DVB-T and DVB-T2 Technologies: Overview, Global and National Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Infrastructure Requirements

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  1. What Are DVB-T and DVB-T2 Technologies?

DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting — Terrestrial) is a technology developed for terrestrial digital television broadcasting. It was standardized by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) in 1997. Compared to analog broadcasting, DVB-T offers higher quality video and audio with more efficient spectrum usage. It supports SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition) broadcasting using MPEG-2 and later MPEG-4 compression formats.

DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting — Second Generation Terrestrial) is the enhanced second-generation version of DVB-T. Introduced in 2009, DVB-T2 provides higher data transmission capacity, improved error correction techniques (LDPC and BCH), better compatibility with mobile devices, and supports UHD (Ultra High Definition) content. It offers up to 50% more spectral efficiency compared to DVB-T.

  1. How Is It Used?

Broadcasts using DVB-T or DVB-T2 are transmitted over terrestrial transmitters via antennas. To receive these signals, users need:

  • A TV that supports DVB-T or DVB-T2,
  • Or a set-top box (STB) compatible with DVB-T2,
  • And a terrestrial antenna.

DVB-T2 is not backward compatible with DVB-T. This means a DVB-T-only device cannot receive DVB-T2 broadcasts.

  1. Global Adoption of DVB-T2 Technology

DVB-T2 is currently deployed in over 70 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some examples include:

  • United Kingdom: The first country to implement DVB-T2. Trial broadcasts began in 2009, and it officially launched in 2010 via the Freeview HD platform.
  • Germany: Transitioned to DVB-T2 HD broadcasting in 2017, using HEVC (H.265) encoding for high-quality HD content.
  • Sweden: The first Nordic country to adopt DVB-T2 in 2010, with trial UHD broadcasts conducted later.
  • Poland: Completed its transition to DVB-T2 in 2022.
  • Thailand: First Southeast Asian country to adopt DVB-T2, launching nationwide broadcasts in 2014.
  • Africa: Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Namibia have implemented DVB-T2 for both free and paid television services.

In some regions, DVB-T2 is also used for mobile TV and portable devices. Its increased bandwidth supports UHD (4K) broadcasting.

  1. DVB-T2 Usage in Turkey

Turkey adopted DVB-T2 as its national digital broadcasting standard in 2012. Trial broadcasts began in 2013 in Ankara through TRT and KULE A.Ş., including 2 HD and 5 SD channels transmitted via a 27 Mbps multiplex. However, large-scale implementation has remained limited due to several factors:

Reasons for Limited Adoption:

  1. Legal and Regulatory Challenges:
    The broadcasting license tenders conducted by RTÜK in 2013 for national, regional, and local broadcasters were annulled due to legal disputes filed by some broadcasters. This stalled the national transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting.
  2. Lack of Infrastructure:
    DVB-T2 requires significant investments in new transmitter stations and infrastructure compatible with Single Frequency Networks (SFN), which are not yet fully established.
  3. Limited Consumer Equipment Compatibility:
    Many televisions in Turkey only support DVB-T and not DVB-T2. This forces consumers to purchase additional set-top boxes, posing a financial burden.
  4. Widespread Satellite Broadcasting:
    The majority of TV viewers in Turkey receive broadcasts via satellite. This reduces the demand for terrestrial broadcasting, limiting its attractiveness for investment.
  1. Advantages and Disadvantages of DVB-T2

Advantages:

  • High Capacity: Delivers up to 50% more data than DVB-T.
  • HD/UHD Support: Suitable for 4K and future broadcasting standards.
  • Efficient Spectrum Use: Enables more channels within fewer frequencies.
  • Advanced Error Correction: Improves signal reliability and quality.
  • Multiple Services: Supports TV, radio, and data broadcasting on the same frequency.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Allows for seamless reception on mobile devices.

Disadvantages:

  • High Transition Costs: Requires significant investment from both broadcasters and consumers.
  • Lack of Backward Compatibility: DVB-T2 signals are not supported by DVB-T-only receivers.
  • Legal and Bureaucratic Barriers: Successful implementation depends on cohesive regulation and cross-institutional cooperation.
  1. Necessary Steps and Infrastructure for DVB-T2 Implementation in Turkey

To successfully implement DVB-T2 nationwide, Turkey needs to undertake the following actions:

  1. Re-launch the Licensing Process:
    RTÜK must revisit and update the previously annulled licensing process and complete it transparently and efficiently.
  2. Establish a National Transmission Network:
    Organizations like TRT and KULE A.Ş. should build a countrywide transmission infrastructure with SFN-compatible towers.
  3. Frequencies and Spectrum Planning:
    Frequencies, especially in the UHF band, must be reallocated and planned specifically for DVB-T2 broadcasts.
  4. Public Awareness and Incentives:
    Consumers should be educated about DVB-T2, and financial support programs (e.g., subsidized set-top boxes) should be introduced for low-income groups.
  5. Receiver Equipment Policies:
    TVs sold in Turkey should be required to support DVB-T2 or carry clear labeling to inform consumers.
  6. Broadcaster Incentives:
    Regional and local broadcasters should be offered technical and financial assistance to transition to DVB-T2.

DVB-T2 is a modern broadcasting technology offering superior quality, better spectrum efficiency, and multi-service flexibility. Many countries have successfully adopted it, benefiting both broadcasters and consumers. In Turkey, although DVB-T2 has been officially adopted and tested, its implementation has been hindered by legal, financial, and infrastructural challenges. With the right legal reforms, infrastructure investments, and public awareness efforts, Turkey can fully embrace the potential of DVB-T2 and modernize its broadcasting ecosystem. With its perspective of creating awareness in technological steps to be taken, TUYAD Telecommunication Satellite and Broadcasting Business People Association has always served the sector and assumed responsibility for the necessary work. For detailed information on the subject, you can reach TUYAD at info@tuyad.org.