The DVB steering board has approved the commercial requirements for a second 3DTV delivery system. The board also approved part 3 of the complete suite of DVB-RCS2 specifications.
Termed ‘Service Compatible’, the second 3D TV delivery system is a solution required by content deliverers that enables the 2D and 3D versions of a programme to be broadcast within the same video signal, so that new 3D televisions and next-generation STBs can receive 3D programmes, while consumers with existing 2D HDTV receivers and set-top boxes can watch the 2D version. This 2D picture will probably be either the left or right image of the ‘stereo pair’.
In February 2011, the DVB steering board approved the specification for a first phase 3DTV delivery system. This system was developed for broadcasters and content deliverers needing a system that works with existing HDTV receivers, provided they are used with a 3D display. This approach, termed ‘Frame Compatible’, is now a principal system in use for 3DTV delivery throughout the world.
“Since 2009, the DVB leads the world in working on 3DTV delivery formats. The Frame Compatible system works very well and delivers good quality 3DTV, but there are DVB members who have other requirements for 3DTV delivery. The DVB exists to serve all its members, and it has therefore examined the options for meeting these extra needs” commented David Wood, Chairman of the DVB Commercial Module for 3DTV.
For convenience, this second approach is termed DVB-3DTV ‘Phase 2a’. The commercial requirements will shortly be available as a Blue Book on the DVB website.
Following the earlier approval of the first two parts of the DVB-RCS2 specifications for the second-generation DVB interactive satellite system, the 69th meeting of the DVB Steering Board has approved the third and final part of the DVB-RCS2 suite of specifications.
Part 3 addresses the higher layers for satellite specification (HLS) starting from the IP layer. Specifically, it addresses the use of virtual satellite networks, virtual satellite operators and network layer functions including Quality of Service, routing functions, IPv6 and various Network Interfaces. Thus, it complements the lower layers satellite (LLS) specification with the required higher layers. The section on management and control gives excellent guidelines for a satellite communications network management system and may be the basis for a specified solution for managing DVB interactive satellite networks.
Part 3 of the DVB-RCS2 suite of specific actions will now join the other two parts in the ETSI approval process. It is expected that the suite will be released by ETSI in January 2012 to complete the second-generation DVB Interactive Satellite System specifications.
The major benefits of the new specification include significantly increased satellite link performance, the option for much lower cost terminals and new markets, while even improving the already powerful flexibility of the first generation RCS system. It also forms an excellent basis for the extension for a second-generation mobile DVB-RCS.
