This issue's highlights
New Commercial Module Group To Look At Standalone TV Services Over IP
Commercial Module Group For Targeted Advertising Created
Catch-Up On The Latest Webinar On DVB Subtitling Systems
How Do AV1, JEM & HEVC Compare?
Ken McCann Passes The Baton On TM-AVC Chair Role
DVB Welcomes Newest Members
West Africa DVB-T2 Update
DVB Speakers' Corner
Module Activities
Don't Miss Last Chance For Early Bird Registration For DVB World 2018
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New Commercial Module Group To Look At Standalone TV Services Over IP

Thomas Stockhammer, Chair DVB CM-I
DVB has set up a new Commercial Module group, DVB CM-I, to look into requirements for standalone live TV services over IP. The group is currently being chaired by Thomas Stockhammer (Qualcomm, CDMA Technologies GmbH). 

This is an important new work item for DVB, identifying additional needs, in addition to Low Latency (LL) DASH, to distribute linear DVB channels over the open internet with the same quality of experience as DVB-S/C/T or IPTV. DVB-I will look to maximize commonalities with other members of the DVB standardization family.

It is expected that DVB-I will be the home of additional internet TV centric commercial and technical discussions with additional use cases, commercial requirements and technical specifications. One of the key aspects for DVB is the enhancement of DVB services across different access networks, including DVB services on devices with multiple connections, by using DVB-I technologies. Coordination with other organizations such as HbbTV, regional receiver specifications, W3C or 3GPP are envisaged to create a horizontal framework for TV services that addresses the needs and customs of the Millenials.

In the long term, the group is also charged with developing visions and strategies that enable business opportunities in the context of internet-based distribution of TV services beyond the initial obvious use cases. DVB Members and other interested parties are invited to actively support this endeavor into the next generation of TV services.
Commercial Module Group For Targeted Advertising Created

With the overall advertising market shifting rapidly towards digital, programmatic, targeted or addressable models, broadcasters are faced with the challenge of adressing this shift towards new delivery models. The report of the DVB's Study Mission Group on Targeted Advertising (TA) found that, among other things, the underlying technologies of the initial solutions for addressable TV advertising are predominantly proprietary and have a narrow scope. This creates a risk of technology fragmentation and could act in adverse ways for the existing TV ecosystem.

The DVB Steering Board has approved the creation of a dedicated Commercial Module group for Targeted Advertising (CM-TA) to define the commercial requirements for a specification for a standardized approach to tackling this challenge.

The group is being co-chaired by Vincent Grivet (TDF) and  Angelo Pettazzi (Mediaset). In a joint comment the CM-TA co-chairs, said, " There is a genuine appetite for TA to be made available for classical broadcast television. This is accompanied by the overall feeling that with too many technical solutions there is a risk of fragmentation in the marketplace that would hinder any progress. This is where the work of DVB on TA can help unlock the full potential of TA in broadcast television. "
Catch-Up On The Latest Webinar On DVB Subtitling Systems

Important revisions and updates were approved by the Steering Board that marked the completion of the current generation of specifications for Ultra High Definition Television - DVB UHD-1. The revisions and updates pertain to DVB-DASH, audiovisual coding and bitmap subtitles.

The DVB specification for TTML-based subtitling systems, approved in July 2017, has now been complemented by a revision of the existing specification for bitmap subtitles, creating a comprehensive suite of subtitling specifications from DVB.

On 24 January, the DVB hosted a webinar that provided an overview of both specifications and discussed deployment considerations. An introduction was provided by DVB's Executive Director, Peter Siebert. This was followed by Paul Szucs (Sony Europe) giving information on the bitmap subtitle specification (EN 300 743) and Dr. Peter Cherriman, Chair of the TM-SUB (BBC Research & Development) explaining the specification for TTML-based subtitling systems. Stefan Pöschel  (IRT) was also on hand to lend his expertise to the subject.

A new page has be added to the DVB website where links to recordings and slides from past DVB webinars are made available. Click here to access the page.
How Do AV1, JEM & HEVC Compare?

The EBU has commissioned the University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden to perform a subjective evaluation of the quality and practicality of competing video codecs. For media companies, the choice of codec is important, as it has an impact not only on the speed of workflows and the time spent encoding or decoding content, but also on the cost of equipment, license fees, the bitrates required, and of course the picture quality provided to the audience.

Several codecs are currently being worked on as alternatives to the now common HEVC standard. The two most important ones are the Alliance for Open Media's AV1 codec, and JEM, which is developed by ISO and the ITU. Both codecs promise specific benefits: JEM claims a substantial increase in coding efficiency of >25% over HEVC, while AV1 promises a license-free solution that may compete with HEVC's quality. But do these claims stand up in practice? What kind of gain can broadcasters realistically expect? And how much more processing power do the new codecs require?

The subjective evaluation of AV1, JEM and HEVC, which includes a comparison of the speed of the encoding/decoding, aims to help in choosing the best codec for individual needs. The results of this evaluation will be presented by Professor Narroschke (University of Applied Sciences Wiesbaden) at the EBU Production Technology Seminar 2018 taking place 30 Jan - 01 Feb 2018 at the EBU, Geneva. For more information on the EBU Production Seminar click here.

Source: EBU Tech
Ken McCann Passes The Baton On TM-AVC Chair Role

Pictured L-R:  Peter Siebert, DVB Executive Director; Virginie Drugeon (Panasonic) TM-AVC Chair; Peter MacAvock, DVB Chair; Ken McCann, 
(Zetacast) former TM-AVC Chair; Jon Piesing (TP-Vision), DVB TM chair.
Ken McCann has decided to step down as chair of DVB's technical group on AV coding. One of DVB's most accomplished chairs, he has led the TM-AVC group for 25 years. Ken navigated DVB's cornerstone "Specification for the use of Video and Audio Coding in Broadcast and Broadband Applications" through sometimes difficult discussions. The most recent version of TS 101 154 (available as DVB Bluebook A001) specifies DVB's UHD solutions. When originally developed, it was the first broadcasting specification of its kind. Ken's approach in achieving consensus has become a blueprint for how DVB specifications can be produced in a timely manner.

Virginie Drugeon (Panasonic) steps into Ken's shoes as the new chair. She was endorsed by the DVB Technical Module at its meeting on 11 January in Geneva. Virginie is a senior engineer for digital TV standardization at Panasonic, based in Germany. She is also involved in MPEG standardization activities. In taking over from Ken, she will no doubt bring her own approach. Her DVB colleagues have every confidence that she will succeed in filling his role. In particular, Ken himself has encouraged this move, which itself should reassure the industry and DVB membership. Virginie undertook the monumental task of editing the revised TS 101 154 specification, which added support for High Dynamic Range (HDR), Higher Frame Rates (HFR) and Next Generation Audio (NGA). The specification is a major milestone for the industry, allowing broadcasters and CE manufacturers to provide enhanced video and audio in their products and services.

Commenting on Ken's contribution to DVB, Peter MacAvock, DVB Chairman, said: "As we say goodbye, we remember the sharp technical and business insights Ken McCann has shared with DVB, his unparalleled ability to drive the specification work that is the heart of DVB, and his friendly manner which engages all the stakeholders. DVB's reputation is built on the shoulders of a relatively small number of dedicated individuals who have led a process that mobilises an entire industry to shape its own technical future. It was once said of another DVB great, Prof. Ulrich Reimers, that he was the world's first DVB-compliant human being; Ken has all the credentials to be the second."
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DVB Welcomes Newest Members

DVB is pleased to welcome two new Members - PROGIRA and Qarva.

PROGIRA is an independent solution and software provider with expertise in Network Coverage, Infrastructure Investment Optimization, Digital Dividend Possibilities, Frequency Planning and Digital Cartography.
 
Qarva is a global provider of innovative and dynamic software solutions for end-to-end IPTV, OTT offerings for their partners and customers worldwide.

The DVB consortium consists of some of the world's most distinguished broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies and others from over 35 countries that are committed to designing open and interoperable technical specifications for the global delivery of digital media and broadcast services.

For further information on how to become a DVB Member contact Eva Markvoort in the DVB Project Office.
West Africa DVB-T2 Update

The turn of the year has seen DVB-T2 networks switched on in a number of West African countries, indicating that 2018 could be a landmark year for Free-To-Air digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the region.

The island nation of Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean launched a DVB-T2 network with HEVC video coding in December 2017 and was closely followed by the West African country of Benin. One advantage of launching DTT services somewhat later than other countries is the ability to jump straight to the most advanced and efficient video codec.

Also in December 2017, the DVB-T2 network in Burkina Faso had its official inauguration using MPEG-4. While in neighboring Niger the service is scheduled to be switched on this month.

Ghana has arguably the most well-established DTT service in West Africa, having started DVB-T2 broadcasts in June 2016. A full analog switch-off (ASO) has been postponed for technical reasons, but it seems likely that this aim will be achieved during 2018.

Other countries in the region with DVB-T2 services already on air include Cape Verde, Senegal, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire, with all four working towards ASO. Cape Verde, being by far the smallest of these four, is making fast progress and is likely to complete the process within the coming months.

In Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, the DVB-T2 network is being rolled out on a region-by-region basis. As in many African countries, the cost of set-top boxes is seen as a significant barrier to a speedy rollout. In Burkina Faso, the authorities have capped the price of set-top boxes at 10,000 FCFA (15 EUR) in an effort to encourage take-up.

DVB Members can obtain regularly updated information about the implementation of DTT globally in our DTT Implementation Status database. Another excellent source of information is the DVB-T2 LinkedIn Group, managed by Kenneth Wenzel (U-Media).

You can read an extend version of this article "Momentum gathers for DVB-T2 in West Africa" in the News section of the DVB website.
DVB Speakers' Corner

techUK Conference - VR and AR: Revolutionising Consumer Tech?
Date: 15 February 
Venue: techUK, 10 St Bride Street, London
David Word (EBU) will give a presentation titled "Why AR will be more successful than VR".

Broadcast Engineering Society (India) 24th International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting
Date: 26 - 28 February 
Venue: Pragati MaidanNew Delhi, India
Nick Wells, former DVB TM chair and a key figure in the development of DVB-T2 will give a presentation in the ' Evolving Trends in Television Transmission Technology' session titled "DVB's Roadmap for Terrestrial Transmission and IP Delivery" on 28 February at 14:30 - 16:00 .  

Speakers' Corner is a regular column of DVB Scene eNews that serves to let readers know where they can see DVB related presentations at the various conferences, seminars and events around the world. If you are a DVB Member speaking on a DVB topic at an upcoming event get in touch and let us know and we will publish it here.
Module Activities

26 January - CM-AVC - WebEx Telco.

31 January, 1 February - TM-AVC - WebEx Telco. Agenda will include discussion on coordination with ATSC .

1 February - TM-AVC - WebEx Telco.  Proposed audio codec for inclusion into DVB codec toolbox to be discussed. 
Please note that additional TM-AVC WebEx Telcos may be added to the schedule on short notice.
 
1 February - CM80 - London Heathrow, Marriott Hotel. The agenda will include reports and document approval requests from each of the sub-group chairs. A progress report on Targeted Advertising, an update on the CM-S (satellite) vision report and the Terms of Reference from a new group on internet-based TV delivery, called CM-I is expected.

6 February - ABR Multicast Focus Group - WebEx Telco. Agenda - TBA. 

7 February - PCM - EBU, Geneva. Agenda to include forward planning for 2018 promotional activity.

8, 22 February - CM-I - WebEx Telco. Agenda - TBA. 

13, 20 February - ABR Multicast Plenary - WebEx Telco. Agenda - TBA. 

20 February - CM-AVC - EBU, Geneva. There will be further progress to report on a DVB solution for HDR dynamic mapping / metadata, for enhancements to the existing DVB HDR specification. A review of the progress on the requirements for the broadcast delivery of Virtual Reality services and on the Study Mission on WiB (terrestrial wideband modulation).

20 February - TM-AVC - EBU Geneva. Agenda - TBA.

This listing is correct at the time of publication. Meeting participants should consult the DVB Meetings Calendar for up-to-date information.
Don't Miss Last Chance For Early Bird Registration For DVB World 2018

Early Bird registration for the DVB World 2018 Conference & Exhibition ends on 31 January . Take advantage of the special rate by registering before the closing date.

The conference program along with speaker information, Masterclass and hotel reservations can be found on the  DVB World 2018 website.

DVB World 2018 will take place in Warsaw on March 12 - 14, at the InterContinental Warsaw hotel, set in a landmark contemporary tower in the heart of the city and close to the Old Town.

DVB World is the must attend event of the calendar year for all those involved in digital media. The conference, which attracts key industry people from around the world, offers an unequaled opportunity to catch up on the latest developments and future opportunities as well as providing an excellent environment for networking.

DVB World offers a curated exhibition area adjacent to the main conference room. Also, DVB World sponsorship packages offer an excellent opportunity to promote your company.  For information on exhibition opportunities and details on the sponsorship offers, please contact   Desiree Gianetti.

DVB Members benefit from reduced rates for registration, exhibition space and sponsorship packages.

Save the date, 12 - 14 March. Network and be informed. Register Now.
Join DVB Today

With the changes taking place in viewing patterns and the technical challenges this trend presents there has never been a more important time to join DVB. Membership of DVB is open to all organizations involved in digital broadcasting and offers involvement in the development of DVB specifications across terrestrial, satellite, cable and IP delivery platforms.

Some of the key advantages of becoming a DVB Member are to:
  • Co-develop future specifications through technical proposals, IPR, Steering Board, etc.
  • Gain early view of specifications through DVB meetings, documents, email lists
  • Network with other DVB Members and industry partners at meetings and events
  • Promote DVB standards through workshops, seminars, conferences, trade shows
  • Promote your company and DVB products through DVB events, meetings and publications including DVB Scene and DVB Scene eNews
  • Discounts for Member delegates attending the annual DVB World conference.
In addition to the above benefits, DVB Members are also invited from time to time to contribute to the promotion of key DVB specifications, whether through trade shows, conferences or seminars. These opportunities can increase market awareness of your company and bring you to the forefront of your respective area of expertise.

For more information about joining DVB, contact  Eva Markvoort .

 


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