Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), an industry consortium focused on technical standards, has set new terms of reference for the new DVB CM-I group for DVB-I (internet) and is pushing ahead with an initiative to explore the commercial requirements for standalone linear TV services delivered over broadband.
DVB is aiming to deliver linear TV channel experiences similar to services delivered over dedicated access networks like SVB-S/C/T or IPTV, but over IP-based infrastructures without any noticeable differences to the end user. CM-I will initially focus on collection of relevant commercial and technical requirements “in order to provide a user perception of a linear TV channel that can be discovered and consumed over the open internet and by regular TV equipment and user interfaces.”
DVB-I will also look to capitalize on commonalities with existing DVB specifications.
“With hybrid services, OTT and online distribution growing in importance, DVB is applying its expertise and know-how in this all-important domain,” DVB Chairman Peter MacAvock said in a statement. “DVB-I will complement the current DVB standards that form the basis of the way consumers watch TV today.”
Thomas Stockhammer, technical standards director of Qualcomm Technologies, will chair the group, with TP Vision’s Peter Lanigan as vice chair.
“DVB-I is expected to provide internet TV enablers for the highest-quality DVB TV experiences across different consumption devices, from traditional big-screen TVs to nontraditional devices such as phones, tablets and laptops,” Stockhammer said. “We envisage harmonizing internet TV experiences with consistent specifications and hence, provide long-term confidence to consumers and the ecosystem. It feels now is the right time and DVB is in the right place – join us in our efforts.”
The group said it’s coordinating with other organizations including HbbTv and 3GPP, to create a horizontal framework for TV services that addresses changing viewing and consumption habits.