BBC Research & Development demonstrates implementation of DVB-T2-Lite at IBC 2011

On the DVB Project stand at IBC 2011, BBC Research & Development will conduct its first public demonstration of DVB-T2-Lite, the new T2 profile set to transform audience’s experience of watching programmes on the move.

The latest version of the DVB-T2 specification, the technology standard that enabled High Definition on Freeview, introduces DVB-T2-Lite as a new profile which will allow cost reduced receiver implementations for applications such as mobile broadcasting. The profile can be mixed with conventional T2 signals in a single multiplex, to allow separate optimisation of the individual components and also to reuse the existing broadcast transmitter infrastructure. This means that in the future the T2-Lite component could provide audiences with a reliable live “broadcast” TV or radio experience on their handheld devices. Using this new profile live broadcasts can be delivered to multiple audience members without major investment in the already existing infrastructure.

BBC Research & Development started transmissions of DVB-T2-Lite from the roof of BBC R&D’s South Lab on 7 July. For these transmissions BBC R&D have developed their own T2-lite modulator and demodulator. These devices have been used intensively to validate the new standard. BBC R&D would be interested to license this technology to other parties.