A flexible and modular approach for transmission of digital TV and for interactive services

This paper describes the system components for modulation and demodulation of digital TV, the compression architecture and the highly flexible interface between the components. The complete system consists of a variety of products which can be combined together by a standardized interface (DVB). The principal of PID (Packed IDentifier) filtering ensures an easy way of multiplexing and remultiplexing of video-, audio- and data streams so that different streams can be guided to different systems components. The transmission data rate is 270 Mbit/s so that about 60 to 70 programms (4 Mbit/s per video) can be transported between the components, e.g. in cable headends. The system also integrates a return path channel for cable and a high sophisticated subscriber management, ordering and billing system for interactive services like video on demand (VOD). Examples of interactive solutions are given and are subject of further technical investigations