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DTT : general technical points

François-Xavier Georgetin charge of technical affairs

Direction du Développement des Médias(fx.georget@ddmedias.pm.gouv.fr)

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Table

DTT : general overview?

Technical aspects

How marketing scenario is influencing technical points

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DTT general overview

Digitalization general trend in broadcasting better quality less expensive transmission more numerous services

What is DTT Digitalization of terrestrial hertzian waves

3 historical broadcasting transmission means terrestrial satellite cable

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Allocation of each transmission vector

Allocation different depending on each country broadcasting and industrial policy breakdown of the population

multi-equipment in households : One third of households with more than one TV receiver US and japan : about 3/4 UK : 37 % (24 % more than 3 )

For example France8%

6%

9%

5%

72%

Only terrestrial

Satellite & terrestrial

Satellite

Cable

Cable : only terrestrial channels

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DTT : essential to digitalization

In a country where terrestrial is a main mean of reception DTT is one (if not only ?) way to provide digital services to every body at large scale in short time

In completion of digital cable and satellite Reusing of analogical transmission sites feeling of simpleness to take benefit of: plug and play reusing of antenna

low cost of up grading 23 € each household vs 150 € for cable and satellite

adapted to local television (contrary to satellite)

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Basic technological aspects of DTT

spectral efficiency : 6 times more than analogical

spectrum planification with less constraints

isofrequency

transmitters : 20 times less powerful

portability & mobility

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Desavantages compares to cable and satellite

Still expensive transmission cost for one channel between 5 à 10 millions € a year for 80% of people in France (vs

80 anal.) 0,5 million € a year for satellite could be between 2 and 4 millions € for cable (but different model)

low bit rate available 6 mux 150 Mbit/s vs 1 Gbit/s for cable and for satellite

very low real interactivity

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Objectives pursuited with DTT

In France decision has been made :DTT has to be launched

To complete digital offer

To spread free TV offer

To stand for cultural diversity

To stand for consumer electronic industry

more efficient management of radio spectrum

in second term : switch off

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DTT : an old technology out of date ?

Recent controversy in France real problem for some people the heavy legally framework

DTT vs xDSL condition to be available for people business plan

real debate broadcasting network vs commuted networks MPEG 2 vs MPEG 4

Broadcasting lays on settled technology reliability cost for consumer

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Detailed technical aspects to be take into account

Spectrum management

transmitted signal specifications

reception antenna set up boxes

Workshop in France since 2002 National regulatory authority broadcasters industrialists

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Spectrum management

Planification switchover : analogical and digital avalability of spectrum international coordination to define objectives to be reached

what kind of coverage (macro / micro cellular) fix portability mobility

Consequences induced re-arrangment of analogical spectrum

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Signal specifications 1

DVB-T standardisation adopted at european level new electronic communication packages and standardisation scrambling algorithm

API new electronic communication packages and standardisation MHP

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Signal specifications 2

specific information transmitted list of channels name further information on programs

parental control epg

crossed information interoperability of set up boxes up-grading of set up boxes

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Reception

Transmitted is one thing, to be able to receive an other UK 1998

Antenna

collective antenna

Set up boxes

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Antenna

Antenna vs portability

2001 Simavelec study for France : individual household

Coût d'intervention par habitat individuel

68%11%

18% 3%0 F

< 140 €

< 275 €

< 380 €

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Collective antenna

Coût d'intervention par foyer

52%43%

5%

0 F

<140 €

<160 €

Portability must carry rules 2001 Simavelec study for France : collective antenna

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Set up boxes

Availability in reatil market Sp UK

price under 100 €

free to air vs pay TV

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Set up box specifications

Consumer elctronic industry set up boxes integrated digital TV

specific model for certain country extra functions

parental cost EPG

API

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Experimentations

Technical validation

live experiments before launching signal reception : portability compatibility with analogical channels compatibility with cable antenna set up boxes

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Switch off

goal to be reached within reasonnable terms

marketing success

turn over of TV : 10 % a year

continuity of services

different steps

simulcasting

specific helps : compliance with european law as technological neutrality

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Conclusions

Under estimation

real steeple chase with heavy consequences UK SP

Credibility of DTT in a network world Emily ’s aunt ’s reception mean

Big influence of business plan free to air pay TV

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THE END