Johann Mika, Chief Innovation Officer at ORS Group, talks about the latest developments and future prospects in 5G Broadcast. Deutsch
Mr Mika, the ORS Group and Ateme recently announced the world’s first test of an IP-based StatMux via 5G Broadcast. What exactly does this mean for 5G broadcast technology?
The trial is a big step forward for 5G Broadcast. For the first time, we have integrated statistical multiplexing, StatMux for short, into an IP-based environment operating over 5G Broadcast. With this technology, we can significantly increase capacity for live streaming services by transmitting multiple services in the same frequency band without compromising video quality.
StatMux will also be on display at IBC in Amsterdam this week. Can you tell us more about the technology?
We used NextGen StatMux technology from Ateme, a world leader in video compression and transmission solutions. This technology has been developed specifically for the latest broadcast standards from 3GPP, DVB and ATSC and enables the transition from a traditional transport stream environment to an IP-based environment. During our test in Vienna, we successfully integrated this technology into our 5G Broadcast platform Nakolos and were able to demonstrate the transmission and reception of a multiplex of five different TV channels.
Why is this step so important for the 5G Broadcast market?
5G Broadcast is an innovative technology to enable linear television on mobile devices. The challenge for broadcasters is to utilize the limited bandwidth efficiently – especially in the UHF channels reserved for terrestrial TV. StatMux technology is crucial here, as it enables an increase in efficiency of up to 20 per cent compared to existing solutions and allows an additional TV channels to be provided in the same UHF channel.
What impact could this development have on the future business models of broadcasting network operators?
The test has shown that spectrum efficiency can be increased through the use of 5G Broadcast. This could be crucial for the future of broadcast network operators that rely on 5G Broadcast. It will allow them to offer a wider range of services with optimized quality of experience. We are excited about the results and look forward to further testing and developing this innovative solution together with Ateme.
The European 5G Broadcast Task Force recently released a new 5G Broadcast Receiver Profile for review. What does this step mean for the introduction of 5G Broadcast in Europe?
This is another milestone for 5G Broadcast technology in Europe. The new receiver profile will help organizations across the broadcast ecosystem to prepare for the introduction of 5G Broadcast services. It ensures that the technical requirements for end devices such as smartphones are standardized to ensure compatibility across Europe. A standardized receiver profile makes it easier for chipset and device manufacturers to support this technology and integrate it into their development plans. It enables a sustainable business model for broadcasters and broadcast network operators and is the basis for a successful market launch.
What role does ORS Group play in this initiative?
ORS Group is part of the European working group consisting of members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE). Together with other leading broadcasters and infrastructure operators from France, Italy and Germany, we worked on the development of this receiver profile. Our role was to contribute our expertise in 5G Broadcast and our experience from the ongoing trials in Vienna and other European cities.
What are the next steps now that the receiver profile has been submitted to the 5G MAG?
The profile is now being reviewed and commented on by the European broadcasting industry. Our aim is to include the profile in the next version of the ETSI specification to clearly communicate the European requirements and encourage manufacturers to integrate the profile into their products. This will pave the way for the introduction of 5G Broadcast-enabled devices to the market.
What benefits does this technology offer the end user?
Users can watch their favorite shows on the go at any time without having to worry about network coverage or data costs. By standardizing the requirements, we can ensure that the end devices work smoothly in all European countries.
How do you see the future for 5G Broadcast in Europe?
The future is very promising. We expect 5G Broadcast to go ‘on-air’ in 5 major cities in Italy in 2025, which will further accelerate the development. With the support of the entire industry, 5G Broadcast will soon be widely accepted.
Further information
At IBC 2024, Johann Mika will participate in a round-table discussion on ‘5G Broadcast Implementation’ as part of the IEEE BTS panel, where industry leaders will discuss the status of implementation and the potential of 5G Broadcast in different regions and ecosystems.
WHEN: Saturday, 14 September 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
WHERE: IBC 2024 I Main IBC Conference I Conference Centre, Room E102
Visit ORS Group and Nakolos at their booths at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam
WHEN: 13-16 September 2024
WHERE: ORS Group und Insys Video Technologies:
Booth 5.H97, Hall 5 – Content Everywhere
Nakolos:
Booth 7.P46, transition between Hall 7 and Hall 8
