Hellas Sat: EPG and HbbTV services for Cyprus’ new DVB-T2 network
Hellas Sat provides satellite communications and connectivity services and operates satellite and terrestrial infrastructure in Cyprus and internationally. Hellas Sat Consortium Ltd. operates the DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television platform for private free-to-air television services in Cyprus.
Summary
Cyprus transitioned its private free-to-air terrestrial television network to the DVB-T2 standard in July 2026. The new Hellas Sat network provides the terrestrial broadcast infrastructure for participating television channels and currently carries 11 television channels and one radio service across two multiplexes.
As part of the platform, Icareus Playout provides EPG and PSI/SI generation as well as HbbTV Carousel functionality. The solution was delivered in cooperation with Ateme, which was responsible for the DTT headend solution and its integration.
Product
Partner
Challenge
Launching a new DVB-T2 network requires more than transmitting television and radio signals. Receivers also need accurate service information and programme data to identify available services, display programme guides and access interactive television applications.
Hellas Sat therefore needed a reliable way to generate and distribute the DVB service information, EPG data and HbbTV signalling required by the new network, while integrating these functions into the wider broadcast headend environment.
Solution
Icareus Playout was deployed at the broadcast headend to manage and deliver the service information and data services required by the DVB-T2 platform.
The implementation includes:
- PSI/SI and EIT generation for identifying services and providing programme information to viewers
- EPG management for delivering programme guide data across the network
- AIT signalling for HbbTV applications
- DSM-CC Carousel functionality for distributing interactive television applications through the DVB network
- Software update delivery capabilities as part of the broadcast data infrastructure
Icareus Playout operates alongside the DTT headend technology provided and integrated by Ateme, forming part of the overall Hellas Sat broadcast platform.
The modular architecture of Icareus Playout allows broadcasters and network operators to deploy the functionality required for a specific network while retaining the ability to extend the platform with additional broadcast services when needed.
Results
With the new DVB-T2 network in operation, Hellas Sat has a broadcast platform capable of delivering the service information, programme data and HbbTV signalling required across its terrestrial television services.
Icareus Playout provides the EPG and interactive TV data layer within the wider DVB-T2 infrastructure, supporting the network’s current 11 television channels and one radio service across two multiplexes.
The deployment also demonstrates how Icareus Playout can integrate into modern terrestrial broadcast environments alongside third-party headend technology, providing a dedicated platform for managing DVB signalling, programme information and interactive services.
