towerCast deploys ENENSYS’ OneBeam DVB-SIS technology for UHD DTT broadcasting

Rennes - July 22, 2024 - ENENSYS Technologies is pleased to announce the deployment by towerCast of its OneBeam DVB-SIS technology for the launch of the first UHD DTT multiplex in France.

Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, DTT is being modernised in France, with the launch of France 2 in UHD/4K. This evolution provides viewers with an exceptional visual and sound experience. DTT, which is free, universal and accessible with a simple antenna, is distinguished by its reliability and low environmental impact, consuming 10 to 14 times less energy than broadcasting via internet networks.

towerCast broadcasts DTT in France thanks to its network of more than 900 sites in France, including more than 600 of its own. towerCast will operate more than 80 UHD broadcasts starting July 23. The new UHD multiplex is deployed using the DVB-T2 standard and relying on DVB-SIS (Single Illumination System) technology. This innovative transport architecture, integrated into ENENSYS' OneBeam solution, allows the use of the same satellite stream for DTH (direct to home) reception and for powering DTT transmitters, thus improving the efficiency of the system and halving operating costs.

This is how towerCast was the first broadcaster to install this new architecture on the Lesparre site on January 23, 2024. The installation of 2 EdgeProbe probes, also produced by ENENSYS, allows to monitor 24/7 the quality of the RF signal emitted by the UHD DTT transmitters. These probes provide continuous and accurate monitoring of signal quality and broadcast performance. This allows towerCast to offer UHD broadcasting with excellent quality of service, and it paves the way for the broadcasting of new DTT channels in UHD. At the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no less than 52 OneBeam devices will be in operation on the network operated by towerCast.

Baptiste DUMOND, Director of TV Activities at towerCast, said: "The platform is starting its transformation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the major challenge of deploying a new network with DVB-SIS in 6 months for this event was an exceptional experience. As a long-time user of ENENSYS solutions, towerCast is pleased to be able to rely on an innovative partner again."

Didier FARCY, VP-Sales EMEA, said: "We are delighted to contribute with towerCast to the modernization of DTT in France. Our OneBeam solution has been deployed in EMEA for more than 10 years, and we are proud to install it in France as part of the launch of UHD on DTT for the Olympic Games. Thanks to this solution, the deployment of second-generation DTT networks is faster and at a lower cost, for a significant improvement in the viewer experience."