France prepares DVB-I trial under the leadership of FAVN
The Forum Audiovisuel Numérique (FAVN) is preparing a trial of the DVB-I specification in France. The project brings together broadcasters, operators, and receiver manufacturers, with the aim of assessing the potential of DVB-I to improve the television experience for viewers and to help shape the future of TV in France.
DVB-I provides a common framework for service discovery across broadcast and broadband networks. It enables the delivery of a unified service list that can seamlessly combine digital terrestrial television, satellite and IP-delivered streams, offering simple and intuitive access.
The French trial will explore a variety of use cases, including the discovery of services of general interest (services d’intérêt général, SIG), the presentation of these services to users, and smooth navigation between linear streams and broadcaster applications.
Services of general interest are a key element of European audiovisual policy. Under the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), Member States may take steps to ensure prominence and accessibility for such services, recognizing their social, cultural and democratic value. DVB-I offers a standards-based approach to implementing these requirements in a converged broadcast–broadband environment.
The upcoming French initiative adds to a growing list of DVB-I deployments and trials across Europe and beyond, including the trials in Germany, Italy, and Ireland, and Eutelsat’s free-to-air Sat.tv service. More information on ongoing DVB-I activities can be found on the DVB-I website.
DVB-I at IBC2025
At this week’s IBC2025 tradeshow in Amsterdam, DVB-I will be more visible than ever, with numerous companies showcasing DVB-I–based products and services across the exhibition. On the DVB booth, a full programme of sessions will include multiple meetups and presentations dedicated to DVB-I, along with the chance to put your questions directly to experts during several “DVB-I: Ask an Expert” slots.
