DVB approves DVB-RCS2 specification

Monday, March 14th, 2011
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Second Generation DVB Interactive Satellite System Offers Substantial Improvements at all Levels

GENEVA — At the 67th Meeting of the Steering Board, the DVB Project approved the first two of three DVB-RCS2 specifications for the 2nd generation DVB interactive satellite system. DVB-RCS2 takes advantage of state-of-the art technology that gives substantial enhancements over 1st generation systems, as well as a decade of research and experience. DVB-RCS2 is natively developed for IP services and is specified for interactive satellite services in several market segments, ranging from professional to consumer. The specifications “Second Generation DVB Interactive Satellite Services” will be submitted to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) for formal standardisation.

As compared to DVB-RCS the new solution provides increased transmission efficiency and new operational modes. New channel coding allows for increased capacity and/or robustness on the return channel. The forward channel is based on the well proven DVB-S2 specification and, in combination with Generic Stream Encapsulation allows for efficient transport of IP traffic. The return channel offers both a highly spectrum efficient linear Adaptive Coding and Modulation scheme, as well as a Continuous Phase Modulation alternative that enables the use of lower-cost terminals. The powerful DVB-RCS2 provides the only open multivendor platform for interactive services with unmatched flexibility and performance, strengthened integrity control; enhanced security; improved Quality of Service system architecture; and support for IP version 6.

“This new specification is the result of extensive collaborative efforts from key players in TM-RCS. DVB-RCS2 forms the most flexible basis for modern interactive satellite services in these times when the industry increasingly turns to open standards,” commented Peter Siebert, Executive Director, DVB.