1. HDTV broadcast/distribution over networks

Broadcast networks or transmission via telecom networks are the main distribution vectors for HDTV programs. Table 1 compares the supply and characteristics of broadcast/distribution networks, and the characteristics of demand for selected HDTV programs at the start of 2011. It shows that distribution via these networks has been made possible by new compression tools such as MPEG-AVC/H.264, and that it will be boosted by the development of new broadcasting techniques (DVB-S2, then DVB-T2...) and telecom networks by the fiber-optic customer access network.