IP Links 06 3DTV Moves 10 Skill Sets Training 12 Mongolia Triple 13 Analysis 05 08 09 14 Market Watch ADV bravebureau.com
www.3dt.it
A SISVEL TECHNOLOGY CREATION: A NEW 3D TELEVISION BACKWARD COMPATIBLE WITH 2D Visit us at DVB World 2012 in Rome, 12-14 March, to watch the transmissions received off air.
www.sisveltechnology.com Award-Winning Partnerships A Word From DVB I am writing these lines just a few days the first version of which we developed after accepting, on behalf of DVB, a in the nineties. Now, the technical prestigious Emmy Award for DVB’s group TM-CI Plus has begun working contribution to the Active Format on new features such as dual tuner Description (AFD) specification. In solutions and IP delivery of content. addition to DVB, there were other In parallel, as TVs become thinner, the Standards Development Organizations Commercial Group for CI Plus has (SDO), manufacturers and broadcasters started to work on the Commercial receiving an Emmy for this technology. Requirements for a new form factor for The fact that several organizations the interface to replace the PCMCIA Peter Siebert received the Emmy for AFD clearly slot. As every TV set in Europe is Executive Director demonstrates that standardization and equipped with a Common Interface, implementation of new technology the outcome of this activity will be a requirement. The technical group is works best when all stakeholders relevant for the consumer industry. now working on a solution where the work together. For every organization Another of our activities, for which left and right picture will be delivered involved, being a good partner is one day we may get an award, is the in full HD resolution. Furthermore, extremely relevant to further the standardization of 3DTV. We have non 3D receivers must still be able development of digital TV. finished the Phase 1 specification to present the 2D picture. The This is our first Emmy and I in which we specified the Frame technical specification for this Service hope it will not be our last. In the Compatible solution that can be Compatible approach should be ready nearly 20 years of its existence DVB supported by the existing transport this summer. has contributed in many ways to the infrastructure including current These are just two of the ongoing development of digital television. One set-top boxes. Now we have started activities of DVB in 2012, and you can example is the Common Interface (CI), with Phase 2 where this is no longer expect much more to come.
New Standards
EN 302 583: Framing Structure, channel coding and modulation for Satellite Services to Handheld devices (SH) below 3 GHz - DVB-SH v1.2.1 (12/08/11) TS 102 542-5: Frame Compatible Plano-stereoscopic 3DTV - IPTV Implementation Guidelines (01/09/11) TS 102 728: Globally Executable MHP (GEM) Specification 1.3 (including OTT and hybrid broadcast/broadband) - DVB-GEM 1.3 (01/09/11) TS 100 289 : Support for use of the DVB Scrambling Algorithm version 3 within digital broadcasting systems - DVB-CSA3 (06/09/11) TS 102 585: System Specifications for Satellite services to Handheld devices (SH) below 3 GHz - DVB SH System v2 (06/09/11) TS 102 470-2: IP Datacast: Program Specific Information (PSI)/Service Information (SI); Part 2 : IP Datacast over DVB-SH - DVB SH PSI/SI v2 (13/09/11) EN 300 743: Subtitling systems - DVB-SUB v1.4.1 (04/10/11) EN 300 468: Specification for Service Information (SI) in DVB systems - DVB-SI (20/10/11) TS 102 584: DVB-SH Implementation Guidelines - DVB-SH IG v3 (17/11/11) TS 101 162 : Allocation of identifiers and codes for Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) systems - DVB-SI Allocation (05/01/12) TS 102 323: Carriage and signalling of TV-Anytime information in DVB transport streams - DVB TV Anytime (05/01/12) TS 102 773: Modulator Interface (T2-MI) for a second generation digital terrestrial television broadcasting system (DVB-T2) - DVB-T2 MI v1.3.1 (05/01/12) TS 102 851: Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI) for DVB Systems - DVB-URI (05/01/12) EN 301 545-2: Second Generation DVB Interactive Satellite System (DVB-RCS2); Part 2: Lower Layers for Satellite standard - DVB-ISS LLS (09/01/12) TS 101 547 : Frame Compatible Plano-stereoscopic 3DTV (DVB 3D Phase 1) (31/01/12)
New Members
Ali Corporation a leading set-top box system-on-chip solution provider. www.alitech.com AltoBeam is a fabless IC design company engaged in design of digital TV receiver chipsets. www.altobeam.com Digital TV Labs is an independent international test conformance house. www.digitaltv-labs.com Novelsat develops DVB-S/DSNG/DVB-S2 modulators and demodulators mainly for the distribution and contribution market. www.novelsat.com Thomson Broadcast is a major equipment manufacturer dealing with radio and digital TV transmitters. www.thomson-broadcast.com
Published by the DVB Project Office, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the c/o European Broadcasting Union, publisher. All content correct at time of printing. © DVB SCENE 2012. 17a Ancienne Route, CH-1218 Grand Saconnex, Switzerland. The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual DVB members or guests and are not necessarily the views of the DVB Project Office or Steering Board. Editors: William Daly, Harold Bergin Editorial & Advertising enquiries to: WHD PR DVB, the DVB logo marks, MHP and the MHP logo are registered trademarks of the DVB Project. Certain Email: [email protected] other product names, brand names and company names may be trademarks or designations of their Telephone: +44 (0)20 7799 3100 respective owners. www.dvb.org . www.dvbworld.org . www.mhp.org . www.dvbservices.com Printed by New Goff n.v.
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DVB SCENE | March 2012 3 On The Plus Side Developing CI Plus Within DVB Martin Gold, Chairman CM-CI-Plus
CI Plus Hosts (integrated digital TVs • Extension of CI Plus Browser. or set-top boxes) with different There are extensions for the Browser to versions should support the mutual make use of broadband connectivity, capability of the combination. and to enable improvements to the A number of areas for additional user experience of operator functionality are specified in the applications using the Browser, such as requirements for V1.4. These are for VOD and EPGs. described below: • Module Application launching. • Dual-tuner support. CI Plus There is improved support for versions up to V1.3 only enable a launching of applications supported by single Transport Stream in and out of the Host middleware (e.g. MHP or the Module. A dual-tuner device, such HbbTV). as a digital video recorder could handle • Usage Rules Information 2 encrypted services on different extension. The URI will be extended Transport Streams only by use of 2 to support trick-mode control and Modules. V1.4 will enable this selectable output control. The functionality to be achieved much appropriate specifications here are more cost-effectively using a single dependent on working with CI Plus Module and Host interface. LLP for consideration of Compliance Martin Gold, NDS Limited • IP-delivered content. Many pay TV and Robustness aspects. broadcast and telco operators are • Transcoding and Watermarking. Until recently, the CI Plus specification interested in delivering TV content There is interest in being able to was being developed by the CI Plus over IP, often as a supplement to support these functions within the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). broadcast services. Host devices are Module. While already possible CI Plus is built on the earlier DVB increasingly capable of being technically, the current specification Common Interface specification, connected to broadband networks, and prohibits any manipulation of the which was formally standardised as EN have some ‘hybrid’ broadcast- content by the Module beyond 50221 in 1997, and extended by ETSI broadband capability. Beyond the decryption. TS 101 699 in 1999. In October budget and small screen devices, Technical work to develop the V1.4 2010, CI Plus LLP invited DVB to almost 100% of IDTVs on sale today specification to the Commercial take over further development of the have such capability. While some Requirements got underway in CI Plus technical specification. In DRM systems are currently being December 2011, and it is hoped that February 2011, the DVB Steering embedded in such Hosts, the extension the DVB work on the technical Board approved a proposal in which of CI Plus to enable the DRM specification will be completed during the DVB will develop the function to be included within the 2012. specifications beyond CI Plus Version Module (or use of the Module’s CA Beyond V1.4, there are currently 1.3, the latter continuing to be System for IP content) will increase discussions over consideration of a new maintained by CI Plus LLP. CI Plus the flexibility for IP-delivered services. form factor for CI Plus. The original LLP will also continue to operate a For IP-delivered content, the file PCMCIA format has now been Compliance and Robustness regime format known as ISOBMFF (ISO Base dropped by the PC industry. This does for implementations of the Media File Format) is expected to be not necessarily invalidate its continued specification, although in principle prevalent, and therefore the V1.4 use for CI Plus, but it is recognized other C&R regimes could be set up specification will support IP-delivered that there are now independent from CI Plus LLP. content as ISOBMFF in addition to alternatives. The DVB work on CI Plus started the more familiar Transport Stream. As in earnest in April 2011, initially to the delivery protocols and content generate the Commercial formats are both evolving rapidly at Requirements for CI Plus version 1.4. the pace of internet These requirements build on version development, to avoid the 1.3, thus it is expected that standard (and Hosts) implementations of the V1.4 becoming rapidly obsolete, specification will continue to support there is a mode that will the V1.3 functionality, extended by the allow the delivery protocol new features of the V1.4 specification. and content format to be Compatibility between V1.4 and supported within the Module, earlier versions of CI Plus is considered which will then return the essential, so it is intended that a content to the Host in one of combination of CI Plus Modules and the two supported formats.
4 March 2012 | DVB SCENE Future Code Progress Towards High Efficiency Video Coding
Ken McCann is a director and Ken McCann, Chairman TM-AVC cofounder of ZetaCast, an independent technology A new video compression standard, ‘HM1’, was defined in October 2010. consultancy company specialising known as High Efficiency Video Coding Further improvements of the Test Model in digital TV and related areas. (HEVC), is currently being jointly in HM2, HM3, HM4 and HM5 were developed by ISO/IEC MPEG and specified at subsequent meetings, with The primary driver for improvement is ITU-T VCEG, the same two each successive version achieving better Moore’s Law; more complex processing standardization bodies whose previous performance than the previous in terms of becomes practical over time. In an attempt collaboration resulted in both MPEG-2 the trade-off between coding efficiency to translate the effects of Moore’s Law into and H.264/AVC. The goal is to achieve a and complexity. bitrate, the author presented the modestly factor of two improvement in compression At the time of writing, no formal named McCann’s Law at DVB World in efficiency compared to the H.264/AVC, subjective tests have yet been published 2003. This originally stated that the the best performing of the current using the HEVC Test Models. However, bitrate needed to achieve a given video generation of standards. test results based on PSNR have reported quality halves every five years, assuming HEVC Call for Proposals bitrate savings for equal PSNR of about that both evolutionary and revolutionary 44% for the 1080p sequences in ‘random improvements are implemented as early as The first step towards creating HEVC 1 was the launch of a Call for Proposals, access’ configuration . Assuming that the possible. It was subsequently revised to which resulted in 27 responses. Both HM shows the same trend of greater predict that the bitrate required to achieve objective and subjective quality bitrate saving for equal subjective quality a given video quality halves every seven assessments of the proposals were than for equal PSNR that was observed in years. performed, using a standard software the Call for Proposals, the HEVC In the real world, improvements do implementation of H.264/AVC as the development appears to be on target to not follow a smooth curve, as legacy issues anchor. The objective measurements used deliver a factor of two improvement in prevent overly frequent changes of the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), a compression efficiency compared to algorithm. This is illustrated in the graph, convenient method of giving an H.264/AVC. which shows MPEG-2, H.264/AVC, approximate indication of the likely video The HEVC standard is scheduled to HEVC and the possibility of a future quality. However, the only way to really reach Committee Draft stage in February standard around 2025. determine video quality is the time- 2012 and to be published from Final When will HEVC-based Services be consuming and expensive process of Draft International Standard in January Launched? running formal subjective tests. 2013. A considerable momentum has The experience of MPEG-2 and The responses to the HEVC Call for built up around the development process, H.264/AVC implies that consumers and Proposals were analyzed during the first with a total of 284 participants at the the industry are prepared to consider a meeting of the Joint Collaborative Team seventh JCT-VC meeting, held in Geneva revolutionary change of algorithm roughly on Video Coding (JCT-VC) in April in November 2011. once a decade, provided that it can be 2010. The test results were very Evolution & Revolution in Video Coding justified by about a factor of two encouraging, especially at 1080p There is a general trend of improving improvement in coding efficiency. If this resolution and above. A consistent trend video coding efficiency over time. Firstly, experience is extrapolated to HEVC, then was that the saving in bitrate relative to there is a gradual evolution of encoders the timetable shown can be expected. the anchors was greater when considering giving greater efficiency within a HEVC could be the basis of a new equal subjective quality than when specification. Secondly, there are generation of digital TV services using considering equal PSNR. occasional moments of revolution caused 1080p from about 2015. The increasingly HEVC Test Models by a change of algorithm, requiring new prevalent 1080p displays would finally The first formal HEVC Test Model, decoders. have a broadcast signal to do them justice! 720p bitrate 1080p bitrate Timescales for Video Coding Standards 30 (Mbit/s) (Mbit/s) 60 First Illustration of Bitrate Broadcast 25 Trends in Practice 50 Standard Added Services Published to DVB Launched 20 40 MPEG-2 1995 1996 1997 MPEG-2 H.264/AVC 2003 2004 2005 15 30 HEVC 2013 2014 2015 10 20 H.264/AVC 5 10 HEVC 1“Compression Performance of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) 0 ? 0 Working Draft 4”, Bin Li, Gary J. Sullivan and Jizheng Xu, submitted to IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) 2012 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
DVB SCENE | March 2012 5 On A Mission Accelerating the adoption of 3D Heidi M. Hoffman,Managing Director 3D@Home Consortium
possible – especially to those who have a Understanding what makes high- peripheral interest in the outcome. The quality 3D is the work of ST6: Human Consortium maintains these open Factors Steering Team. The team is communication channels with working to get a better understanding of organizations including: DVB, CEA, the human response to watching 3D ISO, IEC, VQEG, SMPTE, ATSC, – particularly upon the vision system. SCTE, MPEG, to name just a few. Working with experts in the field of From 3D@Home, members get a vision science, testing methods have broad view of the 3D world and how been devised and content is being the technology is being adopted within identified to begin a set of tests. The the various industries. Consortium will share the results within The Consortium is led by a the membership and publically, as Governing Board which has authorized appropriate. six ‘Steering Teams’ or ‘STs’ to One of the most intriguing accomplish these activities as shown in outcomes from this team has been the the structure diagram below. excitement on the part of the Every member company is optometric community for the Heidi M. Hoffman encouraged to participate in one or all introduction of 3D displays. It turns out STs, usually via bi-weekly that stereo acuity is an often overlooked teleconferences and quarterly face-to- ability that is effectively tested when The 3D industry is part of a long term face meetings. ST’s are led by a viewing 3D. When a child experiences transition in the television market space. representative of Board or Leadership an inability to see stereo 3D, their Just like the introduction of color and level companies and give regular updates parents are able to realize the issue and high definition, the adoption of 3D by to the whole membership. most effectively treat with therapy, more consumers is greatly influenced by what Steering Team 2: Distribution, easily at a younger age when the vision the broadcasters, creators and hardware Transmission & Storage has taken on system is most elastic. Their quality of manufacturers are providing to them. several projects to assist that community life is sure to increase with better hand In these early stages of the transition, in understanding the most successful and eye coordination for many of life’s companies are working together in methods of encoding, compressing and large- and small-motor activities and many forums to ensure the 3D product transmitting high quality 3D. Initially, general learning. for the consumer is as seamless and the team participated in defining The eventual adoption of 3D into satisfying as the experience they receive requirements for digital interfaces and many facets of life is inevitable – from in the movie theatre. In the case of 3D, distribution. Digital interface entertainment to communications to this entails an entire ecosystem of new requirements documents were sent to professional settings. For many in the and established companies making the Consumer Electronics Association 3D ecosystem there remain outstanding technology and market decisions. (CEA) for standardization. questions of exactly how that adoption Collecting the intelligence and Most recently, the group is working will occur. 3D@Home exists to remove making the connections to make wise on a multi-phase project to easily convey some of the uncertainty and lower the and strategic business decisions can be the many variables involved in sending hurdles to full consumer and complicated and expensive for 3D signals across the ecosystem. Phase 2 professional adoption. companies with great ideas for products. incorporates the metadata being For more information, visit The 3D@Home Consortium provides designed for these signal paths. Portions www.3DatHome.org or the consumer- the market intelligence and networking of the metadata stream have been (or are oriented site at www.3DUniversity.net. opportunities to allow its members to be in the process of being) standardized by Links to these websites are welcome and more successful in their strategies. internationally recognized bodies, such encouraged. The Consortium’s mission is to as DVB. accelerate the adoption of 3D into 3D@Home Consortium Structure homes worldwide. Its 50 companies represent all parts of the television FlexTech Alliance ecosystem: content creation, Board of Directors distribution, transmission, consumer Finance Committee Insight Media products and their components and accessories, software, testing, research. ST1 ST2 ST4 Membership includes companies from Content Creation Storage, Transmission & Distribution Consumer Products Jon Shapiro, 3ality Thierry Borel, Technicolor Juan Reyes, BluFocus all over the world and of all sizes. Kevin Wines, THX 3D@Home works with standards development organizations (SDO’s) and ST3 ST5 ST6 other special interest groups (SIGs) to Education, Communication & Promotion Human Factors Mobile 3D ensure the work going on in these Dan Schinasi, Samsung Philip Corriveau, Intel Kay Johanssen, MobiTV groups is disseminated as widely as Paulette Pantoja, BluFocus
6 March 2012 | DVB SCENE 3D Rollercoaster New Phases for 3D David Wood, Chairman CM-3DTV
One day a new 3DTV channel opens in Phase 2 was split into a number of China. Another day, a 3DTV channel parts for manageability. The first part is closes in France. There are demands from Phase 2a, which is also called (in ITU- Hollywood movie makers for ‘higher speak Level 2) a ‘Service Compatible standards’ of 3D movie production. But mode. The ‘service’ with which it should 3D movies are still good ‘box office’. There be compatible is a 1080i/720p HDTV are 3DTV channels on air today and the service, so here the HDTV 2D viewer will prospect of major sports event coverage just see a normal 2D picture at normal (the Olympic Games) as a further spur HDTV quality, and the viewer with a new this summer. The DVB Project is there to 3DTV set-top box will see a full make possible the commercial plans of bandwidth 3D HDTV picture. This DVB Members - to sail the boat through approach of ‘2D plus something’ is also the water, even when it’s stormy. the one adopted in 3D Blu-ray, and the The 3DTV Phase 1 specification was domestic 3D camcorders that provide full published in 2011 for ‘frame compatible bandwidth HDTV 3D images. In both ‘delivery, where the essential requirement cases they use an MPEG system called was that existing HDTV set-top boxes ‘MVC’, and this system may be used for would allow viewers to watch 3D (if they Phase 2a. Though there will be some had a 3D display). This is the most used differences to the way it’s used in 3D 3DTV broadcast format today. Blu-ray, which is a ‘non real-time’ system David Wood, EBU In 2011, with Phase 1 rolling, we with 24 pictures/second. DVB’s Technical moved on to Phase 2. This is the Module has been asked to prepare the DVB is developing a relationship with environment where a new set-top box is Phase 2a specification by summer 2012. the ‘3D@Home’ consortium. Part of the possible. The main prize for doing so Another option for compatibility benefit of doing so is to glean the wisdom would be advantages in 3D picture could be for a 1080p/50, 60 compatible within 3D@Home about how taxing quality. system, if a given market used such a 3DTV may be to view. One of the system, and an approach to doing so, is principle reasons why ‘eye-fatigue’ can termed ‘Tile Framing’. DVB’s Commercial occur (and if it does, take off the glasses of Module is currently considering whether course!) is because a 3DTV is asking the there could be a commercial requirement viewer to separate two processes (focussing for such a system. and pointing) that are normally done In autumn 2011, discussion included automatically together. Some find this also a Phase 2b (in ITU-speak Level 3), happens automatically when they look at a which would be a system built on the 3DTV picture with the right glasses. original Frame Compatible Phase 1 Others can find a degree of discomfort. system. In other words, rather than being The work that 3D@Home has done an HDTV Service Compatible system, it suggests that showing young people would be a Phase 1 3DTV Service 3DTV can be a way of bringing to light Compatible system. Commercial shortcomings of their eyesight, and which requirements for 2b are in the process of can often be corrected. And the earlier passing through the DVB process at the they are corrected in life, the easier it is to moment. do so. In short, just like learning to ride a One of the issues that DVB Members bicycle, the earlier you view 3DTV the are considering is what difference to the better. 3DTV picture quality having the full If you would like to know more about bandwidth, rather than the Frame young people and potential 3DTV eye Compatible’s half bandwidth, will make. fatigue you don’t need to go only to 3D@ How much will it matter? How much will Home – you can contact the European 3D-Fernsehen ohne Kopfschmerzen: it be worth? expert, Dr. Peter Höh who is head of the Tipps und Tricks gegen Finally, when could 3DTV be like Eye Clinic in Karlsruhe, Germany. He also Kopfschmerz durch 3D-Fernsehen learning to ride a bicycle? It takes a little has a useful book available on Amazon.de by Dr Peter Höh explaining. for German speakers.
DVB SCENE | March 2012 7 Optimum Efficiency Time for an Enhanced Satellite Standard for Contribution & High Speed IP Links Dirk Breynaert, CTO and cofounder of Newtec
DVB-S2 will continue to be the standard us as close to the maximum theoretical for DTH, however for contribution links, Shannon limit as possible. the cost of a transponder demands more New solutions are available now efficient and more flexible solutions that to implement lower roll-off factors are not compatible with the classical with suppression of adjacent satellite DTH scenario. carrier interference. There are also other DVB has a rich history of methodologies for differentiated filter involvement in developing standards optimization for linear and nonlinear for the satellite world. It started with channels. All these improvements DVB-S, the first solution for digital TV together highly increase spectral via satellite. Subsequently, return channel efficiency. capabilities were added in the DVB- Adding higher modulation schemes, RCS solution. DVB also provided the such as 64APSK, could be useful necessary specification for satellite news considering the professional applications gathering (DVB-DSNG). Ten years after that could work with improved link the first specification was introduced, budgets provided by, for example, bigger DVB-S2 saw its market introduction antennas. Newtec sees the 32APSK Dirk Breynaert cofounded Newtec 26 and now the experts are working on a boundary being reached frequently with years ago, and is an expert in the field of second generation satellite return channel FlexACM during clear weather situations. modulation and RF. He has contributed to standard. In addition, DVB has begun In these situations 64APSK could prove DVB and the creation of numerous satellite work on the topics of Carrier ID and to be beneficial. industry standards (DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-RCS). wideband transponders. Newtec has already developed a The proponents of the new new technology platform capable of Various players in the satellite industry specification are considering a number of supporting all these new functionalities, are calling for a satellite transmission critical items: including wideband. However, we do standard specifically for professional • The new specification will move feel that our satellite industry will benefit satellite contribution links which would towards an extension of the DVB-S2 even more by having DVB and its be an update to the existing DVB-S2 standard that guarantees interoperability Members support the idea of developing standard. They are suggesting now is the and better satellite efficiency for an extended standard in line with today’s best time to make the improvements professional satcom applications technological advances. and bring it in line with technological including high speed IP links. For DTH DVB has indicated that all of these advancements. The expectations are applications however, DVB-S2 and its improvements, including wideband that such a standard would lead to ongoing wideband update will continue and Carrier ID, will be made available significantly more efficient solutions. This serving the DTH market very well. by DVB in 2012, which will give the step forward is critical to ensuring the • The industry can benefit from industry significant efficiency gains. continuation of a vibrant and profitable optimization of both contribution and satellite industry. distribution. In the current standard these Considering the worldwide success of two very different applications utilize the DVB specifications in the area of satellite, same modulations, filters and error several DVB Members came together corrections. An improved standard can to start the new work item on a DVB account for differentiation to make the satellite contribution standard. As in the greatest efficiency gains by making the past, DVB will bring together satellite standard aware of the application in communications experts from all around which it is being used. the world. These experts will analyze • The new solution could also be the latest advances made in technology optimized for ranges of typical and to provide a solution for backbone and realistic receive conditions per trunking applications. application. Without a doubt, the new solution • It should be possible to increase the will be based on the well-established number of modulation and coding Peter Lambrechts, engineer at Newtec, DVB-S2 specification. Up to now schemes and FEC (Forward Error testing the new technology platform that this standard has been the solution Correction) choices which then can will support the new functionalities. for Direct to Home (DTH) as well as provide the highest resolution for optimal for professionally used satellite links. modulation in all circumstances; bringing (Photo: Jesse Willems)
8 March 2012 | DVB SCENE Challenge Africa Building the world’s largest DVB-T2 Network
One of Soweto’s many DVB-T2 trial Ian Barnard, Project Manager, GOtv participants
As technology continues to speed up the • Improved access to information for standards is competitive pricing for set-top pace of global change, Africa is challenging citizens, helping to close the digital divide. box manufacture and provision. GOtv its image as a technological latecomer by With the International launched with DVB-T2 set-top boxes pioneering the construction of the world’s Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) developed and supplied by UK based largest and most innovative DVB-T2 deadline for the global conversion from technology company Pace. network. analog to digital looming ever closer, the Africa’s GOtv DVB-T2 network will Many European and Asian countries unique private-public partnerships created not only be the largest of its kind, but are well on their way or even done with between governments (via their national also be one of the most innovative. With their transition to first generation digital broadcasting corporations) and companies technology provided by French equipment terrestrial broadcasting, or DVB-T. Africa, such as MultiChoice will help African partner ENENSYS, MultiChoice will on the other hand, finds itself in the countries meet the 2015 ASO. be able to take full advantage of all enviable position of being able to leapfrog Digital broadcasting will free up DVB-T2 features, including Multiple straight to the latest second generation much needed spectrum, which then can Physical Layer Pipes (M-PLP) and, single technology, DVB-T2. be re-used for other purposes, such as frequency network (SFN) operation. The In 2011 four African countries – the delivery of e-government programs terrestrial broadcast transmitters were Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria – including education, health and other sourced from Rohde & Schwarz. became some of the first in the world to public services. These GOtv networks are based on a embrace the technology when they launched The first country to launch GOtv three PLP transmission that is uniquely MultiChoice’s GOtv using DVB-T2. There was Zambia, last July. With an initial assembled from a common satellite stream is a planned rollout of a full pan-African offering of 20 channels for ZMK 35,000 received at each site in a SFN. This unique DVB-T2 network, offering a multichannel (around US$7), programming includes world-first M-PLP DVB-T2 network bouquet. news, children’s shows, documentaries, solution allows innovative insertion of The advantages of this second series and movies. Uganda was next in local and regional services. generation technology, such as many more August followed by Kenya in September Curbing costs is particularly important channels and improved picture and sound and then Nigeria in October. Tanzania, in Africa. The DVB-T2 standard and the quality, are wide ranging and well known Rwanda and Burundi, the remaining East unique M-PLP implementation not only to this audience. But some advantages are African Community partner states, met at uses the latest technology, but also ensures of particular relevance to Africa, including: the end of last year to call for the creation satellite bandwidth is used as efficiently as • Improved opportunities to offer local of policies that will enable a smooth possible to deliver good quality content. content: programs made in Africa for transition, such as the scrapping of import The multi-region headend and T2 Africa. The better viewing experience is also duty on set-top boxes and limiting the Gateway solutions were installed by likely to increase demand for local number of signal distributors. African Union Communication, the productions, helping to boost local Another benefit Africa will reap South African agent for Harmonic production industries. from the widely adopted family of DVB and ENENSYS. The new distribution system allows the transmission of HD/ SD MPEG-4 content over satellite to the DVB-T2 network, providing improved regional programming while maintaining excellent video quality. While GOtv is successfully helping to lay the technological groundwork and create audiences, there are still major political and policy decisions to be made, such as the discussions in various African countries over the creation of more than one signal distribution company and the right to self-provide signal distribution services. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that 2012 is going to be a big year: all eyes will be on Africa as it matures towards its migration deadline, leading the continent DVB-T2 transmitter site – Lukasa, Zambia DVB-T2 transmitter installation towards successful digital terrestrial (Photo: Steven Vorster) (Photo: Steven Vorster) transmission.
DVB SCENE | March 2012 9 Digital Know-How Acquiring skill-sets through training Ho Siew Mun, DigiWorkz
Indonesia has announced that it will why DigiWorkz Asia-Pac Broadcast consider DVB-T2 as its digital TV standard. Training Centre has decided to offer courses For me, this latest development is much related to this standard. From our online welcome as it is another sign that the ‘learn at your pace and in your own place’ Asia-Pacific region is committed to going DVB Fundamentals course to customized digital. Over the past few years, the region, courses for broadcast staff working on particularly the countries in Southeast Asia, digital migration within their networks, has initiated digital TV trials that would the need to have a proper and thorough bring them closer to their digital objectives. understanding of DVB standards is of The decision to go digital also means utmost importance. that broadcasters are looking into which For broadcasters contemplating going standards to adopt. Will it be DVB-T, to DVB-T or to DVB-T2, they need to DVB-T2, ATSC, ISDB-T, T-DMB or understand fully the benefits and how to DTMB-T? Granted that each digital TV maximise usage of this standard for their standard has its own merits, the general own broadcast infrastructures. indication is that countries in the region DigiWorkz has been offering a number Ho Siew Mun, is the business development seem to be favouring the DVB-T standards. of practical two- to five-day workshops manager of DigiWorkz Asia-Pac Broadcast Of course, Singapore is one of the early at its training facility located at Ngee Training Centre in Singapore. Established adopters of digital TV. In 2001, DVB-T Ann Polytechnic in Singapore as well as in 2002 DigiWorkz has been serving the was chosen when the republic started its customized in-house training programs training needs of broadcasters in the Asia- digital broadcasts. Five years later, HDTV for broadcasters such as Astro in Malaysia Pacific region. was deployed on Singapore’s digital and ABS-CBN and GMA Network in the terrestrial TV (DTT) platform, and in Philippines. It also organizes seminars and The workshop was targeted at 2008, there was a DVB-H trial to assess the forums in Singapore. traditional analog broadcasters — and feasibility of a mobile TV platform. Recently, DigiWorkz successfully we were pleasantly surprised by the high Currently, national broadcaster conducted the Digital Broadcasting quality of the audience. The participants MediaCorp is in the midst of a DVB-T2 Workshop — held in conjunction with included representatives from satellite trial, signalling the country’s next Broadcast & Media Tech Vietnam 2011. broadcaster Vietnam Satellite Digital generation digital TV plans. Focusing on Vietnam’s fledgling digital TV Television (VSTV), the Vietnam Neighboring Malaysia is also industry, DigiWorkz provided an impetus Multimedia Corporation (VTC), one of conducting a DVB-T2 trial. Last year, for the Vietnamese broadcast fraternity to Vietnam’s largest multimedia corporations, at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s further bolster and elevate the digitization as well as cable operator Vietnam Cable (ABU) Digital Broadcasting Symposium in of TV infrastructure in the country. Television. Kuala Lumpur, industry experts examined The workshop offered participants an Paraphrasing the feedback received, the role that DVB-T2 would play in the overview of legacy and current broadcast participants found the workshop global broadcast landscape. ‘interesting and informative’ while Prior to the symposium, two days were providing a ‘good opportunity to learn spent taking field measurements of the ...industry experts examine more about digital broadcasting’. They DVB-T2 signals strength and signal quality were all hungry and passionate for practical in and around the Malaysian capital. The the roll that DVB-T2 would knowledge — and short courses to positive results of the trial and a workshop play in the global broadcast supplement their digital know-how. on DVB-T2 generated much interest In addition, participants requested for among the broadcasters that gathered landscape. more details on 3DTV broadcasting and in the Malaysian capital; more than 120 3D post-production to be included in broadcasters from 16 countries participated future workshops to be held by DigiWorkz in the discussion. technologies, before going on to discuss in Vietnam — a reiteration of the relevance What is so great about DVB-T2 is that various pertinent aspects associated with of the courses offered by DigiWorkz to the it provides 50% more usable bitrate than digital broadcasting, including digital TV broadcast industry. any other DTT standard including DVB-T; video system processing and distribution; All courses provided by DigiWorkz aim it can be used in existing DVB-T networks, the choices to be made in the selection of to increase and strengthen participants’ allows transmitters to be farther apart in HDTV production equipment; HDTV knowledge of the skill-sets that are required a single frequency network and has an multichannel audio design and distribution; in the migration from analog to digital improved carrier-to-noise performance. and methods used in the compression broadcasting. The economic viability of the DVB-T and transmission of audio/video in digital For further information on DigiWorkz standards has been one of the main reasons broadcasting. visit: www.digiworkz.org
10 March 2012 | DVB SCENE DVB SCENE | March 2012 11 Triple Play Mongolia to introduce all three second generation DVB standards Helmut Stein, Chairman, Promotion & Communications Module (PCM)
On November 22 and 23, 2011, the the Mongolian National Television and Communications Regulatory Commission state owned Mongolian TV Broadcasting. of Mongolia (CRC) invited international The 1980s marked the beginning of experts to the ‘National Digital the Mongolian National Broadcaster’s Broadcasting Forum’ in Ulaanbaatar. use of new and improved international Here, the path to analog switch-off for broadcasting equipment and color radio and television was discussed and transmission technology. experiences of managing this transition in Until reforms in the 1990s, the Japan, Korea and Taiwan were presented. government had almost authoritarian DVB was invited to present its second control of the Mongolian media. For 70 generation standards, as a decision years the state run Mongolian National on these had already been discussed Broadcaster was the single source of mass Central antenna tower of internally. media. It was not until 1994 that Eagle TV, Ulaanbaatar But, firstly, what do we know about TV25 and UBSTV broke the monopoly television and radio in Mongolia? of government owned stations and started Mongolia is situated in East and Central commercial television broadcasting. was built in 1967 and delivers the capital’s Asia, bordering with Russia in the north In 1991, the national broadcaster TV and radio services. The antenna height and with the People’s Republic of China began transmitting via the AsiaSat satellite is 190 meters tall and 1352 meters above in the south. Mongolia’s population in order to reach the remotest areas. sea level. Today, seven TV and eight FM is 2.76 million people who live a Currently, 18 local TV broadcasting stations are located at the tower. Each predominately nomadic lifestyle. The channels are on air in Ulaanbaatar and 37 TV transmitter has 5kW and the FM nation is divided into 20 regions with the international TV channels are distributed transmitters have 1kW. capital Ulaanbaatar housing 45% of the and retransmitted throughout the country As per the ITU GE06 Agreement, country’s population. via the Apstar 5 satellite. concerning the migration to broadcasting Mongolia is now a parliamentary Currently, there are a total of 381 rural digital technology by 2015, the national republic and under the country’s towns with 200 – 10,000 households that program of Mongolia was drafted to constitution citizens have the right to are served by 381 terrestrial transmitters. include system recommendations covering freedom of speech and to seek and receive Each transmitter is retransmitting 18 broadcasting services and new approaches all kinds of information. However, the channels from Ulaanbaatar at 50-200W. to studio and network technology using various languages and dialects spoken Households outside these towns can experience gained from other countries. across the country pose big hurdles to receive a total of 55 free-to-air channels The transition to digital radio and transparent communication to all of its via Apstar 5. television is being implemented through citizens. Today, television is more diversified to 2015. ASO is scheduled for 12 a.m. on In the communist era, three state run and is considered the most important June 31, 2014. newspapers were the central news source media in Ulaanbaatar. It also remains in Regarding the decision on and independent media did not exist. The a state of constant transformation, both transmission standards, the CRC used end of this period saw the creation of a nationally and locally. There are more a clever approach. Instead of organizing number of private, independent media privately owned stations and there is a wide and time consuming field tests, outlets. By 2005 there were already 250 significant presence of pirated television they asked local universities to give a media sources. The government financially from foreign countries within the CATV, recommendation based on the comparison supports small media enterprises and satellite TV, IPTV and MMDS networks of the data sheets. In addition, the CRC broadcasted content has not been that reach a large proportion of the asked for reports on comparative field restricted since 1998. population (see table). tests of the different standards made in September 27, 1967 marked the The central antenna tower of many countries around the world. In birth of broadcasting in Mongolia with Ulaanbaatar, the city’s most important, conclusion, a clear recommendation to use DVB-T2 for terrestrial transmission Type of Service Ulaanbaatar Countryside Total and DVB-C2 for cable networks was made. DVB-S2 is already in use for the Terrestrial TV 18 79 97 DTH services. CATV 13 22 35 By making that decision Mongolia is MMDS 10 26 36 set to be the first to use all three second IPTV 2 0 2 generation DVB standards. Decisions for digital radio services are still under Mobile TV 2 0 2 discussion.
12 March 2012 | DVB SCENE Moore Analysis Keeping sales afloat
Myra Moore is chief analyst of DTC, a market research firm Estimated IDTV Shipments by Region
that analyzes the digital TV market. DTC recently formed the 100 North America Digital TV Transition Group which provides planning, consumer EMEA 80 AP education, research and technical design for countries making Latin America Others the analog to digital TV transition. 60
For more information, please see: http://dtcreports.com/dtv.aspx 40
Most North American, Western European switchovers, with Russia providing the 20 and Japanese consumers already have TVs most growth in the latter years of DTC’s Millions 0 with digital receivers (IDTVs). And if the forecast. Although 2015 is the targeted 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 TV industry were dependent on these analog shut-off date in Russia, the vast Source: DTC regions for growth, it would face some lean amount of infrastructure to be installed years ahead. and the recent decision to rollout DVB-T2 63% growth in 2011 forecasted to rise The continuing analog to digital will likely push the ultimate shut off date to 75% in 2012). The major population terrestrial TV transition may be the only beyond 2015. centers of Brazil and Argentina are not only thing keeping worldwide IDTV sales afloat Although Japan and South Korea have preparing for the transition but are now (an estimated 147.3 million due to ship a sizeable number of IDTV households increasing manufacturing of TVs in one in 2012) as the latest high-end features (with the exception of earthquake-ravaged of the few world regions riding a wave of probably won’t reverse a flattening sales northern prefectures, Japan completed economic growth. trend in digitally mature markets – at least its analog shut-off in July 2011), China North American TV sales are forecasted not as long as these regions continue to continues to lag behind other Asian nations to remain flat (CAGR of about 2.3%) endure economic malaise. in building a digital terrestrial TV market. throughout DTC’s forecast period. A But tuner mandates that accompany DTC anticipates that will change shortly combination of a completed analog pending analog TV shut-offs in major as the government is now showing signs TV shut- off, high HDTV household markets are providing a big boost in Latin of enforcing a here-to-fore non-enforced penetration, a tapped-out supplier price America, Asia Pacific, and to a lesser DTT tuner mandate. war, and a soft economy will keep North extent, Europe. Growth in Europe largely Latin America is driving impressive American TV sales mostly static for the stems from Eastern Europe and Russia growth now (DTC estimates there was foreseeable future. Myanmar News John Bigeni, DVB The ABU conducted a two-day workshop standard that also contained information approximately 90% coverage is achieved. on Broadcasting Technologies for the on DVB-T2-Lite, as well as receivers and Analog coverage is currently around 92%. ASEAN Region in Yangon on December an update on worldwide adoption so far. Myanmar is now introducing 12-13, 2011. The workshop was located at The main presentation focussed on the DVB-T2, overlaying their existing the Info Tech centre on the University relative technical performance compared extensive DVB-T network. The Forever Hlaing Campus. The local host for the event to first generation standards which Group has ordered three DVB-T2 was The Forever Group which is the included DVB-T and ISDB-T. transmitters that will be on trial in Yangon National Broadcaster for Myanmar. I found The presentation was supported by early this year. this to be an extremely well organized event, demonstrations of DVB-T2 with the which drew more than 100 participants, transmission of multiple HDTV services many from neighbouring countries such as and multiple SD services. The enquiries Laos and Cambodia. and questions from the participants Presentations on standards and indicated great interest in the DVB-T2 developments were given by DVB, NHK standard and in particular its improved (Japan) TiMi Technology (China) as well as relative transmission efficiency. a number of prominent equipment As background, Myanmar was one of manufacturers such as Harris. Also, a the first countries in the ASEAN region to complete session was devoted to planning decide on the DVB-T standard and and implementation issues which included commenced the rollout of DVB-T services detailed coverage of the ITU guidelines for as early as 2005. The transmissions have transition from analog to digital been progressively extended in both service broadcasting together with an example for diversity as well as population coverage. MTV Myanmar. Digital terrestrial transmissions now cover Winn Maw, CEO of The Forever Group with DVB provided an overview of the more than 60% of the population. It is DVB’s John Bigeni technologies underlying the DVB-T2 planned that ASO should take place when
DVB SCENE | March 2012 13 MARKET WATCH
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