What is DVB-SH and what is its primary purpose?

DVB-SH, which stands for Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite services to Handhelds, is a physical layer standard designed for delivering IP-based media content and data to handheld devices like mobile phones and PDAs. It utilizes a hybrid satellite/terrestrial downlink and can employ a GPRS uplink.

When was the DVB-SH standard published by the DVB Project?

The DVB Project published the DVB-SH standard in February 2007.

What frequency range was DVB-SH designed for?

DVB-SH was designed for frequencies below 3 GHz, supporting the UHF band, L-band, or S-band.

How does DVB-SH relate to the DVB-H standard?

DVB-SH complements and improves upon the existing DVB-H physical layer standard. Both are based on DVB IP Datacast (IPDC) delivery, electronic service guides, and service purchase and protection standards.

What was the commercial outcome of DVB-SH and DVB-H?

In late 2016, it was acknowledged within the DVB Project that both DVB-SH and the related DVB-H standard had been a commercial failure.

What are the two main physical layers that DVB-SH utilizes?

DVB-SH utilizes two physical layers: a terrestrial layer and a satellite layer, which increases system configuration options.

What are the two types of architectures within the DVB-SH standard, based on signal modulation?

The two types of architectures are SH-A and SH-B, distinguished by their modulation schemes and how they handle terrestrial and satellite components.

Describe the SH-A architecture in DVB-SH.

In the SH-A architecture, both the terrestrial and satellite layers use Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). This allows for the creation of Single-Frequency Networks (SFNs) if the terrestrial signal is identical to the satellite transmission, or Multi-frequency Networks (MFNs) where different channels can be used.

What is OFDM, and why is it beneficial in DVB-SH?

OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) is a modulation technique that solves the multipath problem, where signals can be received multiple times due to bouncing. Its use in DVB-SH enables efficient network configurations like SFNs and MFNs.

Describe the SH-B architecture in DVB-SH.

The SH-B architecture uses OFDM for its terrestrial component but employs Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) for its satellite component. These components must broadcast on different frequencies to avoid interference, and SFNs cannot be created, though TDM can improve satellite transmission performance.

What is TDM, and how is it used in the SH-B architecture?

TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) is a method used in the SH-B architecture for the satellite component. It allows multiple signals or data streams to be shared over a single communication channel by dividing the signal into different time slots.

What are some key enhancements DVB-SH offers compared to DVB-H?

DVB-SH includes more alternative coding rates, omits the 64QAM modulation scheme, supports 1.7 MHz bandwidth and 1k FFT, uses Turbo coding for FEC, features improved time interleaving, and supports antenna diversity in terminals.

What radio improvement was observed between DVB-H and DVB-SH in UHF frequencies, and what are the implications?

Field trials showed a radio improvement of at least 5.5 dB on signal requirements for DVB-SH compared to DVB-H in UHF frequencies. This translates to better in-building penetration, improved in-car coverage, and extended outdoor coverage.

Which companies were developing DVB-SH chipsets, and what were their expected capabilities?

Companies like DiBcom and NXP Semiconductors were developing DVB-SH chipsets. These chipsets were expected to support both UHF and S-Band frequencies and be compatible with DVB-H.

What was the planned availability of the first DVB-SH chipsets?

Initial specifications indicated that DVB-SH chipsets were expected to be available in early 2008.

Which French agency was financing the DVB-SH effort through the TVMSL project?

The French Agence de l'innovation industrielle was financing the effort through the TVMSL project.

Name some of the key partners involved in the TVMSL project for DVB-SH.

Key partners included Alcatel-Lucent, Sagem Wireless, Alenia, RFS, Philips, DiBcom, TeamCast, UDcast, CNRS, INRIA, and CEA-LETI.

Which satellite operator announced a nationwide deployment of a DVB-SH network in the United States in 2007?

ICO, a major satellite operator in the United States, announced this deployment with Alcatel-Lucent and Expway.

What was significant about the ICO G1 satellite launch?

The ICO G1 satellite, launched on April 14, 2008, carried DVB-SH technology and was the world's first DVB-SH satellite in orbit.

Which satellite carried a DVB-SH S-band payload for Eutelsat and SES, and what was its intended coverage area?

The Eutelsat W2A satellite carried a Solaris Mobile (a joint venture of Eutelsat and SES) DVB-SH S-band payload. It was intended to cover Western Europe.

What happened to the Solaris Mobile payload on the Eutelsat W2A satellite after its launch?

The S-band payload was scheduled to enter service in May 2009 but did not, due to an anomaly. Solaris Mobile filed an insurance claim, and technical findings suggested it could offer some, but not all, planned services.

What is Inmarsat's satellite program called, and what services will it deliver?

Inmarsat's program is called EuropaSat. It will deliver mobile multimedia broadcast, two-way mobile broadband telecommunications, and next-generation MSS services across the European Union and eastward to Moscow and Ankara using a hybrid satellite/terrestrial network.

Where were DVB-H/SH trials underway as of February 2008?

Trials were underway or had recently concluded in numerous locations including Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Helsinki, Berlin, Cambridge, Pittsburgh, Paris, Tehran, Madrid, Sydney, South Africa, Taiwan, The Hague, Brussels, Bern, Vienna, New Zealand, the Philippines, Copenhagen, Budapest, Erlangen, Sri Lanka, Roeselare, and India.

How was DVB-SH in the S-band perceived as an alternative in Europe?

It was seen as an alternative that offered better radio performance than the DVB-H standard, potentially leading to lower network deployment costs, based on field trials and studies.

Which companies collaborated on the first DVB-SH trial in France?

SFR and Alcatel-Lucent teamed up to deploy a DVB-SH trial in France.

Which companies were involved in the first DVB-SH trial in Italy?

3 Italia, RAI, and Alcatel-Lucent collaborated on the first DVB-SH trial in Italy.

Which companies conducted the first DVB-SH trial in the United States?

Dish Network and Alcatel-Lucent joined forces for the first DVB-SH trial in the US.

What is the primary difference in modulation between the SH-A and SH-B architectures regarding the satellite component?

The SH-A architecture uses OFDM for both terrestrial and satellite components, while the SH-B architecture uses TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) for the satellite component.

What is the significance of the DVB-SH standard supporting frequencies below 3 GHz?

Supporting frequencies below 3 GHz, including UHF, L-band, and S-band, provides flexibility in deployment and allows for different propagation characteristics suitable for handheld devices.

What is the role of DVB IP Datacast (IPDC) in relation to DVB-SH?

DVB-SH, like DVB-H, is based on DVB IP Datacast (IPDC) delivery, which is a standard for delivering IP-based data services over broadcast networks.

What is the purpose of the "See also" section in the article?

The "See also" section lists related topics and technologies that might be of interest to readers, such as electronic program guides, mobile TV concepts, and other broadcasting standards.

What does the "External links" section provide?

The "External links" section offers links to websites and resources that provide further information on DVB-SH, related projects, companies, and standards.

What is the function of the navboxes at the end of the article?

The navboxes provide a structured overview and navigation to related templates and topics, such as lists of digital television broadcast standards, audio broadcasting systems, and satellite communication technologies.

What does the "Update" notice at the beginning of the article indicate?

The "Update" notice signifies that the article needs to be updated to reflect recent events or newly available information, with the last update noted as July 2009 (major) / September 2011 (source added).

What does the "Citation style" notice indicate about the article?

This notice suggests that the article's references may not follow a consistent or clear citation style, and improvements to citation and footnoting are needed.

What is the main advantage of using OFDM in both terrestrial and satellite layers in the SH-A architecture?

Using OFDM in both layers allows for the creation of Single-Frequency Networks (SFNs), which increases spectral efficiency.

Why is it not possible to implement SFNs in the SH-B architecture?

SFNs are not possible in the SH-B architecture because the terrestrial component uses OFDM, while the satellite component uses TDM, and they must broadcast on different frequencies to avoid interference.

What specific modulation scheme was omitted in DVB-SH compared to DVB-H?

The 64QAM modulation scheme was omitted in DVB-SH.

What type of FEC (Forward Error Correction) is used in DVB-SH?

DVB-SH utilizes Turbo coding for FEC.

What is antenna diversity, and why is its support in DVB-SH terminals significant?

Antenna diversity refers to using multiple antennas to improve signal reception. Support for antenna diversity in DVB-SH terminals enhances signal reliability, especially in challenging mobile environments.

What does the "permanent dead link" tag next to a Dibcom DVB-SH press release indicate?

It indicates that the original web link is no longer active or accessible, and the content might be lost unless archived elsewhere.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link in the "External links" section?

It provides access to related media files, such as images and documents, concerning DVB-SH available on Wikimedia Commons.

What is the "DVB Project"?

The DVB Project is a consortium of companies involved in developing standards for digital television broadcasting. DVB-SH is one of the standards they published.

What is the significance of DVB-SH supporting S-band frequencies?

S-band frequencies (typically 2-4 GHz) are suitable for satellite communications and can penetrate foliage and buildings better than higher frequencies, making them useful for mobile services.

What does the term "hybrid satellite/terrestrial downlink" mean in the context of DVB-SH?

It means that the system uses both satellite and terrestrial transmitters to send signals down to the user's device, potentially combining the wide coverage of satellites with the capacity and lower latency of terrestrial networks.

What is the role of Alcatel-Lucent in the DVB-SH ecosystem?

Alcatel-Lucent was a key player, involved in developing the standard, leading projects like TVMSL, and partnering with operators for trials and deployments (e.g., with ICO, SFR, RAI, Dish Network).

What is the difference between SFN and MFN in DVB-SH architectures?

SFN (Single-Frequency Network) uses the same frequency across multiple transmitters, requiring identical signals, which is enabled by OFDM in SH-A. MFN (Multi-frequency Network) uses different frequencies for different transmitters, offering more flexibility but potentially lower spectral efficiency.

What does the mention of "excessive citations" in reference [3] imply?

It suggests that the source material might have an unusually high number of citations, possibly indicating a heavy reliance on primary sources or a specific citation style preference that is flagged for review.

What is the relationship between DVB-SH and DVB-T2 Lite?

DVB-T2 Lite is listed under DVB-H in the sidebar, suggesting it's a related standard for mobile/handheld devices, possibly an evolution or alternative within the DVB family. DVB-SH is also mentioned in the context of mobile/handheld.

What is the primary reason cited for the commercial failure of DVB-SH and DVB-H?

The text explicitly states they were a "commercial failure" but does not detail the specific reasons why they failed commercially, only that the failure was acknowledged.

Dvb-sh Wiki: DVB-SH: Bridging Satellites and Handhelds

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Overview

Core Concept

DVB-SH, standing for "Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite services to Handhelds," was a physical layer standard developed by the DVB Project. Its primary objective was to enable the delivery of IP-based media content and data to handheld terminals, such as mobile phones and PDAs, utilizing a hybrid downlink architecture that combined satellite and terrestrial transmission paths. An uplink, for example, could leverage GPRS.

Frequency and Compatibility

The DVB-SH system was engineered to operate within frequency bands below 3 GHz, encompassing the UHF, L, and S-bands. It was conceived as a complementary and enhanced successor to the existing DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) standard. Like DVB-H, DVB-SH was built upon the DVB IP Datacast (IPDC) framework, incorporating standards for electronic service guides and service purchase/protection mechanisms.

Commercial Reality

Despite its technical ambitions, DVB-SH, along with its predecessor DVB-H, ultimately faced significant commercial challenges. By late 2016, it was acknowledged within the DVB Project that these standards had not achieved widespread market adoption, leading to their classification as commercial failures. This outcome underscores the complexities of introducing new broadcasting technologies into competitive mobile ecosystems.

Technical Architecture

Hybrid Layers

DVB-SH features two distinct physical layers: one for terrestrial transmission and another for satellite. This dual-layer approach provides considerable flexibility in system configuration and deployment strategies.

Modulation Schemes

Two primary architectural variants, SH-A and SH-B, were defined, differing mainly in their modulation techniques:

SH-A Architecture: Both the terrestrial and satellite components utilize Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). OFDM is advantageous as it effectively mitigates the multipath problem, where signals arrive at the receiver via multiple paths with varying delays. This common modulation scheme allows for the creation of Single-Frequency Networks (SFNs), enhancing spectral efficiency. However, it necessitates that the terrestrial signal precisely matches the satellite transmission. Multi-frequency Networks (MFNs), where terrestrial and satellite components operate on different channels but use the same modulation, are also permissible.

SH-B Architecture: In this variant, the terrestrial component employs OFDM, while the satellite component utilizes Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM). To prevent interference, both components must broadcast on distinct frequencies. While SFNs are not feasible with this configuration, the use of TDM for satellite transmissions can offer performance benefits suited to such broadcast scenarios.

DVB-SH vs. DVB-H

Key Enhancements

DVB-SH introduced several significant improvements over the earlier DVB-H standard, aiming for greater efficiency and robustness:

Coding Rates: A wider array of alternative coding rates were made available, allowing for more flexible adaptation to varying signal conditions.
Modulation Omission: The 64QAM modulation scheme, potentially less robust in mobile environments, was omitted.
Bandwidth and FFT: Support for a 1.7 MHz bandwidth and 1k FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) modes were included, offering finer granularity and potentially better performance in certain scenarios.
FEC: The adoption of Turbo coding for Forward Error Correction (FEC) provided enhanced data integrity.
Interleaving: Improved time interleaving techniques were implemented to better handle burst errors common in mobile reception.
Antenna Diversity: Support for antenna diversity in terminals was incorporated, allowing devices to use multiple antennas to improve signal reception quality.

Performance Gains

Field trials and studies indicated that DVB-SH, particularly in the S-band, offered superior radio performance compared to DVB-H. These improvements suggested the potential for lower costs in network deployments and enhanced in-building penetration, extended outdoor coverage, and better in-car reception. Chipsets supporting both UHF and S-Band frequencies, and backward compatibility with DVB-H, were developed by companies like DiBcom and NXP Semiconductors.

Project Organization

Collaborative Efforts

The development and promotion of DVB-SH involved significant industry collaboration, often supported by governmental innovation agencies. A notable example is the TVMSL project in France, financed by the Agence de l'innovation industrielle. This project was led by Alcatel-Lucent and included key partners such as Sagem Wireless, Alenia Spazio, RFS, Philips, DiBcom, TeamCast, UDcast, CNRS, INRIA, and CEA-LETI. These partnerships were crucial for advancing the technology from concept to potential deployment.

Satellite Initiatives

Key Satellite Deployments

Several satellite operators and manufacturers were involved in projects leveraging DVB-SH technology:

ICO G1: Launched on April 14, 2008, by ICO Global Communications in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent and Expway. This satellite was notable as the world's first DVB-SH satellite to be placed in orbit, intended for nationwide deployment in the United States.
Eutelsat W2A: Launched on April 3, 2009, this satellite carried a DVB-SH S-band payload for Solaris Mobile (a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES, later EchoStar Mobile). It was designed to cover Western Europe. However, an anomaly shortly after launch impacted its service capabilities.
Inmarsat EuropaSat: Planned by Inmarsat, this S-band satellite program aimed to deliver mobile multimedia broadcast and broadband telecommunications services across European Union member states and beyond. It was to be built by Thales Alenia Space and launched by ILS.

Global Trials

Extensive Testing

By February 2008, DVB-H and DVB-SH trials were actively underway or had recently concluded in numerous cities and countries worldwide. These trials were critical for validating the technology's performance in diverse real-world conditions and assessing its potential for commercial viability.

Ireland
United Kingdom
Malaysia
Singapore
Helsinki
Berlin
Cambridge
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Paris
Tehran
Madrid
Sydney
South Africa
Taiwan
The Hague
Brussels
Bern
Vienna
New Zealand
Philippines
Copenhagen
Budapest
Erlangen
Sri Lanka
Roeselare
India

Specific collaborations included trials by SFR and Alcatel-Lucent in France, 3 Italia, RAI, and Alcatel-Lucent in Italy, and Dish Network and Alcatel-Lucent in the United States. These trials often confirmed the theoretical advantages of DVB-SH over DVB-H, positioning it as a potential evolution for mobile television.

Related Standards

Broadcasting Ecosystem

DVB-SH exists within a broader landscape of digital broadcasting standards. Understanding its context requires acknowledging related technologies:

DVB Standards:

DVB-T/T2: Terrestrial television broadcasting.
DVB-S/S2/S2X: Satellite television broadcasting.
DVB-C/C2: Cable television broadcasting.
DVB-H: Handheld television broadcasting (predecessor to DVB-SH).
DVB-NGH: Next Generation Handheld.
DVB-T2-Lite: A streamlined version for mobile devices.
DVB-I: Service discovery standard.

Other Major Standards:

ATSC: Primarily used in North America, with variants like ATSC 3.0 and ATSC-M/H for mobile.
ISDB: Used in Japan and parts of South America, including ISDB-T (terrestrial) and 1seg (handheld).
DTMB: Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast, used in China.
DMB: Digital Multimedia Broadcasting, used in South Korea.

These standards often share underlying principles like OFDM modulation but differ in specific implementations, frequency bands, and target applications, reflecting the diverse approaches to digital media delivery.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the DVB-SH Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available on the subject of DVB-SH.

This is not technical or commercial advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcasting standards, technology deployment, or market analysis. Users should consult official DVB specifications and industry experts for specific applications or business decisions. Reliance on the information presented on this page is solely at the user's own risk.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

DVB-SH: Satellite to Handhelds

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Overview ℹ️

🛰️📱 Core Concept

🌐 Frequency and Compatibility

📉 Commercial Reality

Technical Architecture 🏗️

📡 Hybrid Layers

〰️ Modulation Schemes

DVB-SH vs. DVB-H ⚖️

🚀 Key Enhancements

💡 Performance Gains

Project Organization 🤝

🏛️ Collaborative Efforts

Satellite Initiatives 🚀

🛰️ Key Satellite Deployments

Global Trials 🌍

📍 Extensive Testing

Related Standards 🔗

🗂️ Broadcasting Ecosystem

DVB Standards:

Other Major Standards:

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Core Concept

Frequency and Compatibility

Commercial Reality

Technical Architecture

Hybrid Layers

Modulation Schemes

DVB-SH vs. DVB-H

Key Enhancements

Performance Gains

Project Organization

Collaborative Efforts

Satellite Initiatives

Key Satellite Deployments

Global Trials

Extensive Testing

Related Standards

Broadcasting Ecosystem

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice