DVB-S2 vs DVB-S2X: Key Differences Explained

This page compares DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X, highlighting the similarities and differences between these two technologies.

Introduction

Both DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X are successors to the DVB-S and DVB-DSNG standards. These are standards for digital video broadcasting. The specifications for these standards, covering frame structure, physical layer modules, and other technical parameters, are defined by ETSI in various documents.

DVB-S2

As mentioned, DVB-S2 is the successor to the DVB-S version. The specifications are documented in ETSI EN 302 307. It takes direct input from one or many MPEG-2 TS streams. It is backward compatible with DVB-S (used for end users) and DVB-DSNG (used for backhauls and electronic news gathering).

The most common use cases of DVB-S2 include:

• Television broadcasting services (SDTV, HDTV)
• Interactive services
• Data transmission by cable
• Satellite uplink
• Mobile wireless
• Data multiplexing in realtime and transmission in VHF/UHF band
• Large scale data content distribution

The table below compares various physical layer parameters and system parameters of DVB-S2 versus DVB-S.

The major benefits of DVB-S2 are as follows:

• DVB-S2 offers 2 to 2.5 dB better FEC performance compared to DVB-S.
• It offers 30% higher spectral efficiency compared to DVB-S.
• It offers increased data throughput or bit rate in a given bandwidth.

DVB-S2X

DVB-S2X is an extension of the DVB-S2 standard. It adds many new features to DVB-S2. The ETSI EN 302 307-2 (part-2) document defines specifications of DVB-S2X.

DVB-S2X uses LDPC and BCH as inner and outer code FEC techniques, similar to DVB-S2.

The major features of DVB-S2X are as follows:

• More granularity in modulation/coding modes
• Filter roll off factors of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 35% are supported
• Supports QPSK, 8PSK, 8/16/32 APSK, 64/128/256 APSK
• Channel bonding up to 3 channels
• New constellations for linear/nonlinear channels
• Super Frame option
• Supports 116 MODCODS, up to 256 APSK 11/15, three frame sizes (normal, short, medium)
• More scrambling options for co-channel interference

Difference between DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X

DVB-S2X supports higher efficiency, higher Modcods, and better receiver conditions. The following table summarizes the major differences between DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X.