Description
Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) is a DVB standard specifying the physical layer transmission system for terrestrial digital television. It uses Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM) modulation to combat multipath interference and provide robust reception in challenging environments. Within 3GPP, DVB-T is referenced in the context of broadcast service delivery, particularly for MBMS/eMBMS over terrestrial broadcast networks or as a supplemental downlink technology for cellular networks.
The technology works by dividing the digital data stream into thousands of slower sub-streams, each modulated onto a separate subcarrier within the OFDM symbol. This provides resilience against frequency-selective fading and allows for single-frequency networks (SFNs) where multiple transmitters broadcast the same signal on the same frequency, improving coverage and spectral efficiency. Key components include the channel coding (convolutional and Reed-Solomon), interleaving, and the OFDM modulator with configurable parameters like 2k or 8k mode, guard interval, and modulation schemes (QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM).
In a 3GPP-integrated scenario, DVB-T can be used as a broadcast bearer for delivering multimedia content to 3GPP devices equipped with DVB-T receivers. This enables hybrid broadcast-broadband services where the broadcast network delivers high-bandwidth content (like live TV) and the cellular network provides interactivity and personalization. For 5G, DVB-T is studied for supplemental downlink to boost downlink capacity in dense urban areas or for fixed wireless access, leveraging existing broadcast infrastructure.
Purpose & Motivation
DVB-T was developed to enable the digital switchover from analog terrestrial television (PAL, SECAM) across Europe and other regions. It solved the problem of inefficient spectrum usage and poor picture quality of analog TV, while providing immunity to ghosts and interference. The motivation was to free up spectrum (the digital dividend) for other services like mobile broadband, while offering viewers more channels and features like electronic program guides.
From a 3GPP perspective, the purpose of referencing DVB-T is to explore the use of broadcast spectrum and infrastructure for offloading high-demand downlink traffic, especially for popular live video content. This addresses the limitation of cellular spectrum scarcity during mass events. By potentially using DVB-T as a supplemental downlink in 5G networks, operators can enhance capacity and user experience without deploying additional cellular sites, leveraging the wide coverage of broadcast towers.
Classification
Detected Changes Across Releases
from 3GPP Change RequestsSpecific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (3 CRs across 3 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.
In Release 16, the specification introduced support for **LTE based 5G terrestrial broadcast** operation, defining it for specific E-UTRA bands and 6, 7, or 8 MHz channel bandwidths aligned with DVB-T. This included new base station requirements, such as a minimum ACLR of 45 dB and the application of regional spectrum masks defined in ITU-R BT.1206 for DTT systems like DVB-T.
- CR to 36.104: Introduction of LTE based 5G terrestrial broadcast numerologies TS 36.104CR4907
In Release 18, the specification introduced new, specific Adjacent Channel Leakage power Ratio (ACLR) requirements for LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast base stations, mandating a minimum of 45 dB. Furthermore, it defined that these broadcast systems, which operate on specific E-UTRA bands using 6, 7, or 8 MHz PMCH bandwidths, must also adhere to additional regional unwanted emission limits based on DTT system masks, such as those for DVB-T, as referenced in ITU-R BT.1206.
- [LTE_terr_bcast_bands_part2-Core] CR to TS 36.104: Separation of additional ACLR requirements for LTE based 5G terrestrial broadcast, Rel-18 TS 36.104CR4986
In Release 19, the key new development for DVB-T was the formal specification of LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast operation, introducing specific technical requirements for base stations using this function. This included defining operation in dedicated E-UTRA bands, mandating a minimum Adjacent Channel Leakage power Ratio (ACLR) of 45 dB, and specifying the use of 6, 7, or 8 MHz channel bandwidths configured as PMCH bandwidth. Furthermore, the release applied regional unwanted emission limits for these broadcast base stations based on the spectrum masks defined in ITU-R BT.1206 for systems including DVB-T.
- CR to TS 36.104 : New bands for LTE based 5G terrestrial broadcast for early deployments, Rel-19 TS 36.104CR5006
Explore further
Broader topics and technologies where DVB-T plays a role.
Defining Specifications
3GPP specifications that define or reference DVB-T, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.
| Specification | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| TS 36.104 vj10 | Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception | Rel-19 |
| TR 36.792 vi10 | Technical Report | Rel-18 |