German transmitter network operator Media Broadcast has launched a large-scale trial to evaluate digital terrestrial TV distribution system DVB-T2 in combination with the new compression standard HEVC/H.265 in Berlin.
The major German public and commercial broadcasters, industry associations and hardware manufacturers are partners of the 18-month test run. The trial will provide the hardware industry with a test environment to develop and test reception devices, both for stationary and mobile use.
As part of the project, Media Broadcast also wants to evaluate possible specifications and scenarios for the transition from the currently used DVB-T system to successor DVB-T2 which is planned to commence in June 2016.
The trial is supported by ARD, ZDF, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1, ARTE, Samsung, Sony, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Loewe, Humax, TechniSat, Rohde & Schwarz, Sagemcom, Funke and Broadcom as well as industry associations Deutsche TV-Plattform, VPRT, DVB and ZVEI.
The test signals are broadcast on DTT channel 42 from transmitter sites Alexanderplatz and Schäferberg with 50 kW ERP each. Data rates between 18 and 28Mpbs are achieved in the multiplex enabling distribution of up to seven HD channels.
The multiplex will contain both free-to-air and encrypted channels as well as Media Broadcast’s hybrid TV service multithek.
Another DVB-T2 trial which is coordinated with the project in Berlin is undertaken by German broadcast technology institute IRT in conjunction with ARD’s Bavarian affiliate BR in Munich.
