Revolutionizing Television: How DVB-I is Transforming the Viewing ExperienceDigital Video Broadcasting-Internet (DVB-I) is an open standard that aims to revolutionize television distribution by simultaneously delivering traditional TV channels through both broadcast and internet-based methods. Simone Murgia, the head of technological innovation at Mediaset Group, explains how this innovative technology is poised to enhance the television industry and provide a more personalized, interactive, and engaging viewing experience.

Unlocking the Future of Television

Bridging the Gap Between Broadcast and Internet

DVB-I is designed to seamlessly integrate traditional broadcast methods, such as terrestrial digital transmitter networks, with internet-based delivery, allowing users to access a full range of TV channels regardless of the reception method. This convergence of technologies promises to enhance the viewing experience and open up new opportunities for content creators and advertisers.

Adaptable and Scalable for the Evolving Media Landscape

The DVB-I standard is built to be adaptable and scalable, ensuring its relevance in the ever-changing media landscape. By offering the best possible viewing experience, independent of the delivery method, DVB-I aims to future-proof television distribution and meet the evolving demands of viewers.

Collaboration for Widespread Adoption

Widespread adoption of DVB-I will require collaboration among broadcasters, internet service providers, device manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. This collective effort is crucial to realizing the full potential of this technology and enhancing the television industry as a whole.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

DVB-I strives to provide a higher quality, more personalized, interactive, and engaging viewing experience. By blurring the lines between traditional broadcasting and internet-based content, the standard aims to offer new opportunities for content creators and advertisers to captivate audiences.

Mediaset's Pioneering Efforts

Mediaset, a leading media group in Europe, has been at the forefront of DVB-I experimentation. The company has launched a public market trial in Italy, making the technology available to approximately 100,000 televisions through enabled Vestel smart TVs. This real-world implementation is a significant step in the adoption and validation of DVB-I.

Prioritizing Quality and Efficiency

The driving motivation behind Mediaset's adoption of DVB-I is the ability to provide the highest possible quality to those who can effectively benefit from it. By leveraging the strengths of both broadcast and internet-based delivery, DVB-I allows for optimal distribution efficiency, avoiding the waste of resources and ensuring that viewers receive the best available quality.

Seamless Integration and Transparency

DVB-I ensures that the user's home TV set functions normally and is controlled through the typical channel list, with the same channels available via both DVB-T (terrestrial digital) and the internet. This transparent integration allows for a seamless viewing experience, with the system automatically prioritizing the optimal distribution method based on the user's connectivity and device capabilities.

Overcoming Bandwidth Limitations

One of the key advantages of DVB-I is its ability to overcome the typical bandwidth limitations of terrestrial digital broadcasting. By leveraging internet-based delivery, the viewing quality can be superior, allowing for the anticipation of future quality and standard advancements.

Synchronizing Broadcast and IP Delivery

DVB-I ensures that the viewing experience is perfectly synchronized between broadcast and IP delivery, eliminating the common delays associated with traditional distribution methods. This synchronization is particularly beneficial for live events, such as sports, where real-time viewing is crucial.

Expanding Channel Possibilities

While the current Mediaset trial focuses on delivering existing channels in high-quality IP mode, DVB-I also has the potential to enable the creation of temporary and concurrent channels for exclusive IP distribution. This could be especially useful for sports events with multiple simultaneous matches or areas of coverage, allowing viewers to choose which event to follow.

Regulatory Considerations and Collaboration

Mediaset's experiments with DVB-I are fully compliant with existing regulations, and the company is working closely with the regulator, Agcom, to ensure the technology is embraced and validated as a feasible path forward. This collaboration is crucial to ensuring a standardized and orderly implementation of DVB-I, avoiding potential fragmentation in the market.

Compatibility and Complementary Offerings

DVB-I is designed to be compatible with existing technologies, such as HbbTV, and to act as a complementary service to traditional broadcast, without any intention of cannibalizing other markets or offerings. This open and inclusive approach allows for the seamless integration of DVB-I into the evolving media landscape.

Transforming the Future of Television

Simone Murgia, the head of technological innovation at Mediaset, summarizes the advantages of DVB-I, stating that it serves to identify the best distribution resource for the user at any given moment. By hybridizing linear television with the interactivity and multicamera capabilities of internet-based content, DVB-I paves the way for a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience, positioning it as a transformative force in the future of television.