System architecture and platform design for terrestrial ultra-high definition (UHD) broadcasting service

Increasing demand for immersive media service and improved television device techniques accelerate ultra-high definition (UHD) service realisation. In addition, the traditional broadcasting service has advanced into a smart media with the help of communication network and information technology. However, terrestrial broadcasters comparatively lag behind new players in spite of their powerful contents and stable terrestrial media delivery networks. In this paper, we consider system requirement of terrestrial UHDTV broadcasting service and propose system architecture of the UHDTV media platform based on a set-top-box (STB) with various new functions. Also, we suggest specific transmission network architecture and platform components for UHD broadcasting service. The proposed media platform is expected to increase the number of direct receiving households and to enhance the rights of the free-viewers, which is one of the natural missions of terrestrial broadcasters. Also, it can provide some profit models of UHD terrestrial broadcasting service with new value-added services. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.