Roland Beutler – författare

Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Networks approachs the existing framework for digital terrrestrial broadcasting, particularly the results of the Regional Radiocommunication Conference held in 2006. That conference established a new frequency plan for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia for digital terrestrial broadcasting. The book introduces the currently existing terrestrial broadcasting systems as well as the regulatory framework by which they can begin operating. Most importantly the book explains details of the GE06 Agreement, particularly Articles 4 and 5. It also discusses the frequency plan itself and the constraints it has been derived under. The book addresses the implementation of the GE06 Plan, which leads directly to all issues related to network planning and optimization of networks. Finally, the future development of the Plan and the digital dividend is addressed. This covers issues like sharing the UHF spectrum with mobile communication services and also touches upon the World Radio Conference 07 to be held in the fall in Geneva.

The “digital revolution” of the last two decades has pervaded innumerable aspects of our daily lives and changed our planet irreversibly. The shift from analog to digital broadcasting has facilitated a seemingly infinite variety of new applications—audience interactivity being but one example. The greater efficiency and compression of digital media have endowed broadcasters with a “digital dividend” of spare transmission capacity over and above the requirements of terrestrial broadcasting. The question is, who will use it, and how? Comparing the European experience with that of broadcasters elsewhere in the world, the author sketches the current status of international frequency management, quantifies the value of the “dividend” itself, analyzes the details of the analog-to-digital switchovers already completed, and posits what the future holds for the sector. As we grapple with new devices, inconceivable a mere generation ago, that allow us to access digital media instantly, anywhere and at any time of day, this book is a potent reminder that what we have witnessed so far may be just the first wavering steps along a road whose destination we can only guess at.