Cyfrowy Polsat and Polsat TV are testing the possibility of offering hybrid technologies via digital terrestrial TV (DVB-T). Technical tests will be also conducted with a view to increase the coverage footprint of the channels broadcasted via MUX4.
In the course of the tests Polsat News channel will be broadcasted via digital terrestrial TV in four new locations, i.e. in Warsaw, Katowice, Poznań and Tri-City (Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia area). In addition, in connection with the tests Polsat News channel will be unscrambled on MUX4 where the tests of HbbTV will also take place. The possibilities offered by hybrid technologies will be also tested in Polsat TV channels which are broadcasted via MUX2.
Cyfrowy Polsat embarks on these activities to increase the broadcasting footprint and to reach the viewers of the channels which are broadcasted via MUX4. MUX4 reaches some 33% of Poland’s population at present. In connection with the above, Cyfrowy Polsat has applied to the Office of Electronic Communications for consent to a temporary trial in four locations on the frequencies used by Polsat News, Polsat Sport, Polsat Sport Extra, Polsat Film, Polsat Cafe, Polsat Play channels. The purpose is to analyze the possibilities of implementing advanced services for the end-users of hybrid technologies which combine linear broadcasting of DVB-T signals in DVB-T/DVB-T2 technologies with transmission over the Internet using HbbTV, including testing of new video codecs.
The tests, carried out via DVB-T in in Warsaw, Katowice, Poznan and the Tri-City will involve broadcasting of Polsat News channel while relying on DVB-T and, during the further stage of the tests, also while using the second generation digital terrestrial TV technology – the DVB-T2. Hybrid applications and services will be tested and the size of the population, which can be reached by the signal and which will be able to receive it, will be estimated. The tests will enable subsequent extension of the coverage footprint of the channels which are broadcasted via MUX4 as well as application of the most optimum solutions.
In addition, the new hybrid solutions will be tested with Polsat TV channels broadcasted via MUX2 and MUX4. For the new services to be tested by as extensive group of viewers as possible, Polsat News channel, which is broadcasted via MUX4, will be unscrambled and offered as FTA.
Hence the possibilities offered by HbbTV services will be tested in four new locations in near future, while using Polsat TV channels which are broadcasted via MUX2, MUX4. The tests are commencing today, i.e. on 20 September 2019.
