DVB-I Client
Production-ready DVB-I client for operators and device makers
Skip the development. Ship DVB-I faster.
Sofia Digital’s DVB-I Client unifies broadcast and internet delivery in a single, standard-compliant application. Built on our experience delivering DVB-I solutions, it supports DVB-I service discovery, adaptive streaming and multiple tuner inputs, ready for operators, device makers and hybrid service deployments.
Available for Android Mobile, Android TV, iOS, Web browsers and HbbTV.
WHY DVB-I?
DVB-I is the industry standard for discovering and delivering linear TV over IP and hybrid networks. It allows broadcasters and operators to publish a single service list that works across any compliant device, eliminating proprietary apps and fragmented user experiences.
For viewers, it provides a consistent channel lineup and EPG whether the signal arrives over broadband, broadcast or both.
Key Features of our DVB-I Client
Universal service discovery
Full support for DVB-I service lists, Central Service Registry lookup and programme metadata.
Multi-delivery playback
IP streaming (DASH, HLS) plus DVB-T/S/C tuner support for true hybrid reception, supporting both video and radio channels
Integration
Integration of Video on Demand with DVB-I Boxsets
DRM-ready
Widevine and PlayReady support where platform allows.
Standards-aligned
Built by the team that delivered the DVB-I reference client.
Extensible and embeddable
Provided as a fully customizable, standalone white-label application
How It Works
- The client fetches a DVB-I Service List from a configured URL or the Central Service Registry.
- It parses service metadata and presents a unified channel lineup and EPG to the user.
- When a user selects a channel, the client either tunes a broadcast signal (DVB-T/S/C) or plays the IP stream (DASH/HLS).
- Subtitles, alternate audio tracks and accessibility features are surfaced in the UI based on stream metadata.
Enterprise & Integration
Sofia Digital’s DVB-I Service List Manager provides seamless integration and real-time updates to service lists, channel metadata and delivery parameters. The DVB-I Client automatically reflects these changes, ensuring consistent service discovery across all devices.
For operators needing end-to-end control, our DVB-I backend platform offers tools for producing and managing DVB-I metadata, EPG workflows and CMS integration. Combined with the DVB-I Backend (Service List Manager), you gain real-time control of service lists across Android, iOS, Web and HbbTV environments.
Key Technologies
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Streaming | MPEG-DASH (ISO BMFF, multi-period support), HLS (fMP4 and TS segments) |
| Tuner support | DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C demux and SI/PSI parsing; hybrid service selection logic |
| DRM | Widevine Modular, PlayReady SL3000 (platform-dependent) |
| Platforms | Android Mobile, Android TV, iOS, Web browsers; HbbTV adaptations available |
| Metadata | DVB-I service lists (TS 103 770), EPG aggregation (DVB-SI, XMLTV, TV-Anytime, 3rd party formats), accessibility descriptors (AD, TTML, DVB subtitles) |
| Video codecs | HEVC, AVC, AVS3, VVC as per receiver support |
| Audio codecs | AC-4 where supported, plus AAC, MP2, E-AC3 and platform-common codecs |
Screens & UX
The DVB-I Client is designed for customisation:
- Channel list with broadcaster logos and rich metadata
- Linear playback with info banner and quick EPG access
- Hybrid tuning selector (switch between IP stream and broadcast tuner)
- Accessibility controls including audio boost and dialogue enhancement
The client can be tailored to match your brand and UX requirements for each deployment.
SES is one of the world’s leading satellite operators, providing reliable communication services to broadcasters, telecommunications providers, and governments worldwide.
Challenge:
Supporting thousands of SES services across Europe and the rest of the world, integrating well-established satellite operations into a seamless DVB-I platform.
Sofia Digital’s expertise in DVB/DVB-I technologies, along with their flexible approach and ability to adapt to our requirements, has been essential in improving our services. Their solutions are reliable and well-suited to the evolving demands of the broadcast and satellite industry.
Steve Bisenius
VP, Media Solutions, SES
Why Sofia Digital
We wrote the reference implementation
In 2019, the DVB Project selected Sofia Digital to build the official DVB-I reference client. We delivered it on schedule, contributed to the DVB-I specification, and participated actively in the DVB TM-I working group. The reference client remains available on DVB’s GitHub and is widely used by organizations studying DVB-I.
25 years in linear TV
Since 2000, we have supported broadcasters and operators through every major technology shift: from MHP to HbbTV, from pure broadcast to hybrid delivery. We know how to keep linear TV relevant and cost-effective in the streaming era.
Production-proven solutions
Our DVB-I solutions are deployed by major satellite operators including SES. These aren’t proof-of-concept demos — they’re operationally hardened systems handling real-world traffic and supporting commercial services across multiple countries.
Ready to Launch Your DVB-I Service?
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