DVB-I and RTÉ

Fancy, next generation, connected EPG.

One of the main components of DVB-I is the Service List Registry (SLR) "a centralized, secure system that allows TV sets and applications to discover and access linear TV services delivered via internet, terrestrial, cable, or satellite. It acts as a "list of lists," providing a standardized way to organize and trust diverse TV service providers' content, ensuring a familiar, consistent user experience across devices".

The DVB-I EPG, in your TV or connected device, will populate from a national service list registry via the internet.

The service list data is similar to how the DVB-SI/EIT data is displayed on an existing TV's epg today like LCNs, programme data etc. from your TV aerial, except the SLR goes a step further by linking a linear service/LCN to all available sources - DTT, IP, satellite and cable.

Priority is given to the DTT feed I believe, followed by whichever other source is prioritised in the SLR for that channel .

For example RTÉ 1 on the DVB-I SLR is allocated LCN 1 with priority on DTT via the aerial. If there is no DTT signal available the TV will switchover seamlessly to the next prioritised source for that channel.

I think that's how it works anyway.

My very basic understanding of freely is that it's uses the HbbTV OpAp service delivery application, no interaction with DTT, satellite or cable delivery? It delivers linear channels, interactive services etc via IP.

DVB-I is a service discovery application, built on existing standards like DVB-T/S to deliver linear channels and other services to your viewing device via prioritised delivery methods.

Both standards are complementary and HbbTV can be bolted into DVB-I for enhanced services. It's likely the UK will adopt DVB-I in due course together with HbbTV included, combining their IP service with Freeview and Freesat channels.

DVB-I is taking the lead in Europe and worldwide.

China for example is moving straight to a verification phase, skipping trials altogether. They are getting ready to use it.

Germany and Italy are well advanced in Europe, with France and Spain following. Australia and New Zealand are also well advanced. Iran were one of the earliest interested broadcasters.

Italy's early adoption of DVB-I was based on their need for a backup for their DTT service in remote areas. The ability to switch seamlessly between DTT, their Tivu satellite service and IP.

Here in Ireland Saorsat is nearing end of life with no replacement available other than a Sky subscription. DVB-I if available by then could be that replacement to your TV.

That appears to be the nature of the beast.

An AI search says -

DVB-I (Faster Service Discovery): Load Time - Fast (Native/Stream speed), Channel Switching - Instant/Fast, 1-2 sec approx.

DVB-I is designed for fast, native-like tuning of internet-delivered liner channels. It focuses on service discovery via XML based service lists over HTTPS. Because it operates at a lower, service delivery level, it enables quicker channel changes and "scan-less" startup compared to application-based approaches.

Primary focus and use, Linear/live service discovery and IP delivery, core EPG and channel switching

HbbTV OpApp (Slower Application Load): Load Time - Slower (Browser/App speed), Channel Switching - Slower due to app lifecycle, 3-7 sec approx.

HbbTV is an application-based standard. It usually loads on top of an existing broadcast or IP stream, which introduces a loading delay while the application files are fetched and rendered, resulting in slower initial load times for interactive content compared to the direct stream loading of DVB-I

Primary focus and use, interactive applications and rich UI, non-linear content where slower loading times are acceptable, catch up

It comes down to DVB-I versus HbbTV OpApp, right? Wrong! - DVB

I imagine RTÉ will be hoping for a few more years of Saorsat availablity before they can launch DVB-I.

The early 2025 plan for DVB-I was the small closed trial in 2025 with a larger public trial this year followed by a public launch in 2027. That appears to have slipped by at least a year now.

Ka-sat might be around for a few more years depending on fuel availability and serviceability. Capacity issues should have lessened now compared to COVID times with Starlink and Eutelsat Konnect increased capacity.

Saorview remains, delivery methods may change.

DVB-I is a hybrid application that bridges Saorview terrestrial with Saorview IP.

WRC-31 will decide the future of UHF terrestrial frequencies. Likely the remaining band will be allocated on a co-primary basis to broadcast and mobile services.

So what replaces Saorview terrestrial for TVs in homes with no broadband connection or even watching Saorview on the go?

The answer could be 5G Broadcast via the DVB-I application, with terrestrial frequencies reframed for 5G and reallocated to terrestrial broadcasting.

Saorview terrestrial will be around for many years to come and no doubt there will be a suitable wireless alternative by then for non connected households