Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies have joined forces, underlining the potential of 5G Broadcast to drive new business models and transform the way content is delivered.
At IBC 2022, the two companies will deliver a full end-to-end live 5G Broadcast streaming demonstration, showcasing broadcast and multicast capabilities over 5G. During the show, live content will be transmitted using a 5G Broadcast signal over-the-air giving visitors a taste of an advanced live mobile experience.
The demonstration will offer insights into how network operators and broadcasters can leverage 5G Broadcast to create new and innovative services across a wide range of business segments, while benefiting from high spectral efficiency and reduced costs.
The live 5G Broadcast streaming demonstration is formed by Rohde & Schwarz’s end-to-end 3GPP compliant solution, comprising a 5G Broadcast RAN enabled with R&S TLU9 transmitter and the Broadcast/Multicast Core Network powered by the Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC2.0).
During IBC 2022, a live signal will be transmitted over-the-air from the Rohde & Schwarz booth, using Kathrein antenna systems to a smartphone form-factor test device from Qualcomm Technologies. The workflow will also leverage a filter provided by Spinner.
Built on the 3GPP Rel-16 feature-set, the 5G Broadcast solution operates in a Receive-Only Mode (ROM), Free-To-Air (FTA) and without the need for a SIM card (SIM-free reception). Rohde & Schwarz will show the 5G Broadcast dedicated mode in action with a standalone transmitter, operating within the UHF band.
“5G Broadcast technology has the potential to transform the way content services are delivered without compromising existing mobile cellular services. We are excited to show IBC visitors what is possible today with the current technology and give them a taste of a real world 5G Broadcast scenario,” said Manfred Reitmeier, VP broadcast and amplifier systems at Rohde & Schwarz.
“We are delighted to bring this collaboration with the Rohde & Schwarz team to IBC 2022 and show how the delivery of digital TV content over 3GPP standardised technology can look without the need for additional chipsets,” said Lorenzo Casaccia, VP of technical standards & intellectual property at Qualcomm Europe. “Together with our new 5G R&D technology demonstration we have repeatedly proven that 5G Broadcast is here today and can be experienced first-hand.”
Broadcast and multicast over 5G opens up a variety of service models beyond linear and live content distribution, giving network operators and media content creators access to a new world of content and data delivery options. The technology can also reach large numbers of consumers without affecting existing cellular 5G mobile networks.
Venues and the automotive sector are particularly suitable for new consumer applications, while the high power, high tower free-to-air/no-SIM operation enables emergency services and national authorities to more securely deliver public messages during natural disasters or emergencies.