SET reactivates IBB Studies Group

The way we watch television is changing. Besides TV sets tuned to the programs provided by broadcasters, people are also consuming internet-based content using OTTs.

This experience is currently only made possible by using broadcast and broadband technologies separately. Nevertheless, the whole world is discussing ways of integrating the system.

To accompany this discussion, SET has relaunched the Studies Group of Integrated Broadcast Broadband Systems (IBB), under the management of the SET Interactivity Director, David Britto. “Ideally we want to integrate and standardize these systems on a single, non-proprietary platform”, he says.

The early IBB standards were established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency specializing in broadcasting and telecommunication technologies, which defined the bases of the system. “The shape, that is, its set of requirements and architecture have now been defined. Where execution is concerned (software), recommendations exist that have already been approved, while others are being discussed”, Britto explains.

In Japan, Hybridcast, whose specifications are under discussion in the IPTV Forum, has been launched, while in Europe, the definitions are being studied for the HBBTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV). Here in Brazil there is Ginga-C, which is part of the scope of the work of the SBTVD Forum (the Forum on the Brazilian Terrestrial Digital TV System).

Now, the SET Group intends to monitor these products and collaborate in enhancing them in Brazil. “Our first task is to make broadcast professionals aware as to the possibilities of IBB”, said Britto. “We want to present to private and public broadcasters the practical applications of the technology, while encouraging them to become involved in the SBTVD Forum”.

Besides the SET Director of Interactivity, the IBB Studies Group will be coordinated by Daniell Domingos, an associate member of SET and experienced professional engineer in this field of broadcast and, as vice-coordinator, Hernan Perrone, project manager at TOTVS.

The meetings of the IBB Studies Group will be held live at the SET main offices in São Paulo and, occasionally, using teleconferencing.  The activities are open to all SET associates and others interested in the subject matter. To participate, just send a message to [email protected], with your name, telephone number, e-mail, company and position.

Service:

SET IBB Studies Group

Manager: David Britto

Coordination:  Daniell Domingos and Hernan Perrone

Information:  [email protected]