(Korean Mobile TV)
- H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC)
DVB-T2 is the last in the family of DVB standards for digital terrestrial (terrestrial) television, since it is physically impossible to implement a higher “information transmission rate per spectrum unit”.
Standard
The following characteristics have been developed for the DVB-T2 standard:
- COFDM modulation with QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM or 256-QAM groups.
- OFDM modes 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k and 32k. The symbol length for 32k mode is about 4ms.
- Relative lengths of guard intervals: 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128 and 1/4. (For 32k mode maximum 1/8)
- FEC with cascade application of LDPC and BCH correction codes.
- DVB-T2 supports channel frequency bands: 1.7, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 MHz. Moreover, 1.7 MHz is intended for mobile television
- transmission in MISO mode Multiple-Input Single-Output) using the Alamouti scheme, that is, the receiver processes the signal from two transmitting antennas
Comparison of DVB-T and DVB-T2
The following table compares the available modes in DVB-T and DVB-T2.
| DVB-T | DVB-T2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Error Correction (FEC) | Convolutional code + Reed - Solomon code 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 |
LDPC + BCH 1/2, 3/5 , 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 , 5/6 |
| Modulation Modes | QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM | QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM |
| Guard interval | 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 | 1/4, 19/256 , 1/8, 19/128 , 1/16, 1/32, 1/128 |
| DFT dimension | 2k, 8k | 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k, 32k |
| Dispersed pilots | 8% of the total | 1 % , 2 % , 4 % , 8% of the total |
| Continuous pilots | 2.6% of the total | 0,35 % of the total |
| Bandwidth | 6; 7; 8 MHz | 1.7; 5; 6; 7; 8; 10 MHz |
| Max. data transfer rate (at SNR 20 dB) | 31.7 Mbps | 45.5 Mbit/s |
| Required SNR (for 24 Mbps) | 16.7 dB | 10.8 dB |
Maximum data rate at 8 MHz bandwidth, 32K subcarriers, with 1/128 guard interval, PP7 subcarrier layout:
| Modulation | Code speed | Maximum digital speed stream, Mbit/s |
T2 frame length, OFDM symbols |
Number of codes words in frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QPSK | 1/2 | 7.4442731 | 62 | 52 |
| 3/5 | 8.9457325 | |||
| 2/3 | 9.9541201 | |||
| 3/4 | 11.197922 | |||
| 4/5 | 11.948651 | |||
| 5/6 | 12.456553 | |||
| 16-QAM | 1/2 | 15.037432 | 60 | 101 |
| 3/5 | 18.07038 | |||
| 2/3 | 20.107323 | |||
| 3/4 | 22.619802 | |||
| 4/5 | 24.136276 | |||
| 5/6 | 25.162236 | |||
| 64-QAM | 1/2 | 22.481705 | 46 | 116 |
| 3/5 | 27.016112 | |||
| 2/3 | 30.061443 | |||
| 3/4 | 33.817724 | |||
| 4/5 | 36.084927 | |||
| 5/6 | 37.618789 | |||
| 256-QAM | 1/2 | 30.074863 | 68 | 229 |
| 3/5 | 36.140759 | |||
| 2/3 | 40.214645 | |||
| 3/4 | 45.239604 | |||
| 4/5 | 48.272552 | |||
| 5/6 | 50.324472 |
DVB-T2 system structure
Generalized scheme for processing transmitted signals in the DVB-T2 system.
Service capabilities
The DVB-T2 standard allows you to provide various digital services:
- 3D television in the DVB 3D-TV standard;
- interactive hybrid television in the Hbb TV standard;
- multisound (choice of broadcast language);
- access to government services in electronic form (in Russia);
- emergency warning system (in Russia).
DVB-T2 signal reception
Reception of the DVB-T2 signal is carried out by an over-the-air collective, individual or indoor antenna connected to a TV with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner (decoder) or to a DVB-T2 receiver (set-top box).
Also, the DVB-T2 signal can be received on any computer with a built-in DVB-T2 digital TV tuner.
Usage
Europe
- UK: one multiplex, trial run December 2009, fully operational April 2010.
- Italy: one multiplex, trial run October 2010.
- Sweden: two multiplexes, full launch in November 2010.
- Finland: five multiplexes, trial launch in January 2011, fully launched in February 2011.
- Spain: two multiplexes, full launch in 2010.
Russia
By Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated March 3, 2012 No. 287-r, the only digital terrestrial television standard for Russia is the DVB-T2 standard. By Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 24, 2010 No. 830-r, the performer of work within the framework of the federal target program “Development of television and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation for 2009-2015” identified the “Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network”.
Ukraine
- Test broadcasting of digital television in the DVB-T2 standard from the Kyiv television tower began on August 18, 2011.
- On November 1, 2011, broadcasting in the DVB-T2 standard began in Ukraine.
- Since February 2012, the DVB-T2 signal is encoded throughout Ukraine
Digital television is not so long ago, but has already firmly entered our lives. However, not all of us have managed to acquire televisions with built-in digital receivers. There are two ways to solve this problem - buy a new and modern TV or install a small DVB-T2 receiver in your home.
The second option is the most profitable and acceptable, because receivers cost an order of magnitude less than a new “TV box”. However, some difficulties may arise here if you don’t know what to look for when purchasing.
DVB-T2 receivers
Today, TV towers broadcast both analog and digital signals in the same range. Therefore, to receive high-definition video channels, there is no need to install a new antenna - ordinary decimeter “horns”, which each of us probably has, will do.
It is also important to remember that not all TVs are capable of “reproducing” a digital signal. Of course, by connecting a DVB-T2 receiver to an old TV box, you will be able to watch your favorite channels, but you will not notice any differences in image quality.
Modern digital receivers are small devices that look very similar to DVD players. Most models have a simple liquid crystal display on the front panel and control buttons.
On the back wall of such a device there are connectors for connecting to an antenna and to a TV, additional slots for flash cards, adapters and other devices, as well as a power switch. When choosing a DVB-T2 receiver, you need to focus on the rear panel.
Receiver characteristics
The first important characteristic of a digital receiver is the supported video resolution. This setting must match the resolution of your TV. So, if the screen only supports SDTV, then there is simply no need to buy a set-top box that supports high-definition HD video - the TV will still broadcast as before. The same applies to the built-in 3D function.
The presence of the necessary connectors to connect the set-top box to the TV is the second most important parameter. The vast majority of equipment uses an RCA cable, or “tulips,” for connection. Some DVB-T2 over-the-air receivers use SCART cables along with RCA ports.
In addition, you can use one of the built-in interfaces to connect to your TV. As a rule, this very often serves as an HDMI port. The presence of all the listed connectors will allow you to connect two TVs to one receiver at the same time.
Built-in Interfaces
You can often find equipment on the market with a built-in USB interface, thanks to which you can connect a flash drive, phone, and in some cases even a laptop to the receiver. However, such a DVB-T2 receiver is slightly more expensive than a conventional installation. Most often, the described capabilities are used to record a TV show on a flash card or to play audio and video files stored on a flash drive.
The built-in CI slot for connecting a conditional access card, which allows you to view paid channels, has a significant impact on the price. Today, almost all channels broadcast in Russia are free, but in the future such an opportunity may turn out to be very useful.
Additional functions
The receiver may have a large number of built-in functions that the owners are not even aware of. The most popular is the ability to “stop time” - TimeShift. But this feature is just a trick that makes the DVB-T2 digital TV receiver more expensive.
The fact is that such a function is only available for “antenna” devices, when “time is stopped,” a screenshot is taken and the sound is turned off, but the transmission itself continues to go.
Another popular feature, the TV guide, which allows you to view the program guide, works slightly better. Its functionality depends on the specific channel. Setting a timer to automatically turn the channel on or off are the only additional features that work flawlessly.
Connecting the set-top box to the TV
You can connect in two ways. If your antenna has a ready-made coaxial cable, then you just need to insert it into the DVB-T2 digital TV receiver, and then start setting up channels. In some cases, you have to buy the coaxial cable yourself, especially if your antenna has a built-in amplifier.
In this case, you will also need a screw-on f-type connector. To install it on the cable, you need to cut off the insulation layer, distribute metal foil and mesh along the contour and get to the copper core. Then you can screw the connector into the receiver.
There are many more ways to connect a TV to a set-top box. You can use tulip, RCA, SCART or HDMI cables. There will be no difficulties here. After combining the devices, all that remains is to configure the DVB-T2 digital receiver in the same way as setting up a channel search on a TV.
Budget models
The cost of budget models is in the range of 1-2 thousand rubles. Their functionality is sufficient for comfortable viewing of TV shows.
Our list opens with the VVK SMP240HDT2 receiver costing up to 1.5 thousand rubles. There is a built-in USB interface, which makes it possible to record TV programs and view media files. The HDMI connector can be used to connect an HD TV. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the poor response to the remote control and the coincidence of commands with the signals from the TV remote control.
The D-COLOR DC1302 set-top box has all the same built-in functions as the previous representative. But this digital DVB-T2 receiver is more user-friendly - it responds better to remote control commands. Buyers also noted the stylish metal case with plastic inserts. Among the disadvantages is the delayed channel switching.
The receiver is less functional than previous representatives - there is no HDMI. Users especially liked the simple channel setup - it can be done in just a couple of clicks. But the menu is not very convenient and understandable - you will have to figure it out.
Special Representatives
These consoles presented below can be called special for some additional features that are not available in the models already described. In addition, the cost of these devices also does not exceed 2 thousand rubles.
SUPRA SDT-94 is a digital DVB-T2 receiver with HD resolution support and a USB interface for viewing data from flash cards. Separately, users noted good signal reception, regardless of the type of antenna connected, as well as simple channel search. A special feature is the parental control function, which blocks certain channels until a password is entered. The main disadvantage is the reduction in image quality when connected via a composite output.
A more original model is the Rolsen RDB-532. The receiver is compact in size and has low power consumption, which allows it to be used as a portable receiver. All you need to do is buy a power cord. It lacks an HDMI connector, but the ability to view multimedia remains. TV DVB-T2 has no complaints from users. Its functionality fully corresponds to the price.
SMART receivers
This group of devices is the most expensive. However, they are more functional and are able to access the Internet, and also have a number of other features.
The Dune HD Solo 4K receiver, in addition to watching TV channels directly from the Internet in 4K format, playing multimedia, recording video, accessing the global network, a convenient menu and functions already described for other models, can be used as a wireless access point to a Wi-Fi network. Fi. At the same time, providing high speed to several users simultaneously. Of the minuses, the high price should be noted - about 24 thousand rubles.
IconBIT XDS94K is a much less functional DVB-T2 digital terrestrial receiver. But it also costs 4 times less than the previous representative. In addition to browsing Internet resources and playing multimedia, the device can be used to make video calls; you just need to buy a webcam. Additionally, you can connect a mouse and keyboard to the receiver. Among the disadvantages is the rather long loading of channels.
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One of the most common questions about receiving digital TV in the DVB-T2 format is the question about support for the DVB-T/T2 (MPEG-4 h.264 AVC) standard on televisions of various brands.
In this article we will try to explain how you can find out whether your TV supports the digital television standard, which is used in Russia for digital broadcasting.
First way:
The easiest. We open the instructions, in the technical specifications section we look for the item: support for the digital standard. It should say DVB-T/T2 MPEG-4.
Second way:
The list is growing daily, new models are coming on sale, so you can be completely sure that your chosen TV will support the standard you need (Mpeg-4, H.264 AVC)
Third way:
If your TV is not in the online catalog and there are no instructions, then you can always contact the service center of the manufacturer of your equipment.
If you do not find answers to your questions, write to equipment manufacturer technical support:
Directory of technical support for digital equipment manufacturers
Calls to service technical support, whose number begins with 8-800 – free! This article provides information on technical support, a list of service centers and contact information of popular manufacturers of digital equipment.
1. LG company
At the first stage, by decree of the Russian government, it was decided to begin the construction of a terrestrial broadcast television network in the DVB-T standard, followed by a transition to the DVB-T2 standard in 2015. However, having assessed the capabilities of the new DVB-T2 format, by order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 287-r dated March 3, 2012, and the decision of the State Commission on Radio Frequencies dated March 16, 2012, it was decided to carry out this transition in 2012. Having examined the characteristics of DVB-T and DVB-T2, it is immediately clear what the difference is between these standards and the benefits of launching a new one.
The earlier developed DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial) standard, based on MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC compression with COFDM modulation, did not have the compression capabilities that appeared by the end of 2000, but it also made a breakthrough in broadcasting television. Its active implementation began in Europe, where it is still underway in most countries. However, it should be noted that in some countries it is broadcast in SDTV format, and HD channels are broadcast in the DVB-T2 standard. But there is a tendency to completely replace it with the more advanced DVB-T2.
DVB-T transmitted one transport stream, this is the main difference, since in DVB-T2 it is possible to transmit several independent, completely different transport streams. Each stream, placed in its own main stream, forms a so-called physical layer channel (PLP). The standard was first presented at the IBC exhibition in September 2008 by the DVB consortium. It is based on the DVB-S2 standard developed for satellite broadcasting with a new compression protocol H.264, MPEG-4 AVC, encoding and modulation.
table
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The transition to digital terrestrial television of the DVB-T2 standard was not chosen by chance. In the table below, according to the technical data, you can see the difference between DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards:
Difference between DVB-T2 and DVB-T2 But these are just numbers, if you describe them in simple words for the user, it will look like this:
- increasing the number of channels to watch;
- organization of “local” broadcasting;
- High definition television broadcasting;
- improving the quality of reception.
Digital broadcast operators will benefit from:
- effective use of channels;
- a significant increase in distributed programs;
- reduction in energy consumption.
DVB-T2 uses video compression in MPEG-4 AVC with OFDM modulation and has a difference in the construction of a television signal, both in the architecture of the system level and the physical layer. Therefore, it will not be possible to make DVB-T2 from a DVB-T set-top box, this also applies to signals, DVB-T2 can receive and process them, but not vice versa. Replacing the tuner and demodulator, as well as changing the firmware to the new standard, will not help.
To change the format, you need a DVB-T2 to DVB-T converter, the so-called transmodulator, they are used in professional equipment and their price is in the tens of thousands. So, if your TV only supports DVB-T, then it’s easier to buy a regular set-top box than to “bother” with anything else.
Digital terrestrial television is slowly but surely replacing analogue television. In Ukraine, from the fall of 2018 to the spring of 2019, they plan to completely turn off analogue television. As far as I know, in Russia they also plan to turn off analogue TV at the beginning of 2019. And despite the fact that many people watch satellite TV, cable, or IPTV, many residents will have to look for alternative options. Otherwise, the TV will simply stop working and receive a signal at one point. And instead of our favorite TV channel, we will see the hiss of the TV.
Of course, instead of analog television, digital terrestrial television has long been working well, which everyone can watch absolutely free (in Russia there seems to be a separate paid package). All popular channels that we watched before are available for free viewing. Moreover, there are more channels, and the picture and sound quality is much better. In connection with the transition to T2, many people have a question about what is needed to receive digital terrestrial television. How to receive a T2 signal and what devices are needed for this? What should a TV be like? Is it necessary to buy a T2 set-top box (tuner)? Which antenna is suitable? There are a lot of such questions. In this article I will try to answer the most popular of them.
Digital terrestrial television - what is it, what are the advantages and what is the difference?
I will try to explain everything in simple words. Terrestrial television is television that is transmitted using a signal that is broadcast using television towers.
Terrestrial television can be divided into:
- Analog. The old format, which is now being actively disabled in many countries. Including in Ukraine and Russia.
- Digital. A new format that allows you to receive and watch channels in the best quality. The digital format is less sensitive to interference. Can broadcast more channels.
Until recently, our televisions received analogue television using a conventional antenna. (maybe they still accept it if it hasn’t been disabled in your country yet). As technology develops, analog television is simply outdated. Therefore, a smooth transition to digital television in the DVB-T2 format began a long time ago.
DVB is a set of digital television standards. DVB-T is an outdated format. DVB-T2 is a new format.
Digital TV has many advantages over analogue. The first and very big plus is signal compression. Due to this, the maximum number of on-air channels that can be broadcast has increased. At the same time, the quality of image and sound has improved, which is simply necessary for modern, large TVs. It also became possible to transmit information about a TV show, information about the following programs, etc.
Depending on the country, channel broadcasts are divided into packages. In Ukraine, for example, you can watch 32 channels in digital quality for free. These are 4 packages (multiplex) of 8 channels. For example, due to a bad signal, I only receive 2 packets (16 channels). In Russia there are two free packages. Each broadcasts 10 channels.
It's like there aren't many options. If we want to watch terrestrial television, then we will have to switch to T2. Or install a satellite dish, connect IPTV, or cable television. In villages and small towns, most likely there are only two options left: satellite TV, or terrestrial T2. Which is better is up to you to decide. Perhaps later I will write an article on this topic.
What is needed to receive a DVB-T2 signal?
Let's return to the topic of the article - the equipment that is necessary to receive digital terrestrial television.
- Or a TV with DVB-T2 support.
- Or a special T2 set-top box (tuner).
- Antenna.
Everything is simple here. If we have an old TV that does not have a built-in tuner that supports the DVB-T2 format, then we need to buy a separate set-top box that will receive the T2 signal, process it and transmit the finished picture to the TV. The set-top box itself can be connected to almost any TV. Even to the "pot-bellied" one.
TV with DVB-T2 support
Your TV may be able to receive a T2 signal. In this case, you do not need to buy a separate set-top box. Or you can connect the antenna directly to the TV, start searching for digital channels and enjoy watching.
In our countries, TVs with DVB-T2 support began to appear sometime after 2012. Therefore, if your TV was purchased before 2012, then it is unlikely to have T2 support. You need to look at the specifications and check. Information about the availability of DVB-T2 support may be indicated on the box or in the documentation. If you didn’t find anything there, then just type your TV model in the search engine, open some popular online store (or better yet, the official website of the manufacturer) and see what digital standards the tuner on your TV supports.
It looks something like this:
We look at the characteristics of the LG TV on the official website (broadcast system):
Or go to the settings of your TV and select channel settings (search) from the menu. He should ask you which channels to look for: digital, or digital and analog. Before doing this, you will most likely need to select the type of antenna: Cable (DVB-C), or Antenna (DVB-T).
Now, if there is something in the settings about searching for digital channels, then most likely there is support for T2.
It seems to me that it is possible that the TV only supports DVB-T, but not DVB-T2. Therefore, it is better to look at the characteristics of a specific model.
T2 set-top box for watching digital terrestrial television
If the TV cannot directly receive the T2 signal, you will have to buy a special set-top box. Many people call it a receiver. This is a small box that connects to the TV. An antenna is connected to the set-top box. Next, we perform a simple setup (search for channels) and watch digital TV.
There are a lot of such consoles. There are even separate online stores that sell only equipment for receiving the T2 signal. They even sell sets for receiving digital television (set-top box + antenna). The choice is very large, as well as the difference in price. And here you probably have a question: what is the difference between these consoles? The difference is in functionality, size, design, operating system, performance, etc.
- All these set-top boxes can receive a T2 signal. This seems to be their main task.
- In most receivers (even in the cheapest ones) There is a USB port into which you can connect a USB drive and watch videos, photos, or listen to music.
- Broadcast TV recording function.
- There are many models that can be connected to the Internet (via LAN or Wi-Fi, usually using a separate USB adapter). This makes it possible to watch videos on YouTube or other services. Watch IPTV, use a browser, etc.
- There are T2 set-top boxes that run on Android. All the functionality of this operating system is already available there. With this device you can turn your regular TV into a Smart TV.
There are a lot of differences. You should always carefully look and study the characteristics of a particular receiver. When I bought the T2 receiver, I didn’t understand all the nuances. Then, when I bought it, it turned out that the TV has a built-in T2 receiver. Well, nothing, later I connected it to another TV. By the way, I have a Strong SRT 8204. It seems to be one of the most budget ones. But nothing, it works.
This set-top box can be connected to almost any TV. If you have an old TV, you can connect the set-top box using a triple tulip cable. If your TV has HDMI, then of course you need to use an HDMI cable to connect. The image quality will be much better. An HDMI cable usually needs to be purchased separately.
Antenna for DVB-T2 reception
You can receive digital terrestrial television with almost any antenna. You don't need any special antenna for this. You can easily use the antenna that you have installed, through which you have previously watched analog television. Any decimeter antenna will work without problems. The so-called “Polish antenna” for T2 is also suitable.
Of course, it all depends on how far the tower is from you and what the terrain is like in your area. If you live in a city where a tower is installed, then most likely everything will work even without an antenna. But I think a piece of wire will be needed. In this case, you can use an indoor antenna without an amplifier.
If the tower is far away, then you will need an antenna with an amplifier. Or you will have to install an external decimeter antenna to receive digital terrestrial television. They also come without amplifiers or with amplifiers. If reception is poor, you may need to raise the antenna to a mast.
Please note that if the antenna is powered, a power supply may not be needed as most T2 receivers can supply power to the antenna. Typically, this function is enabled in the receiver settings. You need to look at the specifications or instructions. Your receiver may not have this feature.
The antenna must be correctly connected and directed strictly towards the tower. You can easily find information on the placement of DVB-T2 signal transmitters in your country and region on the Internet.
conclusions
To start watching T2, you usually only need a receiver. Since you most likely already have an antenna. If your TV is not very old (especially if it has Smart TV), then you may not need to buy anything at all. Check if your TV supports DVB-T2. I have already told you how to do this.
If your TV does not have a T2 receiver, you will have to buy a set-top box. There is a large selection, I think you will find something. Well, then we connect the antenna and TV to the set-top box, and in the settings we start searching for channels. If the channels are not found, then check all the contacts on the antenna, point the antenna towards the tower (after looking at the location of the tower before). You may need a more powerful antenna or amplifier.
Be sure to leave comments. Share your experience and ask questions!