DVB 3D TV Kick-Off Workshop
(21 December 2009)

Over the past year DVB has been closely studying the various aspects of (potential) 3D-TV solutions. A Technical Module Study Mission report was recently finalized, leading to the formal creation of the TM-3DTV group. A 3D-TV Commercial Module has now also been created to go back to the first step of the DVB process: what kind of 3D-TV solution does the market want and need, and how can DVB play an active part in the creation of that solution? To start answering some of these questions, the CM-3DTV group will host a DVB 3D TV Kick-off Workshop in Geneva on January 25th.

DVB World 2010 Programme Published
(10 December 2009)

The DVB World 2010 Conference brings us to the Portuguese city of Lisbon from March 8 to 10. The programme for DVB World has been published and you can now register for the event. Highlights of the programme include topics such as 3D TV, Hybrid TV, roll-out and implementation of the second generation of DVB broadcasting standards, mobile TV developments and much more. For more details on the programme, how to register, or how to book a booth, please visit: www.dvbworld.org

DVB-SCENE 32 Published
(1 December 2009)

Issue 32 of DVB-SCENE, the quarterly magazine of the DVB Project, is now available. Articles include: Phil Laven on the digital dividend, updates on 3D TV, Open Internet TV, DTT in Indonesia, an Asia update by John Bigeni and finally three articles on set-top boxes by an all-female DVB cast.

DVB-NGH Call for Technologies
(25 November 2009)

DVB has launched a Call for Technologies for a Next Generation Handheld standard. The call is issued to industry, and responses are required by February 26th 2010. This call is intended to invite technology inputs that would facilitate an appropriate NGH physical layer on which a successful full NGH system could be built.

DVB World 2010
(23 October 2009)

Attracting more than 200 delegates from around the world, DVB World has become the biggest annual gathering dedicated to DVB standards, services and technology, representing both DVB member companies and non-members. DVB World 2010 will take place in Lisbon from March 8th to 10th and will cover topics such the second-generation DVB standards, 3D TV, hybrid broadcast broadband, international DVB deployments, next-generation mobile TV and many other DVB related topics. You are invited to submit your proposals for presentations until October 30th.

Latest issue of DVB-SCENE published
(31 August 2009)

Issue 31 of DVB-SCENE is now available for download. Articles include: DVB-T2 in the UK, ASO in Europe, Refactoring of GEM and MHP, Hybrid Broadcast/Broadband and multiple viewers, Revival of the DVB Measurement Group and the DVB-T Early Warning System. The usual columns include MPEG2 & MPEG4 in "Moore Analysis", Klaus Illgner and the Digital Dividend in "In My Opinion" and a wide range of new products in "Marketwatch".

DVB Services goes live
(31 August 2009)

Last month the DVB Services Sarl website was launched. This new website will provide improved service to both members and non-members for using the DVB Trademark and for applying for DVB Service Information (SI) Identifiers. Through the new website an organisation can become an authorized user of the DVB trademark, which will allow them to use the DVB logo for all their products based on DVB standards. In addition the new website makes it much easier to register for DVB SI Identifiers.

Russia to launch DVB-H services
(26 August 2009)

Russia has finalized plans to launch DVB-H services in Moscow by the end of 2009. Kommersant reports that the country’s State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GKRCH) has given the go-ahead for subsidiaries of three operators – Sistema, Vimpelcom and Skartela – to launch DVB-H services in Moscow by the end of the year. Until the end of the year, they will operate on a trial basis and offer eight channels free of charge. These have already been selected, according to an earlier Presidential Decree, as the main TV channels currently available in Russia, plus new youths and children’s channels.

DVB-C2 Implementers Seminar at IFA
(6 August 2009)

DVB, ANGA and the ReDeSign Project kindly invite you to participate in the DVB-C2 implementers' seminar, 8 September 2009 in Berlin. The event will be held at IFA, in Hall 5.3 of the Messe Berlin, Germany. The seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of all implementation aspects of the new DVB-C2 transmission standard for cable networks. Speakers from silicon manufacturers, professional and consumer equipment supplier, and cable operators will address the details of the specification, and discuss commercial implementation and roll- out in cable markets.

DVB-T Launched in Israel
(4 August 2009)

On August 2nd, 2009 the new IDAN Plus DVB-T service was launched in Israel. This nationwide free-to-air service offers one multiplex with 5 channels including: IBA 1, IBA 33, Channel 2, Channel 10 and the Knesset Channel. The system offers MPEG-4 video, a 7 day EPG and HD support. Even though HD channels are not yet aired, IDAN Plus requires users to have an HD compatible set-top box to be fully future-proof

DVB Completes Major Refactoring Work of GEM and MHP Specifications
(23 June 2009)

The DVB continues to support the GEM and the DVB-MHP Specifications with major work to align the specifications in a more cohesive, clear and organised fashion in order to better facilitate companies wishing to implement the DVB open standard middleware. The purpose of the re-factoring was to change the order of referencing between MHP and GEM.

DVB at BroadcastAsia 2009
(10 June 2009)

DVB will again be present at the BroadcastAsia tradeshow at the Singapore Expo from June 16th to June 19th 2009. This year DVB will showcase DVB-T in combination with HD, DVB-T reception on mobile devices and a hybrid DVB-T / DVB-IPTV scenario.

Latest issue of DVB-SCENE published
(27 May 2009)

The latest issue of DVB-SCENE magazine is now available for download. This edition includes articles on 3D TV, Quality of Service in Home Networks, and Signalling for Interactive Services. There's also an update on the latest revision of the guidelines for audio and video coding, a report on DTT services in New Zealand, an overview of the new DTG D-Book, and a view on the standardisation processes for IPTV and Internet TV.

Internet TV questionnaire - reply deadline extended until July 3, 2009
(25 May 2009)

DVB has released a questionnaire that aims to collect information on technologies, services and solutions in the scope of Internet TV Content Delivery. Both members and non-members of the DVB Project are invited to respond.

Panama adopts DVB-T
(19 May 2009)

In a press release issued today, DVB welcomed last week's adoption of DVB-T by Panama. Similar decisions were made by Uruguay and Colombia in the last two years, with all three countries citing the flexibility of the standard and its widespread deployment as key factors. Services are due to start in Panama within eighteen months.

First DVB-T2 "Plug Fest" successfully completed
(18 March 2009)

Last week saw the successful conclusion of the first DVB-T2 Plug Fest at the RAI Research Labs in Turin. A number of companies came together for the first time to test the interoperability of their modulators and demodulators as part of the on-going DVB-T2 Verification and Validation work.

DVB World 2009 opens in Berlin
(8 March 2009)

DVB World 2009 opens in Berlin this week. The annual conference of the DVB Project brings together more than 200 delegates from around the world for three days of presentations and discussions covering the latest developments in digital broadcasting. The event runs from Monday until Wednesday at the Berliner Congress Center on Alexanderplatz.

Next Generation RCS Call for Technologies released
(29 January 2009)

DVB has today released a Call for Technologies inviting the submission of candidate technologies that could be considered for inclusion in a future DVB interactive satellite communications system.

DVB-T2: SISVEL Announces Development of a Joint Patent Licensing Program and Issues a Call for Essential Patents
(28 January 2009)

A press release issued today by SISVEL announces that it will act as the facilitator for the formation of a joint patent licensing programme for DVB-T2. It has issued a call for essential patents in DVB's second generation terrestrial transmission system, due to be published by ETSI in the coming months.

Latin American and Caribbean countries take first steps towards regional DTT forum
(9 December 2008)

Latin American and Caribbean countries gathered in Ecuador last week to discuss the possibility of taking a regional approach towards adopting a digital terrestrial television standard. DVB was pleased to be present with a delegation promoting the DVB-T system.

DVB at Broadband World Forum Europe
(30 September 2008)

The DVB stand at Broadband World Forum Europe is hosting a number of important technology demonstrations that highlight the latest developments in the standardisation work being carried out by DVB to achieve interoperability, stimulate growth and enable greater economies of scale for IPTV.

DVB-T licensing passes to SISVEL
(30 August 2008)

The administration of the DVB-T patent pool, previously handled by MPEG LA, has been taken over by SISVEL. There will be no change in the licensing terms.

Colombia adopts DVB-T
(29 August 2008)

In a press release issued today, the DVB Project welcomes yesterday's announcement by the National Television Commission in Colombia that DVB-T is to be adopted as the country's digital terrestrial television standard. The decision follows two years of in-depth study of the different systems proposed, with Colombia reaching a similar conclusion to that reached by Uruguay last year - that DVB-T is the system that best matches its requirements.

S2 Licensing formally launches DVB-S2 patent licensing campaign
(26 August 2008)

Following an initial announcement last December of the proposed licensing terms for essential technology patents in DVB-S2, the patent holders are now making licenses available through a company called S2 Licensing.

DVB Steering Board ratifies DVB-T2 specification for second generation DTT Transmission
(30 June 2008)

A DVB press release issued today confirms the approval last week of the new DVB-T2 specification. The specification, which will now be sent to ETSI for publication as a formal standard, promises 30% to 50% increase in capacity over DVB-T in equivalent reception conditions. It is available for download as a DVB BlueBook.

DVB elects new Chairman
(30 June 2008)

At the 58th meeting of its Steering Board last week, the DVB Project elected Phil Laven as its new Chairman. He succeeds Theo Peek, who had been in the position for the previous 12 years.

Via Licensing removes MHP royalty for FTA broadcasters
(13 June 2008)

The DVB Project has received a letter from Via Licensing indicating that free-to-air broadcasters will no longer be required to pay patent royalties.

6MHz HDTV services launched on DVB-T network in Taiwan
(20 May 2008)

HiHD is the name of a new DVB-T high definition service launched in Taiwan today. An inaugural address from the President marked the start of the new venture, with several major sporting events scheduled to be covered as the service is fully rolled out over the next three years.

CITEL includes DVB standards in DTT Implementation Guidelines for the Americas
(6 May 2008)

CITEL, the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission for the Americas, has decided to include both DVB-T and DVB-H as official standards in its Implementation Guidelines for digital terrestrial television. The decision follows last year's adoption of the DVB standards by Uruguay and provides further valuable information to other countries in the process of selecting a DTT system.

Patent holders reach agreement on royalty rates for DVB-H patent pool
(31 March 2008)

Patent management company Sisvel has announced the establishment of a joint licensing program for patents essential to the implementation of DVB-H. A summary of proposed royalty rates indicates a sliding scale from EUR 0.70 down to EUR 0.20, on a per-unit basis, with a further percentage reduction offered in each of the next four years to encourage early adoption. Companies participating in the discussions include France Telecom, LG Electronics, Nokia, Samsung Electronics, TB Invent and TDF.

Commissioner Reding delivers Keynote Address at DVB World 2008
(12 March 2008)

DVB World 2008 opened in Budapest today with a keynote address from Commissioner Viviane Reding. In her presentation she stressed her belief that the EU, its Member States and the members of the DVB Project need to work together to promote open technologies.

DVB fosters licensing programme for CPCM technology
(25 February 2008)

In a press release issued today, the DVB Project has announced that it is fostering the formation of a licensing programme covering DVB-CPCM technology. The next meeting of those holding patents will take place on the fringes of DVB World 2008 in Budapest on March 12.

DVB-C2 "Call for Technologies" released
(18 February 2008)

The issue of a Call for Technologies is a key step in the development of the next generation standard for transmission over cable networks.

EU Commissioner to Keynote DVB World 2008
(14 January 2008)

Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, will present the Keynote Address at DVB World 2008 in Budapest (12-14 March). The conference will include sessions on content management, middleware, new broadcast distribution technologies (including DVB-T2) and the combination of TV and Internet Protocol.

More than 2 million 6MHz DVB-T receivers with NTSC output now deployed in Taiwan
(12 December 2007)

The most recent figures from the Taiwan DTV Committee indicate that sales of DVB-T receivers have now passed the 2 million mark in that country. Whilst this reflects the success of DVB-T deployments around the world, Taiwan is particularly significant for having chosen to adopt the DVB-T system for digital terrestrial television in an environment where the NTSC system is used for analogue television, with 6MHz channel bandwidths.

MHP patent pool experience prompts DVB to reinforce IPR policy
(29 November 2007)

In a press release issued today, the DVB Project announces some new measures to reinforce its Intellectual Property Rights policy. Click the headline above to read the release or download the PDF.

December 2007 issue of DVB-Scene now available
(26 November 2007)

The latest edition of DVB-Scene magazine welcomes Uruguay to the DVB family with an article from the government minister who oversaw the recent decision to adopt DVB-T and DVB-H in that country. It also includes a thought-provoking opinion piece from David Wood (EBU) on the allocation of UHF spectrum, a report on DVB-RCT trials in Canada and an update on the recent launch of DVB-T services in Norway. The PDF version is now available for download.

SISVEL announces development of a DVB-H Patent Pool
(15 October 2007)

SISVEL, a patent management company based in Italy, has announced that it is acting as the facilitator for the formation of a joint patent licensing program for DVB-H. A call for patents has been issued.

DVB presents key demonstrations at IBC'07
(6 September 2007)

The annual IBC exhibition and conference takes place in Amsterdam this week, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. As usual the DVB Project has a pavilion at the exhibition with demonstrations this year focusing on DVB-IPTV, DVB-CPCM and DVB-SH.

Uruguay adopts DVB-T and DVB-H
(31 August 2007)

A Presidential Decree signed on August 27th declared that, following a year of evaluating the available systems, Uruguay has decided to adopt the DVB-T and DVB-H standards as the basis of its digital terrestrial TV. Uruguay has thus become the first country in Latin America to join the growing list of countries using DVB-T. In 2006 Brazil decided to develop a variation of the ISDB-T standard used only in Japan.

Technical demonstration of DVB-T in Venezuela
(18 July 2007)

The start of the Copa América tournament in Caracas offered an opportunity for a demonstration of the technical capabilities of DVB-T and MHP.

World's first DVB-SH Technical Pilot
(10 July 2007)

Alcatel-Lucent and SFR have announced the world's first large scale technical trial of DVB-SH technology in the South-West of France. The test, for which pre-commercial receivers from Samsung Electronics and Sagem are used, emulates the satellite part of the signal through the use of a high altitude helicopter perceived as a fixed point.

Mobile TV now available to consumers in Finland
(22 May 2007)

Finland has become the third country where consumers have access to mobile TV services based on DVB-H. Earlier this month a number of commercial terrestrial free-to-air services were added to the Digita platform and receivers became available to consumers for the first time.

DVB-T2 Commercial Requirements and Call for Technologies released
(17 April 2007)

DVB has announced the simultaneous publication of the Commercial Requirements for DVB-T2 and a Call for Technologies for the next generation terrestrial television specification.

ASEAN broadcasters push for common adoption of DVB-T
(4 April 2007)

Broadcasters from the ten nations that make up Southeast Asia have agreed to recommend the adoption of DVB-T to their respective governments.

DVB-T adopted in Malaysia
(28 March 2007)

Malaysia has joined other Southeast Asian nations Singapore, Vietnam and Myanmar in adopting the DVB-T standard for digital terrestrial broadcasting. With governments in the region, which has a population of more than 500 million, considering the adoption of a common standard, the announcement in Malaysia is a further confirmation of the status of DVB-T as the world's leading system for digital terrestrial TV.

DVB approves DVB-SH specification
(14 February 2007)

The DVB Project has today announced the approval by its Steering Board of the DVB-SH specification for the delivery of IP based media content and data to handheld receivers via satellite. Click on the headline above for the full announcement.