The first trial of the satellite-delivered DVB-SH mobile TV technology is getting underway in Torino, Italy. It is being overseen by RAI Technological Strategies Dept, Raiway SpA and RAI Research and Technology Innovation Centre and is based on Alcatel-Lucent’s Unlimited Mobile TV solution that blends low and medium power transmitters.
Alcatel Lucent will provide the DVB-SH equipment, network planning, network integration and technical support. The company’s low power repeaters will be co-located with existing cellular sites from local operator 3 Italia, allowing for indoor coverage in the city centre, while broadcast towers belonging to RAI and Raiway will complete the outdoor footprint.
The first phase of the trial will run to March 2008 and will validate the ability of the system to make available a wide number of channels in a variety of usage conditions. The second phase of the trial will see a high altitude helicopter emulate the role of the satellite before an actual operator is brought on board.
SES and Eutelsat have already agreed to co-operate in the DVB-SH arena.
