Mobile TV Broadcasting Research Articles

Upgrading of the L-P Band Cryogenic Receiver of the Sardinia Radio Telescope: A Feasibility Study.

The Sardinia Radio Telescope is a quasi-Gregorian system with a shaped 64 m diameter primary reflector and a 7.9 m diameter secondary reflector. It was designed to operate with high efficiency across the 0.3–116 GHz frequency range. The telescope is equipped with a cryogenic coaxial dual-frequency L-P band receiver, which covers a portion of the P-band (305–410 MHz) and the L-band (1300–1800 MHz). Although this receiver has been used for years in its original design, with satisfactory results, it presents some parts that could be upgraded in order to improve the performances of the system. With the passing of time and with technology advances, the presence of unwanted human-made signals in the area around the telescope, known as radio frequency interferences, has grown exponentially. In addition, the technology of the receiver electronic control system became obsolete and it could be replaced with next-generation electronic boards, which offer better performances both service reliability and low generation of unwanted radio frequency signals. In this paper, a feasibility study for improving the L-P band receiver is discussed, taking into account the mitigation of the main radio frequency interferences. With this study, it is possible to have a sensitive instrument that can be used for scientific research at low frequencies (P- and L-bands), which are usually populated by signals from civil and military mobile communications, TV broadcasting and remote sensing applications.

Response to Comment on Giuseppe Genchi et al. Mercury Exposure and Heart Diseases. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 74.

We are grateful to Paknahad and coauthors for giving us the opportunity to consider the interesting papers by Kursun et al., Mortazavi S.M.J. et al., Mortazavi G. et al., Shahidi et al., Yilmaz et al., about the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or those generated by other sources such as mobile phones, mobile base stations, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, radio and TV broadcasting, and X-rays which can increase the mercury release from amalgam fillings [1,2,3,4,5,6].[...]

Models and Solution Techniques for Frequency Assignment Problems

Wireless communication is used in many different situations such as mobile telephony, radio and TV broadcasting, satellite communication, and military operations. In each of these situations a frequency assignment problem arises with application specific characteristics. Researchers have developed different modeling ideas for each of the features of the problem, such as the handling of interference among radio signals, the availability of frequencies, and the optimization criterion. This survey gives an overview of the models and methods that the literature provides on the topic. We present a broad description of the practical settings in which frequency assignment is applied. We also present a classification of the different models and formulations described in the literature, such that the common features of the models are emphasized. The solution methods are divided in two parts. Optimization and lower bounding techniques on the one hand, and heuristic search techniques on the other hand. The literature is classified according to the used methods. Again, we emphasize the common features, used in the different papers. The quality of the solution methods is compared, whenever possible, on publicly available benchmark instances.

Approximation scheme for burst scheduling with minimum overhead in time slicing mobile TV

In this paper, we consider the problem of minimizing switching overhead of burst scheduling in time slicing mobile TV broadcast systems. This problem was formulated by Hsu and Hefeeda, and was given an elegant approximation scheme with an approximation ratio of at least two. Our proposed scheme significantly improves the approximation ratio of the previous scheme. More concretely, it generates a burst schedule for mobile TV systems whose switching overhead is at most $$(1/\ln 2)+\epsilon \simeq 1.4427$$ ( 1 / ln 2 ) + ∈ ? 1.4427 times of optimum, where $$\ln $$ ln is the natural logarithm and $$\epsilon $$ ∈ is arbitrary positive constant. Our scheme is a combination of a binary partion of burst cycles and a shifting method which is commonly used for the analysis of approximation algorithms designed for unit disk graphs.

MIMO for DVB-NGH, the next generation mobile TV broadcasting [Accepted From Open Call

DVB-NGH (Digital Video Broadcasting - Next Generation Handheld) is the next generation technology for mobile TV broadcasting, which has been developed by the DVB project with the most advanced transmission technologies. DVB-NGH is the first broadcasting standard to incorporate multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) as the key technology to overcome the Shannon limit of single antenna communications. MIMO techniques can be used to improve the robustness of the transmitted signal by exploiting the spatial diversity of the MIMO channel, but also to achieve increased data rates through spatial multiplexing. This article describes the benefits of MIMO that motivated its incorporation in DVB-NGH, reviews the MIMO schemes adopted, and discusses some aspects related to the deployment of MIMO networks in DVB-NGH. The article also provides a feature comparison with the multi-antenna techniques for 3GGP's LTE/LTE-Advanced for cellular networks. Finally, physical layer simulation results calibrated within the DVB-NGH standardization process are provided to illustrate the gain of MIMO for the next generation of mobile TV broadcasting.

Integration of the digital broadcast mobile television network and the 3G network

The paper presents the results of the research into the opportunities for the integration of mobile broadcast TV networks and cellular 3G networks. We analyzed trends in mobile television services as well as previous studies that aim at finding optimal ways to integrate different types of networks. This paper analyzes the existing mobile television technology, with a special emphasis on the DVB-H technology. We analyzed the conditions, reasons and opportunities for the integration of DVB-H and 3G UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), and the conclusions of these analyzes are supported with the results in practice. Based on these studies, a conclusion on the feasibility of the realization of DVBH/ UMTS hybrid networks is brought.

Distributed MIMO coding scheme with low decoding complexity for future mobile TV broadcasting

A novel distributed space-time block code (STBC) for the next generation mobile TV broadcasting is proposed. The new code provides efficient performance within a wide range of power imbalance showing strong adaptivity to the single frequency network (SFN) broadcasting deployments. The new code outperforms existing STBCs with equivalent decoding complexity and approaches those with much higher complexities.

Prospect of mobile TV broadcasting in China: socio-technical analysis of CMMB's development

Drawn from extensive document analysis and interviews with stakeholders, this socio-technical study examines the shaping powers of the subsystems (technology, policy/government, and market/industry) of China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB). After the Beijing Olympics, the first commercialized mobile TV expanded its infrastructure and business operations faster than other 3G and mobile TV broadcasting, covering 346 cities by November 2010. The findings show that CMMB, which is the leader in Chinese mobile TV development, is policy/government-driven and technologically ready. However, multiple technological standards and discrepancies between regulatory bodies slowed down its initial rollout. In the market/industry subsystem, content/services scarcity, undesirable pricing schemes, and low brand awareness are the inhibitors that curbed CMMB's diffusion. However, its strategic collaboration with China Mobile allowed it to quickly increase its user base and sale of CMMB-enabled handsets. Moreover, the socio-technical approach is a useful framework to investigate the forces that shape emerging technological trajectory holistically.

Evolutionary Neural Networks algorithm for the Dynamic Frequency Assignment Problem

Wireless communication is used in many different situations such as mobile telephony, radio and TV broadcasting, satellite communication, wireless LANs, and military operations. In each of these situations a frequency assignment problem arises with application-specific characteristics. Researchers have developed different modelling ideas for each of the features of the problem, such as the handling of interference among radio signals, the availability of frequencies, and the optimization criterion. This paper presents a new approach for solving the problem of frequency allocation based on using initially a partial solution respecting all constraints according to a greedy algorithm. This partial solution is then used for the construction of our stimulation in the form of a neural network. In a second step, the approach will use searching techniques used in conjunction with iterative algorithms for the optimization of the parameters and topology of the network. The iterative algorithms used are named hierarchical genetic algorithms (HGA). Our approach has been tested on standard benchmark problems called Philadelphia problems of frequency assignment. The results obtained are equivalent to those of current methods. Moreover, our approach shows more efficiency in terms of flexibility and autonomy.

A DVB-H receiver and gateway implementation on a FPGA- and DSP-based platform

DVB-H is a mobile TV broadcasting system that is being deployed in many countries around the world. Although specific terminals do exist, it is not very common for mobile terminals (e.g. smartphones or tablets) to be DVB-H enabled. Therefore, it might be desirable to have some kind of device that could retransmit the DVB-H services using a more established system such as WiFi. A prototype system, based on FPGA and DSP, that is able to receive a DVB-H multiplex, extract a desired service and retransmit it to any wired or wireless Ethernet-type network is presented. It can also decode and present the selected program1.

Flexible Broadcasting of Scalable Video Streams to Heterogeneous Mobile Devices

We study the scalable video broadcasting problem in mobile TV broadcast networks, where each TV channel is encoded into a scalable video stream with multiple layers, and several TV channels are concurrently broadcast over a shared air medium to many mobile devices with heterogeneous resources. Our goal is to encapsulate and broadcast video streams encoded in scalable manner to enable heterogeneous mobile devices to render the most appropriate video substreams while achieving high energy saving and low channel switching delay. The appropriate streams depend on the device capability and the target energy consumption level. We propose two new broadcast schemes, which are flexible in the sense that they allow diverse bit rates among layers of the same stream. Such flexibility enables videos to be optimally encoded in terms of coding efficiency, and allows the coded video streams to be better matched with the capability of mobile devices. We analyze the performance of the proposed broadcast schemes. In addition, we have implemented the proposed schemes in a real mobile TV testbed to show their practicality and efficiency. Our extensive experiments confirm that the proposed schemes enable energy saving differentiation: between 75 and 95 percent were observed. Moreover, one of the schemes achieves low channel switching delays: 200 msec is possible with typical system parameters.

Using simulcast and scalable video coding to efficiently control channel switching delay in mobile tv broadcast networks

Many mobile TV standards dictate using energy saving schemes to increase the viewing time on mobile devices, since mobile receivers are battery powered. The most common scheme for saving energy is to make the base station broadcast the video data of a TV channel in bursts with a bit-rate much higher than the encoding rate of the video stream, which enables mobile devices to turn off their radio frequency circuits when not receiving bursts. Broadcasting TV channels in bursts, however, increases channel switching delay. The switching delay is important, because long and variable switching delays are annoying to users and may turn them away from the mobile TV service. In this article, we first analyze the burst broadcasting scheme currently used in many deployed mobile TV networks, and we show that it is not efficient in terms of controlling the channel switching delay. We then propose new schemes to guarantee that a given maximum switching delay is not exceeded and that the energy consumption of mobile devices is minimized. We prove the correctness of the proposed schemes and analytically analyze the achieved energy saving. We also use scalable video coding to generalize the proposed schemes in order to support mobile devices with heterogeneous resources. We implement the proposed schemes in a mobile TV testbed to show their practicality and to validate our theoretical analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed schemes: (i) significantly increase the energy saving achieved on mobile devices: up to 95% saving is observed, and (ii) support both homogeneous and heterogeneous mobile devices.

Considerations for Reducing Channel Zapping Time for Protected Services in IP Datacast over DVB-H

IP Datacast over DVB-H has been adopted as a core technology to build complete end-to-end mobile broadcast TV systems. In order for this technology to be successful in the market, provisioning of acceptable QoE (Quality of Experience) to the users, as well as a wide range of business models to the service providers, is essential. In this paper, we analyze the channel zapping time, which is an important metric to measure QoE for mobile broadcast TV services. In particular, we clarify primary components that determine the channel zapping time for protected services in IP Datacast over DVB-H. Our analysis is based on the data gathered during the trial service of the OMA-BCAST Smartcard profile in Singapore, Asia. Based on the analysis, we show that a significant reduction in channel zapping time can be achieved by optimizing the transmission parameters related to the key derivation time and the synchronization time between the content stream and the key stream.

Development of ATSC-MH receiver for mobile digital TV services

ATSC-MH is an emerging standard for mobile digital TV services in the U.S. From broadcaster's point of view, core competitive advantages that broadcasters have relative to the other technologies for enabling mobile broadcast TV services include substantially lower capital requirements, as well as low cost and routine access to broadcast content. From customer's point of view, on the other hand, they can enjoy information rich services in mobile environment because ATSC-MH incorporates various technologies that have proven successful in other mobile broadcast TV standards. In this paper, therefore, we introduce an implementation of ATSC-MH receiver, especially for mobile handsets. The proposed solution is in full support of the ATSC-MH signaling system that uses OMA-BCAST SG in combination with the signaling information embedded in the ATSC-MH transport streams.

Broadcasting Video Streams Encoded With Arbitrary Bit Rates in Energy-Constrained Mobile TV Networks

Mobile TV broadcast networks have received significant attention from the industry and academia, as they have already been deployed in several countries around the world and their expected market potential is huge. In such networks, a base station broadcasts TV channels in bursts with bit rates much higher than the encoding bit rates of the videos. This enables mobile receivers to receive a burst of traffic and then turn off their receiving circuits till the next burst to conserve energy. The base station needs to construct a transmission schedule for all bursts of different TV channels. Constructing optimal (in terms of energy saving) transmission schedules has been shown to be an NP-complete problem when the TV channels carry video streams encoded at arbitrary and variable bit rates. In this paper, we propose a near-optimal approximation algorithm to solve this problem. We prove the correctness of the proposed algorithm and derive its approximation factor. We also conduct extensive evaluation of our algorithm using implementation in a real mobile TV testbed as well as simulations. Our experimental and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm: 1) is practical and produces correct burst schedules; 2) achieves near-optimal energy saving for mobile devices; and 3) runs efficiently in real time and scales to large scheduling problems.

On Burst Transmission Scheduling in Mobile TV Broadcast Networks

In mobile TV broadcast networks, the base station broadcasts TV channels in bursts such that mobile devices can receive a burst of traffic and then turn off their radio frequency circuits till the next burst in order to save energy. To achieve this energy saving without scarifying streaming quality, the base station must carefully construct the burst schedule for all TV channels. This is called the burst scheduling problem. In this paper, we prove that the burst scheduling problem for TV channels with arbitrary bit rates is NP-complete. We then propose a practical simplification of the general problem, which allows TV channels to be classified into multiple classes, and the bit rates of the classes have power of two increments, e.g., 100, 200, and 400 kbps. Using this practical simplification, we propose an optimal and efficient burst scheduling algorithm. We present theoretical analysis, simulation, and actual implementation in a mobile TV testbed to demonstrate the optimality, practicality, and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

Graceful Degradation in 3GPP MBMS Mobile TV Services Using H.264/AVC Temporal Scalability

These days, there is an increasing interest in Mobile TV broadcast services shown by customers as well as service providers. One general problem of Mobile TV broadcast services is to maximize the coverage of users receiving an acceptable service quality, which is mainly influenced by the user's position and mobility within the cell. In this paper, graceful degradation is considered as an approach for improved service availability and coverage. We present a layered transmission approach for 3GPP's Release 6 Multimedia and Broadcast Service (MBMS) based on temporal scalability using H.264/AVC Baseline Profile. A differentiation in robustness between temporal quality layers is achieved by unequal error protection approach based on either application layer Forward Error Correction (FEC) or unequal transmit power for the layers or even a combination of both. We discuss the corresponding MBMS service as well as network settings and define measures allowing for evaluating the amount of users reached with a certain mobile terminal play-out quality while considering the network cell capacity usage. Using simulated 3GPP Rel. 6 network conditions, we show that if the service and network settings are chosen carefully, a noticeable extension of the coverage of the MBMS service can be achieved.

La TV digitale terrestre: conservazione dell'esistente o innovazione verso la convergenza?

- Even though competition among platforms has not yet clearly established a winner, digital TV has grown significantly everywhere. Technological developments have allowed new models for content consumption. User-generated content, on-demand services, catch up TV, PVRs which allow the creation of individual schedules and skipping commercials are disrupting the traditional passive mode of content consumption. Faced with these new models, some TV players are actually proactive in creating cross-platform synergies, in order to exploit their expertise and brand across a multitude of platforms, thus increasing their profits. The competitive scenario is undergoing substantial changes compared to the one we had grown familiar with over the last twenty years. Penetration of digital TV is moving ahead: in June 2008, there were nearly 100 million digital TV households in Western Europe, thus reaching 60% of European TV households. Satellite is still the most widespread digital access, but digital terrestrial television records the highest growth rates, thanks to the success reported in some of the biggest markets. After the Netherlands, also Finland and Sweden have completed the analogue switch-off. New platforms such as ADSL, FTTH are still struggling to conquer a place in the market. Although it is still a marginal platform, the IPTV is reporting interesting figures. Other services followed in Germany, Finland and the United Kingdom after the first commercial launch of mobile broadcast TV in Italy in June 2006,. Other services are expected to be launched with the EC supported standard DVB-H. Keywords: television, digital TV, convergence, market strategy. Parole chiave: televisione, TV digitale, convergenza, strategia di mercato. . Jel Classification: L82

Converged mobile TV services supporting rich media in cellular and DVB-H systems

Convergence between broadcasting services and telecommunication services and provisioning of rich media services are two major requirements that recent mobile broadcast TV services try to satisfy. Although there exist independent technologies and international standards for each of the requirements, few efforts have been paid for providing solutions supporting these requirements together. In this paper, we present a standard-based implementation for mobile handsets in support of rich media enabled mobile broadcast TV services.

This is Mobile TV Broadcasting

Mobile reception is a new feature evolved in TV broadcasting. Mobile reception requires a robust signal to overcome the complexity of mobile propagation channel. Though DVB-T, primarily intended for fixed terrestrial reception, has limited capacity for mobile TV broadcasting; addition of powerful ‘Forward Error Correction’(MPE-FEC); new operational Mode-‘4K’ and new ‘Time Slicing’ technique for power conservation in the mobile handset, gave birth to a fully enabled mobileTV broadcast standard-DVB-H, as an extension of DVB-T.