This article gives the background to recent discussions in the EBU about High-Definition Television (HDTV). The work described here was largely undertaken by EBU Project Group B/TQE (Television Quality Evolution) whose current membership is given in Appendix 1.

The balance of evidence suggests that the public interest will best be served by using a progressively-scanned delivery channel. Evidence about which progressive format would be optimum for the EBU environment has also been gathered, and is discussed.

DVB-S2 is the second-generation specification for satellite broadcasting – developed by the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) Project in 2003. It benefits from more recent developments in channel coding (LDPC codes) combined with a variety of modulation formats (QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK and 32APSK). When used for interactive applications, such as Internet navigation, it may implement Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM), thus optimizing the transmission parameters for each individual user, dependant on path conditions. Backwards-compatible modes are available, allowing existing DVB-S set-top-boxes to continue working during any transitional period.

This article, based on a presentation given at IBC-2004, gives a variety of examples of DVB-S2 – focusing on television applications including broadcasting, contribution TV links and DSNG, and DTT signal distribution to transmitters – which illustrate the advantages of the new system over DVB-S and, indeed, DVB-DSNG.

The analogue-to-digital transition in the delivery of TV programmes to the home is a major challenge. Many requirements have to be met. Germany provides an interesting case study as the approaches taken for satellite, terrestrial and cable delivery differ significantly.

In this article, after a brief review of TV coverage in Germany, the analogue-to-digital transition is detailed for the three distribution platforms – including issues on picture quality, HDTV and interactive programming based on MHP.

In an era of technological and market developments which are rapidly dissolving the boundaries between broadcasting and telecommunications, the UK Government recognized the need for a new regulatory approach. Thus Ofcom was born.

This article gives an overview of its structure and terms of reference, from mainly a broadcasting viewpoint.

The ITU Regional Radio Conference, RRC-04/06, was convened to update the Stockholm 1961 and Geneva 1989 VHF/UHF television broadcasting Plans for the European and African Broadcasting Areas, respectively. It takes account of the spectrum needs for digital radio and television terrestrial services in the European and African Broadcasting Areas, and also in neighbouring areas.

The first Session, RRC-04, was completed in May 2004 and this article provides an overview of the progress made in establishing the planning criteria and parameters for the later second Session, RRC-06, to be held in 2006.

The number of disabled people in the European Union is growing. Currently 10% of the population is estimated to have a disability [1], including a large number of people with sensory disabilities. By the year 2020, it is estimated that 25% of the inhabitants will be over 60 [2], with the largest increase in the 75+ age band, where disability is most prevalent.

This article outlines the choices available to broadcasters when starting access services over digital television platforms

IBC 2004 was genuinely the year of high-definition television. Not just because HD and HD/SD-switchable equipment was everywhere on the show floor – but because the real possibility that Europe's mainstream broadcasters could soon adopt HD transmission shot to the top of IBC's conference agenda.

Here, Nick Radlo gives an overview of the HD debate at IBC this year, and also reports on an interview with the head of BBC Technology – shortly to be sold to Siemens Business Services.