Terrestrial high-definition TV pilot launched in UK with Arqiva and Enensys

Arqiva test transmitter at Crystal Palace, with Enensys modulator; To validate performance and determine best transmission mode for UK terrestrial HDTV; A test platform for the manufacturing community

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, utilising the new DVB-T2 standard.

Initiated by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, and managed by the Pilot Steering Group,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.”

More: UK DVB-T2 Technical Pilot