Frequently asked questions

Certification

• What is the 'digital tick?'

  Information is available on the Conformance explained page.

• What do I need to get a 'digital tick'?

  Information is available on the Obtain the 'digital tick' logo page.

• What is Freeview?

  Information is available on the Conformance explained page.

• What do I need to do to get the Freeview Trade Mark Licence (logo)?

  Information is available on the Obtain Freeview logos page.

• Who do I contact about the Freeview TML?

  Information is available on the Obtain Freeview logos page.

• Can we self-certify?

  Currently, it is only possible to self-certify for Freeview (DVB-T SD) receivers.

  For Freeview+, FreeviewHD (DVB-T2 HD) and Freesat receivers, DTG Testing is the only approved test lab and the products will need to be submitted to us for conformance testing.

  For more information on self-certification contact: testing@dtg.org.uk

• We are an ODM for brand name companies. Should it be us or the brand who applies to DTG Testing?

  This will depend on the contract signed between the ODM and the end-customer (brand name company).

  DTG Testing usually receives requests from the companies which are directly involved in ensuring the platform is compliant with all the relevant requirements, as set out. This could range from the middleware supplier to the end-integrator.

  For more information contact: testing@dtg.org.uk 

• Can I buy test streams?

  All test streams used for testing are available for purchase. Please contact testing@dtg.org.uk with a list of requirements and we will supply a quote.

• How long does a manufacturer have from when a new version of the D-Book is released to when it's mandatory to implement the new functionality in receivers?

  In general, all features introduced in a new version of the D-Book become mandatory for all SD/HD products 12 months after publication. However, the relevant TML documents should be consulted for mandatory dates.

Test Suites

• What test suites do you licence?

  Full information is available on the Buy a test suite page.

• If I encounter a problem with the test streams or I have a question directly related to test streams what should I do?

  Problems with test streams can either be entered into the DTG Testing squish project or emailed directly to: support@dtg.org.uk

• What does it mean if I am unable to access a particular folder on the DTG FTP?

  This usually means that you do not have the licence for that particular test suite. To get a quote or to purchase a test suite please email: testing@dtg.org.uk 

• What is the difference between Freeview+ and Freeview+ HD test suites?

  Freeview+ and Freeview+HD is sold as one test suite. It is a single test suite that tests receiver recording functionality for both SD (Freeview+) and HD (Freeview+HD) as defined in the D-Book.

• What test suites does DTG Testing supply for Freeview New Zealand testing?

  DTG Testing supplies SI, MHEG, PVR and MHEG HD extensions test suites for Freeview New Zealand testing.

• What test suites does DTG Testing supply for Freeview Australia testing?

  DTG Testing supplies PVR and MHEG test suites for Freeview Australia. For any other tests suites please contact Freeview Australia directly. Also note that DTG Testing does not perform any Freeview Australia conformance testing.

Testing Requirements

• Can I go elsewhere for testing?

  DTG Testing licenses some third-party test houses to use its test suites for pre compliance testing and product development. Conformance testing for the Freeview, Freeview HD and Freesat trademarks and the ‘Digital Tick’ can only be carried out by DTG Testing. More information is available in the DTG licensed test houses section.

• What functionality do you test for the 'digital tick' CML and the Freeview TML'?

  For the Digital Switchover Certification Mark (the 'digital tick') please refer to the terms of the Digital TV authorised user licence, available here

  In addition, all devices must meet the quality benchmarks for receivers and recorders, as specified here and those requirements specified in the D-Book.

  For the Freeview Trade Mark Licence, receivers must meet the requirements of the 'digital tick' and additional requirements accessible via this link 

  For more information on the areas of a receiver we test against trade and certification mark requirements please click on the relevant link below:

  » Freeview, Freeview+ and digital tick receiver testing 
  » Freeview HD and Freeview HD+ receiver testing

  In summary, if a product is submitted for conformance testing to DTG Testing, it is tested against all the requirements as set out for both the CML and TML.

• What are the pass criteria for RF testing?

  Chapter 10 of the D-Book gives detailed information on the tests performed, and the performance targets recommended for receivers intended for use with DVB-T and DVB-T2.

  The performance tests are broadly split into three categories: basic RF Tests, multipath tests and impulsive interference tests.
  

  For DVB-T2, all Single PLP (SPLP) and Multiple PLP(MPLP) modes, as specified in the D-Book, are also tested for functional compliance.

• How long will a full test take?

  Conformance testing for Freeview/'digital tick' takes approximately two weeks, while FreeviewHD and Freesat takes approximately four weeks. Test times will vary according to receiver requirements (STB vs DTR), and a detailed breakdown will be available when a test slot is booked.

  We also recommend allowing some additional time for subsequent retesting of products, to fix any issues identified in the initial test.

• When can you test my product?

  Lead times for product testing vary, and we encourage manufacturers to book slots as far in advance as possible. Most manufacturers book product tests approximately two months prior to the required testing date.

  Manufacturers are also encouraged to reserve a retest slot when booking a test. 

• We have one platform for multiple customers (various brands), would a single test be sufficient for all models of the same series?

  Yes, ODM suppliers can have their platform tested and certified. These test results can be used by all end-user companies to obtain their certificates as long as the receiver meets the chassis criteria outlined below.

  However, each company will need to make separate applications for each individual model to both Digital UK and Freeview, for the grant of the appropriate licences.

• Our new receiver is based on one that is already conformant. What do you need to retest?

  We determine that a previous test will cover a new receiver if:

• The SI code is unchanged to the model previously tested (including AFDs and Subtitles)
• The MHEG Engine is identical
• The RF section, including tuner and demodulator hardware is unchanged
• The new receiver has at least the same amount of memory available to the MHEG engine as the previously tested model

• Can you do one-off and ad-hoc tests? How much are they and how long do they take?

  We can do reduced coverage testing. The duration and cost will be quoted when you apply, based on the tests to be covered.