IPTV Head-End Station Systems Future-proof applications and solutions

IPTV Head-End Station Systems Future-proof applications and solutions

What are all the benefits of IPTV The IPTV focus group at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed on the following defi nition in October 2006, which reads: IPTV is defi ned as multimedia services such as television/video/audio/ text/graphics/data delivered over IP based networks managed to provide the required level of quality of service and experience, security, interactivity and reliability. The most important characteristics of IPTV are, along with its support of Next Generation Networks (NGN) and bi-directional networks, its dialogue-capable system and processing services for real-time as well as non-real-time services. In summary, it can be said that IPTV is a form of television broadcasting over IP networks. In the past, the term IPTV has been used in many ways, not least as a generic term for internet TV. Internet TV refers to TV services which are accessible via the public internet domain, and offered by services such as media libraries. The main difference between IPTV and internet TV is that the internet does not provide any QoS, and the television picture is watched using Internet Explorer or a similar web browser, while for IPTV, the usual kind of end device is used with the same familiar DVB-S and DVB-C quality. When wondering which networks already allow IPTV, the DSL network seems the logical answer. However, not only are DSL networks capable of transmitting IPTV, but also WiFi, UMTS, LAN etc. Apart from these typical telecommunication company networks, IPTV is also used for the FttX networks as point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connection. The classic cable television networks represent a further application, because not only Video-over-DVB, but also Video over DOCSIS is being used with increasing frequency. 2

IPTV in head-ends For the use of IPTV in IP networks, the DVB signals fi rst need to be converted to IP. For conversion to IP, two different methods are available: conversion to SPTS (Single Program Transport Stream) and conversion to MPTS (Multi Program Transport Stream). For conversion into MPTS, the DVB data stream received is converted from DVB-S or DVB-T into IP. There can be multiple stations in the data stream, and yet the IP data stream only receives a single IP address. The end-use application is usually found in signal transfer, that is, signal distribution from the central head-end to diverse regional head-ends. If, in contrast, conversion to SPTS is selected, then the DVB data stream is split up, which results in individual IP address being assigned to every channel. The main difference between the two methods is that the IP network is used with different data rates. With MPTS, the data rate for a satellite transponder can amount to more than 50 Mbit/s, while with SPTS an individual channel requires approx. 6 Mbit/s. Streaming with SPTS is purely an end-use application, which can function on diverse networks. Even using DSL technology, HD programs can be transmitted via a twistedpair network. Only as many channels and therefore data rates are needed as the subscribers require. Because the MultiDigital cassettes are also designed for receiving IP streams, IP-based services, such as Video-on-Demand etc., can be deployed. Transmission to the subscriber occurs in the usual way, via DVB-C or DVB-T. 3

Modem IPTV solutions IPTV solutions are ideally suited for users of local distribution networks, such as hotels, hospitals, universities, airports, train stations, business centres, as well as for apartment buildings or smaller residential complexes. IP signals can either be transmitted via the structural wiring, or also over the telephone network using DSL technology. To do so, 20 Mbit/s to 100 Mbit/s systems and a special system for system telephone installations are available. Information channel control Internet Time schedule Head-end CATV CMTS Example of the virtual program package Using the MultiDigital cassettes, terrestrial or satellite channels are converted into IP. These modular platforms allow the individual needs of the operator/user to be catered for. Naturally, pay-tv services and content, as well as typical supplementary digital services such as EPG, AC-3 etc., can be provided as well. Internet access can also be realised. Integrating Video on Demand (VoD) and Music on Demand (MoD) is done using an extension module, which features Hollywood Studio-certifi ed technology. TimeShift and PVR functions are also provided by this module. In a special mode, a 24-hour recording of all TV channels can be made, so that the user can, for example, access their favourite services such as news or series, or use it for documentation purposes. The VoD system can also be used as an information channel system. Just as in the professional sector, a broadcast plan, exact to the second, can be compiled using simple means. This allows targeted information, such as advertisements, to be broadcast at certain times. The schedule can be fi xed 24 x7 using this playout functionality. The required hotel applications are delivered at the same time by the MultiDigital platform. This way, it includes a safe, legal internet gateway, the integration of standard PMS systems, a multi-language interface, optional rates, bundling of TV and internet services, PayPal, credit cards, PMS and voucher payment, Plug&Play: no confi gurations on laptops, etc. The end devices are everyday TV sets, or computers by means of software. For TV sets without an integrated set-top box (STB), GSS STBs are required. This means existing sets do not need to be replaced, just enhanced by an STB. For business centres, the MultiDigital platform also provides additional applications from the digital television sector. GSS also provides a modular MultiDigital platform for all applications: Basic IPTV head-end station, Layer3 switch, server for middleware, set top boxes VoD module VoD/MoD server, portal for accessing VoD servers, equipment depends on requirements Info channel module Broadcast control for info channels/24x7 scheduling xdsl module DSLAM and modem according to application (ADSL2 / ADSL2+ / VDSL / VDSL2), splitter Hotel module Connection to PMS systems, administration of internet access Internet-Gateway Management VoD Server PVR/Playout Middleware Server PMS Interface Further applications IP network DSLAM Telephone Alongside the IPTV solution discussed, other useful technology is available. In the analogue world, stations are programmed in the television according to channels or frequencies. If a different station is broadcast on one channel, there are no problems with reception. With digital transmission, each station receives a unique SI (service information) identifi cation. When programming digital stations in end devices, the SI code and the station name are saved along with the channel. If a different station is then broadcast on the same transport stream, then the end device cannot display the station, or reception is not possible. The conversion from DVB-S and DVB-T signals to IP puts things right. The SPTS method is used for this, as it allows every station to be assigned an IP address of its own. These IP stations are then modulated according to COFDM or QAM. The existing station name and the SI code are replaced with a new station name and SI code. Cable TV IP over coax IPTV IP over xdsl The end devices must be programmed for these inputs, so that the station can be changed without a new scan. By calling up a menu item in the control unit, the conversion to a different constellation occurs within spilt seconds, as the confi gurations are stored in the cassettes. At the same time, the station sequence can also be defi ned for the confi guration fi les. Typical applications are found in hotels, which house many groups of guests from overseas. For a certain group, for example, a special station package can be compiled. If a different group arrives the next day, the program package can be exchanged for a different one. Programming anew or reprogramming is not required on the end devices, as they are preset to so-called virtual program packages. This is also of great benefi t on ships, as the port-of-call changes daily. For ships, only the confi guration fi les now need to be changed according to harbour. Allocation of the stations to the virtual containers Determining the station sequence Example of a different confi guration fi le 5

Overview of IPTV Converters STANDARD-LINE 1000 MPTS HDMT 1000 MPTS 1000 SPTS HDMT 1000 SPTS 1000 S HADA 5100 SPTS 1000 C 1000 T 1000 FM HSPT 1000 C PROFI-LINE PHIM 1000 PTIM 1000 PHIS 1000 PTIS 1000 PHIS 1000 S PAIS 5100 PMDQ 1000 PMDT 1000 PMDF 1000 PSPQ 1000 PSPT 1000 No. of inputs DVB-S2 2-2 - 2 No. of inputs DVB-T - 2-2 - Input IPTV MPTS MPTS MPTS SPTS SPTS No. of converted 2-2 - 2 transponders No. of converted multiplexes - 2-2 - Input frequency range (MHz) 950 2150 177.5 226.5 474 858 950 2150 177.5 226.5 474 858 950 2150 No. of carriers of input - 2 k and 8 k - 2 k and 8 k - Input symbol rate - according to DVB-S modes (QPSK) 1/2, 2/3, DVB-S2 modes (QPSK) 1/2, 3/5, DVB-S2 modes (8PSK) 3/5, 2/3, Symbol rate DVB-S 1 45 (QPSK), DVB-S2 (QPSK) Msymb/s and DVB-S2 (8PSK) Output symbol rate 1 7.5-1/2, 2/3, - 1/2, 3/5, - 3/5, 2/3, - 1 45 Msymb/s according to - according to N 300 744 1 7.5-1/2, 2/3, - 1/2, 3/5, - 3/5, 2/3, - 1 45 Msymb/s according to - 1 7.5 Modulation scheme QAM 4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 No. of carriers of output QPSK, 16-QAM and 64-QAM - 2 k, 4 k and 8 k Guard Interval - 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 UKW (16 fold) QAM 4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 HSPT 1000 T QPSK, 16-QAM and 64-QAM - - 2 k, 4 k and 8 k - - 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 ASI input 5 x - - - - - ASI output Common Interface via Tuner A via Tuner A via Tuner A via Tuner A via Tuner A DiSEqC 1.0 control - - - - IPTV output 2 x Multicast 2 x Multicast 16 x SPTS in Unicast / Multicast Output frequency range/ Channel infrequency (MHz) 16 x SPTS in Unicast / Multicast 12 x SPTS with fi xed IP addresses 5 x SPTS with - - - - - constant Bit rate 45 862 42 860 87.5 108 45 862 42 860 Your GSS System Partner: Printed in Germany We cannot assume any liability for the technical data specifi ed here. Delivery subject to availability. GSS Grundig SAT Systems GmbH Beuthener Strasse 43 D-90471 Nuernberg Phone: +49/911/703-8877 Fax: +49/911/703-9210 info@gss.de www.gss.de da kapo