The implementation of HDTV in the European digital TV environment Stefan Wallner Product Manger Terrestrial TV Transmitter Systems Harris Corporation Presentation1
HDTV in Europe is an old story! 1980 s: The Thread HiVision 1125 line TV system 1992: Stop-gap solution Pal Plus 16:9 TV The Answer HDMAC Eureka-95 project Massive limitations due to use analogue modulation (e.g. MAC) Very limited commercial success Presentation2
HDTV in Europe so why now? Technology change Digital transmission available improved robustness Improved bandwidth efficiency Advanced Video & Audio Coding available more quality per bit Home entertainment change Bigger, better, cheaper HD-capable displays Growing number of Home Cinema systems TV-Viewer more quality oriented Presentation3
Flat TV on wall a 50 year dream Presentation4
European Digital Broadcast Infrastructure DVB: one Standard for all platforms all over Europe DVB: Fully transparent digital data channel DVB: Can transport EVERYTHING which is map-able into an MPEG-TS Presentation5
Actual use of HDTV in Europe HDTV production started By broadcasters (future proof masters) Private industrial & educational film (production for digtial Media DVD, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM) HDTV broadcasting: Belgian satellite system Euro1080 Plans announced by Sky(UK), Premiere World (Germany), TPS(France) No mutually agreed HDTV format so far a chance to chose a future proof format a thread, because a delay will allow alternative non broadcast technologies to enter the market. Presentation6
FIFA World Cup 2006 Camera Plan Minimum of 20-25 HDTV 16:9 Cameras per Game The tried and tested Multifeed- Concept is being improved and greatly extended Pre-Match und Post-Match Extended Stadium Feed has been completely restructured All 64 games will be produced in HDTV digital 16:9 Format 2 Behind-Goal Crane-Cameras 2 Steadycams 2 In-Goal Net-Mounted Cameras Presentation7
720p vs 1080i vs 1080p The experts agree: Progressively scanned pictures look better than interlaced pictures 1080p would be the optimum, but still technologically too demanding for broadcasting. 720p camp : Progressive can be compressed more efficiently Why use old-fashioned interlacing? more than sufficient for the home environment 1080i camp : Start with 1080i as the source standard for HDTV Upgrade to 1080p when the technology improves The EBU recommends 720p as the starting point Presentation8
MPEG 2 vs. H.264 vs. VC-1 For effective spectrum use H.264 or VC-1 is required for HDTV Advanced decoding platforms will support MPEG 2, VC-1 and H.264 from the same hardware. Presentation9
A/V Codecs supported by DVB Audio: MPEG-1 Layer II Dolby AC-3 Enhanced AC-3 DTS MPEG-4 High Efficiency AAC MPEG-4 High Efficiency AAC v2 Video: MPEG-2 H.264 / AVC Additional Codecs like SMPTE VC-1 are investigated Source: DVB World 2005 Proceedings Ken McCann Presentation10
Do you agree things are moving? Format Now AVC or VC1 2 Years Time AVC or VC1 720p/50 12Mb/s 8Mb/s (4-12) 1080i/25 16Mb/s 10Mb/s (5-15) 5 Years time MPEG AVC++ 5Mb/s 6Mbit/s 720p/25 6Mb/s 4Mb/s 3Mb/s 1080p/25 12Mb/s 7 Mb/s 4 Mb/s 1080p/50 24Mb/s 14 Mb/s 8 Mb/s Presentation11
HDTV over DVB-C, DVB-S, DVB-T Are adaptations of the existing modulation methods required? No adaptations required Big enough data stream sizes supported DVB-S2 allows ~ 33% higher data rate with comparable C/N Existing DVB broadcast equipment can be used! Presentation12
Special Focus Terrestrial Broadcasting: HDTV over DVB-T Are frequencies available for HDTV? Yes Will mobile TV (DVB-H) have an impact? Yes Typically 4-5 analog channels are transmitted via one digital channel The use of Single Frequency networks (SFN) further reduces the amount of required channels. DVB-H will compete for the frequency spectrum, which is freed by the analogue switch off. Broadcaster s actual focus on DVB-H might delay the implementation of HDTV. Presentation13
DVB-T Hierarchical Modulation & HDTV Non- Hierarchical (HDTV) LP (HDTV) HP (SDTV) Non-hierarchical: 64 QAM, GI 1/8, FEC 2/3 Bit rate: 22.12 Mbps C/N (Gaussian): 16.5 db HP: QPSK, GI 1/16, FEC 3/4 Bit rate: 5.53 Mbps C/N (Gaussian): 10.8 db LP: 16-QAM, GI 1/16, FEC 3/4 Bit rate: 17.56 Mbps C/N (Gaussian): 21 db Two streams with different parameters are transmitted via one transmitter. Presentation14
Success factors Europe-wide strategy and approach on scan format & picture resolution the use of advanced video coding Europe-wide governmental support for HDTV e.g. frequency allocation after analogue switch off Clear separation of engineering, marketing & advertising efforts for DVB-H and HDTV to ensure success for BOTH markets Presentation15
HDTV Problem stop the equation Viewer Experience Content Go arround until you reach the tipping point Finance Presentation16
The HD READY display label Is this display OK for HD? Sure lady, whatever you say We owe it to the public to help them to understand what they are buying. The HD Ready gives certain minimum requirements about scanning (720p and 1080i, interfaces, and drm (HDMI/HDCP). Good but not everything is included. A major step forward. Presentation17
Conclusions The European Broadcast industry is well positioned Fully digital networks for cable, satellite and terrestrial available Existing infrastructure can be used Ongoing inclusion of new codecs into the DVB standard Unique position to chose the most modern & future proof technology. but European broadcasters should not wait too long! Alternative platforms will soon be in the position to compete for the distribution of HDTV content. Presentation18
Thanks a lot for your attention! Presentation19