First German tests for DVB-T ‘handover’

Tests have been taking place with technology designed to ensure the continuity of mobile reception of DVB-T signals in Germany.
For coaches, cars and campers digital television has long been the standard and many people use DVB-T in connection with portable devices such as USB sticks, laptops and GPS systems to watch television on the go.
When on the move, the reception changes between different transmitters with different frequencies. This still requires a manual switch or a new channel scan. To solve this problem and simplify the mobile reception of TV channels in Germany the broadcasters and the automotive industry have developed the so-called handover method for DVB-T reception on the move. Using additional signalling, receivers will automatically tune in to the best available signal of a channel, a method reminiscent of the RDS signal for FM radio stations.
The pilot was organised by the German TV Platform in cooperation with IRT (the technology institute of the German public broadcasters), Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) and BMW (on behalf of the Association of the Automotive Industry, VDA).
The system can also be applied to DVB-T2 services.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 23rd May 2011