MHEG-5 and its new features in DVB networks worldwide25th February 2008David CuttsManaging Director Strategy & Technology Founder member of IMPALA

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Strategy & TechnologyIndependent companyOffices in London, Bristol, Denver, Hong KongWorks largely in digital interactive TVSupplies RedkeyTM MHEG-5 engines to receiver manufacturersLeads MHEG-5 specification activity in DTG/ETSISupplies MHEG-5 applications and playout equipment (Object Carousels)Carousel equipment also used in MHP and in US OCAP rollout in US CableCustomers include RAI in Italy (MHP), Time Warner Cable in US (OCAP), RTM Malaysia, Taiwan TV (for MHP trials)

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

The International MHEG Promotion Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation whose principal aim is to promote the use of the MHEG-5 international standard in digital TV worldwide. For more information see www.impala.org. Founder members of Impala are S&T, Echostar Europe and Cabot CommunicationsSupporters include Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, NZ Freeview, Finlux, Hitachi, TopUpTV, TVonics and Zinwell

IMPALA promotes. Its members compete.

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Why specify interactive TV?For maximum benefit from digital TV (for both viewers and broadcasters) a middleware should be specified and deployed on all receivers in a network to support interactive services and applications including: Platform EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)Digital teletext and information servicesEnhanced TV formats (programme related)Games and voting/participation TV formatsAnd with Interaction Channel (return path)Audience measurementOperator information / account managementt-commerce for shopping channelse-government

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Middleware considerationsInteractive TV works best when all (or the vast majority) of the receivers in a market have middleware installed Content and services that reach just a small percentage of a broadcasters audience do not support a viable business / commercial modelTechnical standard considerations are important but not as important as enabling an audience for interactive servicesNo Audience = No Business!

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Using Public StandardsUse of Public Standards enables:widespread adoption and multiple vendors at each part of the industry chainprice and performance competitionRequires conformance scheme to ensure interoperability and ease of use

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG-5Developed in ISO-MHEG group and DAVIC in 1995Intended as UI for DAVIC interactive services and VODSimple object oriented interpreted languageStandardised in ISO 13522-5Adopted by UK DTG in 1997UK Profile includes text, graphics and DSM-CC carousel systemsProfile evolved to UK Profile 1.06 (current)ETSI standard ES 202184NZ profile extends to include extra Maori characters and EPG keyNew Hong Kong profile released with support of Traditional ChineseExtensions under development for deployment in 2008IP Interaction Channel (return path)PVR supportImproved graphicsHD compatibility

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG-5 Rollout

Successfully deployed in UK >18m receivers solda single S&T customer shipped 700k units in Q3 200799% UK Freeview platform penetration, >25% usageLaunched in New Zealand in May 2007 DVB-S receiver sales over forecast so far (already >40,000 units)DTT launches 2008 with MPEG-4 HD and MHEG-5Trials and evaluations in Ireland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, India and Russia with interest from other countries in Europe and AsiaNo known essential IPRMHEG middleware software approx US$1 per receiverLowest retail price in UK

What is MHEG-5?Simple object orientated programming language to control presentation of content made up from audio, video, text and still graphics objects to provide user interaction with the applicationsupporting real time video and audio presentationfocussed on TV requirementslow overhead and high speedA complete environment includingAuthoring tools and data systemsBroadcast transmission using DSMCC Object Carousel standard and optional IP-based connectivityMiddleware the MHEG middleware or stack that is resident in the STB. This provides an API on which interactive applications can run

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG vs Java MHEG-5 is designed specifically for TV presentationRemote control operationDisplays built on TV layoutWorks in its own safe memory spaceRobust interpreted languageJava is a complex general purpose tool with adaptations for TVAs illustration of comparable complexityMHP (based on Java) has >10000 unit testsThere are no other standardised Java systems for TVMHEG has

MHEG applications are smallerSource: MHP/MHEG Coexistence project. BBC Research. Smaller applications means faster start and lower cost transmission

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG EnginesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MPEG-4 and MHEG-5Inclusion of HD/SD MPEG-4 in the system makes a difference to a number of issuesCost of siliconNumber of receiver suppliers in short termComplexity of receiver outputsMHEG-5 display strategy for HD servicesReceiver costs are higher in short termbut bandwidth utilisation is betterNext generation iDTV will include MPEG-4Receiver solutions have easy IP connectionMHEG-5 HD support in development for 2008

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Projects using MPEG-4/MHEG-5Freeview NZ DTTLaunches 2008Republic of IrelandLaunch 2008Many iDTV designs for 2008/9 will incorporate both technologies Freesat in UK Launch 2008Hong Kong DTT (TVB)Launch 2008Receiver manufacturers already working on implementationOthers in planning phase

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG EnginesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Extensions for 2008Interaction channel (Return path)Uses (broadband) always on IP return pathEnables delivery of more interactive contentsecure commercial transactionsHD graphics and fontsPVR SupportIncluding Push VODSpecification work in DTGWill output to ETSIConformance tests being built by DTG Testing

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG Interaction ChannelExtension of Profile to add always on IP connectionConnected to home networkCould be connected via phoneEnablesSeamless extension of interactive services using content from known serversCommercial transactionsSecurityNow under development for use in 2008Including test regimeNext version under discussionMHEG control of presentation of streamed or downloaded a/v from IP sourceProvides Broadcaster-controlled IPTV

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimeMHEG EnginesMHEG ApplicationsSummary

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Conformance RegimeIn UK conformance regime was weak until 2005/6. Many problems arose from this, especially for retailersA tough conformance regime, using Pass/Fail tests to achieve brand acceptance, is recommended forSI, Subtitles, MHEG-5, RF, OAD, AFD, etcOAD capability is essential for all receiversMuch can be derived or licensed from DTG in UKIncluding subcontracting workMHEG 1.06 has ~ 350 testsStable, managed, licensable test suiteDevelopment programme in place for extensionsNote: MHP has >10,000 testsMHP tests for recent versions not completed

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesRollout MHEG ApplicationsSummary

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

International RolloutUK has 23m+ MHEG receivers soldFreeview New ZealandOperational on DTHDTT launches April 2008TVB in Hong Kong on air shortlyHong Kong profile released soonProjects under discussion in ASEAN region

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG-5 Profile for IndiaCurrent Baseline is NZ ProfileUK Profile plus EPG launch keyProfile for India needs support for local languagesGraphics and downloadable font system under development allows this to workDiscussion already underway with cable operators in IndiaContract announced today with Digicable (Mumbai)Complete system including applications and playout

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Providing Interactive ApplicationsMost applications are similar, with different design and content.Publishing informationDisplaying graphics and picturesInteraction through list and select or show and select.Navigation to different servicesMost applications in MHP and in MHEG are made with higher level template tools and very stable operating applicationsMost cost in applications is in content production (information and pictures)S&T provides applications and content tools in collaboration with partners

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG System ArchitectureLive content feeds & updates e.g. Weather, News, Sports (XML)DSMCC Object CarouselMHEG EngineSet Top BoxProgram Video & Audio (Video Server playout)MHEG ApplnTV DisplayContent Management Systems iTV Authoring ToolsMux MHEG ToolsTXMHEG contentMHEG contentMHEG ApplnsBroadcast PlayoutViewer Premises

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

New S&T Product - MHEGPresenterHigh-level XML content description languageDefines page layout, content, behaviour and navigationHead-end pre-processing into compact files for transmissionCompact MHEG-5 Application on STB Renders screen layouts and functionsHandles user input and interactionsSuitable for publishing servicesInteractive AdvertisingText/information ServicesShoppingEasy to use with content production/layout toolsCan use Latin and Asian character setsMHEG-5 language training and development tools also available

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Some ApplicationsTextMultiscreenComplex AdvertisingGamesEPG

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Skytext on Freeview UK500 pages with frequent content updates (mostly automatic)Integrated with SysMedia content management and production systemProfit generating (though advertising)

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Text Service -Traditional Chinese

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Multiscreen ServicesMHEG controls the presentation and choice of multi-screen servicesUser chooses which to viewHas access to information on each event40%+ of digital sports viewers in UK use these applications

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Shopping - QVC (Freeview UK)Integrated with QVCs existing CMS using XMLRuns completely automatically using a data-driven modelProfit generating through sales increasesCan be extended to include transactions

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

MHEG System ArchitectureLive content feeds & updates e.g. Weather, News, Sports (XML)DSMCC Object CarouselMHEG EngineSet Top BoxProgram Video & Audio (Video Server playout)MHEG ApplnTV DisplayContent Management Systems iTV Authoring ToolsMux MHEG ToolsTXMHEG contentMHEG contentMHEG ApplnsBroadcast PlayoutViewer PremisesInteractionServerInternet connected return channel

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

QVC prototype with online purchaseGreen Buy Button leads to online purchase via the IP interaction channel

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Games - TetrisStand-alone gaming application:Free-to-play or pay-per- play via premium rate phone

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Games Studio RunnersSokoban maze game for BBCi

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

EPG application for NZ

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

EPG Traditional Chinese

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Platform-wide EPGMHEG-5 can provide platform-wide EPGLoads quickly from carouselData carriage is efficient Compressed in carousel(EIT schedule uses uncompressed data)Same appearance and behaviour on all receiversBranding of platform and per channelAdvertising opportunitiesNeeds carriage on all muxesPVR control from MHEG-5 EPG in development

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

AgendaS&T and ImpalaBenefits of Standardised MiddlewareMHEG-5 and MHPMPEG4 and MHEG-5Extended MHEG for 2008Conformance RegimesMHEG ApplicationsSummary and Contacts

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

SummaryDigital TV enables additional interactive services that benefit both viewers and broadcasters MHEG-5 offers a proven and stable middleware with low consumer cost, strong manufacturer support from major brands and suppliers No known essential IPR licensingMHEG-5 is also widely available in flat screen iDTVs from many manufacturersA minimum profile specification and simple conformance testing ensures that all receivers are interactive-enabled at an affordable priceProfile with Chinese language support already availableReceivers in pre-production to this specificationProfile for Indian language support under developmentPVR, High-definition and IP support are also available for future services

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

Contacts Thank you!Strategy & Technology Contacts:

David CuttsManaging DirectorDavid.cutts@s-and-t.com

Colin PriorDirector of International Salescolin.prior@s-and-t.com

Distribution in IndiaNovacom Digitronics Private Limited dmanidhar@novacomindia.com

BES Expo MHEG-5 S&T

This presentation sets out the key elements of S&Ts carousel systems and their applications.

The tasks addressed include:-receiver test stream generationapplication development and test stream generationstream generation for integrated headendsintegration with data-provision and content playout systemsThe core technology for these solutions is consistent throughout.

S&Ts solutions are compliant with DVB-MHP specifications and are designed from requirements derived from practical application development and deployment experience.