Kathrein Supports 5G Test Field for TV Transmission

Kathrein is one of the partners in the research project 5G-Today. Together with Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR, Bavarian Broadcasting), the German broadcast technology institute IRT, Rohde & Schwarz and Telefónica Deutschland, the company looks into the issue of how 5G technology can be used for the transmission of broadcast content. In the Bavarian Oberland, a 5G test field will be developed, in which the broadcast mode FeMBMS (Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) will be tested. The aim is a large-scale and economical television programme distribution on all devices.

The new 5G network standard will be the key technology for highly automated driving and IoT-connected devices. In addition, 5G also offers great potential for the efficient distribution of media content. The introduction of 5G could create a worldwide market with millions of smartphones and tablet PCs as potential TV receivers, which could attractively combine live TV services, media libraries, social networks and many other media services.

Start of test operation planned for autumn 2018
An exemplary large-scale supply will be put into practice by combining large transmitter cells with small transmitter cells. For this purpose, TV signals are broadcast as test radio on channel 56 from the BR transmitter Wendelstein and from other BR transmitter locations in the Munich area simultaneously. The start of the first broadcasts is scheduled for the end of 2018. Until then, components for sending and receiving are being developed and installed. In addition, theoretical preliminary examinations and simulations will take place.

As a supplier of mobile communication and radio technology, Kathrein can contribute its expertise from both areas. This results in synergies with the existing 5G test field in Rosenheim, which Kathrein operates for its research work. There the interaction of various services can be tested in practice.

The convergent network is approaching
Ralf Exler, Head of Innovation Management at Kathrein, sees this project as an important factor in the convergence of broadcasting and mobile communication: “Especially young people want to receive broadcast content on all user devices. The new standard will bring the convergent network a bit closer.” The customer does not have to worry about the ways in which he can use content. “At 5G-Today, we will be optimising the antennas and network parameters in the field, as well as testing them on the road to provide innovative technology to our automotive customers.”