Project: Middleware for Integrating DTT Stream provision and handling across all major DTT_x000D_broadcast standards

The goal of the MIDStream project is to respond to the growing market demand for a universal digital_x000D_terrestrial TV receiver (DTT-R). The principal objective of the project is therefore to develop a set-top box_x000D_(STB) and/or integrated TV module capable of receiving and decoding all three of the major DTT broadcast_x000D_standards– and the middleware (software) to enable their functioning. Subsidiary objectives are to develop a_x000D_universal Conditional Access Module (CAM) compatible with both CableCARD and DVB-CI standards, and to_x000D_develop self-location and self-tuning systems._x000D__x000D_Background/market need: Currently, STBs and TV modules made to receive DTT signals are manufactured to receive only one broadcasting standard due to differences in how each standard encodes data. Therefore manufacturers have to produce different versions of their products to be compatible with each of the markets they target, which considerably increases development time and overall cost to them of new products. This also entails the development of region-specific supply channels, as the different versions have to be marketed and distributed separately. We have therefore experienced a strong demand from our Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) customers for a universal_x000D_DTT-R with the following benefits:_x000D_1) Faster time to market – no need to develop three different TVs_x000D_2) Reduced cost of development – only develop and test one TV/STB_x000D_3) Reduced support and COtenance – only need to support one system_x000D_4) Dramatically improved supply chain – no need to build stock of three different TVs_x000D__x000D_Price: One of the clear goals of the MIDStream project are that the universal DTT receiver will represent the same cost to OEMs as the current receivers on the market. This means that the OEMs will get the benefits listed above without increased price levels._x000D__x000D_The advantages of the DTT-R coupled with the non-increased price level presents a huge market opportunity. For instance, sales of DTVs with integral DTT-Rs are set to grow by 546% from 2009 to 2013 (DisplaySearch 2010) and the estimated global market for digital STBs alone was valued at €2.5bn in 2005 and will reach €7.2bn by 2012 (Frost and Sullivan, STB Markets, 2006). Global shipments of STBs are set to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 125mn to 200mn units by 2013. (iSupply, 2009)._x000D__x000D_Technological Background: For digital TV broadcasts analogue information is converted (modulated) into a_x000D_digital form before being demodulated in a receiver. Broadcast streams also include other information such_x000D_as subtitles and channel lists, and are encoded differently depending on the geographic region. Japan uses the ISDB standard, the USA and Canada use the ATSC standard and Europe uses the DVB standard. The differences between these standards are small, but enough to warrant specialised circuitry dedicated to demodulate each specific broadcast standard. Additionally, some subscription-only or pay-per-view channels require the installation of extra PC Cards, CAMs, which differ between standards. _x000D__x000D_As a result, manufacturers of STBs and DTVs have to manufacture region-specific versions of their products._x000D_However, all three broadcasting standards share one common feature; the audio, video and other data_x000D_required for a broadcast is encoded as an MPEG-2 Transport Stream. This common feature will be exploited_x000D_to create an STB or TV module which is capable of simultaneously handling multiple broadcasting standards,_x000D_and so is capable of receiving and displaying DTV anywhere in the CO target markets. As described above this has comprehensive market potential on a growing market._x000D__x000D_The consortium: The MIDStream consortium consists of three enterprises that bring unique expertise necessary to bringing our innovative technology successfully to market. _x000D__x000D_Futarque is a Danish SME specialised in providing DVB-T/S/S2/C/IP & PVR, DVD and Blu-ray solutions. It_x000D_provides middleware software, system integration services and hardware design services to major OEMs and_x000D_ODMs in the consumer electronics market place. Futarque will lead the consortium and also be responsible_x000D_for coding the middleware._x000D__x000D_Prodrive is an ODM electronic development and manufacturing company. The core business is electronic hardware, where they deliver off-the-self solutions, dedication developments and manufacturing services. Prodrive services customers in the consumer, industrial, medical, security and traffic market._x000D__x000D_Polyrack is a German SME within the STB design business. Polyrack's expertise includes thermal simulations of electronic packagings in the development stage. Optical product features are covered through coating and painting, print or decorative foils or similar. _x000D__x000D_

Acronym	MIDStream (Reference Number: 6980)
Duration	01/04/2012 - 30/11/2013
Project Topic	The MIDStream project aims to embed novel middleware capable of supporting_x000D_multiple Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) broadcasting standards into a single self-locating and -tuning hardware module to create the first universal DTT receiver (DTT-R)
Project Results (after finalisation)	The CO result of the project are the following:_x000D__x000D_1. Design and production of a prototype with worldwide reception capability covering 3 out of 4 broadcast standards:_x000D_ * ATSC_x000D_ * ISDB_x000D_ * DVB_x000D_ all in one set top box _x000D__x000D_2. Understanding the pros and cons for having one solution of using Common Interface both CableCARD and DVB-CI standards._x000D_
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 7

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
3	Futarque A/S	Coordinator	Denmark
3	Polyrack Electronic-Aufbausysteme GmbH	Partner	Germany
3	Prodrive B.V.	Partner	Netherlands