- The DVB Project approved its largest DVB-I update, introducing a dedicated security framework with certificate management and service list protection for the first time.
- The update improves IPTV service discovery, expands DRM support, and adds mobile-friendly features like portrait-format graphics.
- DVB-I adoption is growing worldwide with Germany approving its DVB-I Book, New Zealand planning a nationwide platform, and trials advancing in Australia, France, and other markets.
The DVB Project has approved its biggest update yet for DVB-I. The newly introduced standards incorporate improved security, enhanced IPTV, as well as improved functionality on mobile devices.
This update is all about making internet TV, like streaming, safer and simpler for everyone. It’s also a big step for broadcasters switching from old-school networks to IP-based services.
A Big Step Forward for Internet TV Security
The DVB Project approved the update during its Steering Board meeting. The new set of standards is currently available in the form of DVB BlueBooks. The technical documents will be transferred to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) for standardization. Some sections will require additional verification to become standard.
The update comes at a key time. Broadcasters across the globe are combining conventional broadcast television with broadband distribution channels. The DVB-I allows consumers to receive and view television services regardless of the delivery channel used. The signal may reach users via antenna, satellite, cable, or the internet.
The biggest change in this release is a dedicated security framework. For the first time, the specification includes certificate management, authentication of content, and protection for service lists. These additions help devices confirm that television service information comes from a trusted source. They also ensure that nothing alters the information.
Service lists play an important role in the DVB-I ecosystem. Through these lists, compatible TVs and devices get instructions on where to find channels and how to access them.
By locking down access to these channel lists, attackers have a much harder time messing with them. That means viewers are better protected from shady or unauthorized content sneaking in through malicious sites.
The security work has been planned for months. DVB’s published work plan identified enhanced DRM and service list security as key goals for this version. The update also arrives as security researchers continue to examine risks facing digital television systems. Recent academic work has highlighted how stronger authentication can help protect broadcast ecosystems against certain attack scenarios.
Better IPTV Support and New Mobile Features
Beyond security, the new release adds several improvements for internet television. One of the biggest is simplified IPTV service discovery. This should make it easier for compatible devices to find and organize television services delivered over broadband.
The push to improve IPTV comes as the technology rapidly erodes cable TV dominance, with viewers increasingly choosing on-demand streaming over traditional cable subscriptions.
The specification also expands support for digital rights management (DRM). This makes it easier for content owners to protect premium programming. It also improves compatibility between different devices and streaming platforms.
Another update improves DVB-DASH, the project’s streaming profile based on MPEG-DASH. The revised specification focuses on better interoperability and native DRM support. These changes reduce compatibility problems across vendors.
The package also introduces enhanced streaming analytics using Common Media Client Data (CMCD). Service providers can have more data on playback performance and network efficiency.
This is not the first update from the organization. Mobile devices gain support for portrait-format graphics. This allows television interfaces to work better when users hold their phones vertically.
The update also revises accessibility signaling. This helps broadcasters better identify services designed for viewers with disabilities. Other improvements include updated implementation guidelines and enhancements for interactive television applications. The team also updated the long-running TV-Anytime specification, which helps manage metadata for television content.
These changes build on earlier DVB-I releases. Last year’s specification introduced new application signaling, user consent management, regional service targeting, and support for CMCD reporting. The latest version extends those capabilities while placing greater emphasis on security and interoperability.
Global Adoption Gains Momentum
Interest in DVB-I has grown steadily over the past two years. Germany recently approved the DVB-I Book Germany. This establishes the technical and regulatory framework for commercial deployment.
Industry groups say the platform will allow viewers to access public and commercial TV services through streaming without downloading separate apps.
Other markets are also moving forward. Freeview New Zealand plans a nationwide DVB-I platform. Freeview Australia has announced DVB-I testing. France has also launched multi-stakeholder work around the technology.
DVB has supported the rollout with a new reference live streaming infrastructure. Developers can use this infrastructure to test implementations and improve interoperability before commercial launches.
Also during the meeting, they re-elected Remo Vogel from Germany’s rbb/ARD as Chair of the DVB Project. Vogel has been leading the group since 2024 and stands out as a strong supporter of DVB-I, which matters as broadcasters keep moving toward IP-based TV delivery.
