What is the D-Book?
The D-Book is the technical specification for all UK Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) based platforms including Freeview Play, Freeview HD, YouView, EETV, Now TV, Freesat, and several international adaptations such as Freeview New Zealand.
The D-Book defines the DTT platforms in the UK and provides requirements for interoperability in clear, unambiguous language. Based on international standards it is produced collaboratively by industry experts and only includes features where there is a guarantee or shared wish to implement on the platform. Where appropriate it delivers harmonisation with other international bodies, enabling manufacturers and service providers to deliver products to market.
As the complexity of the platform increases, the importance of interoperability and conformance against tests is greater than ever. Good interoperability underpins the ongoing success of Freeview in the UK.
The D-Book has successfully supported the introduction of HD, DVB-T2 as well as the clearance of the 700 MHz band – which was completed in August 2020.
Past editions of the D-Book introduced HbbTV references for Freeview Play and the MHEG to HbbTV transition. In addition, support for HEVC and HDR for IP delivered services was introduced.
The D-Book continues to support the development of products and services, including enhancements to coexistence testing; defining the profile of UHD; supporting compatible receivers for broadcast; and bringing the HbbTV requirements up to date with recent work by the HbbTV Association and DVB.
Who requires the D-Book?
- Any TV or set-top box manufacturer who wishes to enter the UK market
- UK broadcasters
- UK encoders
- Audio-video content providers
- Test equipment providers
- Broadcast equipment providers
How often is the D-Book updated?
The technical specification is updated annually to keep up with the pace of development in UK DTT. D-Book 12 removed requirements that were no longer needed for the evolution of DTT platforms, such as SD receiver profiles. This evolution continues in D-Book 12.5, reflected in the “SI Rules of Operation” chapter and an update of the Errata of the HbbTV Specification. In addition, an overhaul of the structure has improved navigation and unified language and layout throughout.
Who produces the D-Book?
The DTG has published and maintained the D-Book for over two decades. It is managed and compiled by dedicated cross-industry DTG working groups and the DTT Platform Steering Group comprising DTG staff and members who update and peer-review the specification.
Who tests against the standards set out in the D-Book?
DTG Testing, the industry’s not-for-profit test centre, continues to offer D-Book conformance tests and testing services in support of UK DTT, Freeview Play and HbbTV.
D-BOOK 12.7 is available FREE to DTG members.
Affiliate members, Scale-up members & non-members can purchase the D-Book for a fixed price per annum.
To find out more about the D-Book please contact the DTG team.
