The DTG and its opposite number German TV Platform are to work together on the testing of equipment and content for Ultra HD.
Between them the two organisations represent broadcasters, TV platforms and CE manufacturers from across Europe.
The first so called ‘plugfests’ will take place in Berlin on December 8 and December 9, 2015 and will examine the delivery and support of High Dynamic Range (HDR), by connecting UHD displays and receivers together with sample content.
Simon Gauntlett, DTG Chief Technology Officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with the German TV Platform group to ensure that participating Ultra HD services continue to develop at the highest standards for consumers, and increasing our international collaboration on behalf of DTG members.
“Manufacturers who take part in the plugfests can now find out how their products will perform with emerging Ultra HD services in Europe’s two largest TV markets, but will only have to take part in one set of plugfests.”
Stephan Heimbecher, Sky Germany, Head of the Ultra HD Working Group and member of the board of directors of the German TV Platform, said: “After two successful UHD plugfests in Germany, we look forward to continue the series together with DTG colleagues from England. The merger of the activities around UHD should avoid duplication of efforts, in particular among manufacturers.
The DTG UK UHD Forum has conducted three Ultra HD Plugfests since December 2014, examining HDMI connectivity, HEVC format support, and HDCP interoperability. German TV Platform has conducted a similar programme since mid-2014.
UK UHD Forum members include the BBC, BT, LG, Freesat, Dolby, Sony and Sky – it is chaired by Andy Quested, Head of Technology BBC HD & UHD, and Sky’s Chief Engineer for Broadcast Strategy, Chris Johns.
The UK UHD plugfests have also enabled DTG Testing to establish the UK UHD Zoo, a collection of Ultra HD TVs and set-top boxes available to the industry for testing.
