DVB-T2 HD explained: All information on technology, devices and more

DVB-T2 HD brings full-HD on TV.


Better than satellite and cable


All information about DVB-T2 HD: For years, the use of satellite TV, cable and IPTV is constantly increasing. At least ten per cent of all Germans still watch TV via the DVB-T reception route, in particular inhabitants of metropolitan areas, where the installation of satellite dishes is difficult and no cable connection is available. One thing the terrestrial clientele, however, has so far been denied: television in high definition. From mid-2016 onwards, this will change gradually - with the start of the test operation of DVB-T2 HD.


Variety through HbbTV 2.0


A step which has long been necessary in technical terms. But how did it eventually come about? Veit Olischläger from the DVB-T2 HD initiative knows more: "The change is due to the reduction of the frequencies by the federal government and the desire for HD content on the part of the viewers." In the framework of the so-called Digital Dividend II radio frequencies for mobile Internet were re-arranged. Modernization is indispensable to preserve, but also to strengthen the terrestrial. "


It is also unavoidable that all relevant stations are on board. At the so-called Round Table, ARD, ZDF, the RTL Group and the ProSieben Sat.1 Group worked together with the Landesmedienanstalten to collect the specifications, ie the "Minimum Requirements" for T2 technology

Lesetipp: Interview on the launch of DVB-T2 HD


The result: In the combination of DVB-T2, as already used in Austria and the video encoding method HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), the program providers want to offer more channels than before via antenna - and this above all with clearly improved picture quality. "Media broadcast broadcasts are to be broadcast in 1080p50", explains Horst Indek, responsible engineer program spread of the RTL Group. "The advantage to the consumer is that they get a very high picture quality because, among other things, the video coding method HEVC used for 1080p50 is optimized, we want to bring the best picture and sound quality to the customer

Translated, this means that terrestrial users will even get a better picture quality than satellite and cable viewers. Because here HD is sent only in 720p, which owes primarily to the high bandwidths. Dr. Andreas Bereczky, Production Director of the ZDF, sees another advantage: "From the viewpoint of the audience, it is a way of spreading through which you can see a high number of programs at no extra cost." Without further costs, however, it should remain only from the point of view of public law.


The private broadcasters, on the other hand, will use the possibilities offered by the new technology to introduce a HD + pay model. Say: RTL, ProSieben and Co. will also be shown via antenna only for a fee.


At this point, however, the transmitter groups first push the platform operator's efforts. RTL man Indek told video only so much: "We assume that the monthly costs are with a medium single-digit euro amount." Klaus Steffens, Head of Technology Distribution at ProSiebenSat.1 Media commented similarly: Klaus Steffens, head of technology distribution at ProSiebenSat.1 Media said: "The platform operators have announced an access fee for the receipt of the private programs, but these charges do not relate to individual broadcasters Comparatively favorable price.


On the technical side the usage will work as with HD +, via a card via CI + module, which is simply plugged into the TV or receiver. The public-law parties, whose programs will continue to be free-to-air, are, of course, pursuing a different strategy and advocating low-price receivers. "Cost-effective means for me less than 50 euros," says ZDF production director Bereczky. "We hope that the industry will bring devices under this price to the market as a result of the high numbers of units." The official justification: "It would ensure the massiveness." The business model of the private TV stations would make the equipment more expensive, Bereczky said. "We would love if there were entry-level models that simply enable television in the metropolitan area, without internet connection and the like.


This would be exactly the highlight of the new antenna television, for example, in the interplay between HD channels and HbbTV. "DVB-T2 HD supports HbbTV from the outset", explains Thomas Schierbaum, spokesman for the Institute of Rundfunkunktechnik (IRT) in Munich. "During the launch phase of DVB-T2 HD from 2017, there is a very good opportunity to introduce receivers with the new HbbTV 2.0 standard in the American market, a similar effect has already had a positive effect on the success of HbbTV in the 2012 HD satellite switching the United States. " Schierbaum explains why this could be exciting: "HbbTV 2.0 offers a whole new set of new features: surfing the Internet with even higher picture resolutions up to the ultra high definition format (UHD), second screen support, improved subtitles and HTML5 applications. HbbTV 2.0 extends the range of services from the antenna to the Internet.


Lesetipp: DVB-T2 HD - advantages and disadvantages


For Schierbaum, however, there is another aspect to the successful future of terrestrial: "Media research shows that the use of DVB-T via a PC, laptop and other mobile devices is very relevant as a secondary reception path Mobile use in our society, the TV terrarium is given a higher priority by this unique setting. " Up to now, USB sticks and docks for laptops were available for this purpose. It is to be assumed that such accessories will also be available for the new standard.