An Introduction To DTV Receiver Technology: Steve Morris

An introduction to DTV receiver technology
Steve Morris steve.morris@mhp-interactive.org
Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved
Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org
What does a DTV receiver do?

Receives digital TV broadcasts from a cable, satellite or terrestrial network Decodes them Outputs them to a television or other display device
This display device is usually a television
May do other things

E.g. execute applications included with the broadcast
Types of digital TV receiver

Set-top box (STB)
The most common type Varies in functionality and features from very basic to very advanced May be integrated with other types of device
E.g. a DVD player or PVR system
Integrated Digital TV (IDTV)

Receiver is built into a TV set Can receive digital or analog broadcasts with no extra hardware
PC with digital tuner card

Similar to analog TV tuners, except it decodes digital TV signals
Block diagram of a typical receiver
Tuner
Front-end
Descrambler
Smart card / CA Module
MPEG-2 demultiplexer
SDRAM
MPEG-2 decoder
Graphics processor
CPU
Middleware
Flash memory
The Front End

The part of the receiver that actually receives the analog signal and converts it into a stream of bits
Two main components, the tuner and the front end These may be integrated into a single package Usually specific to cable, satellite or terrestrial networks Some may support both analog and digital signals
The tuner
Receives a signal on the frequency specified by the rest of the STB Demodulates the signal Turns the analog signal into a digital bitstream
The front-end
Performs first level of error correction Removes the first level of packetization in the stream Outputs an MPEG-2 transport stream in digital format
The Demultiplexer
Takes an MPEG-2 transport stream and locates those elements that the STB is interested in
All elements of the current channel
Audio and video streams Broadcast data streams Service information
Some service information for the network as a whole
Passes these streams on to other parts of the system

Service information and data streams to the CPU (if it is interested) Audio and video to the MPEG decoder
Other data from the transport stream is thrown away

But demultiplexer may include section filtering capability to filter other MPEG-2 sections as requested by applications
The MPEG Decoder

Decodes audio and video streams and displays them on the screen
May include support for graphical overlays

Cursor, graphics Some receivers support up to five graphics planes
Background, video, two graphics planes, cursor
May include support for scaling, clipping and repositioning video

But this may be limited
Typically combined with the graphics processor

Makes it easier to integrate different elements of the display
The CPU
Handles all of the other tasks in the system
Decoding and handling service information Decoding broadcast data streams User interaction Running built-in or downloaded applications
Often integrated with the MPEG-2 decoder and other components
Typical CPUs
STMicroelectronics 551x family NEC EMMA2 ATI Xilleon Broadcom BCM3560
Conditional access (CA)

Anti-piracy system for pay-TV
Decrypts some or all of the data
Depending what was encrypted by the network operator
Usually based around some kind of physical token

Smart card or similar device Only that token will work with that receiver
Each STB usually has one CA system integrated

This is enough for most pay-TV systems The box is tied with the subscription, so only used on one network and one CA system
Most common CA vendors:

NDS (VideoGuard) Nagravision-Kudelski (Nagravision) Conax (Conax) Motorola France Telecom (Viacess) Canal + (MediaGuard) Philips (Cryptoworks) Irdeto (IrdetoAccess) General Instrument (DigiCypher II)
Conditional Access (CA)

Some CA systems require special hardware support
e.g. NDS Usually features built into the CPU Most systems will use a standard Smart Card slot
Some receivers will use two, one for CA and one for banking card, etc.
Some network operators are now using pure software CA systems

No need for extra hardware module Makes it quicker to roll out new encryption when the old one is cracked May still use smart cards for authentication
CA systems may do more than just encryption

Pair a smart card to a single receiver
Smart card can not be moved to other receivers
Provide a way of uniquely identifying the receiver

Smart card serial number
Prevent STBs moving to other household

Second STB usually provided at lower price by network operator CA system may stop that box being given to neighbor, friend, other family member Every household must have their own subscription
Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org
Conditional Access (CA)

Integrated CA systems are unsuitable for some markets
May use a pluggable CA module instead

Entire decryption solution on a PCMCIA card Smart card plugs in to PCMCIA card Used on retail systems to allow use with any network Common systems include:
DVB Common Interface (DVB-CI) ATSC Point Of Deployment (POD) module OpenCable CableCARD (based on POD)
This has several limitations

More expensive (PCMCIA card vs. integrated smart card reader) Very few vertical markets will use pluggable CA modules because there is no need or benefit Also perceived as being less secure, in the case of DVB-CI
Not all CA systems will support pluggable modules
Return channel
Used to communicate with the network operator or other service operator
Ordering pay-per-view services, home shopping, home banking
May be used for general network access

Web browsing, email, chat
Many types in use

PSTN modem (usually 56K) is still the most common Cable modem and ADSL modem are becoming more common Exotic technologies such as GSM, DVB RCS (return channel via satellite) etc. also in limited use
Not every receiver will have a return channel

Adds to the cost Not all subscription services will need or use one
Middleware
Provides a common software platform for application development
Usually in C or Java Every middleware platform has basically the same features
Graphics & video manipulation, return channel access, access to service information, etc.
Most middleware platforms today are proprietary

OpenTV (OpenTV Core) NDS (NDS Core) Canal+ (MediaHighway) PowerTV (PowerTV) Microsoft (Microsoft TV) Nagravision-Kudelski (Tsunami) Liberate (Liberate)
But open middleware platforms are now being deployed

MHP, OCAP, ACAP, JavaTV, ARIB-B23
Integration
Cost is a major factor in STB manufacture
Especially in vertical markets Everyone wants the product cheaper Lots of competition Typical cost is ~100 USD to the network operator for a standard STB
Retail is more expensive
Many components get integrated to save cost

Tuner and front end Demultiplexer/MPEG decoder/CPU/graphics processor
Most current STBs are one- or two-chip solutions

Depends on features needed
Pressure is always towards more integrated solutions
Block diagram of a typical receiver
Tuner
Front-end
Descrambler
Smart card / CA Module
MPEG-2 demultiplexer
SDRAM
Standard STB with pay-TV support (integrated) BOM Cost: ~80 USD
MPEG-2 decoder
Graphics processor
Integrated into front-end Integrated into CPU
CPU
Middleware
Flash memory
Three distinguishing features To use a receiver on a given network, we care about three things:
Middleware
The APIs used to develop interactive applications
Conditional access system

The type of encryption used to protect pay-TV content
Type of network it receives the signal from

Terrestrial, cable or satellite Does it use ATSC, OpenCable, or DVB standards?
These determine whether a receiver will work on a that network

Other specifications are less important All of these features will be determined by the network operator in a vertical market
Receiver markets
Two types of market for digital TV receivers
Horizontal market (receivers sold in retail stores)
Free-to-air networks Some cable networks in the USA
Vertical market (receivers supplied by network operators)

Pay-TV networks in Europe and Asia Some Pay-TV networks in the USA
These markets have very different business models

Thus, the pressures on the receiver manufacturer and on the spec of the receiver are also different Which market type is best for a given manufacturer depends on their skills and strengths Neither type of market will go away
Both will likely grow in the short term
Becoming more common with more digital terrestrial TV deployments and the use of open standards for middleware
Horizontal markets
Receivers are sold through retailers
E.g. electronics store, supermarket
Often used for free-to-air channels only

Especially in Europe and Asia No subscriptions needed
User may be able to buy subscription from pay-TV company

Some US cable networks Provides access to pay-TV channels as well as free-to-air channels Uses a pluggable CA module to ensure receiver works on all networks
But not every receiver in every horizontal market will include this!
More choice for the user More scope for different types of receiver Means the network operator doesnt have to own the boxes
Less capital investment
Vertical markets
Boxes are bought by the network operator and supplied to customers
Either rented or as part of subscription package
The main model for pay-TV systems at the moment

Especially in Europe & Asia Usually used by pay-TV satellite or cable networks
Gives the network operator more control over their network

Network operator defines the hardware and software specification for the boxes May still be supplied by more than one vendor Gets better price because of volume discounts and guaranteed order numbers
But has the costs associated with owning all of the receivers
Large capital investment More support needed
Logistics, tech support, installation, repair, etc.
Classes of receiver
Different groups have different needs from an STB
Some people want something cheap Most people want an average box that lets them do a little bit more Some people will pay extra for more advanced features A few want to add DTV support to their PC
Products are available for most of these groups

But some groups dont have much choice
Pay-TV operators will only support a few types of product

Supporting more is expensive Typically will only provide an average box with some support for interactivity May provide a more advanced box (as part of a more expensive subscription)
Retail products have wider range of features and prices

Classes of receiver Basic zapper

Very basic hardware
Limited memory and CPU power, no return channel
Usually sold retail Can receive free channels only

No support for subscription or pay-per-view channels
Simple features
Channel up/down Control audio language Control subtitles No program guide or other features No interactivity
Block diagram of a basic receiver
Tuner / Front-end
Free-to-Air zapper box BOM Cost: ~30-40 USD
MPEG-2 demultiplexer SDRAM SDRAM MPEG-2 decoder
Controller
ROM
Classes of receiver - Standard

Slightly more advanced STB
More memory, faster CPU, maybe a return channel
Usually sold retail or as part of a subscription May receive some pay-TV channels
Usually tied to a specific network in subscription systems May include support for pluggable CA module in retail products
Some interactivity
Program guide Maybe games or features associated with a specific show Maybe other interactive services offered by the network operator
Classes of receiver - Advanced

Advanced features
More memory, faster return channel, extra hardware (e.g. keyboard)
Usually sold retail or as part of an advanced subscription package Receives some pay-TV channels
As for standard STB
Integrates other features

E.g. PVR
May include more interactive features

More applications, e.g. web browser or email Makes use of improved hardware to offer more services
Classes of receiver Very advanced

Typically a PC with digital tuner card
Either internal or external
May not be able to receive pay-TV channels

Piracy concerns may prevent this
May include many advanced features

PVR, web browsing, email, DVD playback All PC applications But the actual DTV functionality may also be very limited
Not usually the main device in a home

Typically will not replace the TV/STB combination in the living room
except in a very small urban home
May be used in a young persons bedroom or university accommodation

Combination device to save space
Conclusion
All DTV receivers are fairly similar
Most differences are in the software
E.g. middleware, CA system
Feature sets range from extremely basic to very advanced

But most boxes currently sold will have roughly the same features
Middleware to provide some interactive applications (e.g. program guide and downloaded apps) PSTN modem or cable modem for return channel
The move towards horizontal markets is giving more opportunities for receiver manufacturers
Markets are growing Wider range of feature sets can be sold
As markets grow, more televisions will include this functionality

Just like TVs now include cable as well as terrestrial reception

An Introduction To DTV Receiver Technology: Steve Morris

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An introduction to DTV receiver technology

Steve Morris steve.morris@mhp-interactive.org

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

What does a DTV receiver do?

May do other things

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Types of digital TV receiver

Integrated Digital TV (IDTV)

PC with digital tuner card

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Block diagram of a typical receiver

Smart card / CA Module

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

The Front End

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Some service information for the network as a whole

Passes these streams on to other parts of the system

Other data from the transport stream is thrown away

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

The MPEG Decoder

May include support for graphical overlays

May include support for scaling, clipping and repositioning video

Typically combined with the graphics processor

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Often integrated with the MPEG-2 decoder and other components

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Conditional access (CA)

Usually based around some kind of physical token

Each STB usually has one CA system integrated

Most common CA vendors:

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Conditional Access (CA)

Some network operators are now using pure software CA systems

CA systems may do more than just encryption

Provide a way of uniquely identifying the receiver

Prevent STBs moving to other household

Conditional Access (CA)

May use a pluggable CA module instead

This has several limitations

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

May be used for general network access

Many types in use

Not every receiver will have a return channel

Most middleware platforms today are proprietary

But open middleware platforms are now being deployed

Many components get integrated to save cost

Most current STBs are one- or two-chip solutions

Pressure is always towards more integrated solutions

Copyright Steven Morris 2005 All Rights Reserved

Downloaded from http://www.interactivetvweb.org

Block diagram of a typical receiver

Smart card / CA Module

Integrated into front-end Integrated into CPU