An introduction to DTV receiver technology

Steve Morris
steve.morris@mhp-interactive.org

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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

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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

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Block diagram of a typical receiver

Tuner

Front-end

Smart card /
CA Module

Descrambler

MPEG-2
demultiplexer

MPEG-2
decoder

SDRAM

Graphics
processor

CPU
Middleware

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Flash memory

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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Canal + (MediaGuard)
Philips (Cryptoworks)
Irdeto (IrdetoAccess)
General Instrument (DigiCypher II)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Block diagram of a typical receiver

Tuner

Front-end

Smart card /
CA Module

Descrambler

MPEG-2
demultiplexer

Standard STB with pay-TV

support (integrated)
BOM Cost: ~80 USD

Integrated into front-end

MPEG-2
decoder

Graphics
processor

CPU

Integrated into CPU

Middleware

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SDRAM

Flash memory

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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

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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
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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Block diagram of a basic receiver

Tuner /
Front-end

MPEG-2
demultiplexer

Free-to-Air zapper box

BOM Cost: ~30-40 USD

SDRAM
SDRAM

MPEG-2
decoder

Controller

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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

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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

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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

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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

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