Ready for the Future: A Look at the New TV Standard DVB-I and What it Offers
Enhancements offered by the fresh DVB-I standard
By Klaus Wedekind
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Geared up for the market launch, industry giants like RTL and others are prepping for the rollout of the innovative TV standard DVB-I. This groundbreaking development will seamlessly blend traditional linear television with IP streaming, giving viewers easy access to the entire offering, regardless of transmission path or device.
The wheels were set in motion back in early 2023 for the DVB-I market debut, initially slated for 2023. However, several delays due to the complex technological revolution required have pushed the deadline back. One of the reasons for the delays was insufficient participation of device manufacturers in the initial phase of a pilot project. As of March, the second phase is underway, with all parties involved reporting promising progress on the conditions required for DVB-I's introduction.
Who's Driving the Development?
To establish a market-ready environment for DVB-I, taking into account media and competition considerations, the "Round Table DVB-I" was established in 2024. Consisting of the moderation of the 14 state media authorities, RTL Germany, ARD, ZDF, and ProSiebenSat.1 Media make up the panel. Additionally, the Federal Network Agency, the Association of Private Media Entrepreneurs (VAUNET), and the Central Association of the Electrical and Digital Industry (ZVEI) are among the participants.
What is DVB-I All About?
Already familiar to many, DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting/Digital Video Transmission) is the name behind TV standards used for antenna (DVB-T2), satellite (DVB-S), and cable (DVB-C) reception. Essentially, linear television refers to pre-defined broadcasting by the providers, which viewers can only watch at specific times on specific channels.
DVB-Internet doesn't entirely eliminate linear structures but still allows for viewing according to a set schedule. It also permits on-demand (video-on-demand) content. This capability is already accessible with streaming providers like Waipu.tv or Sky via an internet connection. With DVB-I, it also works with all other transmission paths, such as terrestrial television, satellite, or cable. All linear content and the streaming offer will be presented on TV devices in a user-friendly, unified manner, eliminating the need to launch apps on current smart TV devices.
Putting DVB-I into Action
Unfortunately, viewers might not immediately enjoy DVB-I if they have an existing TV not already equipped to handle the new standard. Currently, Vestel, a Turkish manufacturer, is the only company selling TVs that support the upcoming standard. For newer Smart TVs, a software update may be sufficient, provided the manufacturers make it available. However, after the launch, older TVs may gain access to DVB-I at a low cost via streaming sticks or set-top boxes.
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Sources and Enrichment Data:
- Consortium of Parties: The market launch of DVB-I in Germany involves a diverse group of stakeholders, including public and private broadcasters, regulatory agencies, technology providers, and device manufacturers.
- Active Collaboration: In order to establish technical profiles, ensure fair access, and define DVB-I's standards, key parties like ARD, ZDF, RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1, the Federal Network Agency, the Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien, and the Association of Private Media Entrepreneurs collaborate closely with industry associations like the DVB Project and tech providers like G&L Systemhaus to deliver essential DVB-I infrastructure and services.
- Smart TV Integration: Major players in the smart TV industry, such as Eutelsat, have begun releasing TVs supporting DVB-I enhanced user experience features, indicating industry readiness to integrate DVB-I into consumer devices.
In brief, the market launch of DVB-I in Germany calls for industry-wide collaboration between public and private broadcasters, regulatory agencies, technology providers, and device manufacturers to build technical standards, create regulatory frameworks, and develop consumer products for the successful implementation and widespread adoption of DVB-I as a TV delivery platform.
Source: ntv.de
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The Commission, with its focus on the safety of workers, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, highlighting its vigilance towards emerging technology and safety concerns. The introduction of DVB-I, alongside traditional linear television and IP streaming, is a prime example of how technology can revolutionize TV standards, offering easy access to the entire offering regardless of transmission path or device.