Digital TV Labs Appointed As First Test House For Freeview Australia EPG Product

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Digital TV Labs logo

LONDON, UK — Digital TV Labs, which provides independent, specialised conformance products and services for DVB-based markets, has become the first test facility to be approved by Freeview Australia as it launches its Freeview EPG product. This launch includes significant technological developments: an MHEG-based EPG, PVR functionality and support for the hybrid MHEG Interaction Channel.

Digital TV Labs has been appointed to provide conformance testing for receiver manufacturers wishing to meet the new specification, which will allow the expansion of a vibrant consumer market. Digital TV Labs now includes the Freeview Australia test suite in its Evora iSuite DVB-S/C/T web-based interactive receiver test framework. This technology covers nearly 30 DVB countries.

Via its laboratory in Hong Kong, which is ideally positioned for those receiver manufacturers who want to serve the market, the company can also provide hosting and debugging facilities to help receiver manufacturers achieve the necessary standard.

Keith Potter, CEO, Digital TV Labs, explains, “We have developed a comprehensive test process that will help all parties save time and money and will ensure a smooth conformance process. These tests processes include: over-the-air-download for receiver updating; MHEG-5 interactivity including the Freeview Australia EPG; RF front end testing; MHEG-IC IP-based return channel and; internet streaming.”

Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia. It comprises all the channels from Australia’s free-to-air broadcasters. Freeview encourages Australians to switch to free-to-air digital television by promoting its benefits including more channels, more moments, better picture and superior sound, for free. Freeview is not-for-profit and is owned by ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, Network Ten, Prime, Southern Cross and WIN.

Robin Parkes, CEO, Freeview Australia, says, “Freeview is delighted to appoint Digital TV Labs as its first testing house as we feel the company is well positioned. This is not only from a technical standpoint, but also the fact that its office located in Hong Kong is ideal for our manufacturers who service the Australian market.”

Keith Potter says, “Digital TV Labs is uniquely placed to provide conformance regimes to operators and broadcasters based on our domain expertise, comprehensive Evora test suite and our understanding of the enhanced logistics required to design, build and run cost-effective digital TV receiver certification.”