There are milestone events in the progress of digital broadcast and one of these moments was the recent publication of a new version of the ETSI TS 101 154 specification by DVB ( Digital Video Broadcasting ).

This specification will open up a new world of user experience by going beyond the current limitations in frame rates and contrast ratio . The new DVB specification defines how to use the UHD Phase 2 features — high dynamic range ( HDR ), high frame rates ( HFR ) and next-generation audio ( NGA ) — in a DVB broadcast environment . In combination with the already published UHD Phase 1 features , 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) and wider colour space , this will result in a quantum leap in video and audio performance .

With the new specification , the TV experience exceeds the capabilities of the human eye . Therefore , as long as we continue to use flat-panel displays , I would not expect to see any further improvements forthcoming .

The new TS 101 154 specification allows the industry to offer “ True UHD ”, which is more than just an increase in resolution . Some claim that the new features are even more important than 4K / UHD resolution , as the user benefits are not dependent on how far the viewer sits from the screen .

The consumer electronics industry is going full speed ahead by providing a wide range of 4K / UHD HDR TVs . Unfortunately , not all TVs on the market fulfil the promise of “ True UHD ”. The user is confronted with a wide range of confusing labels such as HDRcompatible , which means a standard panel without any extra performance .

In addition , we have to wait for “ True UHD ” content . The broadcast industry still needs to understand the full potential of the new features . This may take some time , but I am convinced that the consumer electronics industry and content providers will get their acts together . Nevertheless , we should be prepared for a lengthy transition period . DVB provided the standards for HDTV more than 10 years ago , and still the majority of TV channels in the Asian region are SD !

Having reached the milestone of “ True UHD ”, does this mean that we are at the end of innovation for broadcast technology ?

Surely not ! All over the world , researchers are investigating the promises ( and limitations ) of virtual reality ( VR ). Furthermore , NHK in Japan is making a serious effort to bring holography into broadcast homes .

DVB is following these new trends with great interest . There are quite a few DVB members who firmly believe that VR can

How will broadcast look like in 30 years ? I am convinced that we will still sit in front of our nice big TV screen , mesmerised by the quality of “ True UHD ” content ... It remains that even with all [ the ] marvellous technologies on the horizon , it is obvious that in the end , people just want ease-of-use and good programmes .

play an important role in broadcast . Consequently , DVB set up a working group to analyse the potential of VR in broadcast .

Taking it a step further , a VR Commercial Module Group has now been formed to identify the commercial requirements for the technology in the broadcast realm .

In addition , there are a number of new work items on the agenda , one of which is looking into a new terrestrial broadcast architecture based on the WiB ( Wideband reuse-1 ) concept that proposes a frequency reuse factor of one . This could lead to a completely new approach on how to increase the overall spectral effi ciency for digital terrestrial television ( DTT ) networks .

Another important area for DVB is IPbased delivery of broadcast content . DVB has started the technical work on ABR Multicast , which will bring multicast scalability to the over-the-top ( OTT ) delivery of live content .

So how will broadcast look like in 30 years ? I am convinced that we will still sit in front of our nice big TV screen , mesmerised by the quality of “ True UHD ” content . We may also enjoy the content on portable devices in the home , where the broadcast content is redistributed inside the home over an in-home network . Compared to today , thanks to the efficiency gains of multicast , more content will be delivered over IP broadband connections .

However , the main delivery mechanisms will still be satellite , cable and terrestrial . It remains that even with all these marvellous technologies on the horizon , it is obvious that in the end , people just want ease-of-use and good programmes .

AT G & D , WE DON ’ T JUST BUILD THE BEST KVM SYSTEMS . BY WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER , WE ’ LL BUILD THE BEST SYSTEM FOR YOU .

To us , it ’ s not enough to have an unmatched reputation for reliability , usability and performance .

Or to be an ISO 9001 certified company with the most comprehensive product range in the industry .

Or even to be continually developing innovations such as our compression algorithm that delivers the highest video quality whilst ensuring latencyfree operation .

www . gdsys . de

G & D AT BROADCAST ASIA

STAND 4R2-05

Our overriding aim is to put together a KVM system tailor-made to your needs .

This involves exceptional levels of consultation from the outset – and exhaustive attention to detail during and after construction .

Investing in a G & D system will provide your business with tangible advantages now and into the future .

Let ’ s make that first connection . Contact us today .