Brazil’s media giant Globo officially launched its pilot station for DTV+ in Rio de Janeiro. The milestone in the evolution of digital broadcasting in Brazil opens the door to immersive, interactive, and high-quality TV experiences.
The experimental broadcast station was set up during Globo’s 60th anniversary celebrations. It will be used to test all technologies and system components of the new broadcast system in preparation for the commercial launch of DTV+, which is planned for the 2026 Soccer World Cup.
MPEG-H Audio is the mandatory audio system for DTV+ and consumer electronics industry as well as providers of professional equipment required for the creation and transmission of personalized immersive audio experiences have widely adopted the technology. Globo’s now-live DTV+ application lets users access many features of the MPEG-H Audio system, namely personalized audio for live events such as concerts and football matches. The feature makes it possible to choose different commentators or enhance the sound of a favorite team’s crowd.
What is DTV+?
DTV+, also known as TV 3.0, is the next-generation digital television standard being developed in Brazil. It promises a transformative leap in how content is delivered and consumed. Built on cutting-edge technologies like MPEG-H Audio, DTV+ is designed to bring broadcast and broadband together in a seamless hybrid experience.
Unlike traditional TV, DTV+ includes:
- Interactive and immersive audio experiences with MPEG-H Audio
- Ultra-high-definition video with vibrant colors and deeper contrast
- Personalized content and targeted advertising
- Interactive features that integrate with internet services
Learn more about how MPEG-H Audio, a technology developed at Fraunhofer IIS, helps shape the future of television here:
The Pilot Station in Rio
Globo’s pilot station, launched on April 29, 2025, is located in Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro. It’s the first of its kind in Brazil and serves as a testing ground for the new standard. The station is broadcasting experimental content using the new system, allowing engineers, developers, and content creators to fine-tune the technology before its nationwide rollout. This is particularly important for manufacturers of TV receivers, as they can now use a live broadcast signal to test their new DTV+ products.
The pilot is part of a broader initiative led by the Fórum do Sistema Brasileiro de TV Digital Terrestre (SBTVD Forum), which includes broadcasters, manufacturers, and government agencies. Globo’s involvement is pivotal, given its influence and technical expertise in the Brazilian media landscape.
“We premiered the first lighthouse DTV+ station in Brazil in the city of Rio de Janeiro at the end of April. It allows us to study, and experiment with all DTV+ technologies and rehearse options to enable interactive experiences that engage with the content being broadcast. Among all other DTV+ technologies, MPEG-H Audio is a key technology in this process, as it offers additional immersive audio that gives the sensation of being inside the action. MPEG-H Audio with its unique personalization features will allow our viewers the great flexibility to actively engage with the broadcast content and adapt it to their preferences. It’s the best possible audio experience on your screen!” says Carlos Cosme, Technology Specialist at Globo and coordinator of the Audio Coding, Captions and Video Coding working group for the DTV+ project of the SBTVD Forum.
A Glimpse into the Future
Brazil is positioning itself as a global leader in digital broadcasting innovation. With DTV+, the country is not only improving the viewer experience but also creating new opportunities for content creators, advertisers, and tech developers.
For consumers, this means:
- Better audio and image quality.
- More control over what and how they watch.
- Access to content on a wider range of devices.
For the industry, it’s a chance to redefine the television ecosystem—blending the best of broadcast and broadband in a uniquely Brazilian way.
What’s Next?
The pilot phase will continue throughout 2025, with feedback from users and technical evaluations shaping the final implementation. A full commercial rollout is expected to begin in 2026, starting with major urban centers before expanding nationwide.