Germany plans DVB-I launch by end of 2026
September 10, 2026 15.02 Europe/London By Jörn Krieger

Germany is preparing to introduce DVB-I as a new way of distributing television services, with the launch planned for later this year.

The new specification is intended to bring broadcast and internet-delivered TV together in a single channel list, while allowing viewers to access services without having to open individual apps.

Frank Heineberg (RTL Deutschland), Head of the Media over IP Working Group and its DVB-I Task Force at industry association Deutsche TV-Plattform (DTVP), outlined the plans at the 29th FRK Broadband Congress in Leipzig on 10 September 2026.

DVB-I combines existing broadcast infrastructures, including cable, satellite and DTT, with TV services delivered over IP. The services can be presented in a unified channel list on a range of devices, particularly smart TVs and set-top boxes. Viewers do not need to launch a separate app to access the services. The first devices supporting DVB-I are expected to become available in Germany in time for the launch with possible upgrades for previous series.

Public service broadcasters are expected to remain available free of charge, while commercial services may require payment. Streaming platforms such as RTL+ or Joyn, operated by RTL Deutschland and ProSiebenSat.1 respectively, could be integrated into the channel list, allowing viewers to use existing accounts to access their subscriptions.

The standard also supports interactive services through the HbbTV standard.

According to Heineberg, Germany is well advanced in the development of DVB-I and is regarded internationally as a frontrunner. A key factor is the involvement of different market participants in a roundtable preparing the DVB-I introduction, including public and commercial broadcasters, regulators industry associations and service providers.

The discussion also addressed the capacity of internet networks to cope with growing streaming demand. A central question is whether networks would be able to handle a situation in which a large proportion of viewers streamed the same major live event, such as a Football World Cup final.

For cable operators, DVB-I could provide a way to combine their existing broadcast infrastructure with internet-delivered services in a common TV environment. The approach could help operators offer a broader range of services while retaining the familiar channel-list experience. The precise role of DVB-I in cable distribution remains an important part of the ongoing industry discussion.