DTG’s D-Book 9 paves the way for UHD
November 3, 2016
More efficient encoding (HEVC) introduced to products to help pave the way for future UHD (Ultra High Definition) services is one of the key elements of the DTG’s D-Book 9, the industry-determined, next-generation, universally-deployed specification which supports future interactive services and enables the transition towards HbbTV.
Open, democratic and supportive of public policy, the D-Book is continually updated and peer-reviewed by industry experts, to help drive the UK TV market towards innovation and delivering real economic value in this vital industry.
Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of the DTG – the non-profit UK collaboration centre for innovation in digital media technology – said: “Our D-Book offers a common approach to connected TV. D-Book 9 supports Freeview Play, including catch up services, and also builds a path to Ultra HD by defining two options to deliver an HDR experience to consumers on their receivers – HLG and PQ10.”
“The DTG’s D-Book defines the requirements for every new TV and digital terrestrial television (DTT) receiver in the UK. Compliance with this technical specification protects both the industry and consumers, and is a prerequisite of Freeview Trademark Licences. We’ve been building industry collaboration for over twenty years and I’d like to thank the industry for its continued support on the standards which ensure that we can all innovate to deliver a great experience for consumers.”
Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: ‘The DTG’s D-Book has been vital to the success of digital terrestrial TV in the UK. The inclusion of HbbTV in this latest edition will allow us to streamline the specification for Freeview Play going forward and drive future innovation on the platform.’
Pete Sellar, Associate Director, Broadcast, at the DTG said: “This year’s new developments ensure that the D-Book continues to support Digital UK and all UK DTT-based platforms including Freeview Play, Freeview HD, YouView, EETV, Now TV and the UK DSAT platform, Freesat, as well as several international adaptations. DTT delivers to the largest viewing audience and remains fundamental to the distribution of content and entertainment.”
“The industry’s not-for-profit test centre, DTG Testing, continues to offer conformance tests and testing services in support of Freeview HD and Freeview Play and we continue to ensure European harmonisation wherever possible, while meeting the needs of the rapidly developing and highly successful UK TV market.”
D-Book 9 introduces recommended guidelines for products delivering free-to-air DTT content within the home network. Representing thousands of man hours of work by contributors from across the industry this annual update replaces D-Book 8.
The DTG has published and maintained the D-Book since 1996 and it updates the specification annually to keep apace of the development of UK DTT. The D-Book defines the DTT platforms in the UK and provides requirements for interoperability in clear, unambiguous language. Based on international standards it is produced by a collaborative approach of industry experts and only includes features where there is a guarantee or shared wish to implement on the platform. Where appropriate it delivers harmonisation with other international bodies, enabling manufacturers and service providers to deliver products to market.