DVB-SH: A Standard for Mobile Digital Video Broadcasting

DVB-SH is a standard for mobile digital video broadcasting that was developed to provide high-quality video content to mobile devices. It uses a combination of terrestrial and satellite signals to deliver content.

The standard was designed to be compatible with existing DVB-T and DVB-S systems, allowing for a seamless transition to mobile broadcasting. This means that mobile devices can receive digital TV signals in areas where traditional broadcast signals are weak or unavailable.

DVB-SH uses a unique modulation scheme to adapt to the changing signal conditions found in mobile environments. This allows for reliable and efficient transmission of video content even in areas with high levels of multipath distortion.

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DVB-SH is a broadcasting technology that encompasses several key aspects. Digital Video Broadcasting is at the heart of DVB-SH, allowing for the transmission of high-quality video content.

DVB-SH also involves broadcast engineering, which ensures that the signals are transmitted efficiently and reliably. This is crucial for maintaining a stable and uninterrupted viewing experience.

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Mobile telephone broadcasting is another key feature of DVB-SH, enabling the use of mobile devices to receive broadcast signals. This allows for greater flexibility and convenience in accessing broadcast content.

Satellite broadcasting is also a component of DVB-SH, utilizing satellites to transmit signals to a wide geographic area. This is particularly useful for broadcasting to remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Here's a breakdown of the main aspects of DVB-SH:

The DVB-SH system has two physical layers: terrestrial and satellite, which increases the system's configuration options.

The choice of modulation also plays a significant role in the system's architecture, with two main types: SH-A and SH-B.

In the SH-A architecture, both terrestrial and satellite layers use Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), which solves the multipath problem by allowing the signal to be received multiple times with a delay due to bounces.

This use of OFDM enables the creation of single-frequency networks (SFN), which increases spectral efficiency but requires the terrestrial signal to be identical to the satellite signal.

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The SH-A Architecture is a game-changer in terms of signal transmission.

Both terrestrial and satellite layers use Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation, which effectively solves the multipath problem.

This means that the same signal can be received multiple times with a delay due to bounces, but OFDM makes it possible to receive the signal correctly.

Using OFDM in both transmitters enables the creation of single-frequency networks (SFN), which increases spectral efficiency.

However, this also forces the terrestrial signal to be identical to the signal transmitted by the satellite, which can be a limitation.

Fortunately, it's permitted to implement Multi-frequency network (MFN) where terrestrial and satellite components can broadcast through different channels with the same modulation.

This flexibility is a major advantage of the SH-A Architecture.

Satellites play a crucial role in the architecture and design of hybrid networks. The ICO G1 satellite, launched on April 14, 2008, was the world's first DVB-SH satellite in orbit.

ICO partnered with Alcatel-Lucent and Expway to deploy a nationwide hybrid satellite/terrestrial network in the United States. The Eutelsat W2A satellite, launched on April 3, 2009, carried a Solaris Mobile DVB-SH S band payload that was scheduled to cover Western Europe.

The Eutelsat W2A satellite's S band payload was initially delayed due to an anomaly, and Solaris Mobile filed an insurance claim on July 1, 2009. The technical findings indicated that the company could offer some, but not all, of its planned services.

Inmarsat's EuropaSat satellite program will deliver mobile multimedia broadcast and two-way broadband telecommunications across the European Union and beyond. The program is being built by Thales Alenia Space and is scheduled to launch in early 2011.

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DVB-SH incorporates several enhancements over DVB-H, including more alternative coding rates, the omission of 64QAM modulation scheme, and support for 1.7 MHz bandwidth and 1k FFT.

The improvements to DVB-SH also include FEC using Turbo coding, improved time interleaving, and support for antenna diversity in terminals. This results in better in-building penetration, in-car coverage, and outdoor coverage.

A recent study by BMCO forum showed a radio improvement of at least 5.5 dB on signal requirements between DVB-H and DVB-SH in UHF frequencies. This translates to significant improvements in coverage and penetration.

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DVB-SH has several enhancements over DVB-H, making it a more robust and efficient technology. The most notable improvements include the availability of more alternative coding rates.

One of the key differences is the omission of the 64QAM modulation scheme in DVB-SH. This change has a significant impact on the technology's performance.

DVB-SH also includes support for 1.7 MHz bandwidth and 1k FFT, which enhances its capabilities. This is a notable upgrade from DVB-H.

In addition, DVB-SH uses FEC with Turbo coding, which provides better error correction. This results in improved signal quality and reliability.

Time interleaving has also been improved in DVB-SH, allowing for more efficient data transmission. This is particularly beneficial in environments with high levels of interference.

Support for antenna diversity in terminals is another feature that sets DVB-SH apart from DVB-H. This capability allows for better reception and more reliable connections.

Here are the key differences between DVB-SH and DVB-H at a glance:

The improvements to signal requirements in DVB-SH have resulted in a radio improvement of at least 5.5 dB compared to DVB-H in UHF frequencies. This translates to better in-building penetration, in-car coverage, and extended outdoor coverage.

DVB-SH services are set for a trial in the U.S. by ICO global communications based on technology from Alcatel Lucent.

This technology will utilize ICO's geostationary satellite, ICO G1, launched in January 2008.

MIM services will operate in the S-Band as per the DVB-SH standard.

ICO has also partnered with Clearwire to use its 2.5 GHz spectrum for terrestrial delivery of MIM services.

MIM is a hybrid system that combines satellite transmission with terrestrial repeaters.

The services will provide a full range of multimedia services, making it a comprehensive mobile interactive media solution.

ICO's use of Alcatel Lucent's technology and Clearwire's spectrum will enable the delivery of these services via both satellite and terrestrial modes.

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DVB-H Systems are designed to deliver IP-based media content and data to handheld terminals like mobile phones and PDAs via satellite.

These systems use frequencies below 3 GHz in the S-band, making them a complement to existing DVB-H physical layer standards.

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DVB-H Systems employ terrestrial gap fillers to provide coverage when a line of sight between the terminal and satellite does not exist.

A time-division multiplexing monopulse antenna system for tracking DVB-SH signal operating at 2.185 GHz S-band has been developed using Microstrip PCB.

A compact single-layer SIW monopulse network for Ku-band tracking system applications has been demonstrated.

The performance of these SIW-based monopulse networks was validated by measurements and presented an alternative for Ku-band tracking systems or millimeter-wave systems.

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Trials of DVB-SH technology were underway in many cities and countries as of February 2008, including Ireland, United Kingdom, and Singapore.

These trials showed that DVB-SH in S-band is a viable alternative in Europe, offering better performance in radio than DVB-H standard and lower costs for network deployments.

Field trials and studies confirmed the superiority of DVB-SH over DVB-H, with results from France's SFR and Alcatel-Lucent trial supporting this assumption.

The first DVB-SH trial in Italy was launched by 3 Italia, RAI, and Alcatel-Lucent, demonstrating the potential of the technology.

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The Turin DVB-SH trial, launched by RAI, 3 Italia, Alcatel-Lucent, and Eutelsat, was declared a success, with high reception performances of the new technology for mobile TV on commercial terminals.

The trial integrated terrestrial broadcast networks with 3G mobile networks, making available a large number of high-quality mobile TV channels under various usage conditions.

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DVB-SH is part of a broader category of technologies that enable efficient communication and data transfer.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a relevant subject that encompasses various aspects of modern communication.

Mobile Computing and Multimedia Information Systems are also related topics that have contributed to the development of DVB-SH.

Some specific areas of focus in these related topics include framing structure, channel coding, and modulation.

For instance, ETSI's 2007 publication on Framing Structure, Channel Coding and Modulation for Satellite Services to Handheld Devices below 3 GHz provides valuable insights into these techniques.

Here are some key related topics:

These topics have all played a role in shaping the technology behind DVB-SH.

Some notable standards and publications include ETSI 300744, Digital Video Broadcasting; Framing structure, channel coding and modulation for digital terrestrial television (DVB-T), and ETSI EN 301 192, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); DVB specification for data broadcasting.

These standards provide a foundation for the development and implementation of DVB-SH and related technologies.

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