Munich 12-Sep-2023

Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm to demonstrate 5G Broadcast ecosystem readiness at IBC2023

Now endorsed as media standard and with clear monetization path

Stand 7.B21 IBC2023, 15-18 September 2023 — Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in broadcast distribution, will present a comprehensive demonstration of 5G Broadcast at IBC2023. Having collaborated extensively with various broadcasting and value chain partners in recent years including Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. based in the US (supported by their global teams), Media Broadcast in Germany as well as TDF and towerCast in France, Rohde & Schwarz can show authoritatively the readiness of the format for rollout. Moreover, it can also emphasize its strong commitment to extend and enhance customer experience while leveraging the existing broadcast network infrastructure.

5G Broadcast has been developed from 3GPP specifications to address the core needs and requirements of the broadcasting industry towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Together with Qualcomm Technologies, Rohde & Schwarz has taken a leading role in several standardization bodies including ETSI JTC Broadcast and 5G-MAG to ensure widespread acceptance of the technology. Thanks to this work, the ITU has endorsed 5G Broadcast as a next-generation DTT standard worldwide allowing more agile use in the full UHF band is being specified by 3GPP as band 108.

Multiple use cases have been validated, ranging from live television and radio and software distribution to public safety and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), all without the need for a SIM card. After several successful proof of the concept demonstrating the value of this technology, it is evident that 5G Broadcast is getting strong traction worldwide from numerous network operators and content providers. It allows them a more efficient use of the spectrum resources while creating new business opportunities, by reaching larger audiences and new types of devices.

At IBC2023 Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate the latest innovative features, including seamless service continuity between broadcast and broadband, and low latency content distribution. Thanks to the software architecture of the TH1 transmitter family, all these and future enhancements can be readily added in the field on-demand.

“Working together with Qualcomm Technologies, Media Broadcast, as well as with TDF and towerCast, we have developed a study showing that, with intelligent and reasonable use of network resources, we can show clear benefits, savings and added values, with diversified business models, while keeping customer satisfaction at high levels." said Manfred Reitmeier, Vice President Broadcast and Amplifier Systems at Rohde & Schwarz.

“Content services can be delivered in a more efficient and reliable way using 5G broadcast technology without compromising existing mobile cellular technology. We are looking forward to bringing this collaboration with the Rohde & Schwarz team to IBC 2023 and show what delivering digital TV content through standard 3GPP technology can look like” said George Tsirtsis, Senior Director, Technology, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

"We support the development of 5G Broadcast as we see great potential for terrestrial distribution of TV content on mobile devices. With 5G Broadcast, consumers can be offered a low-cost, sustainable and very reliable product that will be an essential component for the further development of broadcasting technology", said Francie Petrick, chief executive officer at Media Broadcast.

“5G broadcast will enable DTT to also go mobile and that’s a breakthrough! Today, TDF delivers a very qualitative DTT service all over France to people watching linear TV, mostly at home, on their TV set. Tomorrow, 5G Broadcast will come to complement our current DTT (DVB-T/T2) technology. TV programs will then be able to reach an additional audience, of younger people and of people on the move, on their mobile device or tablets. For TV editors looking for growth that’s a key opportunity. As a leading DTT broadcaster, TDF also see 5G Broadcast as a pioneering technology, that’s reliable and efficient, with an important contribution for our industry modernization”, said Karim El Naggar, Managing Director Broadcast & Networks.

“An additional linear TV experience, this is the promise of 5G Broadcast and the renew of DTT in France using our broadcast infrastructures. Using the efficiency and robustness of the Broadcast’s world and adding the flexibility and personalization of broadband, we could create the perfect ecosystem for TV consumption”, said Hugues Martinet, Managing Director of towerCast.

See the 5G Broadcast and TH1 transmitter presentation, talk to the team about revenue opportunities and how to develop the business case, and see other Rohde & Schwarz product demonstrations on stand 7.B21 at IBC2023, or go to www.rohde-schwarz.com for more information.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.

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Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast and Media

For decades, Rohde & Schwarz has been a leading technology innovator in broadcast distribution and a trusted partner in media production. Broadcast solutions from Rohde & Schwarz deliver the latest generation of energy-efficient, software-defined transmitters and enable network operators to leverage new broadcast technologies. Providing solutions for live and studio production, post-production, multiviewing and playout, Rohde & Schwarz helps media professionals produce and deliver great content.