Project H2B2VS

Abstract

H2B2VS aims at investigating the hybrid distribution of TV programs and services over heterogeneous networks: Broadcast and Broadband networks, using the future video compression standard: HEVC.
This standard, which first version was issued in January 2013, will have difficulty to be commercially deployed if new video services or new video formats are not deployed simultaneously.

However, the Broadcast networks have a limited capacity that does not allow considering easily the broadcasting of bandwidth-demanding new video formats such as 3D or Ultra-HD. Their limited capacity will also be an obstacle to adding new services associated with the broadcast programs.
Using the broadband network to carry additional information in these programs is a solution. One can consider the following examples: Broadcasting a program on the terrestrial network and sending its complement to 3D or 4K over the IP network or using the Broadband network to carry sign language translation of a broadcast programme to help deaf people.

One of the major challenges the project will have to face with will be the difference in the Quality of Service encountered on these two types of networks. On Broadcast networks, all parameters are fully controlled by the operator. In contrast, on Broadband networks based on IP technology, parameters such as delay or jitter are not fully mastered. Another challenge will be to propose efficient synchronisation methods between the Broadcast and the Broadband networks to allow the reconstruction of hybrid services in the terminals.
Other technologies will also be impacted by this hybrid distribution. For example:

• At Transport level: DASH, MMT, DVB signalling,
• At security level: Encryption, watermarking,
• At network level: CDN.

The project will also address the interactions between these technologies and will propose solutions to ensure the best Quality of Experience to the end-user.

The deployment of a hybrid solution as proposed by the project cannot be a success without contribution to standards. One of the major outcomes of the project will be contributions of some partners to the relevant standardization bodies in order to propose solutions in line with the recommendations issued from the project and that can be deployed in the field for a commercial exploitation.