D-BOOK 10 defines UK TV requirements
November 3, 2017
By Colin Mann
The DTG, the UK’s collaboration centre for innovation in digital media technology, has published its D-Book 10, the industry-determined, next-generation, universally-deployed specification which supports future interactive services and enables the continuing transition towards HbbTV.
Whereas D-Book 9 introduced HbbTV references for Freeview Play at the MHEG to HbbTV transition which included the introduction of support for HEVC and HDR for IP delivered services, D-Book 10 continues to support the development of HD products and services with the introduction of Single Frequency Network (SFN) support for the migration of COM 7&8 T2 multiplexes into the 700 MHz band.
An IP Software Upgrade Option has been included in response to the requirements of manufacturers handling software upgrades to today’s complex TVs, avoiding the need for SSU Broadcast updates.
“The DTG team thanks all of our Members whose hard work has contributed to D-Book 10,” commented Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of the DTG said. “Open, democratic and supportive of public policy, the DTG’s D-Book is continually updated and peer-reviewed by industry experts, to help drive the UK TV market towards innovation and deliver real economic value in our industry. It stipulates the specifications for every new TV and digital terrestrial television (DTT) receiver in the UK and protects both viewer and industry. We’ve been driving industry collaboration for more than twenty years and I’d like to thank the industry for its continued support and commitment to ensuring innovation and development which delivers a great experience for consumers.”
“The HbbTV association would like to congratulate DTG on the publication of D-Book 10 and its continued support for HbbTV 2.0.1,” declared Dr Klaus Illgner, Chair of the HbbTV Association. “We believe the planned development of a code of practice for the implementation of interactive services will greatly benefit the quality of HbbTV services in the UK and beyond.”
“Arqiva welcomes this latest edition of the D-Book which continues to support the ongoing development of the DTT platform and which will help to ensure that it retains its position as the most popular TV viewing platform in the UK, installed in every TV set sold and used by over 19 million households,” added Laurie Patten, Director of Strategy & Ventures – Terrestrial Broadcast Arqiva, commented:
“The D-Book has been at the heart of Freeview’s success in the UK for many years,” noted Guy North, Managing Director, Freeview. “All devices conforming to the new edition, and using the Freeview brand, will automatically reassure consumers that they are purchasing a high-quality product which will deliver the very best viewing experience.”
“D-Book 10 covers a range of new topics and continues to support 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,” advised Peter Seller, Associate Director, Broadcast at the DTG added. “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, Freeview Play and HbbTV. D-Book 10 Conformance Tests will be available in April 2018. We will continue our work to ensure European harmonisation wherever possible, while meeting the needs of the dynamic and successful UK TV market.”
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.