Convergence & Broadcasting (C&B)

Convergence & Broadcasting (C&B)

Divisions in TEC

Convergence & Broadcasting (C&B) Division

 

Work Responsibilities:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Broadcasting
  • Convergence
  • Distributed Ledger Technology/ Blockchain
  • Emerging Technologies
  • National Working Group 9

 

1. Artificial Intelligence:

Open Consultation:

S.No. Subject Date of Issue Details Comments sought by
1 Draft Standard for assessing and rating Artificial Intelligence Systems for fairness 29-12-2022

Download

Contributors

13-02-2023

(email to:
avinash.70@gov.in
dircb.tec-dot@gov.in)

Background:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications are increasingly being used in all domains. Unintended biases in their predictions or outcomes is a big concern. One important requirement of Responsible AI is that the AI/ ML System should be unbiased or fair. In achieving the objective of Government of India of building public trust in AI/ ML Systems (#AIforAll), TEC has initiated Fairness Assessment of AI/ ML Systems on Voluntary basis.
  • C&B Division TEC held public consultations through an interactive webinar on 22nd March 2022 followed by Consultation Meeting on 1st September 2022 for framing procedures for assessing fairness for different types of AI/ ML Systems, and for issuing fairness rating/ certification to AI/ ML Systems, as a benchmark of fairness.
  • As a consequence to the public consultations, TEC constituted a working Group of members from Industry, Academia, Researchers, subject experts from Government departments, etc for preparing the initial draft of the proposed Standard for assessing fairness of AI Systems.

Documents and links:

 

2. Middleware for delivering content to portable devices through WiFi or WLAN:

Open Consultation:

S.No. Subject Date of Issue Details Comments sought by
1 Draft Standard for Generic Requirements of Middleware for delivering broadcast content to portable devices through Wireless LAN 29-12-2022

Download

29-01-2023

(email to: avinash.70@gov.in dircb.tec-dot@gov.in)

Background:

TEC releases draft Standard for consultation for receiving live television and other audiovisual content to portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets through WLAN/ WiFi without consuming internet/ mobile data. No extra hardware, software, or app required at the user end. No special phone or chipset required. The proposed middleware extends the live TV signals broadcast through conventional means of DTH/ DTT/ CATV, and on-demand content to ordinary mobile devices through WLAN/ WiFi interface. TEC Standard will enhance access to television especially in rural areas, public utility places, moving vehicles, etc. Broadcast access will be cost-effective for end-users and will not load mobile networks. It can be deployed alongwith BharatNet WiFi and also in airports, railway stations, shopping malls, stadiums, trains, buses, etc.

 

3. Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS):

  • TRAI has designated TEC as the Testing and Certification Agency for Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS) used for Broadcasting and Cable TV services as per order dated 20-09-2021. Convergence & Broadcasting Division is the Nodal Division in TEC for the work related to CAS and SMS testing and certification.
  • C&B Division has issued the Test Guides for CAS & SMS, prepared after detailed stakeholder consultations.
  • C&B Division floated Expression of Interest (EOI) on 24-06-2022 for accreditation of Labs for testing of CAS & SMS.
  • C&B Division organised an Open House Session on 04-08-2022 with Labs, Multiple system operators (MSO), Broadcasters, TRAI, BIS, concerned Government departments and other stakeholders for consultation and discussion on finalisation of process for accreditation of Labs and setting of Labs for testing of CAS and SMS.
  • M/s Salka Global Technologies Pvt Ltd designated for testing of CAS and SMS.

Documents and links:

 

4. Broadcasting:

  • C&B Division is nodal for framing the Generic Requirements (GR)/ Interface Requirements (IR)/ Service Requirements (SR)/ Standards (SD)/ Essential Requirements (ER) and associated Test Schedule & Testing Procedures (TSTP) for Convergence & Broadcasting products/ services. These include Standards on voice, video and data IP applications over cable TV networks (IPCablecom); interactive cable television service; high-speed data services; IP-based television and video-on-demand distribution (IPTV service), next-generation cable modems, interactive content formats, common application programming interfaces (APIs) for broadcasting services, methods for evaluating audio-visual quality, home network, and Internet Protocol (IP) broadcasting.
  • Essential Requirements (ER) for Hybrid Set-top Boxes finalised through public consultations.
  • C&B Division released the New Standard (No. TEC 57030:2022) for Generic Requirements of "Band Pass Filter for C-Band Satellite Earth Receivers in 3700-4200 Mhz Guard Band" on 04-08-2022 to address possible interference from 5G to the satellite earth receivers used for DTH television broadcasting by MSOs, etc.

Documents and links:

 

5. National Working Group 9:

 

6. Other Activities:

  • TEC Website development and maintenance

  • New portals development and integration