A groundbreaking advancement in broadcasting technology is underway as Brazil has adopted a terrestrial broadcasting transmission technology developed by researchers from Korea. This significant milestone follows the technology’s initial acceptance as a standard in North America, showcasing the global reach and promising future of the next-generation broadcast standard, officially known as DTV+. The announcement was made by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) on August 29, marking a pivotal moment for the future of broadcasting in Brazil and potentially, in South America as a whole.
The selected transmission technology integrates the principles of Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 with state-of-the-art techniques known as multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) and layered division multiplexing (LDM). This revolutionary combination was recognized officially under Brazilian law, with a decree that officially adopts this physical layer transmission method for future broadcasting frameworks. Scheduled to be introduced in September 2024, this advancement heralds a new generation of broadcast systems capable of delivering superior audio and video quality, ensuring that Brazil’s broadcasting infrastructure can compete on a global stage.
Under the ambitious TV 3.0 project, Brazil proactively sought cutting-edge technologies to enhance its broadcasting capabilities. In 2020, the Brazilian government released a Request for Proposals to invite various candidate technologies for consideration at different levels, including physical, transport, and video/audio layers. This initiative demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to technological evolution and its willingness to embrace international collaboration in improving its broadcasting services.
ETRI has been at the forefront of this development, boasting a unique transmission technology that blends MIMO and LDM based on ATSC 3.0 principles. This innovation is groundbreaking and has never been seen before in any global context. ETRI proposed this candidate technology for Brazil’s next-generation broadcasting standard in partnership with ATSC. This strategic collaboration is particularly noteworthy given the fierce competition from global broadcasters from countries such as Japan, China, and various European nations, each vying to present their own innovative technologies.
The rigorous selection process led by the Brazilian SBTVD Forum culminated in the choice of Korea and America’s ATSC 3.0, along with Japan’s Advanced ISDB-T, as the final contenders. This decision was made after thorough laboratory testing that evaluated the capabilities and performance of the proposed technologies. The meticulous evaluation reflects the high standards set by Brazil’s broadcasting authorities and emphasizes the need for technology that meets both market demands and commercial viability.
Making significant strides forward, ETRI collaborated with CLEVERLOGIC, a respected Korean broadcasting and telecommunications equipment manufacturer, to develop a prototype that played a pivotal role in the real-world testing phase preceding the selection process. As a result, ETRI was able to enhance its initial designs, incorporating additional capabilities such as MIMO transmitter identification, a critical component that ensures seamless transmission in dense broadcasting environments. Moreover, the development of LDM-supported local broadcast insertion technology is designed to meet Brazil’s unique operational requirements.
The subsequent endorsement of the ETRI and ATSC proposal as the preferred method for Brazil’s next-generation broadcasting standard resonates deeply. The decision prioritized technological maturity, operational performance, commercialization potential, and overall economic impact. Such a comprehensive evaluation ensures that Brazil is adopting a future-proof solution that not only meets the immediate demands of the market but also positions it competitively on the international stage.
In a notable application of this innovative technology, TV Globo, Brazil’s largest broadcaster, utilized the advanced MIMO and LDM methods to enhance their coverage of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This real-world application is a testament to the potential capabilities imbued within the newly adopted standards, indicating that Brazilian broadcasters will be well-equipped to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience during high-profile global events.
The successful development and adoption of the ATSC 3.0 technology as Brazil’s next generation broadcasting standard exemplifies the proactive commitment of ETRI and Korean technology firms to push boundaries in the ICT sector. Highlighting this endeavor, leading researchers like Dr. Park Sung Ik from ETRI have garnered international recognition for their contributions. Dr. Park’s receipt of the 2024 ATSC Richer Industry Medal underlines the significance of these developments and emphasizes the international collaborations that can bring about substantive technological advancements.
This AP (Advanced Television Systems Committee) 3.0 technology includes contributions from various domestic companies, including giants such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Their involvement has expedited the adoption of this technology, thus paving the way for a robust entry into overseas markets, particularly in South America where broadcast technology is rapidly evolving. The implications for these Korean firms are potentially significant, opening up opportunities in a burgeoning market where international standards are being solidified.
Furthermore, Brazil’s embrace of ATSC 3.0 technology signifies a pivotal development for broadcasting in South America, as it may lead to a wider adoption of similar standards across neighboring countries. This movement could stimulate not only technological advancement but also cooperation among South American countries and Korea, creating a synergy that could further enhance broadcasting capabilities throughout the continent.
Summarizing the impact of this partnership, Bang Seung Chan, ETRI’s President, remarked that the adoption of this technology marks a significant achievement, resulting from ETRI’s leadership in the development of original technologies amid global competition. The establishment of ATSC 3.0 as Brazil’s broadcasting standard represents a model case of international cooperation that can inform future endeavors in securing technological influence on a global scale.
This technological revolution is not just a step towards improving broadcasting standards; it’s a monumental leap into a future where Brazil can assert its influence in the global broadcasting landscape. With ongoing collaborations and innovations, this advancement lays the groundwork for Brazil to enhance its broadcast services significantly and potentially lead the charge in setting new international benchmarks for broadcast technology.
Subject of Research: Next-generation Broadcasting Technology
Article Title: Brazil Adopts Advanced Broadcasting Technology from Korea
News Publication Date: August 29, 2023
Web References: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)
References: ATSC Standards, Brazilian Broadcasting Standards
Image Credits: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)
Keywords
Next-generation broadcasting, MIMO, LDM, ATSC 3.0, Brazil, broadcasting technology, ETRI, international cooperation.
