May 23, 2026, 9:54 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Television today often operates through various channels. Many households use either cable, satellite dishes, or Internet TV (IPTV)–sometimes even simultaneously. Additionally, there are streaming services, media libraries, and apps on smart TVs. DVB-I aims to simplify this coexistence of different systems. The new TV standard seeks to merge traditional television and Internet TV into a single interface. This will allow viewers to find programs more quickly without having to switch between multiple menus or channel lists.
How DVB-I is Supposed to Work in Everyday Life
DVB-I does not function as an additional app on the TV. Instead, the regular channel list remains intact. The TV retrieves a special service list that stores available channels and suitable reception methods. Besides the Internet, the system also considers cable, satellite, or antenna.
If the TV finds multiple options for receiving a channel, it will automatically use the best available signal. The programs then appear in a unified overview, eliminating duplicate channel lists. Users retain the familiar TV operation, while the technical switch between reception types occurs in the background.
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Regular Operation Begins First in New Zealand
The progress of development is evident with the launch in New Zealand. There, Freeview New Zealand has announced the world’s first nationwide free-to-air TV platform based on DVB-I. The service, named Freeview NextGen, is set to begin regular operation in the third quarter of 2026.
Suitable TVs will then receive the freely available TV channels directly over the Internet. An additional app is not necessary. If a household also uses cable, satellite, or antenna, the programs will still appear in a unified channel overview. The system automatically hides duplicate entries.
At launch, Freeview NextGen will be integrated into TVs from TCL and Hisense, with more manufacturers to follow later.
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Germany is Also Preparing DVB-I
Preparations for DVB-I are already underway here as well. The German TV Platform has published an initial implementation profile for DVB-I reception devices. This industry association includes broadcasters, device manufacturers, network operators, and research institutions.
The profile specifies the technical requirements that TVs and receivers must meet. The goal is for devices to reliably work with a German DVB-I service list in the future. As of now, a public DVB-I service in Germany is expected to start sometime in 2026, though no exact date has been set.