First UHDTV 4K transmission with DVB-S2X

Newtec and MEASAT are planning a world premier at the CommunicAsia show next week with satellite transmission of 4K UHDTV video distributed using the new DVB-S2X transmission standard. The extensions to the DVB-S2 standard, a new specification developed by DVB called DVB-S2X, will be instrumental for the satellite industry to keep pace with demands for new features and increased efficiency.

Published only in February 2014, DVB-S2X reaches efficiency gains over DVB-S2 of up to 51% for professional applications and up to 20% for DTH. This new standard is much needed as the growing consumption of video and data continues to squeeze bandwidth.

The demonstration will be displayed in 4K UHDTV at CommunicAsia in Singapore at MEASAT’s booth. The feed will be uplinked via MEASAT’s teleport in Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur, and delivered live via MEASAT-3 satellite in C-Band, using Newtec’s new DVB-S2X modulation equipment.

“Last year MEASAT demonstrated its capability to deliver 4K UHDTV over satellite. This year we continue our efforts to pioneer the early adoption of cutting edge technologies with a live demonstration of UHDTV over satellite using the new DVB-S2X standard,” said Raj Malik, SVP – Sales and Marketing, MEASAT. “With DVB-S2X, MEASAT can support our broadcast customers with a more efficient and cost-effective use of our satellite capacity.”

“This demonstrates not only that satellite networks are ready for 4K UHDTV but also that DVB-S2X is ready to help satellite operators and broadcasters cut costs or deliver more content within the same capacity. It is no longer a question of whether the new DVB-S2X standard will be used in broadcast contribution and distribution networks, but rather a question of when,” said Steven Soenens, VP Product and Market Management at Newtec.