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DVB-T vs. DVB-S vs. DVB-C vs. DVB-H: Key Differences Explained

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This page breaks down the key differences between the DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C, and DVB-H television broadcasting standards. DVB stands for Digital Video Broadcasting, a technology designed to improve resolution and increase channel capacity compared to older analog systems. Let’s dive in!

DVB-T: Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial

  • Definition: DVB-T stands for Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial. It’s the standard for transmitting digital television over land-based networks using antennas.
  • Modulation: Coded Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM).
  • Compression: MPEG format for both audio and video.
  • Data Modulation: QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM are commonly used.
  • Error Correction: Utilizes an external Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder (204,188) and an internal convolutional encoder for robust error correction.
  • Interleaving: Employs both internal and external interleavers to further combat transmission errors.
  • Frequency Bands: Primarily uses VHF and UHF frequency channels, typically with bandwidths of 6MHz, 7MHz, or 8MHz.

DVB-S: Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite

  • Definition: DVB-S stands for Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite. It’s the standard for transmitting digital television signals via satellite.
  • Compression: Employs MPEG-2 for digital compression and decompression.
  • Frequency Bands: Uses both C band and Ku band frequencies.
  • Error Correction: Digital Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) receivers incorporate Forward Error Correction (FEC) techniques for error correction.
  • Infrastructure: Relies on specialized satellites launched specifically for DVB-S broadcasting.
  • Polarization: Uses both Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) for transmission.
  • Antenna Size: Typically requires smaller antenna sizes compared to older satellite systems.

DVB-C: Digital Video Broadcasting - Cable

  • Definition: DVB-C stands for Digital Video Broadcasting - Cable. It’s the standard for transmitting digital television signals over cable networks.
  • Compression: Uses either MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 compression.
  • Data Modulation: 16 QAM or 256 QAM are used.
  • Error Correction: Employs an RS encoder for FEC.
  • Interleaving: Includes an interleaving module to improve signal robustness.
  • Transmission Medium: Cable TV signals are carried using coaxial cable or fiber optic cable from cable service providers to subscribers.
  • Frequency Bands: Utilizes frequencies from 55.25 to 403.25 MHz.

DVB-H: Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld

  • Definition: DVB-H stands for Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld. It’s a standard designed for transmitting digital television to mobile devices.
  • Frequency Bands: Uses VHF, UHF, and L band frequencies.
  • Compatibility: Can coexist with DVB-T systems.
  • Mobile TV Standard: It is one of the mobile TV standard formats.