Development of SDR applications for audiovisual content distribution using mobile and broadcast networks.

The broadcasting industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by advancements in communication technologies. These changes have introduced new user habits and expectations, compelling broadcasters to adapt swiftly to maintain their market positions. Traditionally, broadcasters provided linear TV and radio programs with limited user interaction. However, the advent of the internet and supporting technologies has revolutionized the industry, enabling broadcasters to distribute their content to a wide range of digital media platforms. Technological advancements have driven the rise of on-demand services, altering media consumption patterns. While linear services remain essential for broadcasters, their growth has stabilized and, in some regions, even declined. This trend is particularly noticeable among younger audiences more oriented towards on-demand content via personal devices like smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the increasing connectivity of vehicles presents new opportunities for media consumption on the go, making it crucial for broadcasters to target these emerging markets.[1] To address these changes, broadcasters are embracing a new model for media consumption centered around the concept of "anything, anywhere, anytime, on any device." This approach aims to deliver personalized services that seamlessly combine live broadcasts and on-demand content, providing an improved and more immersive user experience.[1] In the perspective to offer the above services while serving the largest number of end-users, media companies have started to look at the opportunities offered by 5G technology. Indeed, the new functionalities introduced in the broadcast/multicast profile of 3GPP Rel 14-16[FeMBS][3GPP specification], also known as "5G broadcast," could represent a very promising opportunity to address the technical and business challenges of the entire media sector, since they allow, in principle, a close synergy between network operators and content providers in reaching large audiences while using network resources in a more efficient way.[2] The 3GPP Rel-14 and Rel-16 standards support large-scale TV content delivery directly to personal consumer devices, setting a new challenge in the media landscape. These advancements facilitate the seamless integration of broadcast and broadband networks, enhancing network resource utilization, reducing CDN costs, and creating new market opportunities across the value chain in service provision and content production. Additionally, these releases aim to alleviate the traffic load on traditional mobile networks and support edge caches to store popular content, ensuring efficient delivery and minimizing network congestion. The objective of the research work reported in the present thesis is aimed at the development of SDR (Software Defined Radio) applications for audiovisual content distribution using mobile and broadcast networks. This thesis is based on an internship that worked on an existing open-source software (5GMAG-RT), and improving some of its features, especially on mobile reception.