Edition No.

02 June 2002

Tune in to Digital Convergence

DVB - SCENE

02

The Standard for the Digital World

This issue’s highlights

Push For
> Report on the current status of
DVB-RCS
> DVB-S powering distance learning
> Patent Pooling
> MHP conformance testing
> DVB-T in Tawain
> Product Bulletin

Return
 TURBULENT TIMES FOR their arrangements, but there is no

DIGITAL TELEVISION doubt that free-to-air will continue. At

no time during the debate about why
ITV Digital or Quiero failed has the
A word from the DVB Project Office business models are to be adopted, but
the failures in the UK and Spain will DVB-T technology underpinning the
certainly provide food for further platforms been called into question.
thought. One reassuring element is that On a lighter note, this issue of DVB
receiver prices are now much lower Scene concentrates on three major
than they were at the time of the UK areas. The first is recent developments
launch, and thus in a better position to in the DVB’s powerful return channel
compete with DVB-C boxes on cable satellite specification - known as
and DVB-S boxes on satellite. satellite interactive terminals in some
DVB remains a key facilitator for the quarters. Prof. Gunnar Stette, working
digital television industry. In the face of for the European Space Agency,
Peter MacAvock, Executive Director
the collapse of ITV Digital and Quiero, explains recent developments in the
Issue 2 of DVB Scene comes to you in DVB technology remains a shining area, and there are articles outlining
the face of difficult times in the digital example of how a co-ordinated the impact that the specifications are
television industry in Europe. This is approach to digital TV delivery can likely to have on the industry. MHP
particularly so with the demise of the reap benefits. ITV Digital’s major remains a hot topic: Rainer Schäfer
digital terrestrial pay-TV operators - ITV competitors are NTL on cable (using (IRT) outlines the MHP Test Suite
Digital in the UK and Quiero TV in DVB-C) and BSkyB on satellite (using development process, while Jud Cary
Spain. Failures of this magnitude will DVB-S). The content providers are able (CableLabs) guides us through the
have a serious impact on the industry - to furnish content either for the DTT thorny field of intellectual property
perhaps causing some change in platform, cable or satellite platforms, rights.
direction on the part of regulators, but and other elements of the industry We hope you like this edition of DVB
digital terrestrial TV (DTT) will carry on benefit from the cross-platform Scene. Our aim is to provide the
DVB-SCENE : 02

- it has to. interoperability. As the free-to-air industry with up-to-date news on DVB
A recent study by the European services in the UK shared common issues. Should you have comments or
Broadcasting Union indicates that elements with the Pay-TV operator, e.g. suggestions for improving the content
almost all European countries will have SI generation (Service Information), of DVB Scene, please don’t hesitate to
DTT by 2005. It is unclear which there will need to be some revisions to contact us.

Gunnar Stette
GUNNAR STETTE
CHAIRMAN DVB-RCS
REPORTS ON THE
CURRENT STATUS OF
THE STANDARD
DVB-RCS, interactive digital Internet access to their citizens towards The first version of the RCS system
broadcasting with return channel via effective broadband and higher was based on the use of transparent
satellite, can be seen as the long bandwidth networks. satellite transponders, of the “bent
distance version of the very successful pipe” type, for the return direction. With
DVB-RCS is based on the very
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) the general expansion of broadband
successful digital TV broadcasting
systems of different types which are systems, also systems using satellite,
system via satellite, DVB-S. Digital
expanding rapidly, and where the new satellite terminals are being
broadcasting systems with return
provision of Internet services is the developed. It is in everybody’s interest
channels via different transmission
main driving force. to harmonise the terminals and to
media have been standardised within
The RCS systems provide broadband the DVB ETSI framework, and RCS, obtain any synergy that can be
access independently of the local the last member of that family, can be achieved between different systems.
infrastructure and are therefore implemented by an incremental The synergetic effects of this can result
available universally, something that is investment to the existing systems. in a wider market with lower terminal
recognised by governments and the costs.
A new version of the standard has
EU. National governments are keenly Without going into details it can be
been produced on by the ad-hoc group
aware of the need to provide universal mentioned that additional elements
and approved by the DVB Technical
broadband access, and are constantly have been incorporated into the first
Module. There are two significant
seeking ways to remove the digital version of the signalling system of
changes in this new version of the
divide. Many governments have targets RCS. One is to define a destination
standard whilst ensuring full backwards
in place for the provision of universal forward link in a regenerative system
compatibility.
C. Elia - ESA, M. Gouta - ESA, V. Foix - CNES, E. Weller - Eutelsat, J. R. Lopez - Hispasat, M. Battihka - Intelsat,
J. Krause - SES-Astra, B. R. Anderson - Telenor, D. Mignolo - Alenia Spazio, Ch. Rigal - ASPI, S. Defever - Astrium

DVB-RCS TERMINALS FOR

REGENERATIVE SATELLITE MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEMS
DVB Return Channel via Satellite bands, multi-spot coverage areas and
(DVB-RCS) forms the specification for high-speed digital signal processing on
the provision of the interaction channel board the satellite.
for GEO satellite interactive networks Following the emergence in Europe of
with fixed return channel satellite a number of proprietary Regenerative
terminals (RCST). The standard, Satellite Multimedia Systems (Skyplex,
developed under the auspices of the Domino II, Web/West, Euroskyway) in
DVB Forum, was created through the 1999 ESA took the lead to study
cooperation of satellite operators and possible ways to facilitate convergence
satellite equipment manufactures, of different systems towards a common
including system providers, hub standard by harmonising the
manufacturers and terminal Regenerative Satellite Access
manufacturers. Companies from Terminals (RSATs).
Europe, North America and the Middle AHG-RSAT reviewed a number of
On ESA’s initiative, and with the reference models, service
East have been involved in this activity.
cooperation of the main interested requirements and system architectures
DVB-RCS may well become a global
parties, the Ad-Hoc Group (AHG- for RSMS, typically featuring not only
satellite standard that allows equipment
RSAT) was created with the aim of on-board signal regeneration, but also

DVB-SCENE : 03
manufacturers to focus on the same
developing recommendations that packet or circuit switching between
technical solution, thus providing a
could form the basis for standards for beams.
healthy and open competitive
satellite terminals to be designed to
environment, providing enormous Star and mesh network topologies were
operate within a variety of Regenerative
benefits to industry and users alike. considered. The connectivity topologies
Satellite Multimedia Systems (RSMS).
In recent years, the multimedia span from point-to-point or multipoint-
The basis of the technical work was the
revolution has created a huge demand to-multipoint (physical or link or network
DVB-RCS ETSI Standard.
for high-speed connections to the layer) scenarios to point-to-multipoint
Members of the AHG-RSAT group (including broadcasting) and multipoint-
network. Satellite systems have been
include ESA, a number of satellite to-point.
designed to respond to such demand.
operators (EUTELSAT, Hispasat,
In particular, Regenerative Satellite The main result is the full convergence
Intelsat, SES-Astra, Telenor), certain
Systems will constitute the next among a number of initially different
satellite system designers (Alcatel
generation of telecommunication systems on the use of one and the
Space Industries, Alenia Spazio,
satellites. They will provide very high same ‘harmonised’ terminal.
Astrium) and the French space agency
speed Internet connections to Furthermore, the terminal
CNES. European Commission and
corporate and consumer users characteristics are based on the
ETSI were invited as observers.
equipped with small (60-80cm existing DVB-RCS. This means that the
Membership of the group was on a
diameter) antenna terminals. This is economies of scale are even greater.
voluntary basis.
achieved by employing high-frequency

and another is to include an element to A detailed description of the new the market.
identify the capability of a terminal to elements will be provided in the revised The lower limit for the symbol rate,
support dynamic connectivity. Guideline Document, and the technical mentioned in the informative Annex of
work is expected to be finalised at an the first version of EN 301 790, was
The modifications to the standard
RCS meeting in mid 2002. 128k symbols per second. When
address the use of RCSTs for return
channels in the DVB system with One modification of the standard is that transmit power is related to the symbol
regenerative satellites, but at the same it is symbol rate independent. That rate, a rate reduction could lead to
time incorporate some “hooks” that means that the system designers may lower transmit power and consequently
would allow development of terminals specify, and the equipment to lower power amplifier cost. This is
for operation in meshed networks. The manufacturer must declare, the range noteworthy since cost of the power
incorporation of these hooks at this of symbol rates over which the amplifier in the outdoor unit of the
stage does not create any backwards terminals are capable of operating. The terminal is significant.
compatibility problems. The increased revised Guideline Document, TR 301 The revised standard makes provisions
cost and complexity is negligible, and it 790, will also provide information on the for a couple of other optional designs
represents a basis for further relationship between data rate and that could enable manufacturers to
development to terminals suitable for other related technical parameters, offer terminals more suitable for the
general broadband satellite networks such as the phase noise mask. The lower end of the market, related e.g. to
with satellites having on board reason for this approach is to open the frequency hopping speed and the
processing. possibility for developing terminals range of EIRP control.
more suited to cover the lower end of
 DIck Bakker, Vice President, Sales
SpaceBridge Semiconductor

DVB-RCS: STANDARDS AND

COMPONENT MIGRATION
DVB-RCS is showing promise for signalling tables based on MPEG table
securing market share in the emerging formats and system timing/frequency
two-way satcom services world. While references based on PCR From a user terminal perspective the
the main focus to date has been on the mechanisms. RCS supports both IP majority of 1st generation solutions
DVB-SCENE : 04

European market in terms of initial and ATM return paths with several have leveraged existing DVB-S
trials and planned system rollout, DVB- bandwidth servicing classes that can products and provided RCS
RCS shows all signs of becoming a be used for a range of user functionality through programmable
global satellite standard. applications. The provisioning of an components. With the advancement of
DVB-RCS systems will initially be used MPEG return link provides a path for the specification, however, more
to provide corporate services, however, integration into existing DVB systems. integrated ASIC solutions have been
it is expected a migration into A terminal designed to the RCS developed that will be introduced into
residential services will occur within 2-3 requirements can be adapted to systems in 2002. This silicon has been
years as costs are reduced and system satellite hubs developed by a number developed with RCS as a key
developers can support a larger of manufacturers. Equipment suppliers application but has not necessarily
number of users on a single platform. can now take advantage of higher been developed solely for RCS.
Ultimately the technology will play a volume manufacturing. A fully The next generation of RCS silicon is
part in the convergence of satellite compliant RCS terminal allows a already under development. This work
video and broadcast services. Building system operator the freedom to select has been undertaken given the signs
upon the DVB-S standard, RCS a number of terminal vendors that can that RCS will succeed as a standard.
provides a means to combine digital TV operate on the same hub equipment. In This silicon will implement the full
and Internet services into a single the long term, a system integrator may specification and additionally use the
gateway unit. be capable of selecting indoor and feedback from 1st generation systems
The DVB-CS standard specifies outdoor units, each specified according in developing the functional blocks.
flexible terminal requirements. The core to RCS, and mix and match them. This silicon will likely meet 2nd
of RCS defines the Media Access First generation equipment has been generation of RCS equipment in 2003
Control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) developed in advance of the finalisation and beyond. Like many standards
Layers for a satellite terminal. The RCS of the RCS specification and several before, RCS provides a means for
specification extends existing DVB trials have been performed. further integration as the specification
specifications with the addition of MAC Operational deployment of RCS matures and the market volumes justify
systems supporting several thousand the cost.
terminals will occur in the first half of Ultimately the goal of the OEM will be
2002. The services offered in these complete terminal units sold from the
systems will utilise a key aspect of factory at costs below the threshold for
DVB-RCS - the ability to scale the hub a viable high-volume market. For now,
with the number of terminals and to the most say the goal is in the range of 500
provision of a wide range of services Euros for a residential unit. The use of
based on the particular market of the DVB-RCS technology in digital TV/
service provider. For example, a service Internet access convergence products
provider may flexibly build enterprise will provide further volume opportunities
services like mail, web hosting, and for component suppliers and thus lower
caching over the RCS air interface. price points to the OEMs.
DVB-S POWERING
DISTANCE LEARNING
Students at the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz school in Temascalapa, Mexico.

Children in schools across Mexico delivered over satellite, and built a

enjoy access to a wider world of state-of-the-art-teleport housed in the
“Dear Mr. Clifton: educational resources, thanks to the nation’s national video library “VINE” in
...I want to tell you that I am DVB-S technology of Canadian Mexico City.
astonished by all the functions of los company International Datacasting “We are particularly proud of our work
IDC (SuperFlex). With SuperFlex we Corporation (IDC). In business since with Mexico’s public schools where our
receive a satellite signal and are able 1984, IDC was among the first receivers are referred to as simply los
to watch educational videos about the companies in North America to adopt IDCs or the caja blanca [white box]”

DVB-SCENE : 05
Roman, Chinese and Greek the DVB standard. In 1997 IDC says IDC President and CEO, Ron
civilizations, and the characteristics launched its SuperFlex family of Clifton, “but this is only one of many
of living beings, among many, many products, which take advantage of the projects our team has carried out over
other things. This is very nice and I flexibility of DVB technology to combine the last few years. We also have
hope that you continue inventing data, video, audio, web pages, systems in use for university and post-
more technology for the distance multimedia - any digital content at all - graduate level degree programmes,
learning communication for rural into a single DVB transport stream. professional and corporate training,
areas of the country and of all the With Mexico widely regarded as the continuing education and telemedicine,
world, so that all the children like me regional leader for distance learning as well as e-government. We have
can learn more and better...” The Secretaría de Educación Publica distance learning systems working
Erika Nataly Pérez Islas (SEP) along with the Instituto across Latin America, in Asia, Europe,
Latinamericano de la Comunicación and around the world.”
Letter from a student
Educativa (ILCE) produce and Michèle LeSaux, IDC’s Director of
distribute 11 channels of educational Advanced Development concludes,
programming distributed via proprietary “Our company is committed to open
video systems to more than 29,000 standards and our customers see the
schools across the country. IDC was benefits. In an environment of
approached to help meet the challenge cooperative and collaborative learning,
of distributing web content and digital it is the only strategy that makes
files to schools unreachable by sense. This system has become a
telephone lines and therefore excluded model for the region and for the world.”
from Internet access. IDC did an
overbuild-layering a SuperFlex system
on top of the existing video system,
using that uplink and receive site
infrastructure. Schools are able to
simply add one of IDC’s SR2000
receivers, which connects via its
Ethernet port to a single computer or a
whole local area network.
In addition to the “SEC 21” programme
providing basic learning support to rural
A student watches a video on schools, IDC’s technology is used for IDC’s President and CEO Ron Clifton
daily life in Southeast Asia. programmes including adult continuing with Lic. Norberto Arturo García,
Computers are donated to education, and RedEscolar (Mexico’s teacher at the “Sor Juana” school.
schools from both the public “SchoolNet”). Also, IDC worked with The school, which has no telephone
and private sectors, in this case ILCE to develop what is essentially a is located in the “Rancho Las
Ford Motor Co has provided a “video on demand” system for teachers Pintas” in rural Mexico.
computer lab. who can select a video via a
customised web page and have it
 LIVE VIA SATELLITE
MHP
Mr. Sang-Kyu Park, Managing Director, Time to market is critical for SkyLife to
IT Business Group at SkyLife win the satellite market in Korea.
emphasises the significance of this Alticast provides a highly experienced
deployment: “By deploying DVB-MHP professional services team that drives
interactive television services, we can the integration between multiple
now enhance our service offering to vendors involved in the SkyLife
viewers with new interactive deployment to quickly deliver and
applications and take advantage of deploy this large-scale MHP solution.
lower receiver costs and new revenue Skylife plans to announce the
SkyLife, Korea’s premier satellite
opportunities created by DVB-MHP, commercial availability of digital
operator, has launched the world’s first
such as t-commerce and interactive TV interactive services to its subscribers in
commercial satellite broadcast of digital
shows.” August 2002.
and DVB-MHP interactive television
services. SkyLife selected Alticast to SkyLife is deploying their digital SkyLife also selected Alticast for the
act as the primary solutions provider for television services in a phased flexibility of its digital broadcast
their large-scale Digital Interactive approach. For phase one, SkyLife offering. Alticast is actively working with
Services deployment of the DVB-MHP launched basic digital broadcast other vendors to provide SkyLife with
platform. SkyLife’s implementation services in March 2002 to provide more an upgrade path to the MHP set-top
represents the first commercial than eighty-four video channels and box for personal video recording
deployment of DVB-MHP services by a sixty radio channels. With Alticast as functionality. The upgrade can be
DVB-SCENE : 06

satellite operator, and is a milestone the primary solutions provider, the accomplished via the over-the-air
event for the widespread adoption of deployment of digital interactive system upgrade.
DVB-MHP. services kicks-off phase two of SkyLife is one of the first service
SkyLife’s iTV implementation in June operators to deploy digital broadcast
2002. and enable subscribers to engage in
Alticast was chosen to be the overall DVB-MHP interactive applications.
solutions provider for the digital Shenzhen Cable TV, China’s leading
interactive services deployment cable operator, is implementing a
because of its comprehensive MHP similar project, working with Alticast to
solution that is readily available. deploy China’s first interactive
Because the Alticast offering uses a television services based on DVB-MHP.
widely adopted open standard platform, Both organisations are recognising that
SkyLife can share and receive interactive services enable them to
interactive services from content gain competitive advantages, benefit
providers in Korea and other countries from cost savings and new revenue
that use DVB-MHP or other standards. opportunities, and most importantly,
attract and retain valuable subscribers.

WORLD
CUP 2002
Scopus Network Technologies has
selected Pixelmatrix Corporation’s
solution that holds with our digital
broadcasting platform’s reputation for
a satellite for broadcasting around the
world.
DVStation Monitoring Platform to quality and flexibility.” The International Broadcasting Center
monitor signal and image quality during During the May and June games, will be able to simultaneously transmit
the FIFA 2002 World Cup Football Scopus will equip Korea Telecom with 200 digitally-compressed channels.
games this summer in Korea. end-to-end digital broadcasting Transmissions from the location sites
“Scopus selected DVStation’s modular systems to transmit the events to the Center will be carried via an
monitoring platforms because they throughout the world. Twenty digitally- existing Korea Telecom optical link.
provide the most effective and feature compressed channels will originate Scopus won the prestigious bid from
rich solution for analyzing several from each of the ten stadia across Korea Telecom following the successful
simultaneous MPEG signals in real- Korea where the games will be played. completion of extensive satellite and
time,” said Yehiel Keren, Scopus These live feeds will be transmitted via telecom network benchmark tests.
Professional Services Vice President. SDH links to the International Scopus is working with Samwoo
“FIFA’s World Cup is the most sought Broadcasting Center located in Seoul. Telecommunications Co. Ltd. and its
after sports competition on the Globe There they will be routed and re- representative in Korea, Dong-In
and teaming with Pixelmetrix will transmitted via SDH links to three earth Satellite Networks, to provide Korea
provide Scopus with a more total stations in Korea and then up-linked to Telecom technical support on site.
RESHAPING DVB compliant satellite communication
equipment manufacturer Newtec has
The first network system was delivered
to Dutch based Aramiska, which
recently completed the first 2Way- started to deploy its services in the
BROADBAND Sattellite Broadband IP-Access
Network, based on the recent RCS
United Kingdom through its own sales
force and installation team, with other

SERVICES (Return Channel via Satellite) standard,

for its customer Aramiska.
European countries to follow.
The Aramiska network will dramatically
Newtec together with its consortium reshape
partners Alcatel Bell Space and
SpaceBridge Semiconductor Corp.,
with the support of the European Space
Agency, has been able to develop and
deliver the world’s first DVB-RCS
compliant Broadband Access Network
in a record fourteen months.
Newtec’s 2Way-Sat is based on a
“turn-key” solution including the HUB
station and Network Management as
well as the Satellite Interactive
Terminals (SITs) to be installed at the
user’s premises.

DVB-SCENE : 07
EXPLORING
TV
SERVICES
Scientific-Atlanta has announced its
inaugural shipment of the new Explorer
8000 home entertainment servers, the
world’s first complete personal
entertainment platform for cable, for
customer trials.
The Explorer 8000 home entertainment
GETTING
server is designed to offer exciting new,
next generation personal TV services.
Consumers will be able to pause live
TOGETHER
TV, record one channel while watching SES GLOBAL, Gilat Satellite Networks five years. By 2005, approximately 8.6
another, record two channels and play and Alcatel Space/SkyBridge have million potential residential and SOHO
back another simultaneously, and enjoy announced the formation of a 200 users in Europe will still not have
picture-in-picture on any consumer million Euro joint venture to provide access to high-speed cable modem or
television set. two-way satellite broadband services in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services,
The PVR aboard the Explorer 8000 enterprise, consumer and SOHO according to analysis by McKinsey &
home entertainment server will be markets throughout Europe. The new Company. This represents an important
powered by an eighty gigabyte hard company was formed to meet the market potential for the new venture.
drive and will be capable of recording growing demand for broadband In the enterprise market and for some
up to fifty hours of programming communications services in Europe via small and medium size enterprises
without the need for a phone line. With advanced Advantage Very Small (SMEs), the venture will offer complete
future added home networking Aperture Terminal VSAT satellite satellite communications services.
capabilities, the Explorer 8000 platform technology. These services will be provided both
will be capable of sharing a wide range Building on a strong base in the directly by the new company and
of entertainment related content enterprise market, the new company through wholesalers and will utilize
throughout the home such as video, will expand into the residential market Gilat’s Skystar VSAT product, as well
music and digital images. to meet the growing demand for as SES ASTRA’s Broadband
Volume shipments of the Explorer 8000 broadband services in Europe, which it Interactive System, which is based on
home entertainment server are expects will increase at an annual rate the DVB-RCS standard.
expected to begin in June. of more than 30 percent over the next
 THE INTELLECTUAL has made arrangements to provide its
intellectual property royalty-free to MHP
implementers.
[PROPERTY] CHALLENGE The DVB Patent Coordinator will
perform an independent, objective
analysis to determine if each declared
DVB extended the deadline for
patent is necessary for the
submitting declarations to 31 May
implementation of the relevant DVB
2002. As discussed below, CableLabs,
specification. All information regarding
in May 2002, launched a similar effort
the performance of the patent analysis
for its OpenCable Application Platform
is kept strictly confidential. Once the
(OCAP) specification.
analysis is completed, it is expected
The first step a company must take is that the identity of the holders of
to review their patent portfolio against essential patents, and other
the relevant DVB specifications. If a information, will be made available to
company believes they have relevant the DVB membership.
patents - that is, those which are
Patent holders who are found to have
necessary infringed when implementing
necessary intellectual property are
a specification — they should submit a
encouraged to create a “one-stop-
declaration, the patent, evaluation fee
shop” license, also referred to as a
By Jud Cary, Assistant General ($3500 per patent), and any other
“patent pool.” Patent pools offer an
Counsel, CableLabs requested materials to the DVB Patent
efficient mechanism for making
The DVB Project has made a call for Coordinator, the law firm of Wilmer,
necessary intellectual property
declarations of intellectual property Cutler & Pickering (2445 M Street,
available to implementers of DVB
required to implement various DVB N.W., Washington, D.C., 20037-1420,
specifications. Patent pools are also
specifications, including the Multimedia USA. contact [email protected]).
efficient for the patent holders, because
Home Platform. The challenge to the Members of the DVB are required to administrative, transaction, and other
DVB-SCENE : 08

industry is to establish an efficient license necessary intellectual property costs are shared, and kept to a
licensing regime for implementers of on fair, reasonable, and non- minimum.
the MHP and other specifications. To discriminatory terms. Such licenses
With respect to the DVB-MHP
date, the DVB Project office has can be royalty-free, or include a
specification, the potential efficiencies
received multiple patent declarations. reasonable royalty. Sun, a large
are even more apparent. CableLabs,
Additional declarations are expected as contributor to the MHP specification,
the US cable specification organisation,
recently made a similar call for
intellectual property for its OCAP
specification. OCAP is largely based on
the DVB-MHP specification. CableLabs
will use the same Patent Coordinator
as DVB. For the same patent
evaluation fee, a patent holder will
receive an analysis with respect to both
the MHP and the OCAP specifications.
It is expected that subsequent licensing
can also be coordinated among the
common patent holders, on the one
hand, and MHP/OCAP implementers,
on the other hand. Other countries or
organizations that are considering
adopting the MHP specification would
also stand to benefit from a central
patent evaluation, and licensing,
structure.
Patent pooling and common licensing
will fuel the widespread adoption of
DVB specifications. DVB has been
successful in facilitating the creation of
other patent pools, including the DVB-T
licensing programme. We expect that
the industry will respond in a similar
fashion, and DVB will have similar
success with MHP and other DVB
specifications.
For more information on the
specifications covered by the call for
declarations, see www.dvb.org. and
www.cablelabs.com.
CONFORMANCE TESTING
THE MHP TEST SUITE
The MHP Test Suite consists of aspect of an API or of the MHP
thousands of individual tests that specification (a so-called “assertion”)
determine conformance of MHP and then verify the correct
products. After successfully passing all implementation by running a small
tests in a self-certification process set- MHP Xlet that has been created after
top-box manufacturers will be allowed defining a strategy on how to test this
to signal MHP compliance to the assertion. Every test must show a clear
customer by using the MHP logo (fig. “pass” or “fail”. The Test Suite will be
1). Compliance with the standard is one delivered as a set of Xlets, class files -
of the fundamental prerequisites for including corresponding source code
interoperability between products in a for debugging purposes - and other
horizontal market. Adequate testing is files that are usually broadcast to the
unavoidable for horizontal markets, MHP in a DSMCC object carousel,
however, MHP equally shows its Dr. Ing. Rainer Schaefer was senior together with a common documentation
strength and advantages for operators engineer in the New Services and and instructions on how to apply them.
in vertical markets by simplifying Media Infrastructure department at Java and JVM tests were approved by
creation, exchange and integration of IRT (Institut fuer Rundfunktechnik). DVB during the first “Request for
interactive content and by lowering Technology” (RFT) in July 2001 and are
Since April 2002 he is head of the
costs through strong competition. currently updated in order to reflect any
Production Systems TV department.
The MHP Experts Group (MEG), a sub- recent decisions. Under the second
IRT is the Research and
group of the Technical Module, has RFT scheduled for the June 2002
Development Institute of the public
been working on the collection, review meeting of the DVB Steering Board,

DVB-SCENE : 09
broadcasters in Germany, Austria
and assembly of tests since early 2001 another eight bundles containing
and Switzerland (ARD, ZDF, DLR,
and is targeting mid 2002 for several hundreds of tests for the
ORF, SRG/SSR)
completion of the first MHP 1.0.2 Test remaining areas have been received
Suite. Major hardware and middleware and already mainly approved by MEG
vendors have contributed tests for the at the time of writing this article. Four
development of the Suite especially in further submissions or updates will be
the areas of the standard which are not received, two of them being major
already covered by Sun Microsystem’s ones. Other ongoing work is
concentrated on increasing the depth
Fig 1: Certification Process
and coverage of tests in these areas -
especially for the HAVi APIs where
tests already created by contributing
members have been announced to the
Experts Group.
The DVB Project Office is already
preparing for quick packaging and
delivery of the Test Suite to ETSI,
where it will then be obtainable for an
administrative handling charge of 1,000
Euros after signing an agreement.
More detailed information on related
contractual arrangements can be found
in DVB’s Blue Book A066.

contributions. MEG is also responsible

for maintaining the Test Suite with
improvements and the extensions to
other profiles.
The areas covered by the Test Suite
(fig. 2) can be separated into a series
of APIs (Java, Javax, DVB, DAVIC,
HAVi) and into “basics” that are mainly
related to more “human readable
sections” of the specification and
perform tests on e.g. graphics features
or the application life cycle.
The tests are typically organised to
Fig 2: Test Suite Contributions
identify a small and single testable
 Phil Sandberg is pretty sure he’s the
publisher of online technical library
www.broadcastpapers.com and
Asia-Pacific Editor of TV Technology
magazine.

In My Opinion - Phil Sandberg

I WANT MY HDTV
It may not strictly be an example of was the small problem that no one case with some European operators,
Australia’s post-WWII identity crisis, could see how they would make money meant they would have more freedom
but the combination of a European out of being a datacaster. to experiment with content and how it is
technology (DVB-T) and American Of course, there were also arguments presented (even if they were not
business model (HDTV) could be seen raging over availability and affordability permitted to do so for a long period). In
as fitting the bill. of receivers. With a DVB-T market in short, it helped “future-proof” their
When the Australian free-to-air industry Europe less than enthused with high businesses and gave them flexibility.
DVB-SCENE : 10

announced its transition to digital would definition after the analogue HD And flexibility is what the Government
take the form of DVB-T HDTV services, debacle of the 1980s, some wondered seems to be exhibiting at the moment.
the Americans (well, the ATSC) were what the point of adopting an At a recent conference hosted by
disappointed and the Europeans international standard was if we regulatory body, the Australian
thought they were all mad (obviously couldn’t take advantage of international Broadcasting Authority, Minister for
too much sun - and beer). economies of scale. After all, an HDTV, Communications Senator Richard
Of course, it was all a bit more DVB-T receiver designed for use with Alston outlined details of a Government
complicated than that with different 7MHz channel slots going to a market review that could see multichannel
media organisations (both broadcasters of 20 million people did seem like a bit restrictions relaxed and weekly quotas
and non-broadcasters alike) all jostling of a custom job. on HD broadcasts become annual
for different outcomes and a However, the $100 gazillion HDTV sets quotas. The proposed changes would
Government making regulatory never quite materialised. Of course, big be part of an overall review, due later
concessions to everyone, yet satisfying widescreen displays/sets range from this year, of media policy that includes
no one. £500-1000 right up to the price of a foreign and cross-media ownership,
small, Japanese or Korean car, but we and rationalisation and digitalisation of
HDTV was made mandatory for
now have standard and high definition the nation’s cable networks.
commercial broadcasters, while
multichannel programming was set-top boxes for around £300. And, So, as the process of digital roll-out
forbidden (except in the case of multi- despite being pronounced stillborn by continues to evolve down under, I
view coverage of sporting events, etc). the larger Australian newspaper groups suspect analogue switch-off, while

In short, it helped “future-proof” their businesses and gave them flexibility.

This allowed incumbent broadcasters (you might remember them from the inevitable, will be a little further down
to migrate to digital without threatening datacaster category), the digital roll-out the track than most people first
the fledgling pay-TV industry while continues to gather pace with a number thought, but then again I suspect there
regulators arbitrarily created the of the larger regional centres coming are those in the UK having similar
category of “datacaster” which on line and the major networks, most thoughts. Vale ITV Digital.
prevented new entrants encroaching on notably Network Ten, pushing the While there are those who think we
the established FTA market via a envelope in terms of MHP. should have waited, Australia adopted
complex list of genre restrictions. So what has HDTV meant for DVB-T as its digital terrestrial platform
Simple, except for the fact that no one Australian broadcasters? Most in 1998. With ISDB-T standardised a
was happy. A split in the free to air important, whether some of them want year later and China expected to
ranks (with more than one eye on to admit it or not, it has delivered announce its own digital standard next
future multichannel, possibly bandwidth. Cooperating with the year, its probably good we didn’t.
subscription services) led to the Government’s requirement of European, US and Asian elements may
“triplecasting” scheme which required broadcasting single, high definition go well in the mix of national identity,
broadcasters to simulcast programmes programme streams allowed them to but with television I think we’ve given
in high and standard definition as well retain their full 7MHz channels. Not ourselves enough of a crisis.
as conventional analogue. Then there having to share a multiplex, as is the
TAIWANESE BROADCASTERS
DISCOVER THE POTENTIAL OF DVB-T
Taiwan’s decision in 2001 to go for SNMP and ordered a single unit for date the final structure is not clear, the
DVB-T technology was generally a testing. One very important criterion operators are looking at the
surprise as initially the country had that Rohde & Schwarz had to fulfil for possibilities of sharing infrastructure
favoured ATSC. Especially as Taiwan is this project was the very short delivery especially on the antenna side. The
the first country with analogue 6MHz time, which was very critical to all three issue of sharing the multiplexers is not
bandwidth to have opted for DVB-T broadcasters. The operators wanted to yet very clear. In total, with the five
(also in 6 MHz). The main motivation go on-air by the end of April 2002, in broadcasters put together, it is
for the operators in Taiwan to switch to order to complete their experience and expected that about 10 to 15 TV
DVB-T was the mobile application, proceed towards the network programmes would be broadcast in
which is seen as the application with expansion. Taiwan.
the most potential for broadcasters in
As part of the project, Rohde & It is expected that the SFN coverage
Taiwan to go digital.
Schwarz undertook to deliver 2.5KW & for the nationwide network, which is
In the first step of DVB-T 1.3, 4KW liquid cooled transmitters already underway, should be completed
implementation, three of the five private together with training, installation and by end of 2003. The final target, as
broadcasters CTS, CTV & TTV decided commissioning. Rohde & Schwarz seen now, is to achieve SFN with
to go together for their procurement in successfully performed the training and mobile applications and in future the
order to optimise the information the technical acceptance procedures support data applications. All in all, the
sharing and to get the best techno- during February 2002. The goal of progress so far towards DVB-T in
commercial solution. As part of their Rohde & Schwarz was to get the Taiwan has been very rapid. It is the
pursuit for detailed information, a transmitters on air by end of April and hope of all the operators that the
delegation from the three broadcasters to provide the best possible support to benefits provided by this new
visited Germany and had a detailed the broadcasters in Taiwan. Currently technology will be appreciated by their

DVB-SCENE : 11
look at the network solution as well as the operators are looking to get the viewers, which will certainly make this
the hardware available. network planning in place for a new venture a technical and
The detailed technical discussions and nationwide SFN network. Although to commercial success for the operators.
presentations were very extensive and
interesting for both sides. Rohde &
Schwarz had no reference in Taiwan
and as such the technology was new
for the country. Because of this all
three customers had a to make the
difficult decision to arrive at a
conclusive choice of a hardware
supplier. Eventually the excellent
system concept, strong performance
and strong references in DVB-T helped
Rohde & Schwarz gain access into this
very important digital market.
The broadcasters chose the Rohde &
Schwarz NETLINK to provide remote
control and monitoring over TCPIP/

UK TRIALS MOBILE DIGITAL TV

NTL Broadcast has successfully could increase the scope of the digital robust signals. However experiments
completed UK tests of mobile digital terrestrial platform for broadcasters and also showed that reliable reception
terrestrial television (DTT) proving that viewers alike. could be maintained at higher data
consistent high-quality video, audio and In the UK trials, which took place in the rates with increased transmitter power.
data can be received in moving Oxford area over the last few months, a Steve Holebrook, business director for
vehicles using existing frequency multi-channel service was broadcast media solutions at NTL Broadcast,
spectrum. The work follows NTL’s over a single-frequency network. This said: “This initiative opens the way for
building of the world’s first commercial was received in a vehicle equipped with development of the DTT platform. It’s
mobile digital TV network in Singapore seat-back TV screens, demonstrating important that we explore this
last year, which provides a service to excellent picture quality and signal developing technology to show what
video screens installed on public robustness. Different transmission can be achieved in mobile TV with
transport. modes were evaluated and the relatively little frequency spectrum.
Using a rugged form of the established performance of various demodulator There is considerable interest world-
DVB-T transmission format, digital chips was assessed in order to identify wide. The mobile audience is an
terrestrial television has the potential to those most suitable for use in mobile untapped market for TV delivery and
offer perfect pictures on the move. This receivers. The trials confirmed that one which only digital terrestrial
unique feature allows applications that lower data rates delivered the most broadcasts can readily fill.”
 PRODUCT BULLETIN
DVB Scene takes a look at some of the offerings from DVB members

Continental Microwave has the corporate VPN market with up to capture up to 96MB of the stream
announced details of its full featured 5,000 terminals per hub or even whenever an error occurs. Once
compact digital microwave transmitter beyond. Here the DVB-S carrier would captured, the data can be played back
that uses fully integrated MPEG-2 scale between 2 and 38 Mbps for review, thus helping engineers
compression and DVB-T (2k) COFDM transmission. The hub supports locate problems quickly without having
modulation for exceptionally robust ‘on multiple transponders which can span to depend upon costly external test and
camera’ transmission in live ENG, vial multiple satellite transferring data in measurement equipment to evaluate
studio and OB applications. The IP over DVB-S format. The SITs the data.
Reporter Series transmitter is both themselves are able to transmit back to Scopus Technologies has announced
compact and lightweight at under 1.5kg the hub at up top 2 Mbps (MF-TDMA an addition to its CODICO product
and is available with options for direct capacity assignment). To date, ND family with the RTM-3300, a 10-input,
camera mounting and backpack/ SatCom has partnered with Raytheon compact 1 rack-unit, DVB Statistical
DVB-SCENE : 12

beltpack configurations. in the development of terminals and is Multiplexer / Re-Multiplexer and

completing development of an transport stream processor. The RTM-
Reporter Series integrated POP concept to permit 3300 is intended for medium size head
Transmitter customisation of a service offering via ends and digital turnaround
add-on router capabilities integrated applications. It is also suited to operate
into the IDU. The feature set of the in instances in which broadcasters do
integrated POP includes remote not require excessive capacity such as
access control, a TCP PEP (including multi-channel DSNG and DENG
data compression capability) a DHCP applications.Options include a built-in
server, a full NAT implementation, DVB scrambler or can also be supplied
covering all translation variants and as a standalone DVB scrambler.
allowing a flexible interrelationship with
Sofia Digital is now offering a
the NAT capability already included in
benchmark application for testing MHP
the hub, plus a full router with IP/Sec
terminals as part of its service portfolio
authentication and encryption
for MHP set-top box manufacturers.
functionality. Raytheon and EMS supply
The goal of using the benchmark
the IDU portions of the terminals.
application is to evaluate the
Adding to its DVStation product line, performance and test the functionality
Pixelmetrix have introduced the low- of different MHP terminals. It measures
The company has also launched its cost DVStation-Pod, a complete single- the processing power and graphics
CDX-T, a broadcast quality MPEG-2 channel preventative monitoring engine speed. It evaluates font support,
encoder combining the features of an solution. Available in three support for I-Frames, and other image
encoder, satellite DVB-T modulator and configurations, it can be used for formats as well as video scaling.
satellite upconverter in a compact 1U integrating, installation and
rack mount unit. Specified for rugged The company has also announced its
troubleshooting in digital television
operation in temperatures -10 to +50 launch of Backstage Publisher for
facilities. The system is targeted at
degrees Celsius, the unit is ideal for managing iTV services using MHP.
satellite, cable and terrestrial
flyaway and mobile DSNG operations Designed to control the content of iTV
broadcasters.
as well as main earth stations. services on any object carousel. The
system enables an object carousel to
Harris, through its ITIS Products
add iTV services to the broadcast
group, has launched a 50W version of DVStation-Pod
stream to be received with the video
SPOT, its intelligent repeater designed
stream on a viewer’s TV.
M91D for gap filling. SPOT receives an
incoming digital broadcast, then Tektronix has introduced a handheld
decodes and recodes it before waveform monitor for broadcasters,
transmitting it, ensuring signal integrity, network operators, and content
and far higher resilience than a simple providers that need a fully portable
analogue repeater. Also new to the Pixelmetrix DVStation instrument that can monitor both digital
product line is TS Capture with On- and analogue signals from a single
IBS is a corporate DVB-RCS solution
Board Playback. The Transport tool. The WFM91D is a handheld,
from ND SatCom. This network
Stream module allows the operator to battery-powered, composite analogue
infrastructure is more finely tuned to
 that has been designed to give TV Internet, sound and video streaming,
Operators the security, flexibility and on-line shopping, interactive games,
control over the distribution of digital etc.) provided they are offered by the
content and t-commerce applications. network operator.
The system is based on smart card Scientific-Atlanta claims its new
technology featuring dual layer security. Explorer 2200 and 3200 digital
Motorola has expanded its digital interactive set-tops deliver increased
product family with three new DVB performance for interactive TV services
compliant set-top boxes. The DVi1000 in a footprint significantly smaller with
is for enhanced broadcasting on DVB- innovations and improvements such as
C with more programming channels improved speed and performance with
and subscriber benefits. The DVi3000 a powerful 166MHz, 32-bit RISC

DVB-SCENE : 13
provides expanded channel capacity, processor. Many of the set-top
virtual channels, and hyperlinking functions, such as graphics, are
capabilities, as well as supporting real- processed via dedicated integrated
WFM91D time reverse-path communications, circuitry and not via the CPU, leaving
providing a gateway to interactive more of the CPU’s power available for
services such as video-on-demand, digital services.
and SD-SDI component digital
thin-client TV-based Internet, and Viaccess SA has introduced Viaccess-
waveform monitor that provides
electronic programme guides. The Net, a scalable conditional access
flexibility, portability, and powerful
DVi3500 is an advanced-interactive system for content distribution over IP.
monitoring to users dealing with
DVB-compliant digital decoder with an It allows for the secure delivery of
equipment installation, maintenance,
integrated modem. multicast and unicast content on all IP
and field production.
network architectures (satellite, cable,
Tektronix has also launched a portable DVi3500
terrestrial, xdsl, LAN/WAN) and offers a
MPEG testing device that provides a
way to secure and manage access to
first line of defence in analysing MPEG-
many push services on the Web such
2 transport stream formats. The AD920
as video or audio streaming and file
is a handheld, battery-powered MPEG
downloading.
transport stream confidence tester that
reduces downtime, provides faster The company’s new MediaSuite-KV is
installation time, and quickly identifies an end-to-end content management
faults to help ensure quality and solution that enables providers of video
Sagem has launched four new set-top over IP services to encode, enrich,
reliability in networks that distribute
video, audio, and data in digital boxes. The Sagem PVR 5000S plan, publish and distribute their
formats, including DVB. Personal Video Recorder satellite content to the consumer, while
series designed for digital quality controlling access and managing
DVN Technology Limited is now
reception and recording of contractual rights along the whole value
offering J-Box, a digital cable receiver.
unscrambled and encrypted satellite TV chain. Media-Suite-KV runs on any IP
J-Box works like a client server and
programmes that can record up to 40 infrastructure (proprietary operator
only downloads appplications when
hours of programmes on its integrated network, Intranet or Internet) and
needed and stores only those that are
80 GB hard disk. The Sagem IXD500 delivers content to any IP receiving
frequently used.
for satellite, cable and terrestrial device (TV & set-top box, computer,
television operators who want to carry PDA, mobile phone).
out mass digitisation (conversion of
J-Box analogue subscribers) at minimum
cost. The Sagem ADSL5000 is for the
reception of programmes broadcast
over the ADSL network. And finally the
Sagem ICD 5600-RC cable set-top with
Also now availabe is JetCAS, the an integrated cable modem that makes
company’s fourth generation DVB it possible to receive wide band and
compliant conditional access system backward channel services (fast
 AUSTRALIA According to Digital Broadcasting
Australia (DBA) Industry sources report
Platform) standards in this regard. It is
understood that several
in January and February 2002, sales of experimentations are taking place.
IN THE widescreen TVs were up 700% from
the same period in 2001 (albeit from a
One of the more significant
developments is the testing of
PICTURE low base). It is currently estimated that
over 50% of prime time digital
hierarchical modulation to increase the
service options available. This DVB
programming is available in 16:9 based technology can effectively
widescreen format. The price of provide within the one transmission
converting to digital is also far lower channel two quite separate bit streams
than expected 12 months ago - a each having distinctly different
widescreen TV with a digital set-top characteristics. For instance, it can
box is now available for as little as provide an HDTV service to fixed
John Bigeni reports $1,600. Despite the initial low level of receivers whilst at the same time
sales, set-top boxes to receive provide a more robust but lower bitrate
Australia commenced implementation Standard Television have reduced in service to a mobile receiver population.
of DVB based digital terrestrial services price by up to 50% in just less than 12 This can be a standard definition
over a year ago and this months. It is believed that such service for portable and mobile
implementation process is proceeding reduction is attributable to the economy receivers or indeed a multiplex of data
on track. All capital cities are now of scale that comes with the DVB or other products. No specific
provided with free to air commercial system - it being now implemented in announcement has been made
services as well as services from the other countries around the world. Many regarding service intentions but it is
government funded stations of the ABC such receivers are now being sold understood that the tests were
(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) simply because it has been found that extremely successful. Clearly, the
and the SBS (Special Broadcasting this is a cheap way to fix unsatisfactory Australians are doing some
Service). Some major regional centres reception of analogue signals because groundbreaking work in this area.
have also come on stream and of multipath. DVB-T eliminates such
DVB-SCENE : 14

implementation to other areas will reception errors.

gradually continue until 2004 at which Other programming initiatives which
time most areas will be covered. The are likely to effect digital receiver
most recent commissioning occurred in growth is the improvement to
Newcastle where test transmissions programming. This includes the
commenced early in April. provision of special digital channels.
Programming has been largely limited The ABC for instance has already
to the replication of programmes introduced a twenty-four hour children’s
The views expressed in this
available on the analogue channels and channel and other digital offerings are
newsletter are those of the indi-
therefore there has not been any great in the pipeline. Consideration by the vidual DVB members or guests and
attraction up until now for people to government is also being given to allow are not necessarily the views of the
invest in digital receivers. Some commercial channels to go to DVB Project Office or Steering
changes however are occurring which multichannel operation. This is Board.
are starting to stimulate the market. currently not allowed under the existing
Published by the DVB Project Office,
Indeed High Definition transmissions licensing regime. c/o European Broadcasting Union,
are becoming increasingly available Interactive services are the next focus 17a Ancienne Route,
and coupled to the availability of and may prove to be the crucial CH-1218 Grand Saconnex, Switzerland.
affordable HD decoders and general element in the broadcaster’s business http://www.dvb.org
digital awareness, receiver sales are on model. The industry has opted to adopt News Editor - William Daly
the way up. the DVB-MHP (Multimedia Home Features Editor - Harold Bergin

Editorial and Advertising enquiries to:

NEW MEMBERS WHD, PO Box 3035, Westminster, London,

SW1P 3BH, United Kingdom.
E-mail: [email protected]
Agfa Monotype Corp. (Skylife)
Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 3100
Broadband Wireless Association MPEG L.A. Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 0922

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at time of print. (c) DVB-SCENE 2002.
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