Terrestrial High Definition TV pilot launched in UK with ENENSYS and Arqiva collaboration

Arqiva and ENENSYS are playing a leading role in the terrestrial high-definition TV (HDTV) pilot launched recently from the Crystal Palace transmitter in south London, utilizing the new DVB-T2 standard.

Initiated by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, and managed by the Pilot steering group[1],the pilot aims to validate the performance expectations of the DVB-T2 specification, by undertaking an extensive programme of laboratory tests, field trials and in-home measurements. The measurement programme will provide information to enable the selection of the best transmission mode to be adopted for the HD multiplex planned to be rolled out as part of the UK’s Digital Terrestrial TV network.

For this purpose, a transmitter has recently been installed at Arqiva’s Crystal Palace site to carry DVB-T2 test transmissions. This follows successful end-to-end laboratory tests from source to receiver display, and has been made possible thanks to the close collaboration between Arqiva and ENENSYS. ENENSYS has provided the real-time and hardware-based DVB-T2 modulator, which has been connected to the Arqiva transmission equipment.

The pilot will support the DVB-T2 manufacturing community by providing an open on-air test transmission to assist product testing and development, with several manufacturers' experimental equipment already being tested across the transmission coverage range. 

Michel Hello, Transmission Product Manager at ENENSYS, said: "DVB-T2 will be the next element of the TV revolution in our living room, providing the most efficient and robust way to bring HDTV to end consumers over terrestrial networks. ENENSYS is particularly proud to have joined forces for this new challenge with Arqiva to make DVB-T2 a reality in the UK”.

Mike Brooks, Head of Technical Development for DVB-T2 at Arqiva, added: “This is a very important stage in the process of introducing terrestrial HD transmissions to the UK network and ensuring such services reach the widest audience.  It also sends a clear message that the DVB-T2 technology is real, and encourages the supply of compatible receivers from a wide variety of manufacturers.  We are delighted to be working with all the members of the Pilot Steering Group under Ofcom’s leadership to take this project forward.”

[1] Further information on the pilot and its participants can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/digital/hd_on_dtt/pilot/

Arqiva operates at the heart of the broadcast and mobile communications industry and is at the forefront of network solutions and services in an increasingly digital world. The company provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio and wireless communications in the UK and has a growing presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. There are three business units:

Terrestrial Broadcast provides transmission for all UK terrestrial TV broadcasters, including the new networks being built for the Digital Switch Over. Transmission is also provided for BBC Radio and most commercial radio stations, both analogue and DAB. The company owns and operates two of the six UK digital terrestrial TV multiplexes, enabling major media companies to bring their TV and radio services to Freeview.

Satellite & Media provides global communication platforms to enterprise, government and broadcast customers around the world. It owns and operates teleports at key locations including Los Angeles, Washington, London and Paris, as well as comprehensive satellite capacity, an international terrestrial fibre network and extensive media facilities. These enable Arqiva to provide world leading organisations with a comprehensive range of services to deliver their data, broadcasts and media across the globe.

Wireless Access provides cellular, wireless broadband, voice and data solutions for the mobile communications, public safety, local government, and commercial markets. Arqiva is the largest independent provider of radio sites in the UK and Ireland. With its own spectrum, the company can provide complete mobile communications networks including backhaul links.

Arqiva has its headquarters near Winchester and other major UK offices in London, Warwick, Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire. The company is owned by a consortium of investors led by Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group. Major customers include the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, BSkyB, Classic FM, the five UK mobile operators, the RNLI and the Metropolitan Police.