Tutorials » DVB-T2 vs. ATSC 3.0: A Detailed Technical Comparison

DVB-T2 vs. ATSC 3.0: A Detailed Technical Comparison

atsc 3.0 dvb t2 digital tv broadcasting standard tv technology

This article provides a detailed comparison between DVB-T2 and ATSC 3.0, highlighting the key differences between these two digital television broadcasting standards. The following table summarizes the specifications of each.

DVB-T2 vs. ATSC 3.0 Specifications

SpecificationsDVB-T2ATSC 3.0
Outer codeBCHBCH, CRC, None
LDPC size16200, 64800 bits16200, 64800 bits
LDPC code rate1/2 , 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6{2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13}/15
ModulationQPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAMQPSK, 2D-16NUC, 2D-64NUC, 2D-256NUC, 1D-1024NUC, 1D-4096 NUC (non uniform constellation)
Rotated constellationyesno
Time interleaverblock interleaver CI (S-PLP), hybrid BI + CI (M-PLP)TI size (cells) 219, 220 (QPSK)
TI size (cells)219 + 215219 , 220 (QPSK)
MultiplexingTDMLDM, FDM, TDM
Max. frame size250 ms5 sec
MISO (Multiple Input Single Output)Alamouti (twice pilot overhead)TDCFS (same pilot overhead)
FFT size1K, 2K, 4K, 8K, 16K, 32K8K, 16K, 32K
Guard Interval1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/43/512, 3/256, 1/64, 3/128, 1/32, 3/64, 1/16, 19/256, 3/32, 57/512, 3/16, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 (symbol and time aligned frames )
Multiple PLPs per serviceNo ( 1 common PLP)Yes (upto 4)
Link layer encapsulationMPEG-2 TSALP
Main transport protocolTSIP
minimum/maximum data rate over 6MHz BW5.6 Mbps/ 38 Mbps1 Mbps/ 57 Mbps
SNR operating rangeFrom 1 dB to 22 dBFrom -6.2 dB to +32 dB
entry point to the systemP1 (7 bits, -5dB SNR @ AGWN)Bootstrap (24 bits, -9.5 dB SNR @ AWGN)
Channel BondingNoYes (two RF channels)
MIMONoYes, (not mandatory for the receivers)

This comparison provides a clear understanding of the features of DVB-T2 and its successor, ATSC 3.0.

ATSC 3.0 Basics

ATSC 3.0 represents a significant advancement in television technology.

ATSC 3.0 Protocol Stack