Iñaki Eizmendi

DVB-T2: The Second Generation of Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting System

This paper provides a review of the second generation of terrestrial digital video broadcasting standard (DVB-T2). DVB-T2 is the evolution of DVB-T and, together with DVB-S2 and DVB-C2, inaugurated a new transition from the first-generation digital broadcasting systems, similar to the transition from analog-to-digital systems. In this paper, the most relevant features of DVB-T2 are explained in detail, along with their benefits and trade-offs. This paper also presents a comprehensive review of the laboratory and field trial results available so far. Especial emphasis is placed in the results of the measurements carried out to test the mobile reception and the novel technologies as multiple input single output and time frequency slicing.

Empirical DVB-T2 Thresholds for Fixed Reception

This paper provides minimum C/N values for correct reception of DVB-T2 signals under fixed reception conditions. The C/N values are obtained after analyzing the results of field and laboratory trials. The field measurements were taken in a middle-sized city, along 33 locations, with MFN and SFN configurations. Both the system configuration options (constellation and code rate, FFT size, pilot pattern, and rotated constellations) and the propagation channel are taken into account to quantify their influence on the reception requirements. DVB-T was also measured and both systems are compared. The final objective is to provide the broadcasters with some guides based on measurements to optimize the DVB-T2 networks by choosing the parameters that best fit their needs.

Improving measurement techniques for testing digital broadcasting systems

This paper presents a methodology for efficient measurement of digital broadcasting signals, both with field trials or at the laboratory. The study is focused on measuring the C/N requirement for achieving a threshold BER. A comparison between the traditional techniques and the proposed methodology is analyzed in this work. The key of the methodology presented in this paper is the use of general purpose equipment such as a vector signal analyzer for recording baseband IQ samples.

DVB-T2 performance in presence of multipath laboratory tests

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests carried out to study the performance of DVB-T2 in presence of multipath in fixed reception with rooftop antenna. The typical multipath cause in this scenario is a Single Frequency Network (SFN) reception. A range of relative levels and delays between the main path and one echo are tested to obtain the C/N requirements for each case. DVB-T2 supports a large number of options that can be chosen to optimize the system. Some of those options (Pilot Patterns, Guard Interval Fraction, Rotated Constellations, FFT sizes) are tested to evaluate their performance. The results are compared with the simulation results available in the implementation guidelines for the extreme cases of Gaussian channel (no echo) and 0 dB echo channel (main path and echo at same level).

Next generation of broadcast multimedia services to mobile receivers in urban environments

This paper analyses the possibility of receiving high data rate multimedia services in the non-stationary urban mobile scenario using the digital video broadcast standard DVB-T2. The work focuses on the complex urban mobile environment and presents a comparison between the different configuration parameters and the data rates associated to different video services. The study is based on the experience operating an experimental DVB-T2 network in urban environments, where portable and vehicular reception scenarios have been tested. The results show the system performance and the feasible video quality. The paper explores the coverage for various video services, including HDTV and 3DTV options, and proposes some scenarios for the deployment of broadcasting networks transmitting multimedia services to mobile receivers.

Laboratory Tests for testing DVB-T2 mobile performance

This paper presents DVB-T2 laboratory tests carried out for testing mobile reception. The aim of this study is to analyze DVB-T2 technology in order to obtain system assessment on pedestrian and low speed mobile reception. Results provide first approximation about the influence of the new options included in the standard. Furthermore, they can provide noteworthy information for next field trials planned to validate the best parameter set for handheld reception.

SHVC and LDM techniques for HD/UHD TV indoor reception

This paper presents a study that combines LDM (Layer Division Multiplexing) and SHVC (Scalable High Efficiency Video Coding) techniques to offer HD/UHD TV services in indoor scenarios. First, a theoretical study of the optimal configuration parameters for the LDM signal (such as constellation, code-rate and injection level) for indoor reception will be presented. Next, the results of some laboratory measurements for testing the performance in indoor scenarios will be included. For this purpose, TU6, PI, IOA and IOB channel models will be considered, being the main objective to determine the minimum receiving signal to noise ratios (SNR). These results will be useful for broadcasters for planning purposes.

Field Trials-Based Planning Parameters for DVB-T2 Indoor Reception

This paper presents the field trials carried out in Bilbao (Spain) for testing and analyzing the performance of the DVB-T2 indoor (fixed and pedestrian) reception. Test services with different DVB-T2 and T2-Lite configuration modes have been broadcasted and indoor measurements have been carried out. As a result, signal to noise ratio threshold values for DVB-T2 indoor reception have been obtained. These values update those provided by previous studies and are also valid for planning tools to be used by broadcasters in the development of DVB-T2 networks.

DVB-T2 field trials results for portable indoor reception using T2-Lite and multiple PLP

This paper presents the field trials carried out inside the Barcelona Exhibition Centre (Spain) for testing the DVB-T2 portable reception in indoor environments. A key point of these trials is the ability to measure different configurations of DVB-T2 at once, due to the new T2-Lite profile standardized in April 2012. This allows the simultaneous transmission of two completely different T2 profiles in a mixed mode using the Future Extension Frame (FEF) capability. For this paper, two mixed modes have been measured and the results will show their performance in a portable indoor scenario, providing reference values that can be used for network planning purposes.

Performance evaluation procedure for mobile DVB-T2 reception in urban environments

This paper presents a procedure for testing the mobile reception performance of DVB-T2 in urban environments. The main goal of this procedure is to reduce and simplify the measurement and processing stages, which are especially critical in the non-stationary and heterogeneous conditions of urban mobile reception. This procedure is supported by field trials carried out by the authors in these environments. The paper is focused on the DVB-T2 standard, but the methodology is also applicable to other new digital broadcasting systems designed for mobile urban reception, such as T2Mobile or DVB-NGH systems.