TDF is preparing for TNT 2.0 in Rennes

TDF is preparing for TNT 2.0 in Rennes

Philippe Courboulay, Frédéric Beauchamp and David Vincent for the TNT 2.0 platform, next to Amélie Lanfranchi and Jean-Paul Bernoux for HbbTV, form TDF’s team in Rennes, paving the way for the television of the future. (© TDF)

It is in Rennes that TDF is paving the way for the television of the future, TNT 2.0, which will offer the best of HbbTV and the Internet on a TV set.

2011 was a key year for TDF with the end of analog broadcasting and the launch of new HbbTV services. TNT 2.0 will be launched this year, mainly thanks to the teams from TDF Rennes who are working on the subject.

The first stage in the changeover occurred in 2011 with the adoption of the HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) standard by all set manufacturers. This is a standard for TNT receivers that can be connected to the Internet, enabling TV channels to give HbbTV viewers access to data gateways, programme guides and the use of video streaming. These services are provided by TNT or over the Internet. TDF’s technical management in Rennes has developed a platform for the broadcasting of these services for all TNT channels and today there are no less than 13 channels being tested.

This, though, is only the first stage. The HD Forum, which brings together all French channels with receiver manufacturers and network operators, has decided to take things a step further by creating the TNT 2.0 brand and standard. The standard includes systems to protect contents and optimise the quality of the videos broadcast with adaptive streaming. It will allow for the spread of VoD and new services such as the possibility of viewing from the beginning programmes which have already started. TDF is developing a second, comprehensive service platform for TNT channels that will be offering these services in spring 2012.