❝ In the medium to long term , a successful [ digital ] transition will require the ability to implement flexible video processing systems , distribution networks and operational processes that can support this changing environment .❞
❝ The terrestrial network should have good coverage to allow broadcasters to reach the mass population , especially in large cities where consistent indoor coverage is required as it will effectively target small receiving devices .❞
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❝ In the medium to long term , a successful [ digital ] transition will require the ability to implement flexible video processing systems , distribution networks and operational processes that can support this changing environment .❞
— James Chance , Regional Manager , Asia-Pacific , Bridge Technologies
Beaudouin adds : “ HE-MPEG-2 enables broadcasters to increase their mux density by 30 % without compromising video quality , or maintain their current line-up while reducing the mux bitrate to enable operators [ in the US ] to join the Federal Communications Commission reverse auction bid .”
In Asia , the speed of digital transition reflects each country ’ s specific economic situation , political rationale and goals , resulting in different business models , operational designs and technical solutions required by each operator .
While the DSO may be largely driven by frequency re-allocation , broadcasters will also be able to provide more services , such as higher resolution video , more interactive services , new pay-per-view platforms , and be presented with more choices to create and program multiple digital sub-channels .
James Chance , regional manager , Asia-Pacific , Bridge Technologies , says : “ While a primary goal of every broadcaster in the region will thus be to maintain and encourage the use of DTT broadcast services to their large markets , a secondary goal will be one of flexibility .
“ In the medium to long term , a successful transition will require the ability to implement flexible video processing systems , distribution networks and operational processes that can support this changing environment .”
Despite the maturity and availability of over-the-air terrestrial technologies , standards and products , some countries are unconvinced with adopting current DTT technologies — preferring to instead wait for the next-generation transmission technology or standard .
This , according to the ABU ’ s Dr Amal , is one of the key factors that is hindering the DTT transition in Asia . Other considerations include the lack of commitment from governments , less demand for DTT from audiences due to alternative media access methods , and lack of corporation among stakeholders .
To speed up the transition , Dr Amal recommends that broadcasters collaborate and work on a practical plan in rolling out a successful digital migration . He continues : “ The ABU has prepared a digital strategy and assistance to its members to achieve a successful transition within a reasonable time . In collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ), the ABU has also conducted workshops and training programmes to educate and share migration experiences .
“ Broadcasters who are in the midst of , or are planning for , the transition can also learn from the experiences of those who have successfully completed the digital migration .”
Acknowledging the importance of advanced planning , Rich Redmond , chief product officer at GatesAir , highlights that this will allow broadcasters to roll out the digital transition in an “ organised and timely manner ”, as network site selection is required to leverage single-frequency network ( SFN ) capabilities . Besides offering optimal use of spectrum and ensuring even coverage in advanced systems such as ATSC3.0 , SFN also has the ability to target and localise content , says Richmond .
With enhanced DTV standards such as DVB-T2 and ATSC 3.0 now offering more improvements over preceding DTT standards , Redmond is confident that the Asia-Pacific region is in an “ excellent position ” to take advantage of these enhancements . One such improvement is the development of HEVC / H . 265 , which is capable of delivering higher picture quality at lower data rates .
He concludes : “ Deploying systems that deliver content to consumers when and where they want to view is key . Broadcasters should therefore look for products that offer simple upgradeability via software , optimise energy effi ciency , and offer modular designs that are simple to implement and maintain .
“ Apart from this , the terrestrial network should have good coverage to ensure that broadcasters are able to reach the mass population , especially in large cities where proper design is required to ensure consistent indoor coverage , which will effectively target small receiving devices .”
Moving forward , when broadcasters have completed the DTT transition , they could potentially exploit the benefits of digital to improve the viewing experience , and the quality of experience ( QoE ) of the medium that they are delivering .
To improve the QoE , quality and performance monitoring would be key operational processes , as it encourages viewer numbers and develop operational flexibility ,
❝ The terrestrial network should have good coverage to allow broadcasters to reach the mass population , especially in large cities where consistent indoor coverage is required as it will effectively target small receiving devices .❞
— Rich Redmond , Chief Product Officer , GatesAir says Bridge Technologies ’ Chance . With an optimised monitoring solution , broadcasters would be able to have access to key measures of an audience ’ s QoE , thus ensuring viewers ’ confidence in a video service operator , its content and the social , political and business messages contained therein .
Chance continues : “ It ’ s not just about ensuring operational efficiencies , but also enabling the productivities and creativities necessary for engineers to continually design and redesign their architecture to meet changing requirements , and introduce services to support new devices , new viewer interface technologies or distribution mechanisms .”
Going digital will also allow broadcasters to fully derive the benefits of emerging technologies , including high dynamic range ( HDR ), which can be potentially incorporated into digital workflows to build an enhanced viewing experience .
Having initiated efforts to encourage the embrace of IP for live media productions in Asia , the ABU will also continue its efforts to allow broadcasters to understand in more details the cost benefit IP may bring to live productions .
Dr Amal concludes : “ Globally , broadcasters are addressing the issue of interoperability and developing open standards for IP connectivity in live studio environments . In 2017 , we could observe some broadcasters introducing IP in their infrastructure alongside SDI . This hybrid operation will mature with the acceptance of open standards in the live IP environment .”
NEC supports PTNI ’ s DTT transmission
NEC Corporation has signed a contract with the Philippines ’ People ’ s Television Network ( PTNI ) to provide support for the introduction of digital terrestrial TV transmitters and compress multiplexers across six locations in the Philippines .
Scheduled for completion by this July across Manila , Baguio , Naga , Guimaras ,
Cebu and Davao , NEC will be responsible for the provision and installation of the transmitters and multiplexers , as well as the training of personnel for PTNI .
Elizabeth Pangan , president of NEC Philip pines , said : “ NEC is proud to be working with PTNI to expand the delivery of high-quality broadcasting to a larger
Dino Apolonio ( left ), general manager , People ’ s Television Network , and Elizabeth Pangan , president , NEC Philippines , at the contract signing ceremony to announce NEC supplying , delivering and commissioning ISDB-T transmitters and headend system for the Philippines TV network . audience in the Philippines . As part of NEC ’ s focus on providing ‘ Solutions for Society ’, this equipment will ensure that broadcasting and access to information is reliably maintained , especially during times of emergency , such as when powerful storms strike the region .”
The Philippines announced the adoption of the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Technologies ( ISDB-T ) standard in November 2013 .