Edition No.

29 March 2009

DVB-SCENE
Tune in to Digital Convergence

29

Capitalising
on Economies
The Standard for the Digital World

This issue’s highlights

of Scale
> Introducing DVB-C2
> DVB-T2 Implementation Guidelines
> DVB-SH Trial Update
> DVB File Formats
> Market Watch
 FUJITSU MICROELECTRONICS EUROPE
MEETING TOMORROW’S
HDTV CHALLENGES
DVB-SCENE : 02

RAISING THE BAR

FOR HDTV SOLUTIONS
H.264/AVC encoders, decoders and transcoders
higher picture quality - lower power consumption

Fujitsu’s DVB system-on-chip solutions for HDTV reach First-class application support during the design-in phase
new heights. They include highly integrated multi-standard accelerates time-to-market.
decoders, encoders and transcoder devices.
Fujitsu, with over 10 years’ DVB silicon development
Comprehensive tools and powerful software & middleware experience, delivers high quality audio & video expertise for
are available. Strategic partner alliances deliver high-performance equipment.
complementary expertise to create one-stop technical
solutions.
ASK FUJITSU MICROELECTRONICS EUROPE
Developed in its European Multimedia hardware and
More info: www.fme-multimedia.com
software development centre, Fujitsu ensures that European email: [email protected]
and global market requirements are fully met.
 VDVB3.0.
00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111B3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .01010101111
spring

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000
Marketing and Communications Executive
Eoghan O’Sullivan,
Tides

010101010
.01.111.0000010101010
A word from the DVB Project Office

3.0 .01010101111
.
In springtime we see the first shoots and Blu-ray. That’s a rising tide that’s
of new life; and as the season takes likely to lift a lot of interactive boats!

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

hold (in the northern hemisphere at Looking towards Latin America, we

DVB3.0. 000000 3.0 .01010101111

least), optimism is growing amongst welcomed Colombia into the fold with

.
.
the interactive TV fraternity. The arrival last year’s adoption of DVB-T (following

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .01010101111

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000
1
of tru2way – the brand used to market the decision of Uruguay in 2007). This
OCAP to consumers – looks set to be issue brings you an update on progress Siebert, who will join us as the new
the stimulus for interactive to make the towards getting services on air – and Director of the DVB Project Office in

100000.111111111111.000.1.1.1.1.0101010
big breakthrough for cable markets in hopefully creating further momentum early May, (continuing the tradition of
North America. towards more widespread adoption of having a Peter in this role!). A German
Our guest contributor for the In My DVB standards in the region. Certainly national, Peter has been working
Opinion slot in this edition, CableLabs’ the figures presented in our Moore with Siemens Switzerland (now Albis

DVDVB3.0 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0.

So Vang, says 2009 will see tru2way Analysis column suggest that DVB’s Technologies) in Zurich since 2001,

.
being rolled out to a majority of the terrestrial standards will continue to having previously worked with SES
70 million US cable households. This drive worldwide growth of receiver Astra and Philips. His future colleagues

.
could bring the number of deployed sales, delivering further economies of in the Project Office are looking forward
devices based on DVB’s GEM (Globally scale. to helping him to settle into his new
Executable MHP) specification towards Finally, I’d like to take a few lines to role. So, springtime brings new life to

DVB-SCENE : 03
100 million, including MHP, GEM-IPTV wish a warm “Willkommen” to Dr. Peter DVB on many fronts!

.
.
new standards
TR 101 190 V1.3.1 - Implementation Guidelines for DVB Terrestrial Services; Transmission Aspects (Published 17/10/2008)

.
TS 102 833 V1.1.1 - File Format Specification for the Storage and Playback of DVB Services (Published 18/11/2008)
TS 102 584 V1.1.1 - Guidelines for Implementation for Satellite Services to Handheld Devices (SH) below 3GHz
(Published 18/11/2008)

.
EN 300 744 V1.5.1 - Framing Structure, Channel Coding and Modulation for Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T)
(Published 26/01/2009)

new members
.
Miniweb - Interactive Service Provider enabling targeted, web-style advertising and interactivity on TV. www.miniweb.tv
TCL Belgium - Electronics manufacturer whose products include mobile phones, personal computers, home appliances,
electric lighting, and digital media sold globally. www. tcl.com
TU Berlin - Technische Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany with an excellent reputation in
communication systems and media processing. www.tu-berlin.de
RO.VE.R Laboratories S.p.A. - Develops and manufactures professional equipment for satellite and terrestrial broadcasting.
www.roverlaboratories.com
Ximaera Technologies Canada - Provides engineering research and development services for the advanced broadband
satellite communications market. www.ximaera.ca

To subscribe free of charge to DVB-SCENE visit: www.dvb.org/subscribe.

The views expressed in this newsletter are those Editors: William Daly, Harold Bergin DVB and MHP are registered trademarks of the
of the individual DVB members or guests and Editorial and Advertising enquiries to: WHD PR DVB Project. Certain other product names, brand
are not necessarily the views of the DVB Project Email: [email protected] names and company names may be trademarks or
Office or Steering Board. Telephone: +44 (0)20 7799 3100 designations of their respective owners.
Published by the DVB Project Office, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may To obtain extra copies of DVB-SCENE please
c/o European Broadcasting Union, be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. contact Eoghan O’Sullivan at [email protected].
17a Ancienne Route, All content correct at time of printing. Delivery charges will apply.
CH-1218 Grand Saconnex, Switzerland. © DVB-SCENE 2009. Printed by Lithmark Limited.
www.dvb.org, www.mhp.org, www.dvb-h.org, www.dvbworld.org
 C
B-

2
DV -C2
- C2 V B
VB 2 D
- C 2 DDVB-C
VB - C 2
C2 D VB

Family
- D
DVB B-C2
-C2 2 DV
DVB VB-C
B-C2 -C2 D
2 DV 2 DVB 2
DVB-C DVB-C DV
B-C
C2
VB-
2D
B-C
2 DV
VB-C
- C2 D
2 DVB
DVB-C

+30% Values
DVB-C2 Joins Family Of Second
Generation Transmission Systems
Christoph Schaaf, Kabel Deutschland &
Chairman of DVB TM-C2 Group

DVB-C2 is the third specification to optimise the overall robustness of the allocation. Signals broader than 8
join DVB’s family of second generation FEC system. Extended by a header, MHz will contain different data slices
transmission systems. Developed in these frames are called Physical with a maximum bandwidth of 7.61
1994, today DVB-C is deployed in more Layer Pipes (PLP). One or more of MHz. Based on DVB-C2 signalling,
than 50 million cable tuners worldwide. these PLPs are multiplexed into a data the receiver will be able to find out
With the hunger for bandwidth for both slice. Two dimensional interleaving which data slice and which PLP is
broadcasting and narrowcast services (in the time and frequency domains) carrying the service it is targeting. It will
continuing to grow, cable operators is applied to each slice enabling the adjust its fixed 8 MHz wide receiving
asked DVB to develop a specification receiver to eliminate the impact of burst window accordingly. Hence DVB-C2
incorporating enhanced coding and impairments and frequency selective allows increased spectrum efficiency
modulation technologies for cable interference such as single frequency and broader transmission signals
systems. ingress. There are one or more data entailing a higher gain for statistical
DVB conducted a study mission and slices that compose the payload of a multiplexing while still maintaining the
was able to identify several cutting edge C2 frame. The frame building process support for simple receivers with a
technology candidates for a second includes, among other things, the fixed 8 MHz receiving window. For the
DVB-SCENE : 04

generation DVB transmission system. insertion of continual and scattered implementation of future broadband
The commercial requirements set out pilots. The first symbol of a DVB-C2 tuner concepts, DVB-C2 opens more
by DVB challenged engineers to create frame, the so-called preamble, carries options for all kinds of broadband
a transmission system that combined a the signalling data. In the following applications.
high degree of efficiency and flexibility. step, the OFDM symbols are generated One of the big advantages of the
The target set was to achieve at least by means of an Inverse Fast Fourier COFDM modulation scheme is its
30 percent more spectrum efficiency Transformation (IFFT). A 4K-IFFT flexibility in the handling of cable
and to provide the technical flexibility algorithm is applied generating a total relevant interference scenarios. The
needed to transmit present and future of 4096 sub-carriers, 3409 of which guard interval eliminates the impact of
services. Another requirement was that are actively used for the transmission echoes up to 3.5 μs. The scheme is very
the new specification should contribute of data and pilots within a frequency insensitive in relation to narrowband
to improving the position of cable in band of 8 MHz. The guard interval used interference due to the interleaving
what is a very competitive environment. between the OFDM symbols has a schemes applied. Narrowband and
One prerequisite for the development relative length of either 1/128 or 1/64 in broadband notching is possible.
was the clear commercial guidance to reference to the symbol length (646 μs). The development of the specification
follow the successful approach used to DVB-C2 fully meets the commercial is almost finalised and the DVB TM-
formulate DVB-S2 and DVB-T2. requirements in terms of spectrum C2 group plans to present their draft
The DVB TM-C2 group was set up and efficiency. In relation to DVB-C it specification to the DVB Technical
after lively debate decided to select offers more than 30 percent higher bit Module in March 2009.
a COFDM modulation scheme that rates per cable channel and provides In my capacity of Chairman of the
featured the highest spectrum efficiency headroom for enhanced CATV networks TM-C2 group I wish to thank all
and required flexibility. A revolutionary (see diagram). the experts who have participated
element of DVB-C2 is the provision for Although DVB-C2 is perfectly in line in the development of the DVB-C2
flexible channel bandwidth allocation with the European 8 MHz channel specification as well as their companies
that enables the operator to establish raster implemented in cable, one of which made their expertise available.
big data pipes to the consumer. This is the outstanding features of DVB-C2 My thanks go also to the ReDeSign
necessary for achieving the maximum is its flexibility in terms of bandwidth project for their support.
benefit from statistical multiplexing for
HDTV and for enhancing the quality of
120
high speed Internet access services.
4096-QAM
Bit-rate per 8 MHz / [Mbps]

While the DVB Transport Stream (TS) DVB-C2

100
is still the preferred protocol in digital C2 1024-QAM 9/10
B-
broadcasting, DVB-C2 also supports 80 DV 5/6
any packetised and continuous input 256-QAM
3/4
format as well as Generic Stream 60 64-QAM
Encapsulation. All input streams are 256-QAM 2/3
multiplexed into a Baseband Frame 16-QAM 128-QAM
40 Shannon
format. The Forward Error Correction 64-QAM
(FEC) scheme is applied to these 32-QAM C
20 B- 204/188
Baseband Frames. In line with the 16-QAM DV
DVB-C
other DVB second generation systems, 0
DVB-C2 uses a combination of LDPC
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
and BCH codes. This powerful FEC
provides about 5dB improvement of Signal-to-noise ration / [dB] Source: IfN TU-BS
carrier-to-noise ratio over DVB-C.
Appropriate bit-interleaving schemes Bit-rate achieved in 8 MHz channels as a function of SNR for DVB-C2 & DVB-C
.
DVB-SCENE : 05
 how to t2
DVB-T2 Implementation Guidelines

Nick Wells, BBC, Chairman of DVB-TM-T2 Group & Oliver Haffenden, BBC, Editor of T2 Implementation Guidelines

DVB-T2 is a new standard for digital The precise definition of the DVB-T2 in any manner provided certain
terrestrial television broadcasting, physical layer is contained in the T2 constraints or conditions are met. The
offering the benefits of many new physical layer specification, currently IGs suggest some methods by which
techniques not previously used in available as DVB BlueBook A122r1, this scheduling can be carried out.
the DVB family of standards. Some which will be published in due The specification describes a set of
of the techniques are well known in course as an ETSI specification. This conceptual processing blocks which
the literature but were modified and specification is intended to be precise convert the input data streams into the
optimised for DVB-T2; others are and accurate but it is not intended that modulated signal to be broadcast. Each
completely novel and were developed it should contain explanations of the processing block does not necessarily
specially for DVB-T2. The new various techniques just in order to help correspond directly to a physical
technologies include: the reader’s understanding. The IGs module of equipment. For example,
a) A ‘P1 preamble’ which is used to therefore aim to give more extended the IGs explain how a T2 modulator
indicate the start of the T2 framing explanations of the various elements actually contains elements of a ‘T2
structure, in the specification together with some gateway’ (from which a common, T2
b) Physical Layer Pipes (PLPs) which of the reasons behind the design of the specific, data stream is distributed
can be used to carry individual data
streams with individually assigned “Flexibility has been deliberately retained in the
DVB-SCENE : 06

individual levels of ruggedness,

c) Rotated Constellations, which can standard to allow optimisation for capacity and
provide significantly improved levels ruggedness...”
of robustness in difficult broadcast
channels, various features of the DVB-T2 system. to multiple transmitters in a single-
d) Peak-to-Average power reduction The IGs attempt to capture as much as frequency network) as well as elements
mechanisms involving a combination possible of the common understanding of a simple modulator that produces
of reserved OFDM carriers and arrived at by the working group the final OFDM waveform.
constellation distortions, and developing the standard. It also gives Finally, the DVB-T2 standard allows
e) Modifications of data cells and additional information intended to make a large number of options and
scattered pilot patterns in order to implementation easier, to act as a combinations. Flexibility has been
enable optimised reception when using cross-check, and to help implementers deliberately retained in the standard
transmitter diversity. to avoid some of the more common to allow optimisation for capacity and
The DVB-T2 Implementation pitfalls. ruggedness according to various
Guidelines (IGs) document, recently As is conventional for DVB, the channel models and to tailor a T2
published as DVB BlueBook A133, specification only describes the system to the requirements of the
gives information about the benefits generation of the signal on the air. The broadcaster or network operator. It is
and use of these new techniques as IGs aim to explain how the features expected that initial T2 implementations
well as all the other techniques used of this signal are intended to be used will use a small subset of the possible
in T2. in the receiver. Also, on the signal combinations and the IGs give
generation side, the specification is not guidance on the choice of parameters.
always fully prescriptive and the IGs The guidelines therefore contain
give suggestions for ways to implement sections specifically to help
certain features; for example, the implementers of T2 gateways,
scheduling of individual transport modulators, transmitters, receivers
streams within PLPs within the T2 and tuners; network planners; and
framing structure may be performed broadcasters; together with sections
describing fundamental features of the
system common to all users. These
sections include:
• An introduction to the DVB-T2 system
and a summary of its advantages;
• Guidance on the choice of
parameters together with performance
figures from simulation results;
• Explanations of the key concepts of
the framing and interleaving structures
used in T2;
• Descriptions of the intended transmit-
side infrastructures, in particular
introducing the newly standardised
DVB-T2 Modulator Interface;
• Guidance on equipment and receiver
design.
DVB BlueBooks are available for
download at: www.dvb.org.
DVB-SCENE : 07
 hit
DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111
DVDVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111B3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

the
100000.111111111111.000.1.1.1.1.0101010

road
.01.111.0000010101010
DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111
010101010
DVB3.0.

Trial Update: An Interactive Satellite-Terrestrial Network for DVB-SH

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

Mariam Sorond, Director of Network Systems, ICO

. 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111B3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

2008 was a watershed year for Networks, Turner and Viacom/MTV will access information, services, and
the evolution of DVB-SH in the Networks. These brands deliver a entertainment in a mobile environment.
US. In January 2008, ICO Global compelling mix of news, entertainment, The offering is further differentiated
Communications (ICO) conducted the children’s and educational by the high quality of DVB-SH video,
first ever demonstrations of DVB-SH at programming featuring channels delivered to larger 7 to 10 inch screens
the International Consumer Electronics such as MSNBC, CNBC, Discovery, found in most video entertainment
Show (CES) in Las Vegas, delivering a Discovery Kids, Animal Planet, The systems, and can be used with the
DVB-SH signal via a terrestrial repeater Learning Channel, Cartoon Network, existing installed base of rear-seat
DVB-SCENE : 08

to vehicles and portable devices. In Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. entertainment systems already present
April, 2008, company launched the Extensive market research is being in tens of millions of automobiles in the
largest commercial satellite, ICO G1, conducted, during the alpha trials, on US.
into orbit, and in May, it was awarded the appropriate mix of programming for At this year’s CES, ICO showcased
20 MHz of nationwide radio spectrum the go-to-market ICO mim offering. the first real-world demonstrations
by the Federal Communications Las Vegas was chosen for the trial, as of an integrated, satellite-terrestrial
Commission. By the end of 2008, the city features a dense urban core interactive network for mobile video.
alpha trials for the ICO mim (Mobile with surrounding areas that feature Demonstration vehicles featured
Interactive Media) service commenced open desert terrain and mountainous full satellite interactivity and mobile
in Las Vegas, Nevada and Raleigh-
Durham, North Carolina and the trials “...redefines how consumers will access
will continue through 2009.
At the heart of ICO mim is live
information, services, and entertainment in a
nationwide mobile television using mobile environment.”
DVB-SH. Other services delivered
include interactive, assisted navigation regions, allowing for testing of city television, a unique polarised ‘Dual-
and two-way communications capability centre coverage and typical western View’ screen which introduces
for end users. For its alpha trials, ICO US desert environs. A robust terrestrial entertainment viewing to front seat
announced content agreements in coverage footprint using two repeaters passengers without compromising
2008 with leading national brands, has been established in Las Vegas. driver safety, and innovative portable
including NBC Universal, Discovery Raleigh-Durham has both a city centre devices and personal entertainment
and a heavily tree lined suburban players that further highlight the
environment, which is similar to most potential for a wide array of DVB-SH
eastern US population centres. To mobile devices.
meet the challenges of this eastern ICO’s efforts are supported by a world
terrain14 terrestrial repeaters have class ecosystem for DVB-SH. Alcatel-
been deployed to cover the Raleigh- Lucent has served as the master
Durham market. network integrator supporting efforts
In both cities, the ICO G1 satellite around the DVB-SH standard and
provides coverage and service outside in supporting the terrestrial network
of the terrestrial network. It is capable build in the test cities. DiBcom has
of providing coverage to all 50 US developed DVB-SH chipsets, and
states, plus Puerto Rico and the US Hughes has provided its Geo Mobile
Virgin Islands. Radio technology (GMR) for satellite
The initial market focus is to deliver interactivity during the trials. Also in
DVB-SH live television and interactive 2008, ICO and Delphi Corporation, a
services directly to vehicles via an ICO world leader in automotive electronics,
mim modem and roof mount vehicle executed an exclusive three year North
antennas. Over time, services will be American agreement for development
offered to a full range of portable and of DVB-SH services in the S-band.
mobile devices. The unique satellite- As 2009 gets underway, DVB-SH not
terrestrial network allows for the only has a foothold in the US, but is
provision of uninterrupted nationwide also leading the way for ushering in
coverage, unlike any other mobile a new era of nationwide mobile video
video service available today in the US. services. For more information on the
ICO mim redefines how consumers alpha trials, visit www.ico.com.
next
steps
DVB’s Julian Seseña & Eoghan O’Sullivan
Take a Look at Colombia’s Switch to Digital

On August 28th last year it was it’s almost three years since Brazil of cheap set-top boxes. In this regard
announced by the Colombian National chose to adopt a version of ISDB-T the economies of scale engendered by
Committee for Television (CNTV) as its DTT system. So far, with DVB-T being the most widely adopted
that DVB-T had been adopted as the the SBTVD (Sistema Brasileiro de and deployed system are evident, with
national standard for digital terrestrial Televisão Digital), Brazil is the only set-top boxes retailing at less than
television (DTT). The decision followed country worldwide to have adopted EUR20. (Projections from DTC – see
a two year period of studies comparing the Japanese system. In contrast, page 12 – predict that sales of DVB-T
the various available systems under DVB-T services have been launched in receivers will far outpace those of

DVB-SCENE : 09
a range of criteria and represented almost forty countries and the system ATSC and ISDB-T receivers in the next
the unanimous agreement of the has been adopted by 120 countries five years. Greater economies of scale
five-person committee. It was also globally. (Visit www.dvb.org for details.) will lead to even lower prices.)
announced that MPEG-4 AVC video Progress in Colombia towards October 2008 saw the initiation of a
compression would be used for the launching DVB-T services has been new phase of cooperation between
launch of services. swift. Preparations are under way to Europe and Colombia covering a wide
The adoption of DVB-T by Colombia launch a pilot service in May 2009, range of activities including: technical
was warmly welcomed by the DVB less than a year after the adoption and business model assistance;
Project and the wider community of decision was announced. The first spectrum management; scientific
DVB supporters, particularly as it came transmissions will cover about 11 and technological cooperation to
one year after a similar decision by million households in central regions, launch common projects under the
Uruguay, which was the first country served by a transmitter located in European Union Seventh Framework
in Latin America to adopt DVB-T. the hills outside Bogotá. The public Programme; etc. The governments of
There now seems to be a momentum broadcasters will be the first to have Spain, France, Finland and associated
in the region towards DVB standards: their services on the digital platform, experts are engaged in setting up
with private broadcasters set to follow. cooperation agreements with the
A full launch of services is scheduled Colombian government.
to take place in 2010. Having adopted DVB-T, it is not
The CNTV’s strategic plan, which was surprising that the Colombian
published in January this year, sets authorities are also promoting the use
aside 90,000 million pesos (approx. of DVB-H for mobile TV services. An
EUR 28 million) for the implementation announcement in January this year
of digital terrestrial television. Already from the CNTV indicated that licences
more than 3,500 million pesos has to broadcast DVB-H services would
been invested in preparation for the be made available at zero cost later
launch of the pilot service. A further in the year. According to Rapid TV
300,000 million pesos is earmarked for News, Mexican-owned América Móvil
strengthening public television. Other has already expressed an interest in
aspects of the strategic plan include applying for a licence.
commitments to promote universal A number of other countries in the
access to services, improvements in region are in engaged in selecting
service quality, and a strengthening of a DTT system, amongst them Peru,
the national production industry. The Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia,
strategic plan also calls for the addition Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.
of a third private channel. There are six All of these countries, and others, will
national TV channels in Colombia, two have noted the decisions of Uruguay
of which are private broadcasters. and Colombia. DVB supporters in Latin
One of the key factors that led America, with support from the DVB
Colombia towards a decision in Project, the European Commission
favour of DVB-T was the potential and European governments,
socio-economic impact of the system are fully committed to providing
chosen. With a population of 45 demonstrations, holding seminars and
million and a per capita GDP of USD responding to consultation documents.
$9,000, a successful transition from The potential is there for DVB-T to
analogue to digital in Colombia will be become the system of choice for the
dependent on the abundant availability region as a whole.
 .
.

The format files

.

The Why & The What of The DVB File Format

.

Kevin Murray, System Architect, NDS Research and Collaboration,

Chair of DVB TM-FF Group
.

Broadcasters have traditionally just (the four characters in ‘mdat’ are the Because a file format is more than
.

streamed content to viewers, so why key that identifies the box structure). just media, we also added support for
is there a need for a DVB file format? The format uses the terms ‘track’ and indexing, descriptions and protection.
After all, DVR devices work happily ‘sample’ to describe and structure Indexing is important as it provides
with a proprietary format. But that the media data, and an mdat box can the ability to find locations quickly and
is because content is created only hold many samples from many tracks. easily in a file. Given our somewhat
.

within, and stays within, the DVR. Other boxes (such as ‘stbl’) are used unique requirements, we developed
Now viewers want to be able to to hold the location, timing and format our own indexing mechanisms for
move content between a wide range of each sample, as well as a range of events that vary from changes to SDP
of devices, including multiple DVRs other optional information. Thus a file information (for RTP streams) or PSI
(possibly from different manufacturers), might contain one ‘mdat’ box holding information (for transport streams)
PC, mobile phone, or a PMP. A defined two tracks: the video track where each through to errors detected during
.

interchange format is one key element sample is a single video frame and an recordings, as well as locations of
that helps to achieve this capability, audio track where each sample is an segments of interest within a program.
and one reason that the DVB File audio frame of 32ms, and with audio Descriptive information is vital as it
Format is both needed and timely. and video samples interleaved. allows people to find out what a file
Other motivations include the trend for We have extended 14496-12 by contains. So every DVB file must
.

broadcasters to provide content not as adding two new media formats, one include a description of the content,
real-time streams, but as files delivered
DVB-SCENE : 10

to a variety of devices. This article is a “...allowing content to be more mobile, and opening
quick tour of the DVB File Format, and
the motivation behind the functionality
up more standardised ways of allowing content to
it supports. flow into and around the home.”
So what is the DVB File Format?
Put simply, it is a set of extensions for storing MPEG-2 Transport Stream based primarily on the TV-Anytime
to the widespread ISO Base Media Packets (‘rm2t’) and one for storing textual XML format. This may be as
File Format (ISO/IEC 14496-12 – RTP Packets (‘rrtp’). We’ve based both simple as just a title, or it can provide
itself the basis of ‘mp4’ and 3GPP on an approach called Reception Hint far more information in a well-known,
file formats). Why wasn’t 14496-12 Tracks. Put simply, this means that textual, common format that can be
(or mp4) enough? Well, one of the each received packet is placed into the used even if the device cannot display
goals of the file format was to allow file as a sample, with the timing based the media contained within the file.
DVB3.0. 000000000000000003.0 .01010101111

the direct recording of the received on the packet’s time (or the stream’s Finally, to ensure that content can be
transmissions, either a stream of system clock). For ‘rm2t’, the samples protected, we adapted the existing
MPEG-2 transport packets or RTP make up a single track, but with ‘rrtp’, 14496-12 mechanism for signalling
packets. When work started in early each RTP stream is in its own track. protected content to our new media
2007 none of the main file formats Saving the packets in the form in which formats, and we defined how to support
provided this support. Extending they are received simplifies the storage CPCM within a DVB file.
DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .01010101111

14496-12, rather than starting from process as there is no need to parse In summary, the DVB File Format is
scratch, was both simpler and meant the received packets when generating a simple way of encapsulating known
that the DVB File Format began life the file. In addition, the ‘rrtp’ format is DVB formats into a well known file
with a range of useful tools and well designed to closely follow the existing format, linked with descriptions, indexes
understood flexibility. RTP Server Hint Track in 14496-12 and protection information. The use of
The format of a 14496-12 file is a (which allows received RTP packets the format is beyond just recordings – it
sequence of boxes (or KLV – key, to be grouped together into a single is about allowing content to be more
length, value – structures) that can be sample corresponding to a sample in mobile, and about opening up more
nested. At the heart are one or more the underlying media data of the RTP standardised ways of allowing content
‘mdat’ boxes that hold the media data packets). to flow into and around the home.

‘ftyp’ ‘moov’ ‘meta’ ‘mdat’

Sample Information ...<Title>
Brands File Story Indexes
‘sinf’
CPCM </Title>...

A Simplified View of a DVB File

DVB - SCENE - 11
 DVDVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010

DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .01010

DVB3.
DVB3.0. 00000000000000
010101010

200
DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111
. 3.0 .010101011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000 3.0 .010101 011111DVB3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111B3.0. 00000000000000000. 3.0 .010101011111

150
ISDB-T Receivers

Millions
100
ATSC Receivers
50 DVB-T Receivers
Moore
.

0
Analysis 2008 2009
2010 2011
Where will
2012 2013
Source: Digital Tech Consulting

DTV Growth • Individual government desires to North America and Japan) lays the
clear spectrum groundwork for incremental, rather than
Come From? • Early market development of HDTV
services in DVB territories
short term, growth. The introduction of
DTT in the US and Japan was all about
The worldwide recession and the With the exception of China’s home enabling HD. The need for greater
maturation of the digital TV market in grown DTT technology, DVB-T/ channel capacity in the early years of
developed territories have many DVB DVB-T2 is projected to log the most DTT deployments in Europe paved the
proponents frantically looking for the growth among the established DTT way for a two-pronged time table – first
next growth opportunity and evaluating transmission standards. ATSC receivers SD, then HD.
how well the DVB standard will stack up shipped in record numbers in 2008 due Although the good news is that there
for selling DTV services and devices. to the US’s impending analogue TV will be an elongated time period for
There are two basic places growth shut off, and 2009 shipments will be rolling out HD transmissions and
can come from – undeveloped DTV strong, but growth will basically flatten receivers, demand for higher priced
territories or new services/devices after that with the exception of a bump HD receivers will undoubtedly be
that resonate with consumers without when Canada makes its transition tamped down during the recession
thinning out their wallets anymore than in 2011. ISDB-T has been officially by cautious consumers. Growth may
the recession already has. Terrestrial adopted only in Japan and Brazil, not be dramatic, but in this economic
deployments are where DTC projects minimising its growth potential. The environment, slow and steady may be
DVB-SCENE : 12

the greatest amount of growth and terrestrial module of the DVB standard the best that can be realised.
.

industry players can take some comfort is forecasted to significantly outperform Myra Moore is chief analyst for
in the DVB standard’s position. Current those standards in future shipments Digital Tech Consulting (DTC), a
conditions will likely keep growth (see chart). market research firm that tracks and
modest, but the following are potential The wide adoption of DVB’s terrestrial analyses the consumer digital video
bright spots: standard across multiple territories marketplace. More information on
• Early stage developments for and timetables positions it well against the company and its latest research
.

digital terrestrial TV rollouts in more competing standards for future growth. on the TV receivers, DVB-T devices,
undeveloped territories such as Eastern Late adoption of high definition services and other digital video activity is
Europe and India and transmissions (compared to available at www.dtcreports.com.



Play  Modulate RF Up- Convert N
Take your Network with You!
Co
st
E
So ff
EW
lu ect
DVB-S/S2 & DSNG Modes ti iv
on e
QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK s RF
CCM & VCM Modes
Integrated LDPC channel coder
 In My Opinion – So Vang

Standard
Success
So Vang is Vice President, OpenCable Software, Advanced
Platforms and Services for Cable Television Laboratories,
Inc. (CableLabs). Founded in 1988 by cable operating
companies, CableLabs is a non-profit research and
development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new
cable telecommunications technologies and to helping
its cable operator members integrate those technical
advancements into their business objectives.

Interactive television has been years at the DVB Project in the Multimedia Of even greater impact, the tru2way
in the making, starting with the Qube Home Platform (MHP) specification. initiative will benefit consumers, who
service in 1977 and followed by other The Blu-ray disc specification later will be able to enjoy a simplified
attempts, all of which unfortunately adopted the same core Java technology installation process with fewer wires,
never met with much success. Thirty from Sun Microsystems—Globally a single remote control and the option
years later, with the introduction of Executable MHP or GEM. With such to own, rather than lease equipment
tru2way technology, I think we have a synergies, it is possible to contemplate which will now be interoperable among

DVB - SCENE - 13
winner. ‘write once, run everywhere’ cable systems. All of these consumer
What makes me believe that the applications that run on multiple benefits can be attributed to tru2way’s
recently launched tru2way brand will platforms such as TVs, mobile phones adherence to standards drawing from
catch on? There are several factors, and Blu-ray disc players. DVB-MHP and Java.
but the most important ones are With the specification set, and But tru2way isn’t just about hardware
that the tru2way technology follows consumers demanding interactive and ease of installation. It continues
internationally accepted standards services on their television sets as a to proactively evolve as a solid work
and has the full backing of the cable result of years of Internet connectivity, environment for applications developers,
industry and a number of key consumer the cable TV industry and consumer too. In May of 2008 and in early
electronics manufacturers. And, it is electronics manufacturers soon realised February of this year CableLabs co-
also building support from a growing now was the time to move forward with hosted content developer conferences.
number of content developers. tru2way. Earlier in the year, CableLabs and Sun

“...immediately gain access to a national footprint of 70 million households...”

In the past year, major cable operators In 2008, a Memorandum of Microsystems established a tru2way
and top consumer electronics Understanding (MOU) was signed presence on java.net by launching
manufacturers agreed to work together by leaders from both the cable and The OpenCable Project located at
to ensure tru2way technology will consumer electronics industries to opencable.dev.java.net. Because
be rolled out to a majority of US mutually agree that tru2way was the tru2way’s technical foundations are in
households in 2009. That means best path forward to bring interactive Java, it made sense to build a work
tru2way TVs and set-top boxes TV to consumers. The cable industry area for applications developers.
immediately gain access to a national undertook obligations to enable its Of course having such common
footprint of the approximately 70 million headends for tru2way interactivity, and standards allows application developers
households served by cable television. to deploy tru2way middleware on its to draw from their existing knowledge
But before I get into the details, I’d like set-top boxes. By meeting the terms base, while providing cross-platform
to provide a bit of historical reference. of the MOU, the participants create a application development opportunities
CableLabs and some of our leading common technological footprint across going forward. From there, and as a
members founded the OpenCable most North American cable operators. national tru2way footprint gels, the
Project in 1997 to facilitate It also provides manufacturers with a stage will be set to accommodate both
interoperability of set-top boxes among market for their products. I believe that ‘bound’ (appearing clickably within
cable operators, promote the sale of the framework is now in place for an a particular show) and ‘unbound’
set-tops and DTVs, and to meet certain interactive television platform to flourish (appearing as a button on a remote
regulatory requirements for separable in North America. control) interactive applications.
security. Within the CableLabs’ Throughout 2008, cable providers Tru2way interactivity will put consumers
OpenCable Project, the OCAP continued to light up more geographic in greater control of their television
(OpenCable Applications Platform) regions and internal back office systems viewing experience as they enjoy
specification was authored. OpenCable for tru2way devices which will enter customised screens, engaging
.

and the OCAP acronym were, of cable systems in one of two ways: in the with their favourite programmes
course, technical in reference. In early form of retail devices, or via the digital through voting or polling, or gaining
2008, the industry developed the set-top boxes cable operators purchase access to their choice of long-form
tru2way brand, which is the consumer and lease to consumers. Time Warner advertisements. I am looking forward
facing brand name for OpenCable. Cable has been especially active, with to a new era of cable television, and
To further the standards-based nature a footprint which, according to the latest it is through adherence to standards
of OCAP, CableLabs chose to base the public figures, counted more than 2.5 that the cable industry has reached this
specification on the excellent work done million tru2way set-tops deployed. tru2way milestone.
 Market Watch Operators and equipment that uses the thick client approach. The
manufacturers employing backbone system includes two parts: STB client, a
distribution of DVB transport streams fast native application loaded into a set-
over IP can verify IPv6 systems in top box, and the server. The company
design and deployment with the claims the new approach allows a
Tektronix MTX100B. The unit supports much higher performance of the user’s
transport stream generation and graphical interface than JavaScript-
recording in a portable form factor based systems by directly accessing
with real-time updating of timestamps the hardware resources of the set-top
UBS DVB-SH Terrestrial Repeater and timetables for error-free looping, box. www.netup.tv
video over IP stress test generation for
The UBS DVB-SH 50W Terrestrial STB test or migrating to IP interface ProTelevision’s PT2000 product
Repeater is a fully integrated indoor unit technology, including support for IPv6 line now offers versatile inputs from
including a DVB-SH exciter (comprising and TTS standards is provided. the traditional ASI format to the now
a DVB-S/S2 satellite receiver, DVB-SH www.tektronix.com/mpeg increasingly popular TS over IP format.
modulator, up-converter, GPS receiver The PT2720 option offers transport
and main controller) and a 50W power stream over IP input and a DVB-S/S2
amplifier that can be provided with an input is obtained by the PT2730 option.
external output filter. It is designed There are 2 ASI inputs that can be used
to work in S-band frequency and can in a redundancy solution with automatic
be used for both DVB-SH A and B switchover from primary to secondary
applications. www.uniquesys.com input status in case the primary signal
is lost. Another option provides 2 ASI
Verimatrix has launched the ViewRight inputs for a redundant hierarchical
STB for DVB as part of its Video modulator. www. protelevision.com
Content Authority System. The system
offers multilevel client security: a)
Software-based clients for low cost
STBs; b) Software-based clients utilising Tektronix MTX100B
secure system-on-a-chip technology;
and c) Hardware-based removable The Spectracom Epsilon Clock Model
security. Software-based clients can be
DVB-SCENE : 14

EC22S is a fully redundant master

upgraded to hardware-based security clock designed for precise time and
without requiring a truck roll. All client frequency synchronisation of DVB
types can be mixed in a network, networks. The master clock has no
allowing operators to match STB and single point of failure. The chassis
client technology to optimise the content contains two completely redundant hot
security. www.verimatrix.com swappable GPS clock modules, each ProTelevision’s PT2000
with a unique GPS receiver and power
Cisco’s Digital Content Manager is
supply. An automatic failover switch
an established platform for many
continues to output precise 1PPS (8x)
broadcast, cable and IPTV applications,
and 10 MHz (8x) upon failure of one
including multiplexing, transrating, SI
clock with minimal phase shift.
processing, scrambling and programme
www. spectracomcorp.com
insertion. Now it has been further
enhanced to offer integrated MIP
insertion capability - providing SFN
compatibility for DVB-T broadcasts. The
device offers unrivalled integration with
up to 24 SFN compliant outputs from a
single unit giving operational benefits
DekTec DTA-2144 PCI-Express and capex savings to DVB-T operators.
Adapter Spectracom Epsilon Clock www.cisco.com

DekTec’s newest release is the DTA- After showcasing its DVB-T2

2144, a PCI-Express adapter providing modulator live at IBC, ENENSYS is
quad ASI/SDI ports. Each port can be now commercially launching LabMod
programmed input or output. The card DVB-T2. Taking advantage of the large
complements the company’s real-time panel of features from the LabMod
multiplexer MuxXpert and the 24/7 family, it becomes the perfect solution
monitoring application Xpect. Drivers are for evaluating/validating this new Cisco Digital Content Manager
available for Windows and Linux, in 32- efficient standard. It offers multipath
and 64-bit variations. www. dektec.com configuration thanks to the optional For years, the R&S ETL has enabled
channel simulator which allows for commissioning engineers to perform
Advance Digital Broadcasting’s ADB- generating up to 6 independent paths complete acceptance tests on digital
4820C is an OCAP set-top box that making chipset/set-top box validation transmitters. Now, Rohde & Schwarz
mounts behind a flat screen TV and much easier. www.enensys.com has enhanced its R&S ETL TV analyzer
requires no dedicated remote control. with two new analogue options that
It has CableLabs tru2way certification provide analogue video line analysis
and features a high speed DOCSIS capability and video generator
return channel to support high- functionality. The compact solution
bandwidth two-way communications. analyzes and generates both analogue
.

Leveraging HDMI-CEC’s bidirectional and digital test signals in a single box.

communication capabilities common on ENENSYS LabMod DVB-T2 Transmitter manufacturers, network
most flat screen TVs, it uses the TV’s operators and service technicians
own remote to control the hidden set NetUP Inc., developers of a complete can perform their most important
back box. www.adbglobal.com set of products for IPTV, has developed measurements without additional
ADB-4820C STB a new generation middleware system equipment. www.rohde-schwarz.com
Market Watch operators by increasing security and Kathrein has recently launched a
stopping card sharing piracy. Right new UHF wide-band omnidirectional
now, NDS, for head end use, Viaccess antenna for top mounting, series 750
ACS3.0, and Conax chipset pairing 10180. The antenna is particularly
CAM are available, with Irdeto softcell3 suitable for sites where low windload
coming soon. The company is also is required. VSWR is < 1.10 over the
Harris Apex M2X Multimedia Exciter developing for Secure CAM supporting whole band 470 - 862 MHz, gain is 12
Harris Corporation’s Apex M2X CI+. www.smit.com.cn dBd at midband. The maximum power
multimedia exciter for global analogue capability is 15 kW rms. Versions for
and digital standards brings digital and higher or lower power are available
mobile TV to a new level of performance. on request. The antenna comes fully
This software-defined exciter features pre-mounted in a GRP radome for plug-
the company’s exclusive real-time and-play installations. Obstruction light
adaptive correction and supports and hook-in-ladder are available as an
multiple digital standards, including option. www.kathrein.de
DVB-T/H and a range of analogue TV Kathrein Omnidirectional Antenna
standards. The RoHS and CE compliant
Apex M2X exciter provides a flawless Imagination Technologies’ UCCP310
SMiT Secure CAM
digital signal with complete technical and IP core is designed to support the
regulatory compliance for the company’s The Newtec multistream solution increasing number of standards for
tube and solid-state digital transmitters. consists of the AZ810 Stream communications and broadcast. It can
www.broadcast.harris.com Aggregator, which allows transport change between handling multiple DVB
streams to be combined before the streams (or diversity) and DVB+WiFi,
The MDM-2000 modulators from satellite modulation stage, and the creating a uniquely flexible IPTV + DVB
TeamCast fully support the so-called HZ914 sultistream satellite receiver solution.
TDM (time division multiplex) modes for capable of receiving and outputting It delivers multi-standard demodulation
the satellite downlink of DVB-SH mobile several streams simultaneously. The support for 802.11a/b/g standards,
TV infrastructures, delivering directly system is designed to optimise the digital TV, mobile TV and digital radio
S-band or L-band signals. efficiency of satellite bandwidth usage reception. www.imgtec.com
The range of DVB-SH modulators from for the primary distribution of terrestrial
TeamCast now supports all DVB-SH and mobile TV via satellite. It provides DMT’s DSO is a versatile repeater,
operational modes, including SH-A aimed at the digitalisation of TV

DVB - SCENE - 15
a solution to transmit several television
(COFDM on satellite link and COFDM transport streams simultaneously on a networks. It can be configured as
on terrestrial link) and SH-B (TDM single satellite carrier. www.newtec.eu a SFN gap-filler, with multiple echo
/ single carrier on satellite link and canceller, or as a re-transmitter,
COFDM on terrestrial link). capable of restoring the pristine
www.teamcast.com condition of the digital stream. In a
transparent configuration, it is capable
of processing analogue signals. The
1RU repeater delivers 10Wrms (30W
Newtec Multistream Solution p.s.) and more with external PAs. It has
an effective and flexible user interface
The Neotion Pocket Recorder (NPR)
with keyboard/display, web browser or
is a miniature digital recorder for DVB
SNMP/RS232. www.dmtonline.com
integrated flat panel TV sets that
leverages on ubiquitous SD-Cards
to get control over live TV (pause
and rewind) and digitally record DMT DSO Repeater
TeamCast MDM-2000 Modulator programmes, all without cluttering the
living room with cables or an extra box. The VISUALmpeg Qualify is an
Based on Scopus IRD technology, www.neotion.com expansion of the Pixelmetrix array
the compact and cost-effective IRP- of video and audio quality analyzers,
2010 Integrated Receiver Processor offering a new level of offline quality
features a variety of front-end options, assessment for audiovisual streams with
TS descrambling of two full transport comprehensive support for most current
streams, re-multiplexing capabilities, industry video and audio encoding
web-based management, and SNMP standards and media containers.
monitoring. The system offers powerful With a new and scalable distributed
multiplexing including integrated ASI architecture, the analyzer allows for
aggregation for up to eight inputs, parallel test administration and browsing
thereby eliminating the need for of results. It provides static file-based
external multiplexers. It is also capable video and audio analysis for VOD
of regenerating PSI/SI and MPEG DiBcom DIB10098 content. www.pixelmetrix.com
tables including PID/service filtering and Pixelmetrix VISUALmpeg Qualify
replacement, for maximum processing DiBcom launches the DIB10098, the
versatility. www.scopus.net first of a new generation of integrated
circuits derived from the versatile and
universal Octopus platform. The board
comprises a quad-band RF tuner
and a demodulator that integrates a
broadcast specific, programmable
Scopus IRP-2010 vector signal processor with a multi-
mode channel decoder, MAC, memory
With the support of CA companies, and a power management unit, in a
SMiT presents its new generation small footprint package. The platform
Secure CAM for the operator market. enables a design to be fully compliant
It is based on SOC technology which with DVB-T/H/SH and the new DVB-T2
can be used to protect the revenue of standard. www. dibcom.fr
 Only the finest
UBS Modulators
were chosen
to create a Universal
Modulator Platform.

Introducing DVU 5000.

One unit that supports
all leading
broadcasting
standards.

Unique Broadband Systems Ltd.

Tel: 1 (905) 669-8533
Fax: 1 (905) 669-8516
North America Toll Free: 1 (877) 669-8533
Email: [email protected]
www.uniquesys.com