Report  ITU-R  BT.2254
(09/2012)
Frequency and network planning
aspects of DVB-T2
 
  
BT Series
Broadcasting service
(television)
 
 
 
 
 
 ii Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
Foreword 
The role of the Radiocommunication Sector is to ensure th e rational, equitable, efficien t and economical use of the 
radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services, including satellite services, and carry out studies without 
limit of frequency range on the basis of which Recommendations are adopted. 
The regulatory and policy functions of the Radiocommunication Sector are performed by World and Regional 
Radiocommunication Conferences and Radiocommunication Assemblies supported by Study Groups. 
 
Policy on Intellectual Property Right (IPR) 
ITU-R policy on IPR is described in the Common Patent Po licy for ITU-T/ITU-R/ISO/IEC referenced in Annex 1 of 
Resolution ITU-R 1. Forms to be used for the submission of patent statements and licensing declarations by patent 
holders are available from http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/go/patents/en  where the Guidelines for Implementation of the 
Common Patent Policy for ITU-T/ITU-R/ISO/IEC and the ITU-R patent information database can also be found.  
 
 
 
Series of ITU-R Reports  
(Also available online at http://www.itu.int/publ/R-REP/en ) 
Series Title 
BO Satellite delivery 
BR Recording for production, archival and play-out; film for television 
BS Broadcasting service (sound) 
BT Broadcasting service (television) 
F Fixed service 
M Mobile, radiodetermination, amateur and related satellite services 
P Radiowave propagation 
RA Radio astronomy 
RS Remote sensing systems 
S Fixed-satellite service 
SA Space applications and meteorology 
SF Frequency sharing and coordination between fixed-satellite and fixed service systems 
SM Spectrum management 
 
 
Note : This ITU-R Report was approved in English by the Study Group under the procedure detailed in 
Resolution ITU-R 1.  
 
 
Electronic Publication 
Geneva, 2012 
 ITU 2012 
All rights reserved. No part of this publ ication may be reprodu ced, by any means whatsoever, wi thout written permission of ITU.    Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  1 
 REPORT  ITU-R  BT.2254 
Frequency and network planning aspects of DVB-T2 
DVB-T2 is a 2nd generation terrestrial broadcast transm ission system developed by DVB project 
since 2006. The main purpose was to increase cap acity, ruggedness and flex ibility to the DVB-T 
system. The first version was published by ETSI as EN 302 755 in 2009. 
This Report provides guidance on frequency a nd network planning of DVB-T2. It has been 
developed by EBU Members involved in planning of DVB-T2 networks. It is intended to help 
broadcast network operators in th eir planning and administrations in  defining the most suitable set 
of parameters from the large possibilities offered by the DVB-T2 system. 
In its present form, it has been published as EBU Tech 3348 ‘Frequency and network aspects of 
DVB-T2’. 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 Page 
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. ..  6  
1.1 Commercial requireme nts for DVB-T2 ..............................................................  6  
1.2 DVB-T and DVB-T2; what is the difference? ....................................................  6  
1.3 Notes on this Report ...........................................................................................  7  
2 System properties ...........................................................................................................  8 
2.1 Bandwidth ...........................................................................................................  8  
2.2 FFT size ..............................................................................................................  8  
2.3 Modulation scheme and guard interval ...............................................................  10  
2.4 Available data rate ..............................................................................................  11  
2.5 Carrier-to-noise ratio C/N ...................................................................................  13  
2.5.1  Introduction ..........................................................................................  13  
2.5.2  Methodology for the derivation of the C/N ..........................................  14  
2.5.3  Common reception channels ................................................................  14  
2.5.4  C/N for Gaussian channel ....................................................................  15  
2.5.5  C/N for Rice and Rayleigh channel ......................................................  18  
2.6 Rotated constellation ..........................................................................................  21  
2.6.1  Concept ................................................................................................  21  
2.6.2  Constellation diagram ..........................................................................  21  
2.6.3  Rotation of the constellation diagram ..................................................  22  
2.6.4  Rotation angle ......................................................................................  23  2 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
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2.6.5  Time delay between I and Q ................................................................  23  
2.6.6  Improvement of performance ...............................................................  24  
2.7 Scattered pilot patterns .......................................................................................  25  
2.7.1  Principle of scattered pilot pattern .......................................................  25  
2.7.2  Sample pilot pattern choices ................................................................  27  
2.8 Time interleaving ................................................................................................  29  
2.9 Bandwidth extension ..........................................................................................  30  
2.10  Phase noise ..........................................................................................................  31  
2.11  Choice of system parameters ..............................................................................  31  
2.11.1  Choice of FFT size ...............................................................................  31  
2.11.2  Selection of DVB-T2 mode for SFNs ..................................................  32  
3 Receiver properties, sharing and compatib ility, network planning parameters .............  33  
3.1 Minimum receiver signal input levels ................................................................  33  
3.2 Signal levels for planning ...................................................................................  34  
3.3 Examples of signal levels for planning ...............................................................  35  
3.3.1  DVB-T2 in Band III .............................................................................  36  
3.3.2  DVB-T2 in Band IV/V .........................................................................  39  
3.4 Protection ratios ..................................................................................................  42  
3.4.1  Introduction ..........................................................................................  42  
3.4.2  DVB-T2 vs. DVB-T2/DVB-T .............................................................  42  
3.4.3  DVB-T2 vs. T-DAB .............................................................................  44  
3.4.4  DVB-T2 vs. Analogue TV ...................................................................  44  
3.4.5  DVB-T2 vs. LTE ..................................................................................  44  
3.4.6  Protection ratios for DVB-T2 modes othe r than the reference mode ..  46  
3.5 DVB-T2 equalisation interval, EI .......................................................................  47  
4 New planning features ....................................................................................................  50  
4.1 SFN Extension ....................................................................................................  50  
4.1.1  Introduction ..........................................................................................  50  
4.1.2  Example 1: Rooftop Reception, SFN, Large Area, VHF .....................  51  
4.1.3  Example 2: Portable reception (with 64-QAM), SFN, Large Area, 
VHF ......................................................................................................  52  
4.1.4  Example 3: Portable reception, SFN, Medium Area, UHF .................  54   Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  3 
  Page 
4.1.5  Example 4: Portable recepti on, SFN, large area, UHF ........................  56  
4.2 Degradation beyond guard interval ....................................................................  58  
4.2.1  Use of higher FFT modes .....................................................................  58  
4.3 MISO (multiple input single output) ..................................................................  60  
4.3.1  General considerations .........................................................................  60  
4.3.2  Transmission parameter considerations ...............................................  62  
4.3.3  Planning applications an d considerations ............................................  62  
4.3.4  Qualitative description of the MISO gain ............................................  63  
4.3.5  Example of MISO coverage gain .........................................................  64  
4.4 Time-Frequency Slicing (TFS) ...........................................................................  65  
4.4.1  TFS in the DVB-T2 standard ...............................................................  65  
4.4.2  The TFS concept ..................................................................................  65  
4.4.3  TFS gains .............................................................................................  65  
4.4.4  TFS coverage gain ...............................................................................  67  
4.4.5  TFS interference gain ...........................................................................  67  
4.4.6  Improved robustness ............................................................................  67  
4.4.7  Calculation of potential TFS c overage gain – example .......................  67  
4.4.8  Coherent coverage effects ....................................................................  69  
4.5 Time slicing ........................................................................................................  69  
4.6 Physical layer pipes ............................................................................................  69  
4.6.1  Input streams and physical layer pipes ................................................  69  
4.6.2  Single and multiple PLPs .....................................................................  70  
4.7 Peak-to-average power ratio (P APR) reduction techniques ...............................  72  
4.8 Future extension frames (FEF) ...........................................................................  72  
5 Implementation scenarios ...............................................................................................  73  
5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................  73  
5.2 Scenario 1: MFN rooftop recep tion and a transition case ..................................  73  
5.3 Scenario 2: SFN rooftop reception, maximum coverage ....................................  74  
5.4 Scenario 3: SFN rooftop recep tion, moderate coverage .....................................  75  
5.4.1  Scenario 3a: Rooftop reception for limited area SFN ..........................  75  
5.4.2  Scenario 3b: Rooftop reception for large area SFNs ...........................  75  
 4 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
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5.5 Scenario 4: Portable recepti on (maximum data rate) .........................................  76  
5.6 Scenario 5: Portable reception (max imum coverage area extension) .................  77  
5.7 Scenario 6: Portable reception (optimal spectrum usage) ..................................  77  
5.8 Scenario 7: Mobile reception ( 1.7 MHz bandwidth in Band III) .......................  78  
5.9 Scenario 8: Portable and mobile r eception (common MUX usage by different 
services) – Multiple PLP ....................................................................................  78  
5.10  Overview of scenarios ........................................................................................  79  
6 Transition to DVB-T2 ....................................................................................................  81  
6.1 DVB-T2 in GE06 ................................................................................................  81  
6.1.1  Implementing alternative broadc asting transmission systems under 
the GE06 Agreement ............................................................................  81  
6.1.2  Requirements for the development of the DVB-T2 specification .......  81  
6.1.3  Implementation of DVB-T2 in the GE06 Plan ....................................  81  
6.2 Transition scenarios ............................................................................................  83  
6.2.1  Introduction ..........................................................................................  83  
6.2.2  Infrastructure ........................................................................................  84  
6.2.3  Frequency planning issues ...................................................................  84  
6.2.4  Transition from Analogue TV to DVB-T2 ..........................................  85  
6.2.5  Transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 ....................................................  85  
7 References .................................................................................................................... ..  86  
Annex 1 – Planning methods, criteria and parameter ..............................................................  89  
A1.1  Reception modes .................................................................................................  89  
A1.1.1  Fixed antenna reception .......................................................................  89  
A1.1.2  Portable antenna reception ...................................................................  89  
A1.1.3  Mobile reception ..................................................................................  89  
A1.1.4  Handheld reception ..............................................................................  89  
A1.2  Coverage definitions ...........................................................................................  91  
A1.3  Calculation of signal levels .................................................................................  91  
A1.3.1  Antenna gain ........................................................................................  93  
A1.3.2  Feeder loss ............................................................................................  93  
A1.3.3  Man-made noise (MMN) .....................................................................  94  
A1.3.4  Height loss ............................................................................................  95   Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  5 
  Page 
A1.3.5  Building penetration loss .....................................................................  96  
A1.3.6  Vehicle (car) entry loss ........................................................................  96  
A1.3.7  Location percentage .............................................................................  97  
A1.3.8  Frequency interpolation in the UHF band (Bands IV and V) ..............  99  
Annex 2 – Estimation of the net data  capacity of a DVB-T2 multiplex ..................................  99  
Annex 3 – Nyquist time for frequency & time  interpolation vs. guard interval ......................  110  
Annex 4 – Derivation and Comparison of C/N Values ............................................................  111  
A4.1  Raw values of C/N for the derivation of the Rice and Rayleigh Channel Case .  111  
A4.2  Comparison of C/N values calculated according to the methodology of § 2.5 
and measurement results .....................................................................................  112  
Annex 5 – DVB-T2-Lite ......................................................................................................... .  118  
A5.1  Introduction .........................................................................................................  118  
A5.2  Differences between T2-Base and T2-Lite .........................................................  118  
A5.3  DVB-T2-Lite signal structure .............................................................................  118  
A5.4  DVB-T2-Lite system parameters ........................................................................  119  
A5.5  DVB-T2-Lite planning parameters .....................................................................  121  
A5.6  Implementation aspects and implementation scenarios ......................................  121  
Annex 6 – Specific implementation s cenarios/Country situation ............................................  122  
A6.1  Introduction of DVB-T2 in the UK ....................................................................  122  
A6.1.1  UK T2 Rollout process ........................................................................  123  
A6.2  Introduction of DVB-T2 in Finland ....................................................................  126  
A6.3  Introduction of DVB-T2 in Sweden ...................................................................  126  
A6.4  Introduction of DVB-T2 in Denmark .................................................................  127  
 
  6 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 1 Introduction 
DVB-T2 is the 2nd generation standard for digital terrest rial TV, offering significant benefits 
compared to DVB-T. 
The emergence of DVB-T2 is motivated by the highe r spectral efficiency going along with DVB-T2 
– be it for a transition from analogue TV to DVB -T2, be it for a transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2. 
Higher spectral efficiency mean s that with the same amount of  spectrum, a larger number of 
programmes can be broadcast or the same numb er of programmes broadcast with a higher 
audio/video quality or coverage quality. 
If in addition improved source coding (MPEG-4) is  employed, the gain in broadcast transmission is 
remarkable. For example, in [BG2009] it is s hown that a doubling of the number of programmes 
that can be accommodated in one multiplex is possible (while keeping the same audio/video 
quality). Also the transmission of more progr ammes in HD quality would become possible. 
Alternatively, the coverage area of a digital terr estrial television (DTT) transmitter can be largely 
increased while keeping constant the transmitter characteristics as well as the reception mode, video quality and number of programmes. 
1.1 Commercial require ments for DVB-T2 
The commercial requirements for DVB-T2 [TS 102 831] included: 
– DVB-T2 transmissions must be able to use existing domestic receive antenna installations 
and must be able to reuse existing transmitter in frastructures. This requirement ruled out the 
consideration of MIMO techniques which w ould involve both new receive and transmit 
antennas. 
– DVB-T2 should primarily target servi ces to fixed and portable receivers. 
– DVB-T2 should provide a minimum of 30% cap acity increase over DVB-T working within 
the same planning constraint s and conditions as DVB-T. 
– DVB-T2 should provide for improved singl e frequency network (SFN) performance 
compared with DVB-T. 
– DVB-T2 should have a mechanism for providing  service-specific robus tness; i.e. it should 
be possible to give different le vels of robustness to some serv ices compared to others. For 
example, within a single 8 MHz channel, it s hould be possible to targ et some services for 
rooftop reception and target other se rvices for reception on portables. 
– DVB-T2 should provide for bandwid th and frequency flexibility. 
– There should be a mechanism defined, if po ssible, to reduce the peak-to-average-power 
ratio of the transmitted signal in order to reduce transmission costs. 
1.2 DVB-T and DVB-T2; what  is the difference? 
Compared to DVB-T, DVB-T2 COFDM parame ters have been extended to include: 
– New generation forward error correction (FEC) (error protection) and higher constellations 
(256-QAM) resulting in a capacity gain of 25-30%, approaching the Shannon limit. 
– OFDM carrier increase from 8k to 32k. In SFN , the guard interval of 1/16 instead of 1/4 
resulting in an overhead gain of ~18%. 
– New guard interval fr actions: 1/128, 19/256, 19/128. 
– Scattered pilot optimization according to the guard interval (GI), continual pilot 
minimization resulting in an  overhead reduction of ~10%.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  7 
 – Bandwidth extension: e.g. for 8 MHz bandwidth, 7.77 MHz instead of 7.61 MHz (2% 
gain). 
– Extended interleaving including bit, ce ll, time and frequency interleaving. 
The extended range of COFDM parameters allows very significant reducti ons in overhead to be 
achieved by DVB-T2 compared with DVB-T, whic h taken together with the improved error-
correction coding allows an increase in capacit y of up to nearly 50% to be achieved for MFN 
operation and even higher for SFN operation. 
DVB-T2 also allows for three new signal bandwidths: 1.7 MHz, 5 MHz and 10 MHz. 
The DVB-T2 system also provides a number of  new features for improved versatility and 
ruggedness under critical rece ption conditions such as: 
– rotated constellations, which provide a form  of modulation diversity , to assist in the 
reception of higher code-rate signals in demanding transmission channels, 
– special techniques to reduce the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the transmitted 
signal resulting in a better efficiency of hi gh power amplifiers multiple transmit antennas, 
– multiple input single output (MISO) transmissi on mode using a modified form of Alamouti 
encoding. 
At the physical layer, time slicing is included enabling power saving and allowing different physical 
layer pipes to have different leve ls of robustness. Sub-slicing with in a frame is also possible which 
increases time diversity/interleaving depth without increasing de-interleaving memory. 
1.3 Notes on this Report 
The purpose of this Report is to collect informa tion relevant to network and frequency planning for 
DVB-T2. It is complementary information to the ETSI system specification [EN 302 755] and 
implementation guideline [TS 102 831] and th e corresponding DVB Blue Books [A122, A133]. 
Some of the information in these system documents is inevitably repeated here. 
Section 2 describes some elementary system properties relevant for network and frequency 
planning. Section 3 deals with r eceiver properties, sharing and co mpatibility, and network planning 
parameters. These are to be unde rstood as to serve for frequenc y and network planning purposes 
and not as an addition to receive r specifications. Section 4 covers new planning features that are 
possible with DVB-T2 as compared to DVB-T. S ection 5 collects several typical implementation 
scenarios, for fixed reception, for portable and m obile reception. Finally, § 6 describes some aspects 
of the transition to DVB-T2. 
Annex 1 covers planning aspects that are not  specific to DVB-T2 bu t which are nonetheless 
required for frequency and network planning. Annexes 2 and 3 deal with some technical details of 
DVB-T2. Annex 4 compares C/N values proposed for use in pla nning with measurement results. 
The extension of the DVB-T2 specifi cation by features for a particular ly suitable mode for mobile 
reception, called DVB-T2-Lite, is described in A nnex 5, and Annex 6 is a collection of reports 
about the introduction of DVB-T2 in different European countries. 
The present edition of the Report is  version V2.0. Apart from the co rrection of editorial errors and 
minor updates, the major changes to the first edition relate to § 2.5 where a methodology for the 
derivation of C/N figures for planning purposes is now gi ven, to § 3.4 where protection ratios 
information is given, to § 4.1 which describes a c ouple of examples of SF N extension now possible 
with DVB-T2 and to Annex 6, which gives an upda te of the introduction of DVB-T2 in Europe. 8 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 At the time of writing (Spring 2012) system specification and implementation guidelines for 
DVB-T2 have been finalized, laboratory measur ements and DVB-T2 field trials are being 
performed in several countries, and first implem entations of regular DVB -T2 DTT services have 
been started. Nonetheless, for several of the parameters and cr iteria required for network and 
frequency planning, no finally consolidated experi ence or data is publicly available. This is 
particularly the case for C/N values in time-variant Rayleigh channels and for intra- and inter-
protection ratios related to DVB-T 2, but also for network implemen tation aspects particular to 
DVB-T2 and the DVB-T2 receiver beha viour and performance in SFNs. It is intended to prepare a 
further revision of this Report to include this missing or incomplete information when it becomes 
available. 
Similarly, the feasibility of DVB-T2 for audio broadcasting is not dealt with in detail in this Report. 
This aspect will also be covered in a further revision. 
A short and concise overview of the DVB-T2 sy stem parameters is given in Recommendation 
ITU-R BT.1877 [BT1877]. A general textbook on DVB -T2 is, e.g. [F2010], where also information 
on frequency and network planning aspects of DVB-T2 can be found. 
In several of the tables the entry n/a means that no data is currently available for the parameter. 
2 System properties 
Compared with DVB-T, the DVB-T2 standard offers a bigger choice of the OFDM parameters and 
modulation schemes. The available bandwidths ar e also increased. Combining various modulation 
schemes with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) sizes and guard intervals allows construction of MFN 
and SFN networks designed for different applicati ons: from low bit-rate but  robust mobile reception 
to the high bit-rate fixed reception for domestic and professional use. 
This section gives a short ove rview of the DVB-T2 system parameters. More information on 
DVB-T and DVB-T2 system parameters can be found in [TR 102 831, EN 302 755, EN 300 744]. 
2.1 Bandwidth 
There are three additional bandwidths availa ble as compared to DVB-T, see Table 2.1. 
TABLE 2.1 
Channel bandwidths for DVB-T and DVB-T2 
DVB-T DVB-T2 
– 
– 
6 MHz 
7 MHz 
8 MHz 
– 1.7 MHz 
5 MHz 
6 MHz 
7 MHz 
8 MHz 
10 MHz 
2.2 FFT size 
While for DVB-T two FFT sizes, 2k and 8k, ar e specified, DVB-T2 comprises 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k 
and 32k FFT sizes. Table 2.2 shows the availa ble FFT sizes for the 8 MHz variant.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  9 
 TABLE 2.2 
FFT size parameters for DVB-T2/8 MHz (from [EN 302 755]) 
Parameter 1k 
mode 2k 
mode 4k 
mode 8k 
mode 16k 
mode 32k 
mode 
Number of carriers, 
Ktotal  normal 
carrier 
mode 853 1705 3409 6817 13633 27265 
extended 
carrier 
mode n/a n/a n/a 6913 13921 27841 
Value of carrier 
number, kmin  normal 
carrier 
mode 0 0 0 0 0 0 
extended 
carrier 
mode n/a n/a n/a 0 0 0 
Value of carrier 
number, kmax  normal 
carrier 
mode 852 1704 3408 6816 13632 27264 
extended 
carrier 
mode n/a n/a n/a 6912 13920 27840 
Number of carriers added on 
each side in extended carrier 
mode, Kext (see Note 2)  0 0 0 48 144 288 
Duration, TU  1024T 2048T 4096T 8192T 16384T 32768T 
Duration, TU ms (see Note 3)  112 224 448 896 1792 3584 
Carrier spacing 1/ TU (Hz) (see 
Notes 1 and 2)  8929  4464  2232  1116  558 279 
Spacing between 
carriers kmin and 
kmax (Ktotal-1)/TU 
(see Note 3)  normal 
carrier 
mode 7.61 MHz 7.61 MHz 7.61 MHz 7.61 MHz  7.61 MHz  7.61 MHz
extended 
carrier 
mode n/a n/a n/a 7.71 MHz  7.77 MHz  7.77 MHz
NOTE 1 – Numerical values in italics are approximate values. 
NOTE 2 – This value is used in the definition of the pilot sequence in both normal and extended carrier 
mode. 
NOTE 3 – Values for 8 MHz channels. 
 
In Table 2.2 the parameters which are bandw idth dependent are given as a function of TU which is a 
function of the elementary period T. Explicitly shown are the values for the 8 MHz variant. 
Table 2.3 gives the ab solute values of T for all the available bandwidths. With these the parameter 
values for the other bandwi dths can be calculated. 10 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 2.3 
Elementary period as a function  of bandwidth (from [EN 302 755]) 
Bandwidth  1.7 MHz 5 MHz 6 MHz 7 MHz 8 MHz 10 MHz 
(see Note) 
Elementary period, T 71/131 µs 7/40 µs 7/48 µs 1/8 µs 7/64 µs 7/80 µs 
NOTE – This configuration is only intended for prof essional applications and is not expected to be 
supported by domestic receivers. 
 
2.3 Modulation scheme and guard interval 
In DVB-T2, the additional 256-QAM  modulation scheme is availabl e, see Table 2.4. The new error 
protection techniques allow the usage of such high modulation schemes. 
TABLE 2.4 
Modulation schemes for DVB-T and DVB-T2 
DVB-T DVB-T2 
QPSK QPSK 
16-QAM 16-QAM 
64-QAM 64-QAM 
– 256-QAM 
 
TABLE 2.5 
Length of guard interval for DVB -T2 in an 8 MHz channel raster 
  GI-Fraction 
  1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
 
FFT TU (ms) GI (µs) 
32k 3.584 28 112 224 266 448 532 n/a 
16k 1.792 14 56 112 133 224 266 448 
8k 0.896 7 28 56 66.5 112 133 224 
4k 0.448 n/a 14 28 n/a 56 n/a 112 
2k 0.224 n/a 7 14 n/a 28 n/a 56 
1k 0.112 n/a n/a 7 n/a 14 n/a 28 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  11 
 TABLE 2.6 
Length of guard interval for DVB -T2 in a 7 MHz channel raster 
  GI-Fraction 
  1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
 
FFT TU (ms) GI (µs) 
32k 4.096 32 128 256 304 512 608 n/a 
16k 2.048 16 64 128 152 256 304 512 
8k 1.024 8 32 64 76.0 128 152 256 
4k 0.512 n/a 16 32 n/a 64 n/a 128 
2k 0.256 n/a 8 16 n/a 32 n/a 64 
1k 0.128 n/a n/a 8 n/a 16 n/a 32 
 
Also additional guard interval fractions are availa ble in DVB-T2. A suitable combination of symbol 
length (i.e. FFT mode) and guard interval fracti on allows for the minimization of the overhead 
implied by the guard interval. 
In Tables 2.5-2.7 the various guard interval fractions are described for an 8, 7 and 1.7 MHz 
bandwidth. 
TABLE 2.7 
Length of guard interval for DVB -T2 in a 1.7 MHz channel raster  
  GI-Fraction 
  1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
 
FFT TU (ms) GI (µs) 
8k 4.440 34.7 138.7 277.5 329.5 555.0 659.1 333.0 
4k 2.220 n/a 69.4 138.7 n/a 277.5 n/a 166.5 
2k 1.110 n/a 34.7 69.4 n/a 138.7 n/a 83.2 
1k 0.555 n/a n/a 34.7 n/a 69.4 n/a 41.6 
 
2.4 Available data rate 
Tables 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 show the large number of po ssible modes in DVB-T2. Some of the 2k and 
8k modes are the same as in DVB-T. The main difference is the addition of 16k and 32k FFT. 12 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 2.8 
Maximum bit-rate and recommended configurations for 8 MHz, 
32k 1/128, PP7 (from [TS 102 831]) 
Modula-
tion Code 
rate Absolute maximum bit-rate Recommended configuration 
Bit rate 
Mbit/s Frame 
length, 
LF FEC blocks 
per frame Bit rate 
Mbit/s Frame 
length, 
LF FEC 
blocks 
per 
frame 
QPSK  1/2 7.49255 
62 52 7.4442731 
60 50 3/5 9.003747 8.9457325 
2/3 10.01867 9.9541201 
3/4 11.27054 11.197922 
4/5 12.02614 11.948651 
5/6 12.53733 12.456553 
16-QAM  1/2 15.03743 
60 101 15.037432 
60 101 3/5 18.07038 18.07038 
2/3 20.10732 20.107323 
3/4 22.6198 22.619802 
4/5 24.13628 24.136276 
5/6 25.16224 25.162236 
64-QAM  1/2 22.51994 
46 116 22.481705 
60 151 3/5 27.06206 27.016112 
2/3 30.11257 30.061443 
3/4 33.87524 33.817724 
4/5 36.1463 36.084927 
5/6 37.68277 37.618789 
256-QAM  1/2 30.08728 
68 229 30.074863 
60 202 3/5 36.15568 36.140759 
2/3 40.23124 40.214645 
3/4 45.25828 45.239604 
4/5 48.29248 48.272552 
5/6 50.34524 50.324472 
 
This will result in a two and four times longer “useful” symbol time co mpared to the 8k case, i.e. at 
UHF (8 MHz channel raster) 2 and 4 times 896 µs (1792 µs and 3584 µs). 
The very long symbol time will, in principle, resu lt in a poorer Doppler performance, due to the 
short inter-carrier distance in the OFDM signal. The 32k mode is therefore aimed mainly at fixed 
rooftop reception. Laboratory and field tests indicat e that the 32k mode is unlikely to be used to 
provide mobile (vehicular) reception at UHF. Even  in a portable (indoor or outdoor pedestrian) 
receiving environment with relatively low Doppler fr equencies it needs to be confirmed that the 32k 
mode is suitable. The Doppler performance is how ever up to 4 times better at VHF compared to 
UHF Band V. This fact may make  VHF Band III frequencies inte resting for providing mobile 
services using the DVB-T2 system.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  13 
 One additional difference between DVB-T and DVB -T2 is the increased number of GI fraction 
using 1/128, 19/256 and 19/128, which gives further po ssibilities to adopt the length of the guard 
interval to the size of the SFN. 
As an example, Table 2.8 and Fig. 2.1 show the maximum bit-rate and recommended configurations 
for the system variant 8 MHz, 32k 1/128, PP7. 
FIGURE 2.1 
Maximum bit rate and bit rate for recommended configuration 
with 8 MHz bandwidth and 32k PP7 (from [TS 102 831]) 
 
A more comprehensive overview of the available da ta rates for the variou s DVB-T2 configurations 
is given in Annex 2. 
Two parameters of the transmitted signal relate d to the FFT size of the OFDM modulation can 
influence planning of the DVB-T2 network: 
– inter-carrier spacing; 
– symbol duration. 
Increasing the FFT size results in a narrower sub- carrier spacing and conse quently in a longer 
symbol duration. 
Further considerations on the suitable choice of a DVB-T2 configurati on are described in § 2.11. 
2.5 Carrier-to-noise ratio ( C/N) 
2.5.1 Introduction 
The C/N characterizes the robustness of transmission sy stems with regard to noise and interference. 
As such it is used to determine the signal level required to receive a viab le signal in noise and 
interference limited channels. Subse quently, the determination of the C/N is of fundamental 
importance for network planning. 0102030405060
1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/64-QAM 16-QAM 64-QAM 256-QAM
Constellation and code-rateBitrate (Mbit/s)Maximum
Recommended14 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 At the time of writing insufficient measurements of receivers were available to provide an 
experimentally determined C/N representative of the receiver popul ation. In lieu of measurements 
this section describes a methodology th at can be used to calculate the C/N based upon the simulated 
receiver performance results pr ovided in the DVB-T2 Implementation Guideline [TS 102 831]. The 
methodology proposed compares favourably with the limited measurements compiled to date in 
Annex 4, though it may be slightly conservative. 
The methodology proposed here is si milar to the one proposed for adoption in a coming update of 
the IEC 62216 E-book [IEC 62216] and aligns in gene ral with the Nordig receiver specification 
[NorDig2010] without being identical with either of  these two approaches. It is important to note 
that the C/N ratios derived using the following methodol ogy are understood to describe the average 
behaviour of receivers which can be used for frequency and network pl anning. They are not 
intended to describe minimum receiver requir ements in the sense of a specification. 
This section also provides some backgroun d on the common reception channels that are 
encountered in broadcast networ k planning so that the correct C/N can be determined for the 
targeted receiving environment. 
The full methodology for determining the C/N of a given mode and receiving environment is 
described below. 
2.5.2 Methodology for the derivation of the C/N 
The following main steps are usually  necessary when determining the C/N to be used for planning: 
– Step 1: Identify the target receive environment to determin e the reception channel. This 
means identifying whether the network is aime d at fixed rooftop reception, portable indoor, 
portable outdoor or mobile reception, and for exam ple, will lead to determining whether the 
C/N for a Ricean or Rayleigh channel is most appropriate. 
– Step 2: Choose the DVB-T2 transmission mode . This step usually involves an iterative 
process where the requirements of capacity, c overage and cost are traded off or optimized. 
When a DVB-T2 mode is chosen, the simulation based C/N for a Gaussian channel 
(C/NGauss-raw ) can be found in Table 2.9 and used as the base value for the proposed method. 
– Step 3: Apply the methodology described in th e following sections to adjust the identified 
C/NGauss-raw  to correct it for real receiver implem entation factors and to match it to the 
identified transmission channe l and receiving environment. 
2.5.3 Common reception channels 
The main reception channels that are encountered in terrestrial broadcasting are briefly described 
below. Each of these will require a certain C/N that reflects how demandi ng the channel is for the 
receiver. The derivation of the final C/N is described in the following sections. 
– Gaussian channel (AWGN): This channel is ch aracterized by a single wa nted signal with no 
channel perturbations where onl y Gaussian noise is present. It is the least demanding 
channel and is normally used only as a refe rence, not in practi cal network planning. 
– Ricean channel: Used for planning fixed roof top reception where there is predominantly a 
single direct signal and sma ller amplitude reflections. 
– Rayleigh channel(s): 
i) Rayleigh static channel : Mainly used for planning portable indoor and outdoor 
reception. In this channel model the received signals consist only of a number of reflected signals – no direct  signal is present. The simulations in the DVB-T2 ETSI 
Implementation Guideline [TS 102 831, Ta ble 39] use a Rayleigh channel with 
20 static paths. Due to the static nature of th is channel model it should be regarded as a  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  15 
 ‘best case’ when planning for portable receptio n and should be used when the receiver 
is stationary. 
ii) Rayleigh – slowly time varying , low Doppler frequency : This channel model should 
normally be used for planning portable out door and portable indoor  reception, as slow 
channel variations cannot normally be avoided. Even if the receiver itself is stationary 
there are often other objects in  the vicinity of the receiv er which move, for example 
cars, trees or people. At low Doppler freque ncy the time interleaving in DVB-T2 is less 
effective, e.g. when the Doppler frequency is  < 1/(interleaving time) , this will normally 
result in a higher C/N compared to mobile reception at higher Doppler frequencies. 
This channel model is often considered to  be a worst case for a DVB-T2 receiver. 
iii) Rayleigh – mobile, high Doppler frequency : Used for planning mobile reception 
using external antenna or a handheld device.  It should be noted that some DVB-T2 
modes are not suitable for mobile recepti on, in particular the modulation 256-QAM and 
32k. A profile particularly designed for m obile reception is DVB-T2-Lite which is 
described in Annex 5. 
2.5.4 C/N for Gaussian channel 
The following methodology has been proposed for adoption in a coming update of the IEC 62216 
E-book [IEC 62216] and aligns with the Nord ig receiver specif ication [NorDig2010]. 
The starting point for deriving the final C/N for the identified transmission channel and mode is to 
determine the ‘final’ C/N for the Gaussian channel ( C/NGauss). The first step is to consult Table 2.9, 
taken from the ETSI implementation guide line [TS 102 831], to find the value of C/NGauss-raw . 
Table 2.9 has been derived through computer simu lations which to some extent assume ideal 
conditions not found in practice. Corrections ar e therefore required to account for these. 
TABLE 2.9 
Raw C/N values for a Gaussian Channel 
(AWGN channel) (from Table 47 in [TS 102 831]) 
Constellation Code rate Gaussian Channel ( C/NGauss-raw ) 
QPSK 1/2 1.0 
QPSK 3/5 2.2 
QPSK 2/3 3.1 
QPSK 3/4 4.1 
QPSK 4/5 4.7 
QPSK 5/6 5.2 
16-QAM 1/2 6.2 
16-QAM 3/5 7.6 
16-QAM 2/3 8.9 
16-QAM 3/4 10.0 
16-QAM 4/5 10.8 
16-QAM 5/6 11.3 
64-QAM 1/2 10.5 
64-QAM 3/5 12.3 
64-QAM 2/3 13.6 16 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 2.9 ( end) 
Constellation Code rate Gaussian Channel ( C/NGauss-raw ) 
64-QAM 3/4 15.1 
64-QAM 4/5 16.1 
64-QAM 5/6 16.7 
256-QAM 1/2 14.4 
256-QAM 3/5 16.7 
256-QAM 2/3 18.1 
256-QAM 3/4 20.0 
256-QAM 4/5 21.3 
256-QAM 5/6 22.0 
 
NOTE 1 – AWGN channel results are at BER=10–6 (after BCH). BCH is just emulated, with a minimum of 
50 erroneous FEC blocks required to achieve target BER. The BER of 10–6 has been used to keep simulation 
times reasonable. Rayleigh channel results are at BER=10–4 (after LDPC with no BCH). It is expected that 
the target packet error rate of the T2 system will be 10–7. 
NOTE 2 – Rotated constellations are off, perfect CSI is assumed, conve ntional demapping (not Genie-aided) 
is used. 
In order to derive the ‘final’ Gaussian channel C/N (C/NGauss) the following four corrections to 
C/NGauss-raw  are required: 
– A = 0.1 dB assumed additional C/N to achieve the BER=10–7 post LDPC (nominally the 
appropriate QEF point for DVB-T 2). Table 2.9 has been calculated to a higher BER; this 
factor corrects the calculations. 
– B = Correction for pilot boosting according to Table 2.10. The corrections are in line with 
the DVB-T2 ETSI implementation guideline, but  have been rounded to 1 decimal place 
(DP). The pilots in DVB-T2 (and DVB -T) are boosted, which means that the C/N for the 
data carriers is reduced. However, in DVB-T2 multiple pilot patterns are available and a different correction is needed for different pilot patterns. 
– C = Assumed C/N loss due to real channel estimati on, imperfect LDPC decoding and other 
imperfections not considered part of the b ack-stop noise. The valu es to be used are 
provided in Table 2.10. These va lues are derived from the Implementation Guideline and 
also include the manufacturers’ reco mmended implementation margins (IM).  
– D = additional C/N term corresponding to a back-stop noise level at –33 dBc. The main 
contributions to the back-stop are tuner phase  noise and quantization noise in the analogue 
to digital converters. This back -stop noise term is derived by first calculating the sum of the 
terms A, B, and C and then checking how much C/N degradation is caused by the –33 dBc 
receiver back-stop noise level. The term D is identical to this degr adation. It should be 
noted that a change of pilot pattern from, for example PP4 to PP2, which increases C from 
1.5 dB to 2.0 dB, will also cause a slight increase in D. 
In summary, the procedure for deriving C/NGauss, the final Gaussian C/N value, is: 
  C /NGauss= C/N’ + D (dB) 
  C /N’ = C/NGauss-raw  + A + B + C (dB) 
Table 2.10 provides the correction factors: B (Pilot Boost) and C (Real channel estimation).  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  17 
 TABLE 2.10 
Averaged C/N correction factors (in dB)* 
Pilot Pattern PP1 PP2 PP3 PP4 PP5 PP6 PP7 PP8 
A = BER 10–7 Correction 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
B = Pilot Boost Correction 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.4 
C = Real Channel Estimation 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 
* B has been rounded to 1 decimal place. 
 
Some receivers may, in practice, perform slightly be tter, or slightly worse, than presented here, with 
the best receivers being perhaps 0.5-1 dB be tter, but this is likely to vary with receiver 
implementation and DVB-T2 mode. If it is thought the majority of receivers in a particular market will indeed perform better than above then the correction factor C could be reduced 
correspondingly. Making such a reduction would al so cause a small change in D, which should be 
recalculated. 
PP8 is a special case and should be considered with some caution. Refer to § 2.7 for more 
information. 
Figure 2.2 shows D which quant ifies the degradation in C/N for a back-stop noise  level of –33 dBc. 
It is clear that for higher values of C/N, e.g. for high-order modulati on schemes and code rates, D 
can become significant, and should be taken into account. 
FIGURE 2.2 
Factor D, C/N degradation for a back-stop noise level of –33 dBc, see [EDP-T7] 
 
TABLE 2.11 
Factor D, C/N degradation as table for C/N values from 15 to 32 
C/N 
(dB) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 
D (dB)  0.07 0.09 0.11 0.14 0.18 0.22 0.28 0.36 0.46 0.58 0.75 0.97 1.26 1.65 2.20 3.02 4.33 6.87
18 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 As an example, Table 2.12 presents the estimated C/N performance for the Gaussian channel for the 
DVB-T2 variant 256-QAM, 32k, GI=1/8, using normal bandwidth and PP2. 
TABLE 2.12 
C/N QEF valid for DVB-T2 PP2 32k normal BW GI 1/8 
Constellation Code rate Gaussian raw value 
(Table 2.9) C/NGauss 
QPSK 1/2 1.0 3.5 
QPSK 3/5 2.2 4.7 
QPSK 2/3 3.1 5.6 
QPSK 3/4 4.1 6.6 
QPSK 4/5 4.7 7.2 
QPSK 5/6 5.2 7.7 
16-QAM 1/2 6.2 8.7 
16-QAM 3/5 7.6 10.1 
16-QAM 2/3 8.9 11.4 
16-QAM 3/4 10.0 12.5 
16-QAM 4/5 10.8 13.3 
16-QAM 5/6 11.3 13.9 
64-QAM 1/2 10.5 13.0 
64-QAM 3/5 12.3 14.9 
64-QAM 2/3 13.6 16.2 
64-QAM 3/4 15.1 17.7 
64-QAM 4/5 16.1 18.8 
64-QAM 5/6 16.7 19.4 
256-QAM 1/2 14.4 17.0 
256-QAM 3/5 16.7 19.4 
256-QAM 2/3 18.1 20.9 
256-QAM 3/4 20.0 22.9 
256-QAM 4/5 21.3 24.4 
256-QAM 5/6 22.0 25.2 
 
2.5.5 C/N for Rice and Rayleigh channel 
Table 2.9 provides information solely for a Gau ssian channel; it does not mention Ricean or 
Rayleigh channels. However Table A4.1 in A nnex A4, also taken from the ETSI DVB-T2 
implementation guideline [TS 102 831], does contai n simulation results for these channels. The 
difference between the simulated results for each channel type and the corresponding simulated 
Gaussian value can be used to adapt the C/NGauss, from above, to the Ricean or Rayleigh channel. 
The parameters for these simulations are as fo llows: FFT size 8k, guard interval 1/32, bandwidth 
8 MHz normal carrier mode. Rotated constellations  were used and PAPR (Peak to Average Power 
Ratio) techniques were not applied. The simulations assumed ideal conditions, i.e. ideal synchronization and ideal channel estimation.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  19 
 The results are given at a BER of 10–7 after LDPC, correspondi ng to approximately 10–11 after 
BCH, where an LDPC block length of 64,800 wa s used. The channel models used for the 
simulation are described in  detail in [TS 102 831, § 14.2]. 
The difference in required C/N is 0.2 to 0.5 dB when comparing the Gaussian and Ricean channels, 
and 1.0-3.4 dB when comparing the Gaussian and the Rayleigh values. The larger increases are 
found for the less robust modes using highe r order modulation and codes rates. 
Adding this difference to the C/NGauss-raw  from Table 2.9 and following the procedure of § 2.5.4 for 
the corrections, C/N values for the Ricean and the Rayleigh cases can be derived: 
C/N’Rice = C/NGauss-raw  + DELTA Rice +A + B + C 
C/NRice = C/N’Rice + D 
C/N’Rayleigh  = C/NGauss-raw  + DELTA Rayleigh  + A + B +C 
C/NRayleigh  = C/N’Rayleigh  + D 
where DELTA is given in Table 2.13. 
TABLE 2.13 
Increase DELTA (dB) of C/N for Rice and static Rayleigh channels 
with regard to Gaussian channel 
Constellation Code rate DELTA C/NRice (dB) DELTA C/NRayleigh  (dB) 
QPSK 1/2 0.2 1.0 
QPSK 3/5 0.2 1.3 
QPSK 2/3 0.3 1.8 
QPSK 3/4 0.3 2.1 
QPSK 4/5 0.3 2.4 
QPSK 5/6 0.4 2.7 
16-QAM 1/2 0.2 1.5 
16-QAM 3/5 0.2 1.7 
16-QAM 2/3 0.2 1.9 
16-QAM 3/4 0.4 2.4 
16-QAM 4/5 0.4 2.8 
16-QAM 5/6 0.4 3.1 
64-QAM 1/2 0.3 2.0 
64-QAM 3/5 0.3 2.0 
64-QAM 2/3 0.3 2.1 
64-QAM 3/4 0.3 2.6 
64-QAM 4/5 0.5 3.1 
64-QAM 5/6 0.4 3.4 
256-QAM 1/2 0.4 2.4 
256-QAM 3/5 0.2 2.2 
256-QAM 2/3 0.3 2.3 
 20 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 2.13 ( end) 
Constellation Code Rate DELTA C/NRice (dB) DELTA C/NRayleigh  (dB) 
256-QAM 3/4 0.3 2.6 
256-QAM 4/5 0.4 3.0 
256-QAM 5/6 0.4 3.4 
 
Simulations for a LDPC block length of 16,200 give  similar results for th e difference between 
Gaussian and Rice or Rayleigh channel, see Implementation Guideline [TS 102 831]. 
To continue the example of the previous  section, Table 2.14 presents the estimated C/N 
performance for the Ricean and the Rayleigh channel for the DVB-T2 variant 256-QAM, 32k, 
GI=1/8, using normal bandwidth and PP2. 
TABLE 2.14 
C/N QEF valid for DVB-T2 PP2 32k normal BW GI 1/8 
Constellati
on Code rate Gaussian 
raw values 
(Table 2.9) C/NGauss C/NRice C/NRayleigh  
(static) 0 dB echo 
channel 
@ 90% GI 
QPSK 1/2 1.0 3.5 3.7 4.5 5.2 
QPSK 3/5 2.2 4.7 4.9 6.0 6.8 
QPSK 2/3 3.1 5.6 5.9 7.4 8.4 
QPSK 3/4 4.1 6.6 6.9 8.7 9.8 
QPSK 4/5 4.7 7.2 7.5 9.6 10.9 
QPSK 5/6 5.2 7.7 8.1 10.4 12.0 
16-QAM 1/2 6.2 8.7 8.9 10.2 10.9 
16-QAM 3/5 7.6 10.1 10.3 11.8 12.7 
16-QAM 2/3 8.9 11.4 11.6 13.3 14.4 
16-QAM 3/4 10.0 12.5 12.9 15.0 16.3 
16-QAM 4/5 10.8 13.3 13.8 16.2 17.8 
16-QAM 5/6 11.3 13.9 14.4 17.0 19.0 
64-QAM 1/2 10.5 13.0 13.3 15.1 16.0 
64-QAM 3/5 12.3 14.9 15.2 16.9 18.0 
64-QAM 2/3 13.6 16.2 16.5 18.3 19.7 
64-QAM 3/4 15.1 17.7 18.0 20.4 22.0 
64-QAM 4/5 16.1 18.8 19.3 22.0 24.0 
64-QAM 5/6 16.7 19.4 19.8 23.0 25.5 
256-QAM 1/2 14.4 17.0 17.4 19.5 20.6 
256-QAM 3/5 16.7 19.4 19.6 21.7 23.1 
256-QAM 2/3 18.1 20.9 21.2 23.3 25.2 
256-QAM 3/4 20.0 22.9 23.2 25.8 28.0 
256-QAM 4/5 21.3 24.48 24.8 27.8 30.9 
256-QAM 5/6 22.0 25.2 25.6 29.3 33.6  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  21 
 For information, Table 2.14 also contains expected  0 dB echo performance at 90% of the guard 
interval length. These values are calculated usi ng the same principle as previously described, by 
adding the difference between the C/N Gaussian and simulated C/N 0 dB from Table A4.1 in 
Annex A4 to the previously derived C/N for the Gaussian channel. 
However, additional code rate dependant degradatio n needs to be added in the 0 dB echo case. This 
degradation factor is  given in Table 2.15. 
TABLE 2.15 
Additional code rate dependant C/N degradation for 0 dB echo profile 
Code rate 1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 
Additional degradation (dB) 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 
 
The 0 dB echoes profile is mainly used for testing of receiver performance, si nce it is considered as 
a worst case. However, strong echoes or echoes where the echo level is the same as the wanted 
(0 dB echoes) can occur in pr actice, most commonly in SFNs. 
In such cases the receiver would require an additional margin up to  the limit set out in Table 2.15, 
depending on the echo delay and magnitude. The wors t condition occurs when two signals from two 
transmitters arrive with the same amplitude at th e receiver. In this case, the channel frequency 
response of the received signal presents a periodic  fading pattern with frequency dependant on the 
inverse of the relative delay betw een echoes. The impact on the r eceiver will depend strongly on the 
pilot pattern and on the channel es timation algorithm [Po2005, EPB2011]. 
From experience with DVB-T and DVB -H it can be expected that the C/N for DVB-T2 in a 
time-variant Rayleigh channel would be higher than  those for a static Rayleigh channel. But, 
depending upon the receiver performance, variations can be expected. For low Doppler frequencies, 
significantly higher C/N values can be expected since the time interleaving in DVB-T2 is not 
effective at low Doppler freque ncies < 1/(interleaving time). 
Annex 4 compares the results obtained from a pplying this methodology to measurements of a 
restricted sample of DVB-T2 receivers. This comparison indicates that the methodology derived 
C/N ratios of this section are perhaps conserva tive with respect to cer tain DVB-T2 modes and 
receiving environments. If further measurements  confirm these findings a refinement of the 
approach may be considered. 
2.6 Rotated constellation 
2.6.1 Concept 
In DVB-T2 a performance improvement with re gard to DVB-T is achieved by treating the 
constellation diagram of the channel symbols in a more flexible way. A rotation of the constellation diagram is applied which yields an improvement. He re, the description of this approach follows the 
presentation given by [ND2007, ND 2008]. Also the results quoted in  § 2.6.6 are taken from these 
references; they are theoretical results assuming ideal receiver behaviour. 
2.6.2 Constellation diagram 
In DVB-T2 modulation, an information frame is  encoded via a binary outer FEC code, then 
processed by a bit interleaver and the resultin g sequence is mapped to a succession of complex 
channel symbols. Such a channel symbol is co mposed of an in-phase (I) and a quadrature (Q) 
component, represented in a constellation diagram as shown in Fig. 2.3. A symbol carries m bits 22 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 according to the chosen 2m-ary constellation characteristics. In QPSK a symbol carries two bits, in 
16-QAM it carries 4 bits, in 64-QAM it carries 6 bits, etc. 
FIGURE 2.3 
Constellation diagram for 16-QAM modulation 
 
(Figure taken from [ND2008])  
 
There are various ways of attributing the bits to the symbols. Best results are achieved if only one 
bit is changed when going from one symbol to the next closest symbol. In this way only one bit is 
mistaken when a symbol mismatch occurs with th e next closest symbol. This coding is called Gray 
mapping. Figure 2.3 shows a Gray mapping constellation. 
2.6.3 Rotation of the constellation diagram 
Gray mapping implies an independence of I and Q components of the symbol. As a consequence, 
all constellation points need both I and Q components to be identif ied. I contains no information 
about Q and vice versa. One way of avoiding this  independence is to rotate the constellation 
diagram, as shown in Fig. 2.4. Now each sing le m-bit has an individual I and Q component. 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  23 
 FIGURE 2.4 
Rotated constellation diagram for 16-QAM modulation 
 
(from [TS 102 831]) 
 
2.6.4 Rotation angle 
In order to determine the optimal rotation angle various aspects have  to be considered. Generally, 
the projection of the constellation points on one axis should have eq ual distance to gain the best 
performance. This is best achieved with  the rotation angles given in Table 2.16. 
TABLE 2.16 
Values of the rotation angle 
Constellation Rotation angle (degrees) 
QPSK 29.0 
16-QAM 16.8 
64-QAM 8.6 
256-QAM 3.6 
 
2.6.5 Time delay between I and Q 
Rotated constellations do not, how ever, give a remarkable improve ment should I and Q suffer from 
an identical loss in a fading channel. To overcome this difficulty the so-called Q-delay is introduced. With this delay the Q value is not tran smitted in the same cell as the I value, but it is 
shifted (delayed) to a different cell. Frequency and time interleaving schemes which follow after this modulator stage ensure that the corresponding I and Q values are transmitted in a well separated 
way in time and frequency. Figure 2.5 illustrates the process. 
24 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 2.5 
Structure of bit interleaved coded modul ation with rotated-QAM mapper and delay 
 
(Figure taken from [F2010]) 
 
 
 
A cell is the result of mapping a later carrier. In c ontrast to DVB-T, mapping is not carried out after 
all interleaving processes but rela tively early, after the error protection and after the bit interleaver. 
However, this is still followed by the cell inte rleaver, the time interleaver and the frequency 
interleaver which is the reason why the mapping resu lt cannot yet be allocated  to a carrier and why 
the term “cell” was intro duced. A cell is, therefore, a comple x number consisting of an I-component 
and a Q-component, i.e. a real part and an imaginary part. For more details see [F2010]. 
2.6.6 Improvement of performance 
For a 16-QAM modulation, code rate 4/5 and 64800- bit frames, simulations indicate that the 
application of a rotated conste llation diagram provides an improve ment of performance of about 
0.5 dB for a flat fading Rayleigh channel without erasures, relevant  for an MFN. This is not a 
remarkable improvement. However, for a flat fading Rayleigh channel with erasures (15% 
assumed), relevant for SFN, an improvement of  about 6 dB is predicted, which would be 
remarkable, see Table 2.14. 
This 6 dB result is based on a simulation that uses ideal identification of erasures, which allows the 
decoding/demapping algorithms to make the maximu m coding gain. In a real receiver, identifying 
erasures is extremely difficult because they are a ffected by noise, so in practice these gains are not 
achievable. 
There exists an additional technique, iterativ e demapping, which may improve the performance by 
another 0.4 dB for a flat fading Rayleigh channel without erasures and 1.2 dB for a flat fading 
Rayleigh channel with er asures, see Table 2.17. 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  25 
 TABLE 2.17 
Improvement of performance with rotate d constellation diagram, time delay and 
iterative demapping for 16-QAM, code rate 4/5, 64800-bit frames 
Channel Rotated constellation 
diagram and time delay Iterative 
demapping Sum 
Flat fading Rayleigh channel without 
erasures (MFN case) 0.5 dB 0.4 dB 0.9 dB 
Flat fading Rayleigh channel with 
erasures (15%) (SFN case) 6.0 dB 1.2 dB 7.2 dB 
 
For a 64-QAM modulation, code ra te 9/10, 64800-bit rate, the impr ovement would amount to about 
1.2 dB for a flat fading Rayleigh ch annel without erasures, to about 3.4 dB for 5% erasures, and the 
improvement vanishes if the occurrence of eras ure events exceeds the coding rate, e.g. for 15% 
erasures there is no improvement at all since th e chosen modulation scheme is too vulnerable. 
Iterative demapping is quite comp lex to implement, which is th e reason why it is  not found in 
receivers that are presently available. 
Finally, the benefit of the rotated constellation concept for network planning is still to be assessed 
by laboratory and field tests. 
2.7 Scattered pilot patterns 
2.7.1 Principle of scattered pilot pattern 
Pilots are carriers which do not contain net inform ation but serve for transmission purposes such as 
channel estimation, equalization, Common-Phase- Error correction and synchronization. Of the 
different kinds of pilots such as  continual, scattered, P2 and fram e-closing pilots, only the scattered 
pilots can be changed, so only th ey are considered further here. 
Scattered pilots are used by the DVB-T2 receiver  to make measurements of the channel and to 
estimate the channel response for every OFDM cell so that distortions in the received signal may be 
corrected to some extent. The measurements, and he nce pilot density, need to  be sufficiently high so 
that they can follow channel fluctuations as a function of both frequency and time. 
In DVB-T2, eight different pilot pa tterns are available, PP1 to PP8. As certain patterns are more 
suited to particular channel types than others, the range in pilot patterns gives the network planner 
more freedom to match the transmission mode a nd pilot pattern to the intended transmission 
channel or payload requirement. An overview of the modes is provided in Table 2.18. When 
determining which pilot pattern  to use the following main f actors should be considered: 
 Doppler performance : Patterns with a rapid repeat cycle (i.e. Dy = 2) in which the pilots 
repeat every second OFDM symbol, provide th e better Doppler performance. For networks 
where Doppler is a dominant factor, such as mobile and portable, patterns 2, 4 or 6 should 
be considered as they have the smallest Dy value. 
 Capacity : The least dense patterns, i.e. those with  the greatest distance between pilots, in 
both time (Dy) and frequency (Dx), provide the greatest payload as fe wer carriers are used 
for pilots, and subsequently more are available to carry data. The Scattered Pilots Overhead row in Table 2.18 quantifies the overhead due to pilots, which can be significant. Although 
it may be tempting to select the least dense pattern to maximize payload, performance will 
be traded-off in other areas, and that should be considered. 26 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
  FFT Size and Guard Interval : Only a subset of pilot patterns is permitted for every FFT 
size and Guard Interval combination – these are shown in Table 2.19. The Table is valid 
only for SISO (single input single output) of DVB-T2. A different Table applies to MISO 
(multiple input single output) whic h is described in detail in § 4.3. 
 C /N: Section 2.5 presents a method for determining the C/N for different transmission 
modes. In that section it is shown that the C/N is dependent on the pilot pattern and that the 
denser patterns require a higher C/N than those with a lower density . If the C/N is a 
dominant factor then lower de nsity patterns, such as PP6 and PP7 could be considered, 
though the benefit is marginal.  
 The small distance (Dx) of the pilots in PP1 proves this pattern as most robust against inter-
symbol interference, whereas PP6 an d PP7 are most vulnerable to it. 
 PP8 – Receiver Capability : Pilot pattern 8 requires the receiver to employ a channel 
equalization strategy that is fundamentally di fferent to the others – PP8 channel estimation 
is based on the data rather than the pilots. No receivers are known to have incorporated this 
mode, largely due to the additional complexity  required in the receiv er. Therefore before 
settling on this pattern, receivers intended for th e service should be confirmed to support it. 
Furthermore PP8 has some limitations over the ot hers that should be considered. PLPs are 
not supported in PP8, and time interleaving should  not be used – the latter means that the 
vastly improved impulse resilience of DVB-T2, a significantly important benefit, cannot be 
realized. More detailed information regarding th is mode, its benefits and limitations, can be 
found in §§ 5.4 and 10.3.2.3.5.4 and 16.2.4.5.6 of the implementation guidelines [TS 102 831], should it be required. 
Table 2.18 shows the different pilot pa tterns that are available. It su mmarizes the pattern density in 
both time and frequency and shows the ove rhead introduced by a given pattern. 
TABLE 2.18 
Comparison of Scattered Pilot patterns (from [TS 102 831]) 
 PP1 PP2 PP3 PP4 PP5 PP6 PP7 PP8 Interpretation 
Dx 3 6 6 12 12 24 24 6 Separation of pilot-bearing 
carriers  
Dy 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 16 Length of sequence in symbols  
1/DxDy  8.33% 8.33% 4.17% 4.17% 2.08% 2.08% 1.04% 1.04% Scattered pilots overhead  
 
Table 2.19 shows the allowed pilot patterns for a gi ven combination of FFT size and guard interval.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  27 
 TABLE 2.19 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for each allowed combination of FFT size 
and guard interval in SISO  mode (from [EN 302 755]) 
FFT size Guard Interval 
 1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
32k PP7 PP4 
PP6 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 PP2 
PP8 PP2 
PP8 n/a 
16k PP7 PP7 
PP4 
PP6 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 
8k PP7 PP7 
PP4 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 
4k, 2k n/a PP7 
PP4 PP4 
PP5 n/a PP2 
PP3 n/a PP1 
1k n/a n/a PP4 
PP5 n/a PP2 
PP3 n/a PP1 
 
A comprehensive overview of the various combinati ons of systems variants and pilot patterns and 
the corresponding data rates can be found in Annex 2. 
2.7.2 Sample pilot pattern choices 
The following pilot patterns would be appr opriate in the common scenarios below. 
 Rooftop reception : Rooftop  reception with a directional out door antenna system usually 
exhibits a low Doppler environment with fe w significant reflections. As such PP7, a low 
overhead pattern that is le ss robust to Doppler can be adopted to maximize capacity.  
 Mobile reception : In a mobile channel where a fast change of channel characteristics is 
encountered, more pilots are better for cha nnel estimation. In addition, temporal resolution 
seems to be more critical than frequency resolution. Therefore, pilot patterns PP2, then 
PP4, then PP6 would be the options. 
 Portable reception : In a portable reception where the ch annel characteristics do not change 
that fast it can be better to have less (reduc e overhead) but boosted pilots, which means PP3 
or PP4 would be favoured. 
 Large area SFNs : In networks where large area SFNs are necessary, a longer guard 
interval would be required, such as 1/8, or po ssibly greater. In these cases only patterns 1, 2 
or 3 would be available (Table 2.19). It is apparent  that there is some trade-off between 
Doppler performance and guard  interval size. Pilot patt ern 2 may provide the best 
compromise between the two. 
To aid the reader in visualising and understandi ng the pilot pattern structure, four schematic 
diagrams have been reproduced from Annex K of the DVB-T2 specification [EN 302 755 V1.3.1]. 
The first two diagrams clearly show, for PP1 and PP7, the positioning of the scattered pilots in both the time and frequency directions  in a traditional SISO network. 
The final two diagrams show the same pilot patte rns as they would be implemented in a MISO 
network for comparison. 28 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 2.6 
Pilot pattern 1 – SISO (from [EN 302 755 V1.3.1]) 
 
FIGURE 2.7 
Pilot pattern 7 – SISO (from [EN 302 755 V1.3.1]) 
 
FIGURE 2.8 
Pilot pattern 1 – MISO (from [EN 302 755 V1.3.1]) 
 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  29 
 FIGURE 2.9 
Pilot pattern 7 – MISO (from [EN 302 755 V1.3.1]) 
 
2.8 Time interleaving 
A further important improvement of DVB-T2 as co mpared to DVB-T is the introduction of time 
interleaving which significantly increases the robust ness of the system against impulsive noise and 
time selective fading. The interleaving time may ra nge from a few milliseconds up to some seconds. 
A typical value is 70 ms. 
Time interleaving also improves the Doppler beha viour of the system. Figure 2.10 compares the 
required C/N for DVB-T and DVB-T2 as a function of th e velocity of the mobile receiver. The 
simulation is made for a 16-QAM modulation at  600 MHz and a time interleaving depth for 
DVB-T2 of 100 ms. The limit for the maximum veloc ity is shifted from 90 km/h for DVB-T to 
125 km/h for DVB-T2. The Figure also shows th e performance of DVB-T2 at 200 MHz, 500 MHz 
and 800 MHz. 
FIGURE 2.10 
Required C/N for DVB-T and DVB-T2 as a function of the velocity 
of the mobile receiver, 8k FFT (from [AFM2010]) 
 
It has, however, to be taken into account that th ere is a trade-off between  a large time interleaving 
depth (if >250 ms) and the time of receiver lock and recovery which also is a criterion of reception 
quality. 
30 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 2.9 Bandwidth extension 
DVB-T2 allows for the extension of the number of used carriers for the 8k, 16k and 32k mode 
while at the same time keeping the bandwidth limits of the RF channel. This mode is called the 
Extended Carrier Mode. Figure 2.11 shows the spectra l density of the extended carrier mode for the 
various FFT modes. 
FIGURE 2.11 
Theoretical DVB-T2 signal spectrum  for guard interval fraction 1/8 
(for 8 MHz channels and with extended carrier mode for 8k, 16k and 32k) 
 
(from [EN 302 755)] 
 
Figure 2.12 compares the normal and the extended carrier mode for the 32k FFT. 
FIGURE 2.12 
Detail of theoretical DVB-T2 spectrum for guard- interval fraction 1/8 (for 8 MHz channels) 
 
(from [EN 302 755)] 
 
Because of its higher number of usable carriers the extended carrier mode has an increased data 
capacity as the normal carrier mode. Table 2.20 give s the gain of the extended carrier mode for the 
different FFT modes. 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  31 
 TABLE 2.20 
Gain of data capacity for the extended carrier mode 
 Carrier mode 
FFT Normal Extended 
Size Carriers Carriers Gain 
1k 853 – 0.00% 
2k 1705 – 0.00% 
4k 3409 – 0.00% 
8k 6817 6913 1.41% 
16k 13633 13921 2.11% 
32k 27265 27841 2.11% 
 
2.10 Phase noise 
Phase noise impairs the DVB-T2 performance by two mechanisms: common phase error (CPE) and 
inter-carrier interference (ICI). CPE produces a common rotation of all the constellations in an 
OFDM symbol, and since it is common to all car riers it can be compensated for and therefore 
introduces no additional degradation. ICI, a form of cross- talk between carriers, cannot be 
compensated for and therefore produces additional noise. 
ICI increases, in general, with larger FFT si ze, i.e. smaller carrier spacing. However, in the 
implementation guideline [TS 102 831] it is stated that the experience from DVB-T shows that the 
difference between 2k and 8k modes is small. Ba sed on this experience and based on software 
simulations it is expected that 16k and 32k modes w ill not be significantly worse than 2k and 8k. In 
the meantime this has been confirmed by laboratory tests. 
2.11 Choice of system parameters 
2.11.1 Choice of FFT size 
The results of choosing a certain FFT size are well known: an increased FFT si ze will give a greater 
delay tolerance for the same fractional guard inte rval, allowing larger SFN s to be constructed. 
Alternatively, a larger FFT size allows the same delay tolerance to be achieved with a smaller 
overhead due to the guard interval. 
A larger FFT size implies a longe r symbol duration, which means that  the guard interv al fraction is 
smaller for a given guard interval duration in ti me (see, for example, Fig. 2.12). This reduction in 
overhead leads to an increase in th roughput ranging from 2.3% to 17.6%. 
FIGURE 2.12 
Guard interval overhead reduction with larger FFT size 
 
20% overhead
~6% overhead32 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 For mobile reception in UHF Band IV/V, or higher bands, smaller FFT sizes should be used as they 
offer better Doppler performance. The 1k FFT mode which offers the highest Doppler performance 
is intended primarily for operation in the L-ba nd (about 1.5 GHz), or higher, using a nominal 
occupied bandwidth of 1.7 MHz. Given that the f undamental sampling rate is lower, the carrier 
spacing will be correspondingl y smaller than it would be in an 8 MHz channel. 
For delivering high-bit-rate services to fixed r ooftop antennas, in VHF or UHF, the 32k FFT mode 
is more appropriate. In this si tuation the time varia tions in the channel are minimized, and 32k 
offers the very highest bit rates achievable using DVB-T2. 
For a given FFT size, constellation and code rate , the Doppler performan ce is roughly proportional 
to the RF bandwidth (halving the bandwidth will halve the carrier spacing resulting in half the 
Doppler performance) and invers ely proportional to the RF fr equency and therefore higher 
frequencies are more vulnerable to fast time-vary ing channels, having poorer Doppler performance. 
Therefore, roughly the same Doppler  performance should be expected  for mobile applications in 
VHF Band III (about 200 MHz) using the 32k mode as when using the 8k mode at 800 MHz, so 
32k may be an option even at VHF using 7 MHz RF bandwidth. The performance in time-varying 
channels can also be affected by the choice of pilot pattern. 
On the other hand, increasing the FFT size would pr oportionally decrease th e Doppler performance 
of the system. 
2.11.2 Selection of DVB-T2 mode for SFNs 
When selecting a transmission mode for DVB-T2 th e actual choice (as in the case of DVB-T) 
depends upon the network requirements. As always  a trade-off between capacity and robustness 
needs to be made. 
One approach for selecting a mode for SFN operati on would be to select th e length of the guard 
interval according to the physical size of th e SFN or the SFN’s intra transmitter separation 
distances, noting of course that it may be possibl e to have larger transmitter separations than the 
guard interval depending on practi cal considerations such as te rrain, propagation and system 
robustness, etc. Additionally, optimization of coverage by modi fication of antenna diagrams, 
transmitter powers, antenna heights, transmitter timing, etc. may allow larger transmitter distances in the SFN than the guard interval. However, in su ch cases, detailed coverage simulations need to 
be made. 
Together with the selection of the length of the gua rd interval, the guard interval fraction also needs 
determination. The GI fraction involves considerat ion of the FFT size which is related to the 
reception scenario: fixed rooftop, portable or m obile reception. In the case of fixed rooftop 
reception it would seem desirable to use 32k or 16k FFT as a larger FFT size would reduce the GI 
fraction and increase the available capacity. For portable and mobile reception a lower FFT size 
such as 16k, 8k or even 4k may need to be consid ered, in particular for mobile reception when 
Doppler is a limitation. 
The choice of modulation determines the bit rate (capacity), but it also has a large impact upon the 
robustness of the system; higher order modulati on schemes that offer more capacity are more 
fragile. It should however be noted that due to the more efficient channel coding, rotated 
constellation, etc. used in DVB-T2, co mpared with DVB-T, 256-QAM will require C/N values in 
the same order of magnitude as those previously required for 64-QAM, that is, values in the order 
of 17-20 dB depending on the code rate used, see § 2.5. 
Increased system robustness will also have a large impact upon SFN performance since a lower 
required C/N
 will reduce the susceptibility for SFN se lf-interference. DVB-T2 will give the 
possibility to provide much higher data rates than  current DVB-T networks designed for portable or 
mobile reception.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  33 
 Additionally, there are several Scattered Pilot Patterns (PP) available in DVB-T2, PP1 to PP8. They 
are described in more detail in § 2.7. The choice of  pilot patterns will determ ine the performance for 
delayed signals arriving outside the guard interv al as given by the Nyquist  limit. Exceeding this 
Nyquist limit means that channel equalization is incorrect even if the fraction of inter-symbol 
interference (ISI) is small. 
3 Receiver properties, sharing and compat ibility, network planning parameters 
For frequency and network planning of DVB-T2 know ledge of receiver pr operties, sharing and 
compatibility criteria and network planning parame ters is required. Many of the network planning 
parameters and methods are well known from DVB-T and DVB-H planning. They comprise 
definition of coverage and reception modes, met hod of calculation of minimum median equivalent 
field strengths, treatment of antenna gain, feeder  loss, man-made noise and building penetration 
loss, or the definition of location percentage requirements. All these are given in Annex 1. 
In this section, aspects particular  to DVB-T2 are described such as  minimum receiver input levels, 
signal levels for plannin g, or protection ratios. 
3.1 Minimum receiver signal input levels 
To illustrate how the C/N ratio influences the minimum signal i nput level for the receiver, the latter 
has been calculated for five representative C/N ratios. They are given in  Table 3.1. For other values 
simple linear interpolat ion can be applied. 
The receiver noise figure has been chosen as 6 dB for the frequency Bands III, IV and V. Previously 
a number of different noise figure values ranging from 5-7 dB ha s been used. The EBU planning 
guideline for DVB-T [BPN005] suggests the value 7 dB. However, it is be lieved that improvements 
in digital receiver design will justify this small modification. Using the same receiver noise figure 
for all frequency bands will mean that the minimum receiver input signal level is independent of the 
transmitter frequency. If other noise figures are used  in practice, the minimum receiver input signal 
level will change correspondingly by the same amount. 
The minimum receiver input signal levels calculated  here are used in § 3.3 to derive the minimum 
power flux-densities and correspon ding minimum median equivalent  field strength values for 
various frequency bands and reception modes. 
Definitions: 
B: Receiver noise bandwidth (Hz) 
C/N: RF required by the system (dB) 
F: Receiver noise figure (dB) 
Pn: Receiver noise input power (dBW) 
Ps min: Minimum receiver signal input power (dBW) 
Us min: Minimum equivalent recei ver input voltage into Zi (dBμV) 
Zi: Receiver input impedance (75 Ω) 
Constants: 
k:  Boltzmann’s Constant = 1.38*10–23 Ws/K 
T0: Absolute temperature = 290 K 34 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Formulas used: 
Pn (dBW)  = F + 10 log (k* T0*B) 
Ps min (dBW) = Pn + C/N 
Us min (dBμV) = Ps min + 120 + 10 log ( Zi) 
TABLE 3.1 
Minimum required input signal levels  for 8 MHz versions and different C/N values 
Frequency bands III, IV, V – 8 MHz channels 
Normal carrier mode: 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k, 32k modes 
Equivalent noise bandwidth B (Hz)  7.61*1067.61*1067.61*106 7.61*106 7.61*106
Receiver noise figure F (dB)  6 6 6 6 6 
Receiver noise input power Pn (dBW)  –129.2 –129.2 –129.2 –129.2 –129.2 
RF signal/noise ratio C/N (dB)  8.0 12.0 16.0 20.0 24.0 
Min. receiver signal input power Ps min (dBW)  –121.7 –117.7 –113.7 –111.2 –108.2 
Min. equivalent receiver input voltage,  
Us min (dBμV) 75 Ω  17.5 21.5 25.5 29.5 33.5 
 
NOTE – This Table provides a derivation of minimum required signal levels; § 3.3 provides information on 
the minimum median values of signal leve ls required in practical situations. 
For the extended carrier mode 8k (with an e quivalent noise bandwidth of 7.71 MHz) and the 
extended carrier modes 16k, 32k (with an equivalent  noise bandwidth of 7.77 MHz), the figures of 
required signal power and voltage for the normal carrier modes should be used because the small 
increase in the equivalent noise bandwidth has a negligib le impact on the final value. 
For other channel bandwidths B’ (1.7, 5, 6, 7 or 10 MHz), the figures of minimum required signal 
power and voltage could be deri ved from Table 3.1 by adding the correction factor  10 log(B’/B). 
3.2 Signal levels for planning 
In § 3.1 the minimum signal levels to overcome noise are given as the minimum receiver input 
power and the corresponding minimum equivalent r eceiver input voltage. No account is taken of 
any propagation effect. However, it is necessary to consider these effects when considering 
reception in a practical environment. 
In defining coverage, it is indicate d that due to the very rapid tran sition from near perfect to no 
reception at all, it is necessary that the minimu m required signal level is achieved at a high 
percentage of locations. Thes e percentages have been set at 95% for “good” and 70% for 
“acceptable” portable reception. For mobile reception the percentages defined were 99% and 90%, 
respectively, see Annex 1. 
In § 3.3 minimum median power flux-densities and equivalent field strengt hs are presented which 
are needed for practical planning considerations. Six different reception modes are described which 
are listed in Table 3.2.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  35 
 TABLE 3.2 
Reception modes, example DVB-T2 variants, C/N values 
Reception mode Example DVB-T2 variant C/N (dB) 
Fixed reception 256-QAM, FEC 2/3, 32k, PP7 20.0 
Portable outdoor reception/urban (Cl ass A) 64-QAM, FEC 2/3, 32k, PP4 17.9 
Portable indoor reception/urban (Class B) 64-QAM, FEC 2/3, 16k, PP1 18.3 
Mobile reception/rural 16-QAM, FEC 1/2, 8k, PP1 10.2 
Handheld portable outdoor reception (Class H-A) 16-QAM, FEC 1/2, 16k, PP3 9.8 
Handheld mobile reception (Class H-D) 
(i.e. terminals are used within a moving vehicle) 16-QAM, FEC 1/2, 8k, PP2 10.2 
 
The calculations are performed for two frequencie s representing Band III (200 MHz) and Bands IV 
and V (650 MHz) and a bandwidth of 7 MHz in  Band III and 8 MHz in Bands IV and V. For 
Band III the “mobile/rural” reception mode is calculated for the 1.7 MHz bandwidth and the 
“handheld class H-D” reception mode is calc ulated for both 1.7 MHz and 7 MHz bandwidth. 
Values for other frequencies or bandwidths may be calculated as described in § 3.1 and Annex 1. 
Suitable DVB-T2 variants are chosen for the reception modes, see Table 3.2. They are to be 
understood as examples for the respective reception modes, si nce the large number of DVB-T2 
system variants always allows for a choice out of several possible variants. In § 5 a more detailed 
treatment of possible system variants for the va rious reception modes and implementation scenarios 
is given. 
In order to calculate the minimu m median power flux-densities and equivalent field strengths the 
C/N figures for the different DVB-T2 variants are n eeded. They are given in the third column of 
Table 3.2 and calculated as described in § 2.5. 
The values for other reception mo des or other DVB-T2 variants ma y be derived from these six 
representative cases. More de tails are given in Annex 1. 
3.3 Examples of signal levels for planning 
The following § 3.3.1 and § 3.3.2 give the details of the calculation for the cases listed in § 3.2. 
The DVB-T2 variants indicated in the tables are ex amples for a possible choi ce of the variant. For 
each reception mode there are several DVB-T2 variants  available with their re spective bit rates. In 
addition, the choice of the guard interval affect s the bit rate but does not change the required C/N. 
Therefore, in the tables, for the av ailable net bit rate a range is given. Not all guard interval lengths 
are available for the chosen pilot pattern. If the latter is changed also the C/N may slightly change. 
In the tables, the reception heig ht is 10 m above ground level (a.g. l.) for fixed reception and 1.5 m 
a.g.l. for the other reception modes. 
 36 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 3.3.1 DVB-T2 in Band III 
 
   Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile Class 
H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Frequency Freq MHz 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 
Minimum C/N 
required by system1 C/N dB 20.0 17.9 18.3 10.2 9.8 10.2 10.2 
System variant 
(example)   256-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 32k,
PP7 Normal 64-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 32k, 
PP4 Normal 64-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 16k,
PP1 Normal 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 8k, 
PP1 Normal 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 16k,
PP3 Normal 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 8k, 
PP2 Normal 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 8k, 
PP2 Normal 
Bit rate (indicative 
values)  Mbit/s 30-35 22-25 19-24 2.2-2.8 10-13 2.2-2.8 10-12 
Receiver noise figure F dB 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 
Equivalent noise 
bandwidth B MHz 6.66 6.66 6.66 1.54 6.66 1.54 6.66 
Receiver noise input 
power Pn dBW –128.6 –128.9 –128.5 –135.3 –132.2 –134.9 –128.5 
Min. receiver signal 
input power Ps min dBW –109.7 –111.8 –111.4 –125.9 –119.9 –125.9 –119.5 
Min. equivalent 
receiver input voltage, 
75 Ω Umin dBµV 29.0 26.9 27.3 12.8 18.8 12.8 19.2 
Feeder loss Lf dB 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Antenna gain relative 
to half dipole Gd dB 7 –2.2 –2.2 –2.2 –17 –17 –17 
Effective antenna 
aperture Aa dBm2 1.7 –7.5 –7.5 –7.5 –22.3 –22.3 –22.3 
Min power flux-
density at receiving 
location θmin dB(W)/m2 –109.4 –104.3 –103.9 –118.4 –97.6 –103.6 –97.2  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  37 
    Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile Class 
H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Min equivalent field strength at receiving location E
min dBµV/m 36.4 41.5 41.9 27.4 48.2 42.2 48.6 
Allowance for man-
made noise Pmmn dB 2 8 8 5 0 0 0 
Penetration loss 
(building or vehicle) Lb, Lh dB 0 0 9 0 0 8 8 
Standard deviation of 
the penetration loss  dB 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 
Diversity gain Div dB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Location probability  % 70 70 70 90 70 90 90 
Distribution factor   0.5244 0.5244 0.5244 1.28 0.5244 1.28 1.28 
Standard deviation   5.5 5.5 6.3 5.5 5.5 5.9 5.9 
Location correction 
factor Cl dB 2.8842 2.8842 3.30372 7.04 2.8842 7.552 7.552 
Minimum median 
power flux-density at reception height
2; 50% 
time and 50% 
locations θmed dB(W)/m2 –104.5 –93.4 –83.6 –106.3 –94.7 –88.0 –81.7 
Minimum median 
equivalent field strength at reception height
2; 50% time and 
50% locations Emed_
1.5 m dBµV/m 41.3 52.4 62.4 39.5 51.1 57.8 64.1 
Location probability  % 95 95 95 99 95 99 99 
Distribution factor   1.6449 1.6449 1.6449 2.3263 1.6449 2.3263 2.3263 
Standard deviation   5.5 5.5 6.3 5.5 5.5 5.9 5.9 38 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
    Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile Class 
H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Location correction factor C
l dB 9.04695 9.04695 10.36287 12.79465 9.04695 13.72517 13.72517 
Minimum median 
power flux-density at 
reception height2; 50% 
time and 50% 
locations θmed dB(W)/m2 –98.4 –87.3 –77.6 –100.6 –88.6 –81.9 –75.5 
Minimum median 
equivalent field 
strength at reception 
height2; 50% time and 
50% locations Emed_
1.5 m dBµV/m 47.4 58.5 69.2 45.2 57.2 64.9 70.3 
1 Raw C/N values; they do not include implementation margin. 
2 10 m for fixed reception and 1.5 m for the other reception modes. 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  39 
 3.3.2 DVB-T2 in Band IV/V 
 
   Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Frequency Freq MHz 650 650 650 650 650 650 
Minimum C/N 
required by system1 C/N dB 20.0 17.9 18.3 10.2 9.8 10.2 
System variant 
(example)   256-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 32k, 
PP7 Extended 64-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 32k, 
PP4 Extended 64-QAM 
FEC 2/3, 16k, 
PP1 Extended 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 8k, 
PP1 Extended 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 16k, 
PP3 Extended 16-QAM 
FEC 1/2, 8k, 
PP2 Extended 
Bit rate (indicative values)  Mbit/s 35-40 26-29 23-28 11-14 12-15 11-14 
Receiver noise figure F dB 6 6 6 6 6 6 
Equivalent noise 
bandwidth B MHz 7.77 7.77 7.77 7.71 7.77 7.71 
Receiver noise input 
power Pn dBW –128.0 –128.3 –127.9 –128.3 –131.6 –127.9 
Min. receiver signal 
input power Ps min dBW –109.1 –111.2 –110.8 –118.9 –119.3 –118.9 
Min. equivalent 
receiver input voltage, 
75 Ω Umin dBµV 29.7 27.6 28.0 19.8 19.5 19.8 
Feeder loss Lf dB 4 0 0 0 0 0 
Antenna gain relative 
to half dipole Gd dB 11 0 0 0 –9.5 –9.5 
Effective antenna 
aperture Aa dBm2 –4.6 –15.6 –15.6 –15.6 –25.1 –25.1 
Min power flux-
density at receiving 
location θmin dB(W)/m2 –100.5 –95.6 –94.2 –103.3 –94.2 –93.8 40 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
    Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Min equivalent field strength at receiving location E
min dBµV/m 45.3 50.2 50.6 42.5 51.6 52.0 
Allowance for man-
made noise Pmmn dB 0 1 1 0 0 0 
Penetration loss 
(building or vehicle) Lb, Lh dB 0 0 11 0 0 8 
Standard deviation of 
the penetration loss  dB 0 0 6 0 0 2 
Diversity gain Div dB 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Location probability  % 70 70 70 90 70 90 
Distribution factor   0.5244 0.5244 0.5244 1.28 0.5244 1.28 
Standard deviation   5.5 5.5 8.1 5.5 5.5 5.9 
Location correction 
factor Cl dB 2.8842 2.8842 4.24764 7.04 2.8842 7.552 
Minimum median 
power flux-density at reception height
2; 50% 
time and 50% 
locations  θmed dB(W)/m2 –97.6 –91.7 –79.0 –96.3 –91.3 –78.3 
Minimum median 
equivalent field strength at reception height
2; 50% time and 
50% locations  Emed_1.5 m dBµV/m 48.2 54.1 66.8 49.5 54.2 67.5 
Location probability  % 95 95 95 99 95 99 
Distribution factor   1.6449 1.6449 1.6449 2.3263 1.6449 2.3263 
Standard deviation   5.5 5.5 8.1 5.5 5.5 5.9 
Location correction 
factor Cl dB 9.04695 9.04695 13.32369 12.79465 9.04695 13.72517  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  41 
    Fixed Portable 
outdoor/urban Portable 
indoor/urban Mobile/rural Handheld 
portable 
outdoor Handheld 
mobile 
Class H-D/ 
integrated 
antenna 
Minimum median power flux-density at reception height
2; 50% 
time and 50% 
locations  θmed dB(W)/m2 –91.5 –85.6 –72.3 –90.6 –85.2 –72.1 
Minimum median 
equivalent field 
strength reception height
2; 50% time and 
50% locations  Emed_1.5 m dBµV/m 54.3 60.2 75.9 55.2 60.6 73.7 
1 Raw C/N values; they do not include implementation margin. 
2  10 m for fixed reception and 1.5 m for the other reception modes. 
 
 42 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 3.4 Protection ratios 
3.4.1 Introduction 
Protection ratios are required for compatibility cons iderations with regard to other radio systems. 
These cover intra-protections ra tios (DVB-T2 vs. DVB-T2) and inter-protection ratios (DVB-T2 vs. 
other non-T2 radio systems, broadcasting as we ll as non-broadcasting), co -channel as well as 
adjacent channel protection ratios. In addition, ove rload thresholds are relevant criteria for the 
assessment of compatibility. 
Up to the time of the preparation of this Repor t, few protection ratios m easurements have been 
published, and similarly little inform ation is available with regard to C/N measurements. The C/N 
values which are presented in § 2.5 result from software simu lations and laboratory and field 
measurements and remain to be confirmed. 
Therefore, limited information is presented in this  Report; subsequent vers ions may provide more 
details. 
The information so far available is mainly coll ected from manufacturer s’ input to ITU-R Study 
Group 6 [WP6A-619] and from [IRT2011-2]. 
Measurement results are obtained for a particular reference mode of DVB-T2 which is described in 
§ 3.4.2.2. A proposal how to translate these results for other DVB-T2 modes is described in § 3.4.6. 
The protection ratios given in the subsequent sections are valid fo r 8 MHz bandwidth. It is assumed 
that these hold for 1.7, 5, 6 and 7 MHz bandwidth, too. Overload thresholds  would have to be 
adapted to the bandwidth by taking 1.7/8, 5/8, 6/8 and 7/8 of the overload power, respectively. 
3.4.2 DVB-T2 vs. DVB-T2/DVB-T 
3.4.2.1 Co-channel 
As usual for OFDM systems, it is expected that DVB-T2 intra-protection ratios (DVB-T2 vs. 
DVB-T2) for co-channel interference  are identical to the respective C/N values. The same holds for 
the protection ratios DVB-T vs. DVB-T2. 
It is therefore assumed that for planning purposes  the co-channel protection ratios can be derived 
according to the methodology for C/N described in § 2.5. 
Also for the protection ratios the receiving environment has taken account of, i.e. for a Rice or a 
Rayleigh channel enviro nment the corresponding C/N should be used for the protection ratio. 
3.4.2.2 Adjacent channel 
In this section result s of measurements of adjacent cha nnel protection ratios as reported in 
[WP6A-619] are collected. The reference DVB-T2 m ode for the measurements is described in 
Table 3.3. In addition, overload thre sholds are also given in [WP6 A-619]. Moreover, in Table 3.4 
the receiver statistics of the measurements are reflected by indication of the 10%, 50% and 90% 
percentiles. In order to cover the majority of receivers, usually th e 90% percentile for the protection 
ratio value and the 10% pe rcentile for the overload th reshold value are chosen. 
In Annex A of ECC Report 148 [ECC148] a descri ption can be found how protection ratios and 
overload thresholds are determined.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  43 
 TABLE 3.3 
Reference DVB-T2 mode for measurements on protection ratios 
Overall Parameter value 
FFT Size 32k 
Bandwidth 8 MHz 
Extended bandwidth mode Yes 
Pilot pattern PP7 
Modulation 256-QAM 
Rate 2/3 
FEC type 64800 
Rotated QAM Yes 
C/N (AWGN Channel) (dB) 19.7 
Data rate (Mbit/s) 40.2 
 
It may be noted that the C/N given in Table 3.3 for this mode is for a Gaussian channel. It therefore 
differs slightly by 0.3 dB from the one given in § 5.2 which relates to a Ricean channel. 
TABLE 3.4 
Protection ratios (dB) and overload threshold (dBm) for a DVB-T2 signal 
interfered with by a DVB-T2 signal in  adjacent channels (from [WP6A-619]) 
Channel offset N 
(8 MHz Channels) Centre frequency 
offset (MHz) PR (dB) Oth (dBm) 
Percentile Percentile 
10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 
–9 72 –65 –55 –51 –10 –5 6 
–4 –32 –60 –51 –45 –10 –3 5 
–3 –24 –55 –49 –45 –10 –5 4 
–2 –16 –49 –47 –41 –11 –7 1 
–1 –8 –36 –33 –29 –15 –11 –3 
1 8 –34 –32 –31 –17 –13 –3 
2 16 –51 –46 –44 –11 –5 1 
3 24 –49 –47 –45 –10 –3 4 
4 32 –55 –49 –45 –9 –3 4 
9 72 –56 –54 –49 –9 2 5 
 
3.4.2.3 Extended DVB-T2 mode 
A particular aspect, specific to DVB-T2, is the question whether the extended bandwidth mode of 
DVB-T2 imposes a higher interference to other DVB-T or DVB-T2 implementations than the 
normal mode. First available results [IRT2011-2] indicate that  an increase of onl y 0.2 to 0.3 dB is to 
be expected which would – in first appr oximation – be a negligible difference. 44 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 3.4.3 DVB-T2 vs. T-DAB 
No information is available yet on protection ratios for DVB-T2 inte rfered with by T-DAB. 
For the protection ratios of T-DAB interfered with by DVB-T2 it is assumed that the same values 
hold as they are reported for the interference by DVB-T. These can be found, e.g. in [RRC06]. 
3.4.4 DVB-T2 vs. Analogue TV 
No information is available yet on protection ra tios for DVB-T2 interfered with by Analogue TV. 
For the protection ratios of Anal ogue TV interfered with by DVB-T2 it is assumed that the same 
values hold as they are reported for the interference by  DVB-T. These can be found, e.g. in 
[RRC06]. 
3.4.5 DVB-T2 vs. LTE 
From the large class of cases of interference of DVB-T2 with other (non-br oadcasting) services the 
case of LTE is the most relevant one since close adjacent channel appearance in the UHF band is 
possible and even co-channel re lationship may be relevant. 
3.4.5.1 Co-channel 
No information is available yet. 
3.4.5.2 Adjacent channel 
The case of adjacent channel interference of DVB -T2 by LTE was studied in the context of the 
discussion of the digital dividend in Europe [ECC148]. The following tables show protection ratios 
and overload thresholds for three different traffic loadings on th e LTE base station. Low traffic 
loadings increase the time variation in the LTE interference signal which causes degradations in 
protection ratios and overload thresholds in some  receiver designs. Again, th e information is taken 
from [WP6A-619] and the same reference mode of DVB-T2 is used as in § 3.4.2.2. 
It should be noted that these va lues are preliminary since they we re derived from a limited number 
of measurements and therefore further measur ement is needed to finalize the work.  
Table 3.5 gives the information for DVB-T2 interfer ed with by an LTE base station (BS). Values 
for interference by an LTE terminal (Use r Equipment: UE) are given in Table 3.6.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  45 
 TABLE 3.5 
Protection ratios (dB) for a DVB -T2 signal interfered with by 
an LTE BS signal in adjacent channels (from [WP6A-619]) 
Channel offset N 
(8 MHz Channels) Centre 
frequency 
offset (MHz) 0% BS 
Traffic loading 50% BS 
Traffic loading 100% BS 
Traffic loading 
Percentile Percentile Percentile 
10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 
1 10 –45 –27 –21 –43 –39 –38 –42 –36 –36 
2 18 –56 –40 –29 –53 –48 –46 –51 –47 –45 
3 26 –55 –46 –33 –50 –48 –44 –50 –48 –43 
4 34 –57 –46 –37 –53 –51 –46 –51 –49 –45 
5 42 –61 –53 –39 –59 –51 –49 –59 –51 –48 
6 50 –62 –55 –44 –61 –53 –50 –60 –52 –49 
7 58 –64 –56 –45 –62 –55 –52 –61 –54 –51 
8 66 –65 –57 –46 –62 –55 –53 –61 –54 –52 
9 74 –61 –58 –48 –58 –55 –51 –57 –53 –50 
 
TABLE 3.6 
Protection ratios (dB) for a DVB -T2 signal interfered with by 
an LTE UE signal in adjacen t channels (from [WP6A-619]) 
Channel offset N 
(8 MHz 
Channels) Centre 
frequency 
offset (MHz) 1 Mbit/s UE 
Traffic loading 10 Mbit/s UE 
Traffic loading 20 Mbit/s UE 
Traffic loading 
Percentile Percentile Percentile 
10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 
1 10 –46 –32 –24 –45 –41 –39 –44 –41 –39 
2 18 –56 –31 –24 –54 –47 –46 –44 –47 –45 
3 26 –55 –36 –26 –51 –49 –45 –44 –48 –43 
4 34 –56 –49 –35 –54 –51 –46 –44 –50 –45 
5 42 –62 –53 –36 –62 –51 –46 –44 –51 –48 
6 50 –64 –56 –38 –63 –53 –46 –44 –53 –50 
7 58 –65 –56 –40 –63 –54 –47 –44 –55 –50 
8 66 –65 –58 –41 –63 –56 –47 –44 –56 –52 
9 74 –64 –57 –42 –59 –54 –48 –44 –54 –50 
 
3.4.5.3 Overload 
Similar measurements as for the adjacent channe l case were performed for the case of overload. 
Table 3.7 gives the values for the base statio n case and Table 3.8 for the case of terminal 
interference. 
It should be noted that these va lues are preliminary since they we re derived from a limited number 
of measurements and therefore further measur ement is needed to finalize the work.  46 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 3.7 
Overload thresholds (dBm) for a DVB -T2 signal interfered with 
by an LTE BS signal in adjacent channels (from [WP6A-619]) 
Channel offset N 
(8 MHz 
Channels) Centre frequency 
offset (MHz) 0% BS 
Traffic loading 50% BS 
Traffic loading 100% BS 
Traffic loading 
Oth (dBm) Oth (dBm) Oth (dBm) 
10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 
1 10 –23 –12 –5 –14 –7 0 –15 –8 0 
2 18 –16 0 5 –9 –2 2 –9 –3 1 
3 26 –16 –1 8 –9 –2 5 –8 –3 4 
4 34 –15 1 9 –13 –2 6 –8 –2 5 
5 42 –16 4 9 –8 2 6 –8 2 5 
6 50 –16 5 10 –8 5 6 –8 4 5 
7 58 –16 5 10 –7 1 7 –8 5 6 
8 66 –17 5 10 –8 1 6 –8 4 5 
9 74 –16 5 10 –8 5 6 –8 4 5 
 
TABLE 3.8 
Overload thresholds (dBm) for a DVB -T2 signal interfered with 
by an LTE UE signal in adja cent channels (from [WP6A-619]) 
Channel offset N 
(8 MHz Channels) Centre frequency 
offset (MHz) 0% BS 
Traffic loading 50% BS 
Traffic loading 100% BS 
Traffic loading 
Oth (dBm) Oth (dBm) Oth (dBm) 
10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 10th 50th 90th 
1 10 –38 –6 –1 –10 –7 1 –13 –6 2 
2 18 –18 4 9 –7 –2 5 –8 –2 4 
3 26 –20 1 9 –7 –1 6 –7 –2 5 
4 34 –28 2 9 –13 –3 6 –14 –2 5 
5 42 –19 6 9 –7 1 6 –7 2 6 
6 50 –18 8 10 –7 4 7 –7 4 6 
7 58 –16 8 10 –7 4 7 –7 4 7 
8 66 –16 8 11 –7 0 8 –7 4 7 
9 74 –17 8 11 –7 4 7 –7 4 7 
 
3.4.6 Protection ratios for DVB-T2 mode s other than the reference mode 
The following method is proposed to adapt the a bove given protection ratios to DVB-T2 modes 
other than the reference mode described in § 3.4.2.2. This approach is to be  regarded as a rough 
approximation. Additional measurements for other DVB-T2 modes would be desirable.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  47 
 The C/N for the reference mode amounts to 19.7 dB in a Gaussian channel. If a protection ratio for 
a DVB-T2 mode other than the re ference mode is required, the C/N for this mode is to be 
determined according to the methodology of § 2.5 while taking into account the receiving 
environment. The difference of this C/N value to 19.7 dB is to be applied to the protection ratio 
given in Tables 3.4 to 3.6 thus result ing in the required protection ratio. 
However, it should be kept in mind that the accuracy  becomes an issue with increasing difference of 
the C/N for the required mode and the reference mode. 
3.5 DVB-T2 equalization interval (EI) 
The handling of echoes outside the guard interval for DVB-T2 should in  principle be determined in 
the same way as in the case of DVB-T. However,  for DVB-T2 the length and position of EI, the 
interval during which signals  can be correctly equalized, must first be calculated as it is pilot pattern 
dependant. In DVB-T the pilot patt ern was fixed which, for a given FFT  size, also fixes the length 
of the EI. 
Neglecting other interfer ence sources, the equivalent total available C/(N+I) [dB] in a given 
location can be determined by the formula below. To  aid understanding the form ula is illustrated in 
Fig. 3.1. 
  
ii
iiiig
ug uguu
i
Cw ICw CTt EIt ifTt TTTt EIt ift EItifTt TEIt if
w
) 1(&   ) (0&       10 &         0
22

− ==


> ∈


 − +≤≤ ∈< ∈


+∉
=
 
where: 
 Ci: power contribution from the ith signal at the receiver input; 
 C : total power of the effective useful signal; 
 I : total effective interfering power; 
 wi: weighting coefficient for the ith component; 
 T u: useful symbol length; 
 T g: guard interval length; 
 t : signal arrival time relative to the beginning of the FFT window; 
 EI: equalisation interval during which signals can be correctly equalized and 
therefore usefully contribute; 
 Tp: length of the equali zation interval (EI). 48 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 It should be noted that EI  is an interval and not a value and ca n be considered to be an “equalization 
window”. The length of EI (which is Tp) is dependent upon the pilot pattern, but the positioning of 
this interval/window is chosen by the receiver. As long as the time between th e first and the last 
received paths is less than Tp correct equalization is in principle possible. When this condition is not 
fulfilled the interference effect is accounted for by the equations above (zero wi term for certain 
paths). 
For a given length of the EI the optimum positioni ng of the EI depends on the impulse response of 
the channel. The positioning of the FFT window ( t = 0) and therefore the beginning of the EI 
interval will be determined by the synchroni zation strategy adopted in the receiver. Further 
information about the positioning of EI can be found in the DVB-T2 implementation guideline and 
in [BH2003]. 
The receiver can operate satisfactorily in a given location when the aggregate available C/(N+I) is 
larger or equal to the required C/N. 
FIGURE 3.1 
Weighting function wi(t) (with an equalization interval EI starting at t = –ta) 
 
DVB-T2 receivers can equalize the channel by performing a 2-dimensional interpolation 
(time/frequency). This interpolation may either be fixed, independently of the particular channel or 
be adapted to the particular characteristics of the channel. In practice all r eceivers support combined 
time/frequency interpolation. Receivers with ad aptive interpolation may use frequency-only 
interpolation in cases where there is a need fo r better Doppler performan ce and where the echoes 
are short enough in relation to the used FFT si ze and pilot pattern. For fixed reception, where 
Doppler performance is normally not a problem, comb ined time/frequency interpolation is normally 
used. 
Combined time and frequency interpolation allows  for the use of transmission modes with less 
dense pilot patterns, and th erefore a greater payload. Tp
t 0 Tg Tp–ta -ta1Wi(t) Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  49 
 TABLE 3.9 
Nyquist limits for t-only and t-and -f-interpolation (from [TS 102 831]) 
Pilot 
Pattern DX 
(Separation of pilot-
bearing carriers) DY 
(No. of symbols forming 
one scattered pilot 
sequence) Nyquist limit as 
fraction of TU, 
for f-only 
interpolation Nyquist limit as 
fraction of TU, 
for t- and f-
interpolation 
PP1 3 4 1/12 1/3 
PP2 6 2 1/12 1/6 
PP3 6 4 1/24 1/6 
PP4 12 2 1/24 1/12 
PP5 12 4 1/48 1/12 
PP6 24 2 1/48 1/24 
PP7 24 4 1/96 1/24 
PP8 6 16 1/96 1/6 
 
In order to determine Tp the Nyquist limit must first be determined. Table 3.9 shows the Nyquist 
limit as a fraction of Tu, the useful symbol length, for th e different DVB-T2 pilot patterns. Tu is 
provided for frequency only interpolation as well as combined time and frequency interpolation. 
More detailed information regarding the Nyquist limit for the available combinations of guard 
intervals and scattered pilot pa tterns is provided in Annex 3. 
For network planning purposes it can be assume d that a DVB-T2 receiver is able to correctly 
equalize the signal for echoes up to 57/64 (= 89.1%) of the Nyquist time for the scattered pilots 
(after time interpolation) for a particular FFT si ze, pilot pattern and RF bandwidth. Note that the 
factor of 57/64 depends only upon the pilo t pattern and not the guard interval. 
Tp can then be calculated but the real positioning of this “e qualization window” depends on the 
actual distribution of  the received signals whic h arrive along different paths. Table 3.10 contains 
examples for some DVB-T2 modes based upon us ing both time and fre quency interpolation. 
NOTE – For ‘UHF 5’ (in Table 3.10 below) with the combination 32k FFT size, pilot pattern PP7 and 1/128 
GI fraction, the receiver cannot be assumed to perform the combined time/frequency interpolation since it 
would require more memory in the receivers. Since the guard interval is very short for this mode, 
frequency-only interpolation will work well. 50 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 3.10 
Calculation of interval of correct equalization for some DVB-T2 modes 
MODE UHF 1 
(Medium area 
SFN-Rooftop) UHF 2 
(Large area 
SFN-Rooftop)UHF3 
(Medium area
SFN-Rooftop)UHF 4 
(Large area 
SFN-Portable) UHF 5 
(MFN rooftop,
using SFN fill 
in) 
Modulation  256-QAM 256-QAM 256-QAM 16-QAM 256-QAM 
FFT size  32k 32k 32k 16k 32k 
Code rate  2/3 3/4 3/5 1/2 3/5 
Pilot pattern  PP4 PP2 PP4 PP3 PP7 
Guard interval 
fraction  1/16 1/8 19/256 1/8 1/128 
Tg (µs)  224 448 266 224 28 
Tu (µs)  3584 3584 3584 1792 3584 
Nyquist limit as 
fraction of Tu 1/12 1/6 1/12 1/6 1/96 
Nyquist limit (µs)  299 597 299 299 37 
Equalization factor  57/64 57/64 57/64 57/64 57/64 
Tp time (µs)  266 532 266 266 33 
 
It can be seen from the above that Tp is the same as, or slightly larger than the guard interval length 
Tg. This means that the degradation beyond the guard interval will be graceful  from the end of the 
guard interval up to the end of the interval EI. Th is also applies for pre-echoes as long as the pre-
echo lies within the interval EI. 
For planning purposes, it is recommended to assu me the use of combined time and frequency 
interpolation as this is  the predominant mode of operation. If, however, the pilot pattern is matched 
to the echo lengths that are expected in the netw ork, i.e. a high density p ilot pattern used in a 
network primarily designed as an MFN or w ith only limited area SFN s, frequency-only 
interpolation could also be possibl e. Frequency-only interpolation c ould be of interest for portable 
and mobile reception where Doppler performance is more critical. 
4 New planning features 
4.1 SFN extension 
4.1.1 Introduction 
In this section, examples of network coverage simu lations are presented to show the benefits that 
may be gained by upgrading the sample networks to DVB-T2 while otherwis e leaving the physical 
network, transmitted powers and antenna patterns unchanged. Each example shows the clear benefit of DVB-T2 over DVB-T. 
Since the simulations were performed by different sources, the particular C/N values that were used 
for the calculations are not necessarily the same nor  do they necessarily coincide with the values 
proposed in § 2.5.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  51 
 4.1.2 Example 1: Rooftop reception, SFN, large area, VHF 
The first example describes a scen ario for fixed rooftop reception in VHF band III, channel 6, in a 
large area SFN with three transmitters. The scenar io is located in Finland and the simulation was 
performed by Progira. 
FIGURE 4.1 
Rooftop reception, SFN, large area, VHF, DVB-T in Finland 
 
 
     Figure 4.1 shows the coverage for a DVB-T impl ementation. A 64-QAM CR = 2/3 mode is chosen 
with the largest possible guard interval of 256 µs in order to minimize self-interference. However, 
self-interference degradation is not negligible in th is network, as can be seen from the figure, as the 
100+ km distance between the transmitters exceeds the guard interval. The C/N for this mode is 
19.5 dB with a data rate of 17.4 Mbit/s. 
Operating the network with a DVB-T2 mode 2 56-QAM CR = 2/3, guard interval 512 µs, would 
improve the coverage remarkably, as can be se en from Fig. 4.2. Coverage holes induced by self-
interference in the DVB-T network could be avoided and, in addition, a much greater data rate of 
31.4 Mbit/s would be available. At 20.1 dB the C/N is slightly higher for the DVB-T2 mode than 
the corresponding DVB-T mode. 
256
DVB-T 
7 MHz, ch 6 
8k, 64-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/4 (256 µs) 
C/N = 19.5 dB 
17.4 Mbit/s 52 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.2 
Rooftop reception, SFN, large area, VHF, DVB-T2 in Finland 
 
 
   
4.1.3 Example 2: Portable reception (w ith 64-QAM), SFN, large area, VHF 
The second example considers the same network, again in channel 6 and with the same DVB-T 
mode, but now targeted to portable reception. Figure 4.3 shows the result of the simulation. 
Self-interference is now the dominate coverage limiting factor since port able reception does not 
incorporate the directivity of  receiving rooftop antennas. 
The coverage of this network, operating with DVB- T, would likely be cons idered inadequate for 
portable reception, and would not be practical. In practice a greater transm itter density or an MFN 
would be required to improve cove rage to an acceptable level. 
DVB-T2 
7 MHz, ch 6 
32k, 256-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/8 (512 µs) 
C/N = 20.2 dB 
31.4 Mbit/s  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  53 
 FIGURE 4.3 
Portable reception, SFN, large area, VHF, DVB-T in Finland 
 
 
   The situation would be markedly improved fo r a DVB-T2 implementation where a longer guard 
interval could avoid the deleteri ous self-interference effects. In Fig. 4.4 the DVB-T2 mode 64-QAM 
CR = 3/5 has been modelled, providing a similar da ta rate to the DVB-T mode above. Now large 
areas are covered and the sparse transmitter network may prove viable. 
DVB-T 
7 MHz, ch 6 
8k, 64-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/4 (256 µs) 
C/N = 21.8 dB 
19.9 Mbit/s 54 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.4 
Portable reception, SFN, large area, VHF, DVB-T2 in Finland 
 
 
   
4.1.4 Example 3: Portable recepti on, SFN, medium area, UHF 
The third example describes a scenario for portabl e reception in the northern part of Germany, as 
calculated by NDR. The SFN consists of four tr ansmitters and uses UHF channel 47. The coverage 
of the realistic DVB-T implementation is depict ed in Fig. 4.5: Yellow indicates indoor reception, 
red outdoor reception and green rooftop reception. The DVB-T mode is 16-QAM CR = 2/3 with a guard interval of 224 µs, providi ng a data rate of 13.3 Mbit/s. 
DVB-T2 
7 MHz, ch 6 
32k, 64-QAM–3/5 
GI 1/8 (512 µs) 
C/N = 17.1 dB 
21.2 Mbit/s  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  55 
 FIGURE 4.5 
Portable reception, SFN, medium area, UHF, DVB-T 
in the northern part of Germany 
 
 
 
  
DVB-T 
8 MHz, ch 47 
8k, 16-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/4 (224 µs) 
C/N = 17.2 dB 
13.3 Mbit/s 56 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.6 
Portable reception, SFN, medium area, UHF, DVB-T2 
in the northern part of Germany 
 
 
 
   An improvement of the SFN performance is achieved by employing DVB-T2 mode 16k, 64-QAM 
CR = 3/5 with a guard interval of 266 µs. The data rate is remarkably incr eased to 23.0 Mbit/s and 
self-interference degradation is reduced, as is indicated  in Fig. 4.6 by red circles. 
4.1.5 Example 4: Portable reception, SFN, large area, UHF 
The fourth example is a DVB-T2 planning exercise in Bavaria, calculated by IRT, in the UHF band. 
The network comprises 10 transmitters and is intended for portable outdoo r reception. The DVB-T2 
mode is 16k, 64-QAM CR = 2/3 with a large guard in terval of 448 µs. The data rate is 22.6 Mbit/s 
and the coverage area extents to 150 km by 250 km . The good coverage that can be achieved with 
only minor self-interference degr adation is shown in Fig. 4.7. 
DVB-T2 
8 MHz, ch 47 
16k, 64-QAM–3/5 
GI 19/128 (266 µs) 
C/N = 15.5 dB 
23.0 Mbit/s  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  57 
 FIGURE 4.7 
Portable reception, SF N, large area, UHF, DVB-T2 in Bavaria 
 
     
 
In Fig. 4.8 the coverage of the same hypothetical network is calcula ted with an appropriate DVB-T 
mode. The DVB-T mode with the largest guard interval and a co mparable robustness has been 
modelled: 8k, 16-QAM CR = 2/3, guard interval 224 µs. Even with these favourable parameters the 
coverage is severely limited by se lf-interference. For this reason such large DVB-T networks have 
never been realized – rather, a multi-frequency appr oach would be required in this case and two or 
three channels would be required to achieve the same coverage. 
The example clearly shows the benefits  that may be achieved with DVB-T2. 
DVB-T2 
8 MHz, ch 47 
16k, 64-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/4 (448 µs) 
C/N = 17.5 dB 
22.6 Mbit/s 58 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.8 
Portable reception, hypoth etical SFN, large area, UHF, DVB-T in Bavaria 
 
  
4.2 Degradation beyond guard interval 
The length of the guard interval, as mentioned in § 4.1, is the most significant and obvious 
improvement when it comes to handling long delaye d echoes in SFNs. However handling of signals 
arriving outside the guard also has a si gnificant effect upon the SFN performance. 
The performance of DVB-T2 system outside the guard  interval is mainly determined by two factors 
which are essentially the same as in the case of DVB-T. They are: 
– The symbol time: longer symbol time, wh en using higher (e.g. 16k or 32k) FFT, will 
improve performance outside the guard interv al since guard interval fraction becomes 
smaller when using the same length of the guard interval. 
– Interval of correct equalization. 
Whereas the second factor is dealt with in § 3.5, the us e of longer symbol times  is discussed in the 
following section. 
4.2.1 Use of higher FFT modes 
The choice of a higher FFT mode w ith an accordingly larger symbol  length includes an additional 
SFN coverage improvement which results from the f act that SFN self-interfe rence, resulting from 
time delays beyond the guard interval, scales with the symbol length. Whereas the effect of a larger 
guard interval is discussed in § 4.1 the effect of a larger symbol length is di scussed in this section. 
However, it is to be noted that th e latter effect is secondary, less important than the former one. The 
effect is described in more detail in [EDP089]. 
Signals with time delays beyond the guard interval contribu te destructively, w ith increasing weight 
for increasing time delays. This deleterious effect scales with the symbol length. As an example, a 
DVB-T 
8 MHz, ch 47 
8k, 16-QAM–2/3 
GI 1/4 (224 µs) 
C/N = 17.2 dB 
13.3 Mbit/s  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  59 
 hexagon network with the corresponding coverage area for an 8k and a 32k FFT was investigated. 
The network parameters are given in Table 4.1. Fi gure 4.9 compares the cove rage areas of the two 
scenarios and Fig. 4.10 shows the difference in coverage. 
TABLE 4.1 
Network parameters 
Transmitters 7, hexagon 
Tx distance 50 km 
Antenna height 150 m, nd 
Tx power 100 kW 
DVB-T2 variant 16-QAM 5/6 
8k FFT GI 1/4 (224 µs) 
32k FFT GI 1/16 (224 µs) 
C/N ~ 16.4 dB 
Reception mode Portable outdoor 
 
FIGURE 4.9 
Comparison of the cove rage areas for the 8k and the 32k FFT mode 
 
8k FFT 32k FFT 
60 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.10 
Difference in coverage 
 
It can be seen that the difference is effective at the fringe of the coverage area and the increase of 
the symbol length may help to fill some coverage deficiencies caused by self-interference. However, the effect is not suited to heal larger c overage gaps due to self-interference. Moreover, in 
order to benefit from the effect it is to be en sured that receivers behave approximately in the 
theoretical manner. It is well known that in the past many receivers had abrupt cliff-edge behaviour 
at or very close to the ed ge of the guard interval. 
4.3 MISO (multiple i nput single output) 
4.3.1 General considerations 
The DVB-T2 standard introduces the ability to implement MISO, or MISO networks, a network 
configuration not available in DVB-T. A genera l MISO network configuration is shown in 
Fig. 4.11. Referring to the diagra m it can be seen that one of the main points of difference between 
a MISO and a standard broadcasting network is that the MISO network transmits two slightly 
different versions of the wanted signal from a nu mber of different transmitters at the same time. 
Usually, though not necessarily, the transmitters ar e geographically separated from each other as 
this is generally the most beneficial configuration. By transmitting multiple wanted signals, the network is able to incorporate the advantages of transmit diversity in order to improve the system’s 
SNR and subsequently the networ k’s coverage or data rate. 
 no coverage >95% 
 only DVB-T  only DVB-T2 
 both  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  61 
 FIGURE 4.11 
A general DVB-T2 MISO network 
 
A DVB-T2 MISO network should be viewed as a pa rticular form of an SFN, as the multiple 
transmissions require synchronization and timing in much the same way as a ‘standard’ SFN. 
The DVB-T2 standard is based on a modified form of Alamouti’s scheme, one of a number of 
different possibilities. One of th e main benefits of this particular scheme is that it can be 
implemented in a relatively straightforward manner th at requires little additio nal complexity at both 
the transmit and receive side s of the network. Using only a single  receive antenna the Alamouti 
scheme allows improvements in the received SNR equivalent to that obtained from a receive diversity system incorporating two receive antennas and a maximal ratio combining scheme. It also 
ensures that the ripples and notches that can form  in a standard, two stations, SFN channel, which 
subsequently degrade the system’s SNR, do not o ccur in a MISO network as the two transmitted 
signals are no longer identical so destructive si gnal combination is essentially avoided. In a 
Gaussian channel, a 3 dB improvement in SNR c ould be achieved compared with the same network 
utilizing a ‘standard’ SFN. Slightly greater gains are possible in locations of similar receive levels. 
Although it is not without its tr ade-offs, Alamouti coding can impr ove coverage, allow a greater 
data rate or more efficient spectrum us age, or a combination of these outcomes. 
The basic operation of the Alam outi based MISO network can be understood by referring to 
Fig. 4.11. Each of the network’s multiple transmitter s is assigned to one of  two Groups where each 
transmitter can be thought to transmit payload cells in pairs. Transmitters in Group 1 transmit an unmodified version of every constellation, just  as they would in a ‘standard’ SFN – neither 
buffering nor negation or complex conjugation is a pplied. The first pair of cells is shown as C
0 and 
C1 in the diagram. Transmitters in Group 2 however, transmit a slightly modified version of each 
constellation pair, and in reverse frequency order1. Group 2 transmits – C1* and C0* where * denotes 
the complex conjugation operation. 
                                                 
1 For example, if C0 is transmitted on carrier n for transmitters in Group 1, then C1 would be transmitted on 
carrier n + 1. Simultaneously, the transmitters in Group 2 would transmit – C1* on carrier n and C0* on 
carrier n + 1. The Alamouti coding is carried out in the fre quency direction rather than the time direction. 
62 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 The receiver then recovers the components from the combined signals in a relatively 
straightforward manner that requires little additi onal complexity compared with a standard, non-
MISO receiver. 
The diagram also shows two pieces  of equipment that are required in order for the network to 
operate correctly: the T2-Gatew ay and the DVB-T2 modulator. Th e T2-Gateway produces a T2-MI 
(T2-Modulator Interface) stream that contains all the informati on required to describe both the 
content and emission timing of T2-frames. The T2 -MI stream is fed to the T2 modulators which 
apply the desired delays and the Alamouti coding. 
As the diagram shows, all transmitters in the MISO  network are locked to the same clock reference 
so the signals can be ap propriately synchronized and delayed in a manner similar to a ‘standard’ 
SFN. Usually a GPS is used for this purpose. 
It is also worth noting that the diagram show s an unlimited number of transmitters per Group. 
Although that is possible, it is not likely to occu r in practice where two or  three transmitters per 
Group would be more common. 
4.3.2 Transmission parameter considerations 
It should be noted that the DVB -T2 specification limits the maximum guard interval fraction (GIF) 
to 1/8. Subsequently, geographical  SFN sizes could be limited. Fu rthermore, the scattered-pilot 
pattern chosen for a given FFT size and guard interval gene rally needs to be tw ice as dense because 
only half of the pilots are used fo r each of the sum and difference channel estimates – a factor that 
reduces capacity. 
Both of the above factors should be  considered when determining th e suitability of a MISO network 
to a particular application. 
4.3.3 Planning applications and considerations 
In general, MISO should be considered for networ ks designed with a GIF up to 1/8 where capacity 
is not the limiting factor. In si tuations such as these where a ‘standard’ SFN might have been 
previously utilized, a MISO network may be more beneficial. 
Moreover, the Alamouti coding is most beneficial when signals of equal magnitude from the two 
different transmitter groups are combined. Consid eration should therefore be given to maximizing 
signal overlaps between the two gro ups as that would yield the larg est gains. Conversely the scheme 
would be of limited benefit in networks with little overlap, pa rticularly given the increased 
overhead. 
Portable and mobile networks would typically be most likely to benefit from the scheme as they 
generally contain more omnidirec tional reception antennas, which w ould increase the likelihood of 
similar strength signals overlappi ng. Furthermore, for these type s of network and for mobile 
networks in particular, their tran smitter network tend to be denser  and the transmitters often have 
lower powers, which would likel y increase overlaps further. 
Perhaps the situation that a MISO network would most suit is one in which an area such as a large 
town is broadly served by two main transmitters  which have overlapping signals. In this case one 
transmitter could be assigned to each transmitter group. The ma ximum potential of MISO might 
then be realized. 
Fixed reception networks with relatively highly di rectional antennas may not be well suited to a 
MISO network unless the transmit antennas were locat ed relatively close together so they fell 
roughly within the beam-width of a majority of the receive antennas. On the other hand, it may be 
possible to provide improvement to localised areas in  such networks, particularly if the transmitters 
fell within the beam-width of the receive antennas.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  63 
 Since there are only two possible “v ariants” of the transmitted signal  when MISO is applied, it may 
in practice be difficult to arrange the transmitter in  two groups in order to maximize the MISO gain 
in large area SFNs. However for example in a netw ork with one central main transmitter surrounded 
by several small SFN-fill-in transmitters, it may be  possible to take advantage of the MISO gain 
more efficiently. The overlap between the fill-in sites would then be small and coverage overlap would exist between the main transmitter and the f ill-in sites. The main transmitter would then be 
assigned to one transmitter gr oup and the fill-in sites to the other transmitter group. 
Moreover, there is a restriction wi th regard to the choice of the guard interval. Table 4.2 shows the 
possible combinations of guard  interval and scattered pilot pattern in MISO mode. 
TABLE 4.2 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for each allowed combination of FFT size 
and guard interval in MISO mode (from [EN 302 755]) 
FFT size Guard interval 
1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
32k PP8 
PP4 
PP6 PP8 
PP4 
 PP2 
PP8 PP2 
PP8 n/a n/a n/a 
16k PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP3 
PP8 PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 n/a 
8k PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP3 
PP8 PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 n/a 
4k, 2k n/a PP4 
PP5 PP3 n/a PP1 n/a n/a 
1k n/a n/a PP3 n/a PP1 n/a n/a 
In MISO mode, guard interval 1/ 4 is not possible. Therefore, in  large SFNs, MISO seems to be 
feasible only if FFT modes higher than 8k are applied. 
4.3.4 Qualitative description of the MISO gain 
As shown in the section above th e MISO gain depends on the le vel difference. Figure 4.12 shows 
the qualitative effect of  the level difference. 
FIGURE 4.12 
MISO gain as a function of le vel difference (MISO gain = difference of min. required levels) 
 
64 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Furthermore, the performance of MISO is also a function of the delay time. The channel estimation 
and/or correction is performed on pairs of cells, basically two adjacen t sub-carriers. This means that 
MISO will work best if these adjacent sub-carrier s are faded very similarly. This is the case for 
short delays. Long delays fade ad jacent sub-carriers differently. Th erefore an erro r is introduced 
that decreases the MISO effect. It might even o ccur at very large echoes that the MISO effect 
becomes a negative gain. The exact function needs to be verified by meas urements. Figure 4.13 
illustrates the qualitative effect of increasing delay. 
FIGURE 4.13 
MISO gain as a function of relative delay (MISO gain = difference of min. required levels) 
 
Unfortunately, the implementation guideline [TS 102 831] does not yet give results of MISO 
simulations; but at least test scenarios are formulat ed, so that more reliable results can be expected 
soon. 
4.3.5 Example of MISO coverage gain 
In this example a coverage scenario with two transmitters is chosen [Ro2009]. The DVB-T2 
parameters are 64-QAM, 8k, LDPC-code rate 3/4. Figure 4.14 shows the pred icted coverage gain 
for distributed MISO, expressed in terms of gain of aggregated wanted field strength. 
FIGURE 4.14 
Predicted coverage gain with MISO 
 
from [Ro2009] 
 
Additional gain is achieved outside the core covera ge areas of the two transmitters. With regard to 
acceptable indoor reception the coverage ga in amounts to 30% in this simulation. 
The above simulation is based on the assumption that  MISO gain applies equally to all delay times 
between the signals from the two tr ansmitters and that the only difference in MISO gain arises from 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  65 
 the difference of the signal strengths. However, this assumption is still to be verified in field trials 
and thus the relevance for networ k planning is to be assessed. 
4.4 Time-frequency slicing (TFS) 
4.4.1 TFS in the DVB-T2 standard 
Time-frequency slicing (TFS) is fully specified in the DVB-T2 standard, but has a less formal 
status. It is not a part of the “si ngle profile” but is referred to as “for future implementations” in an 
informative annex. Full support for TFS could also be  found in “surrounding” sp ecifications such as 
“T2 delivery system descriptor” (Service In formation) [EN 300 468] and the “T2 Modulator 
Interface specification (T2-MI)” [TS 102 773]. 
The reason why TFS has a less formal status is that it increases the cost of a receiver by requiring at 
least two tuners plus a special demodulator, and also that it re quires several channels of DVB-T2 
spectrum to switch between to achieve the intended gains. 
4.4.2 The TFS concept 
With TFS many statistically multiplexed services  are transmitted over more than one RF channel; 
up to six may be used. Each service “jum ps around” among the available frequencies. 
FIGURE 4.15 
Example, TFS over three frequencies 
 
In Fig. 4.15 each physical layer pipe (PLP) is spr ead out over all (here 3) RF channels and over 
time. Each PLP is interleaved within the physical  layer (PL) frame resulting in much improved time 
and frequency diversity. 
With TFS it is possible to statistically multiplex ove r a significantly larger statistical multiplex pool 
than for a single multiplex. For example, in the case of six RF channels operating at 33 Mbit/s, 
198 Mbit/s would be available compar ed with 33 Mbit/s available in a single RF channel. Statistical 
multiplexing with a pool of this size is almost ideal. 
4.4.3 TFS gains 
TFS allows for two independent gains: 
Statistical multiplexing gain 
 Large TS bit rate allows st atmuxing of “many” services 
 Allows more services to be transmitted 
66 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
  Allows more Table video quality 
Network planning gain 
 Improved frequency diversity when each service is spread over several RF channels 
 Improved link budget for “re ception of all services” 
 The improved link budget could allow for lowe r network costs and/or increased data rate 
 A coherent reception of all services  (PLPs with identical parameters) 
 Improved robustness against time-v arying channels and interference 
Statistical multiplexing gain 
It is a bit difficult to precisely estimate statmux gain. However, the gain can be presented as a 
percentage reduction of required bit rate or percentage increase in the number of services. But one 
has to be careful in how the gain figure is defi ned; a 50% reduction in re quired bit rate implies a 
100% gain in number of services, see Fig. 4.16. 
FIGURE 4.16 
Statistical multiplex gain with MPEG-4 AVC 
 
    •   0% for 1 HD programme 
    •   15% for 3-4 HD programmes     •   30% for 9-12 HD programmes     •   32% for 18-24 HD programmes      Source: Thomson 
The statmux gain could also be expressed as a virtual increase of bit ra te and compared with 
statistical multiplexing within  one RF channel (non-TFS): 
 3 RF channels: Virtual in crease of bit rate = 21% 
 6 RF channels: Virtual in crease of bit rate = 25% 
Another feature is a more equal pi cture quality and the po ssibility of fine-tun ing the bit rate per 
service. 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  67 
 Network planning gain 
Without TFS the coverage of a set of multiplexes at a given location is limited by the multiplex with 
the lowest signal strength. With TFS the reception at a particular location is more likely to be 
determined by the average signal strength of the RF channels involved in TFS.  
There are several components of  the TFS network planning gain: 
– TFS coverage gain 
– TFS interference gain 
– Improved robustness 
4.4.4 TFS coverage gain 
For a given equal ERP on multiple RF frequencies th e received signal level, especially for fixed 
reception, varies significantly due to: 
– Frequency-dependent transmitter antenna diagram – Frequency-dependent terrai n shielding (systematic) 
– Frequency-dependent lo cal variation (random) 
– Frequency-dependent receiving antenna efficiency and gain (systematic and 
implementation dependent). 
For each location, the TFS coverage gain could be  expressed as the difference between the average 
signal strength and the minimum signal strength calcul ated over all RF frequencies at that particular 
location. 
  TFS coverage gain = P(average) – P(minimum)                 (dB) 
4.4.5 TFS interference gain 
TFS improves the robustness against static and time-varying interference from other transmitters, 
since interference level varies with frequency. For example, one frequency could be completely lost 
due to temporary interference. 
4.4.6 Improved robustness 
TFS improves the robustness against ch annel time variations (similar to R
X diversity), especially 
important for portable/mobile reception. 
4.4.7 Calculation of potential TFS coverage gain – example 
The potential TFS coverage gain could be calcu lated based on field-strength measurements for a 
certain transmitter which transmits on more than one RF channel (multiplex). 
In this example, the field measurements were performed for: 
– Six transmitter sites (non SFN) with four multiplexes (frequencies) per site – Equal ERP on all four frequencies – About 40,000 measurements at a hei ght of 3 m per measuring site 
– Constant R
X antenna gain. 
The measured TFS gain distribution is based on the received signal strength on each frequency. In 
Fig. 4.17 the measured distribution of TFS gain for six stations A-F is shown. 68 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 FIGURE 4.17 
Measured distribution of TFS gain  
  
  
  
The measurements are performed at 3 m with an omnidirectional antenna. A summary is given in 
Table 4.3.  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 140200400600800100012001400Station A   Average TFS gain = 4.2 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 1401002003004005006007008009001000Station B   Average TFS gain = 5.8 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 1405001000150020002500300035004000Station C   Average TFS gain = 2.6 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14050010001500Station D   Average TFS gain = 5.3 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14050100150200250300Station E   Average TFS gain = 4.8 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples  
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14050010001500200025003000Station F   Average TFS gain = 4.6 dB
TFS gain (dB)Number of samples   Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  69 
 TABLE 4.3 
Summary of measurement results at 3 m 
Station Average 
TFS signal 
gain Number of 
measurements 
samples Number of 
multiplexes Channel number 
difference 
A 
B 4.2 
5.8 27 000 
30 000 4 
4 16 
34 
C 2.6 58 000 4 15 
D 
E 5.3 
4.8 41 000 
6 000 4 
4 32 
24 
F 4.6 56 000 4 26 
 
The average TFS gain over all six areas is 4.5 dB. 
4.4.8 Coherent coverage effects 
In case each PLP has the same parameters, the coverage of all PLPs will be very similar, if not, 
identical. 
A further aspect is the “common co verage shrinking”. TFS uses seve ral RF channels at a time. If 
one RF channel fails (transmitter failure) the covera ge will then shrink but  not completely vanish. 
Only the outer part of the covera ge is affected in that case. The more RF channels that are 
combined, the less is the loss of coverage when one channel fails. 
4.5 Time slicing 
The DVB-T2 specification allows for time slici ng, which is a well-known DVB-H feature. Time 
slicing reduces the energy consumption of the recei ving device. This is achieved by transmitting the 
services of a multiplex in time blocks which allows  the receiver to demodulate the signal only for a 
certain fraction of time in order to receive a particular service. For th e rest of the time the receiver 
may remain idle, it may use the remaining time for the check of other freque ncy blocks or channels. 
4.6 Physical layer pipes 
4.6.1 Input streams and physical layer pipes 
The commercial requirement for service-specific r obustness together with the need for different 
stream types is met by the concept of fully transp arent PLPs. Both the allocated capacity and the 
robustness can be adjusted to the content/service providers’ particular needs, depending on the type 
of receiver and the receiving c onditions to be addressed. 
The DVB-T2 specification allows a constellation, c ode rate and time-inter leaving depth to be 
assigned individually to each single PLP. A high  level T2 block diagram is shown in Fig. 4.18. 
Input streams are MPEG-2 transport streams (TS) or so called generic streams which could carry 
MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 video content. Each input stream is carried by a corresponding PLP in 
DVB-T2. A maximum of 255 input streams/PLPs coul d be transmitted with, typically, one service 
per TS/PLP. 70 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 A given MPEG-2 TS operates at constant bit rate (CBR) but it can contain payload with a variable 
bit rate (VBR) and “null packets” to make up the difference. TS packets which are null packets are, 
however, never transmitted. They are extracted before transmission and reinserted in the right 
places into the TS in the receiver; hence there is no null packet overhead in the transmission 
(transparent TS through the DVB-T2 system). 
FIGURE 4.18 
High level T2 block diagram 
 
Bit –
Interleaved- 
Coding 
Module  
Frame 
Mapper  
Modulator Stream 
inputs 
Outputs: 
RF channel 
(optional MISO:  2nd antenna ) Input 
streams 
processor 
T2 system 
 
4.6.2 Single and multiple PLPs 
There are two general input modes defined. Input m ode A uses a single PLP, whilst input mode B 
uses multiple PLPs. 
Input Mode A 
This most simple mode can be viewed as a st raightforward extension of  DVB-T. Here the DVB-T2 
signal uses only one single PLP transmitted ove r one frequency containing one MPEG-2 TS. 
Consequently the same robustness is app licable to all content, as in DVB-T. 
Input Mode B 
This more advanced mode of operation applie s the concept of multiple PLPs (Fig. 4.19). In 
Mode B, one service is typically transmitted per PL P but a group of services (each with low bit rate) 
could also share one PLP. 
Advantages with multiple PLPs are: 
– Service-specific robustness (combi nation of modulation and code rate) 
– Longer time-interleaving depth – Allows for power saving in the rece iver via time slicing as in DVB-H 
– Allows for frequency diversity via time-frequency slicing (TFS). 
Therefore even in the case of identical physical pa rameter settings, it might be useful to apply this 
mode, especially if portable and/or mobile devices are to be targeted. 
FIGURE 4.19 
T2 frame for single RF channel, mu ltiple PLP mode (here, five PLPs) 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  71 
 Typically a group of services will share common elements su ch as PSI/SI tables, like EPG 
information, or CA information. To avoid the ne ed to duplicate this information for each PLP, 
Mode B offers the concept of common PLPs, shared  by a group of PLPs. Hence, receivers need to 
decode up to two PLPs at the same time when receiving a single service: the data PLP and the 
common PLP. 
FIGURE 4.20 
Example of a DVB-T2 multiplex using PLP and carrying services with different data rates and different coverage radii 
 
An example is given in Fig. 4.20 where four different classes of  services (HDTV, SDTV, Audio 
Broadcasting and Data Broadcasting) are carrie d in one multiplex. Each of the services has a 
different data rate and a differe nt coverage radius i ndicated in the Figure on the right hand side. 
Additional advantages with multiple PLPs are: 
– Different types of receivers and different r eception cases could be addressed by the same 
signal, for example HDTV to fixed rooftop aerials and mobile receivers simultaneously, with a certain capacity and robustness for each category. 
– One could prioritize the robustness for one or many services in one multiplex  prioritized 
services “last longer”. 
– When one service in a multiplex does not need to  have the same coverage as the other, that 
service could be transmitted with lower robustness saving transmission capacity. 
– Simplifies the change to local/regional conten t (with constant bit rate) in a multiplex in 
which the rest of the content is centrally statistically multiplexed. The use of one dedicated 
PLP for local/regional content could result in an easier/cheaper implementation. 
– When one wish to further increase the capac ity and coverage by using the TFS concept. 
One limitation with the use of PLPs is that it is not  possible to have PLPs with different FFT sizes 
in the same multiplex. This could for example be a limitation when there is the need to provide 
rooftop reception for HD services and a mobile service in the same multiplex, using a large area SFN. 
In order not to lose capa city there may then be a need to use the 32k FFT mode for the HD services. 
With the long symbol time it is po ssible to use a lower guard inte rval fraction, thus maximizing 
capacity. However if the 32k mode is used it will mean that the frequency distance between the 
OFDM carriers is short, which will make the mobile  service sensitive to Doppler shift at higher 
speeds. 
This limitation might be overcome by using the future extension frame (FEF), see § 4.8. 
72 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 4.7 Peak-to-average power rati o (PAPR) reduction techniques 
OFDM systems set high requirements on the lineari ty of the transmitter amplifiers. This fact 
reduces the power efficiency of OFDM systems remarkably. DVB-T2 offers two techniques for the 
reduction of the peak-to-average power ratio (P APR), thus increasing the RF power-amplifier 
efficiency. These techniques are Active constella tion extension (ACE) and Tone reservation (TR). 
The following short description of these two techni ques is taken from the Implementation Guideline 
[TR 102 831]. A more detailed desc ription can be found in § 9.3.8 of  the Implementation Guideline. 
The ACE algorithm searches for the peaks in the OFDM signal and analyses the constellations to 
find out which data cells already contribute negatively  to that peak. To intensify the effect of these 
cells their amplitude is increased, which is don e by shifting the constella tion points further out. 
The basic idea of Tone reservation is that so me carriers are reserved to reduce PAPR. These 
reserved carriers do not carry any data informa tion and are instead filled  with a peak-reduction 
signal. Because data and reserved carriers are alloca ted in disjointed subsets of subcarriers, Tone 
reservation needs no side information at the receiver other than an indication that the technique is in 
use, carried in the L1-p re signalling field “PAPR”. 
It is possible to use both AC E and TR simultaneously; however, depending on the constellation, 
picking the better technique based on the constell ation will provide most of the benefit. Both 
techniques come at a cost: ACE increases the noise level that the receiver sees while TR decreases 
throughput. 
It should be noted that ACE cannot be applied wh en the rotated constellation mode (see § 2.6) is 
chosen. 
4.8 Future extension frames (FEF) 
DVB-T2 allows for the introduction of additional, as yet undefined or specified features by means 
of so-called Future extension frames (FEF). Th e Implementation Guideline [TR 102 831] describes 
this feature as follows: 
FEF insertion enables carriage of frames defined in  a future extension of the DVB-T2 standard in 
the same multiplex as regular T2-frames. The use of  future extension frames is optional. A future 
extension frame may carry data in a way unknown to a DVB-T2 receiver addressing the current 
standard version. A receiver addressing the curren t standard version is not expected to decode 
future extension frames. All receivers are expect ed to detect FEF parts but ignore them for 
demodulation. 
The only currently defined attributes of FEF pa rts, which are inserted between T2-frames (see 
Fig. 4.21), are that they begin with a P1 symbol and their positions in the superframe and duration 
in time are signalled in the L1 signalling in the T2 -frames. This enables early  receivers to ignore the 
FEFs whilst still receiving the T2 signal, as desired. 
FIGURE 4.21 
Co-existence of T2 frames and FEFs (from [TR 102 831]) 
 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  73 
 FEFs can be used for Transmitter Signatures [A150] . They allow measurements to identify which 
echo (path) in the channel impulse response originat es from which transmitter of the SFN. It is also 
possible to display the parts of the channel impulse response originating from individual 
transmitters of the SFN. 
FEFs could also be used, for example, for: 
– Handheld services with MIMO support 
– Upstream for a DVB-T2 return channel 
– Data transport of mobile service providers  which use the same spectrum but have a 
different network structure. 
An already existing application is the particular  DVB-T2 profile T2-Lite which is described in 
Annex 5. 
More details on FEF can be found in [TR 102 831, § 8.4]. 
5 Implementation scenarios 
5.1 Introduction 
DVB-T2 offers a significantly wider choice of para meters (which is described in § 2) than did 
DVB-T. The choice is so large that it is not possibl e to consider all of their possible combinations. 
This section considers a number of common app lications of DVB-T2 and discusses some possible 
parameter sets which may be suitable for each of the scenarios. 
Firstly, a number of scenarios appropriate to fixed roof-level recepti on are described. They 
comprise an MFN as well as an SFN approach a nd also reflect the need for a transition from 
DVB-T to DVB-T2, which is likely to be a common requirement. 
Secondly, five scenarios particularly suited to po rtable and mobile DTT reception are described. All 
five scenarios are based on an SFN approach a nd include relatively large guard intervals to 
minimize intra-SFN interference and to allow great er transmitter separati on. The 32k FFT mode is 
not applied for the same reason, sin ce it is expected that this mode  is particularly vulnerable to 
Doppler degradation and may be unsuita ble for mobile and portable networks. 
Parameters are based on the information given in the ETSI specification and Implementation 
Guideline [TS 102 831, EN 302 755]. C/N figures are derived according to the methodology 
described in § 2.5 and respective data rates a ccording to Annex 2. In scenarios 1 and 4 the 
parameters of a corresponding DVB-T mode  are also given for comparison. The C/N values for 
DVB-T are taken from the respective ETSI specification [EN 300 744], including an 
implementation margin of 3 dB. 
5.2 Scenario 1: MFN rooftop reception and a transition case 
A number of countries will wish to move from  an established DVB-T network to one using 
DVB-T2. This scenario provides an example of how that transition might take place while 
incorporating some common practical considerations. 
Although DVB-T2 may make it possible to improve or optimize the coverage of an existing 
network, in many cases the existi ng network’s coverage would be considered sufficient and it 
would therefore be desirable to keep the coverage  constant while increasing its capacity as that 
would allow new services to be introduced. In such  situations, it would be desirable to reuse the 
existing infrastructure such as the transmissi on stations, transmitters, combiners and antenna 
systems. The example below would allow this t ype of transition with a minimum of changes – 74 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 essentially the only requirement being the upgrade  of modulators. The transmission side of the 
network, otherwise unchanged, would mainta in essentially constant coverage.2 
For comparison, two sets of parameters are prov ided, one for the DVB-T network and another for 
the DVB-T2. Importantly, both sets of  parameters result in a similar C/N, meaning that if the 
transmit antennas and powers of the DVB-T netw ork are maintained for DVB-T2, the network’s 
coverage would essentially remain unchanged. Both sets of parameters also exhibit the same guard interval duration despite the guard interval fr action being substantially reduced for the DVB-T2 
case. Again, if the transmit antennas and radiated  powers remained constant in both networks, the 
SFN timings of the DVB-T network would translat e directly to the DVB-T2 network with little 
change in coverage. 
 
DVB-T parameters DVB-T2 parameters 
Bandwidth:  8 MHz Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT size:  2k FFT size:  32k 
Carrier mode:  N/A Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern:  N/A Scattered pilot pattern: PP7 
Guard interval:  1/32 (7 µs) Guard interval:  1/128 (28 µs) 
Modulation: 64-QAM Modulation: 256-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rice):  20.1 dB C/N (Rice): 20.0 dB 
Resulting data rate:  24.1 Mbit/s Resulting data rate: 40.2 Mbit/s 
5.3 Scenario 2: SFN rooftop reception, maximum coverage 
This scenario is intended to maximize coverage in  an SFN while providing rooftop reception. In this 
case it is necessary to use a relatively robust DV B-T2 mode. Several possible lengths of the guard 
interval may be possible depending on the network structure to be used, transmitter distance, radiated powers and terrain. Because of the rela tively high robustness of the mode, it may be 
possible to reduce the guard interv al to 1/16 (224 µs) for very la rge SFNs – a change that would 
increase capacity. 
 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT size: 32k 
Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP2 
Guard interval: 1/8 (448 µs) 
Modulation: 16-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rice): 11.6 dB 
Resulting data rate:  16.7 Mbit/s  
                                                 
2 Changes to the distribution network and other similar details have not been considered.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  75 
 5.4 Scenario 3: SFN rooftop reception, moderate coverage 
Generally two different c hoices of DVB-T2 parameter sets can be identified: 
– Where DVB-T2 is to replace an existing DVB-T  SFN serving a moderately sized area, say 
up to a diameter of 100 km. This also seems to  be a typically sized allotment area in the 
GE06 plan. 
– Where there is a need to create a large area DVB-T2 SFN of “unlimited” size. In this case it 
would have been difficult to use DVB-T  because of SFN self-interference. 
Due to limited results from DVB-T2 field trials it may be too early to make a clear choice of code 
rate for the SFN case. There are two main candi dates; code rates 3/5 and 2/3. The scenarios 
presented here are based upon the use of the 2/3 code rate, which gives higher capacity. 
In these scenarios it is suggested that the 32k FFT size be used. It s hould be pointed out that 32k is 
mainly aimed at fixed rooftop recep tion due to its sensitivity to Doppl er. It remains to be confirmed 
that the 32k modes are also suitab le for portable indoor reception. This  means that in cases where it 
is necessary to provide both rooftop and indoor reception the 16k modes may be more appropriate. 
This would result in the use of  a higher GI fraction, and hence reduced capacity, to achieve the 
required guard interval duration. 
5.4.1 Scenario 3a: Rooftop reception for limited area SFN 
The selection of the guard interval in this scen ario would be the same as the longest existing 
DVB-T mode (224 µs), using 8k FFT. However in this case DVB-T2 will allow use of a lower GI 
fraction (1/16) in order to maximize the capacity, due to the availability of 32k FFT. The use of the 
“new” GI fraction 19/256 (266 µs) could also be an  option in some cases in order to improve the 
situation where there is SFN self-interference when using 1/16. 
It should be pointed out that for the rooftop recep tion case, SFN self-interfe rence effects may not be 
as large as in the mobile or portable cases wher e omnidirectional receiving antennas are used. This 
can possibly allow for a further re duction of the GI fraction to, fo r example, 1/32 (112 µs) in some 
cases. 
For large area SFNs it is in prin ciple also possible to use the 19/128 (532 µs) GI fraction but 
preliminary results show that a GI of 448 µs is sufficient in order to a void self-inter ference in 
“infinitely” large SFNs. 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT size: 32k 
Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP4 
Guard interval: 1/16 (224 µs) 
Modulation: 256-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rice): 20.8 dB 
Resulting data rate:  37.0 Mbit/s  
5.4.2 Scenario 3b: Rooftop reception for large area SFNs 
This parameter set would be used in cases wher e it is possible to create a large area SFN, for 
“nationwide coverage”. The GI fraction needs to be  higher compared to the previous case in order 
to avoid SFN self-interference. 
 76 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT size: 32k 
Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP2 
Guard interval: 1/8 (448 µs) 
Modulation: 256-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rice): 21.2 dB 
Resulting data rate:  33.4 Mbit/s  
5.5 Scenario 4: Portable reception (maximum data rate) 
Scenario 4 describes a parameter set for portab le reception. The paramete rs are adapted to the 
present DTT implementations based on DVB-T in Germany. They are designed for portable 
reception and are based on an SFN approach. The 16k m ode is chosen with a guard interval length 
of 224 µs. This allows for SFNs with  a diameter of up to about 150 km. 
 
DVB-T parameters DVB-T2 parameters 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT mode: 8k FFT mode: 16k 
Carrier mode: N/A Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: N/A Scattered pilot pattern: PP3 
Guard interval: 1/4 (224 µs) Guard interval: 1/8 (224 µs) 
Modulation: 16-QAM Modulation: 64-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rayleigh): 17.2 dB C/N (Rayleigh): 17.9 dB 
Resulting data rate: 13.3 Mbit/s Resulting data rate: 26.2 Mbit/s 
Since the corresponding DVB-T implementation (8k, 16- QAM-2/3, GI 1/4) allows for a data rate of 
13.3 Mbit/s, this DVB-T2 scenario roughl y provides twice the data rate. 
If it turns out that even the 32k mode were appropriate for portable reception, the following 
parameter set would be possible: 
 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT mode: 32k 
Carrier mode: extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP4 
Guard interval: 1/16 (224 µs) 
Modulation: 64-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rayleigh): 17.9 dB 
Resulting data rate:  27.7 Mbit/s   Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  77 
 However, the viability of the 32k mode for portable reception is still to be proven in field trials, 
whereas it is now apparent from field trials that this mode is not appropriate for mobile reception. 
5.6 Scenario 5: Portable reception (m aximum coverage area extension) 
On the other hand, DVB-T2 may be  used to extend an existing ( DVB-T) coverage while keeping 
the (DVB-T) data rate. This can be achieved by applying a more rugged DVB-T2 system variant. 
An example scenario may be: 
 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT mode: 16k 
Carrier mode:  extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP3 
Guard interval: 1/8 (224 µs) 
Modulation: 16-QAM 
Code rate: 1/2 
C/N (Rayleigh): 9.8 dB 
Resulting data rate:  13.1 Mbit/s  
 
As compared to the corresponding DVB-T implementati on, a gain of about 7-8 dB is achieved. This 
may suffice to supply large parts of an area with  portable reception where previously only fixed 
reception was possible, or to supply portable indoor reception where previously only portable 
outdoor reception was possible. 
5.7 Scenario 6: Portable recepti on (optimal spectrum usage) 
This scenario aims at an optimal spectrum usage in  the sense that DTT service areas with the same 
MUX content are covered by one (possibly very la rge) SFN. For this purpose, a very large guard 
interval has to be chosen. This a pproach is best suited for national service areas; however, it has to 
be kept in mind that the present GE06 plan does not provide such large allotment areas. Thus, 
additional coordination is necessa ry to realize this scenario. 
 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT mode: 16k 
Carrier mode:  extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP1  
Guard interval: 1/4 (448 µs) 
Modulation: 64-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rayleigh): 18.3 dB 
Resulting data rate:  22.6 Mbit/s  
As compared to scenario 4, the higher expected sp ectrum efficiency is paid for by a smaller data 
rate of about 22.6 Mbit/s. 78 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 5.8 Scenario 7: Mobile reception (1.7 MHz bandwidt h in Band III) 
DVB-T2 additionally provides an operation mode with 1.7 MHz bandwidth. This allows for an 
implementation compliant with the DAB frequency block structure of the GE06 Plan. In this way 
also audio and mobile TV (with low bit rate) services may be supported. 
In the presented scenario a 4k mode is chosen whic h allows for a relatively high data rate. But as 
already encountered in a previous scenario the viability of an FFT mode with such a small carrier 
separation is still to be proven in field trials. 
 
Bandwidth: 1.7 MHz 
FFT mode: 4k 
Carrier mode: normal 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP2 
Guard interval: 1/8 (278 µs) 
Modulation: 16-QAM 
Code rate: 1/2 
C/N (Rayleigh): 10.2 dB 
Resulting data rate:  2.5 Mbit/s  
A similar guard interval length to that of T-DAB is  chosen in this scenario. Nonetheless, it can be 
expected that the SFN performance is worse for DVB-T2 since the degradation characteristics of 
DVB-T2 are more critical than thos e of T-DAB. Therefore, it might be necessary to choose a larger 
guard interval for the DVB-T2 scenario in order to allow for large SFN areas. A possible scenario 
for this could be: 
 
Bandwidth: 1.7 MHz 
FFT mode: 4k 
Carrier mode: normal 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP1 
Guard interval: 1/4 (555 µs) 
Modulation: 16-QAM 
Code rate: 1/2 
C/N (Rayleigh): 10.2 dB 
Resulting data rate:  2.2 Mbit/s  
In the end, simulations and field tr ials are required to assess the appr opriate guard interval for this 
scenario. 
5.9 Scenario 8: Portable and mobile reception  (common MUX usage by different services) 
– Multiple PLPs 
This scenario describes a joint usage of a DVB-T2 multiplex by different services (high/low data 
rate, rugged/less rugged, etc.). A typical example could be audio/mobile TV on one hand and 
SD/HDTV on the other hand. This is possible in DVB-T2 because of it s high flexibility with regard 
to the separate choice of modula tion, code rate or time interleaving for each service. Restrictions  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  79 
 have to be observed regarding the choice of the FFT mode and the scattered pilot pattern. These are 
common to all services and have ther efore to be chosen appropriately. 
Bandwidth: 8 MHz 
FFT mode:  8k 
Carrier mode: Extended 
Scattered pilot pattern: PP1 
Guard interval: 1/4 (224 µs) 
High data rate service (TV)  
Modulation: 64-QAM 
Code rate: 2/3 
C/N (Rayleigh): 18.3 dB 
Maximum data rate:  22.4 Mbit/s (100% high data rate, 0% low data 
rate service) 
 
Low data rate service 
(Audio/Mobile TV)  
Modulation: 16-QAM 
Code rate: 1/2 
C/N (Rayleigh): 10.2 dB 
Maximum data rate:  11.2 Mbit/s (0% high data rate, 100% low data 
rate service) 
A possible partitioning of the MUX could be: 
 1.5 Mbit/s for  the low data rate service (13% of the MUX capacity)  
 19.4 Mbit/s for the high data rate service (87% of the MUX capacity)  
The DVB-T2-Lite profile represents a particular realization of the concept of common MUX usage 
by different services. This is desc ribed in more detail in Annex 5. 
5.10 Overview of scenarios 
Tables 5.1 and 5.2 give an overview of the scenarios. 80 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE 5.1 
Overview of the rooftop im plementation scenarios 
Implementation Fixed rooftop 
reception  
MFN  
(UK mode) Fixed rooftop 
reception 
(maximum 
coverage area 
extension) Fixed rooftop 
reception 
Limited area SFN  
(GE06 Allotment) Fixed rooftop 
reception 
Large area SFN 
Scenario 1 2 3a 3b 
Bandwidth 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 
FFT mode 32k 32k 32k 32k 
Carrier mode Extended Ex tended Extended Extended 
Scattered pilot 
pattern PP7 PP2 PP4 PP2 
Guard interval 1/128 
(28 µs) 1/8 
(448 µs) 1/16 
(224 µs) 1/8 
(448 µs) 
Modulation 256-QAM 16-QAM 256-QAM 256-QAM 
Code rate 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 
C/N 20.0 dB 11.6 dB 20.8 dB 21.2 dB 
Data rate 40.2 Mbit/s 16.7 Mbit/s 37.0 Mbit/s 33.4 Mbit/s 
 
TABLE 5.2 
Overview of the portable and mobile implementation scenarios 
Implemen-
tation Portable  
reception 
(maximum 
data rate) Portable  
reception 
(maximum 
data rate,  
alternative) Portable 
reception
(maximum 
coverage 
area 
extension) Portable 
reception
(optimum 
spectrum 
usage) Mobile 
reception
Band IIIMobile  
reception 
Band III 
(alternative) Portable and mobile 
reception 
(common usage of 
MUX by different 
services) 
Scenario 4a 4b 5 6 7a 7b 8 
       high data 
rate low data 
rate 
Bandwidth 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 1.7 MHz 1.7 MHz 8 MHz 
FFT mode 16k 32k 16k 16k 4k 4k 8k 
Carrier 
mode Extended Extended Ex tended Extended Normal Normal Extended 
Scattered 
pilot 
pattern PP3 PP4 PP3 PP1 PP2 PP1 PP1 
Guard 
interval 1/8 
(224 µs) 1/16 
(224 µs) 1/8 
(224 µs) 1/4 
(448 µs) 1/8 
(278 µs) 1/4 
(555 µs) 1/4 
(224 µs) 
Modulation 64-QAM 64-QAM 16-QAM 64-QAM 16-QAM 16-QAM 64-QAM 16-QAM 
Code rate 2/3 2/3 1/2 2/3 1/2 1/2 2/3 1/2 
C/N 17.9 dB 17.9 dB 9.8 dB 18.3 dB 10.2 dB 10.2 dB 18.3 dB 10.2 dB 
Data rate 26.2 Mbit/s 27.7 Mbit/s 13.1 Mbit/s 22.6 Mbit/s 2.5 Mbit/s 2.2 Mbit/s 22.4 Mbit/s 
(max) 11.2 Mbit/s
(max) 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  81 
 6 Transition to DVB-T2 
6.1 DVB-T2 in GE06 
6.1.1 Implementing alternative broadcasting transmission systems under the GE06 
Agreement 
The RRC-06 adopted DVB-T and T-DAB as the two transmission systems for which the GE06 Plan 
was developed. Contracting Members of the GE06 Agreement adopted these two transmission systems as the only transmission systems for modifying the Plan and their Plan entries. 
Furthermore, the Plan modification procedures of  Article 4 have been developed specifically in 
terms of these two transmission systems. The result is that only these two transmission systems can 
be used when submitting modifications to the Plan. This implies that if a Contracting Member of 
the GE06 Agreement wants to implement assignm ents using DVB-T2 or another transmission 
system, then such assignments must first be submitted as Plan modifications using suitable 
technical characteristics and either indicati ng T-DAB or DVB-T as the transmission system. 
When the Plan entry is brought in to operation the administration can notify the actual transmission 
system (e.g. DVB-T2, DVB-H or any other suitab le system) under the Article 5 provision 5.1.3 of 
the agreement. Under this provis ion such an implementation is restricted not to cause more 
interference or require a higher level of protecti on than the original Plan entry. Additionally, the 
peak power density over any 4 kHz of such an implementation should not exceed the peak power 
density in the same 4 kHz of the corr esponding digital broadcasting Plan entry. 
The ITU-R has prepared the notice form GB1 for the notification of  a DVB-T2 assignment. 
6.1.2 Requirements for the developmen t of the DVB-T2 specification 
It was felt essential that DVB-T2 implementations should be able to use DVB-T assignments and 
allotments of the GE06 Plan in order to av oid re-planning activities and therefore adding 
complexity to the introduction of DVB-T2. The commercial requirements for the development of 
the DVB-T2 specification therefore include the following: “ Transmissions using the DVB-T2 
specification shall meet the interference levels and spectrum mask requirements as defined by GE06 
and not cause more interference than DVB-T would do. ” 
With respect to DVB-T as pla nned in the GE06 Plan, DVB-T2: 
– offers the same or better protection ratios and comparable minimum median field strength 
values for suitable equivalent variants; 
– can use the same linear (single or mixed) polar ization of the digital br oadcasting Plan entry; 
– can realize the same service areas using the same or lower radiated power levels; 
– maintains the same or lower peak power de nsities for variants operating in the same 
bandwidth and having the same or higher num ber of OFDM carriers (FFT size) for the 
same levels of radiated power. 
6.1.3 Implementation of DVB-T2 in the GE06 Plan 
DVB-T2 offers sufficient flexibility in terms of the number of suitable equivale nt variants that would 
maintain the same service area and would permit the operation of an assignment(s) within the 
limitations of Provision 5.1.3 of the GE06 Agreement and a corresponding digital broadcasting Plan 
entry. Additionally, in order to ensure that a DV B-T2 implementation respects the radiated power 
limitations outside the operating bandwidth, the DVB -T2 implementation will have to conform with 
the spectrum mask of the corresponding GE06 Plan en try as given in the GE 06 Agreement in Fig. 3-2 
and Table 3-10 (of the Agreement text) for T-DAB Plan entries and Fig. 3-3 and Table 3-11 for 
DVB-T Plan entries. Furthermore, the technical  characteristics of the DVB-T2 implementation 82 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 should be such that it would receive a favourable  finding when examining it under Section II of 
Annex 4 to the GE06 Agreement, along with Rule  of Procedure Part A10/GE06 5.1.3, decisions 1 to 
3 for conformity with respect to  the corresponding Plan entry. DVB-T 2 implementations that are in 
conformity with the relevant digi tal Plan entry and that have rece ived a favourable finding will be 
recorded in the MIFR. 
There remains a certain ambiguity with respect to the implementation of certain DVB-T2 variants 
and/or modes, for example, extended carrier mode and additional bandwidths. Recommendation 
ITU-R BT.1877 [BT1877] indicates that the 7 MH z and 8 MHz channel variants of DVB-T2 are 
compatible with the GE06 Plan for digital televi sion broadcasting and the 1.7 MHz channel variant is 
compatible with T-DAB frequency planning. Howe ver, the DVB-T2 7 MHz ex tended carrier modes 
are not compatible with a DVB-T 7 MHz Plan entry if the required occupied bandwidth is compared 
with the GE06 DVB-T spectrum mask for 7 MHz. Si milarly, the variants with a 1k FFT for 7 and 
8 MHz channels would be affected in a similar manner if the relevant filter GE06 DVB-T mask is 
applied. DVB-T2 variants for 5 an d 6 MHz channel arrangements ma y also be considered for the 
implementation of a GE06 Plan entry if suitable fi ltering is applied, however variants for these 
channel arrangements do not yet have defined spectrum shaping limits in the ETSI specification 
[EN 302 755] or in Recomme ndation ITU-R BT.1877 [BT1877]. 
Based on these considerations, DVB-T 2 variants which are directly compatible with GE06 are listed 
in Tables 6.1 to 6.3 (noting that  the other above-mentioned restrict ions would need to be observed 
as well): 
TABLE 6.1 
DVB-T2 variants directly compatible with 7 MHz channel arrangements 
Modulation FFT size Code rate* Guard interval 
QPSK or 
16-QAM or 
64-QAM or 
256-QAM 2k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
4k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
8k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
16k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
32k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128 
* For block sizes of 16,200 and 64,800 bits. 
 
TABLE 6.2 
DVB-T2 variants directly compatible with 8 MHz channel arrangements 
Modulation FFT size Code rate* Guard interval 
QPSK or 
16-QAM or 
64-QAM or 
256-QAM 2k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
4k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
8k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
16k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
32k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128 
8k extended 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
16k extended 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
32k extended 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128 
* For block sizes of 16,200 and 64,800 bits.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  83 
 TABLE 6.3 
DVB-T2 variants directly compatible  with 1.7 MHz channel arrangements 
Modulation FFT size Code rate* Guard interval 
QPSK or 
16-QAM or 
64-QAM or 
256-QAM 1k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
2k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
4k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 
8k 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 
* For block sizes of 16,200 and 64,800 bits. 
 
It is however important to note that if suitable filtering is applied, all DVB -T2 variant RF signals 
can be made compatible with the correspondi ng spectrum mask of the GE06 Agreement. In a 
similar manner filtering is also applied on a ba seband and/or RF level in the case of DVB-T 
transmissions. No spectrum mask has been de fined for DVB-T2 (in contrast to DVB-T) in 
Recommendation ITU-R BT.1877 [BT1877] or in th e ETSI specification [E N 302 755], since, as 
stated in § 6.1.2, it is assumed that DVB-T2 tran smissions will need to fulfil the same spectrum 
mask as has been defined for DVB-T. The spectral characteristics of the transmitted signal are a function of the natural OFDM signal, additiona l digital filtering, tran smitter non-linearity and 
analogue RF-filtering. It is therefore possible to use a DVB-T2 mode which has a natural spectrum 
that is “incompatible” with the GE06 spectrum mask as long as the additional steps of the 
processing chain before emission ensure that the transmitted spectrum does indeed fulfil the GE06 spectrum mask. 
Thus, in terms of their interference potenti al, all DVB-T2 1.7 MHz, 7 MHz and 8 MHz system 
variants (including all FFT sizes as well as normal or extended ba ndwidth, where applicable) could 
be used as long as the GE06 spectrum masks and other GE06 constraints are fulfilled for the transmitted signal. It should be noted that there may exist unconventional but commercially relevant 
cases where, for example, an 8 MHz signal could be transmitted in a 7 MHz Plan entry, but with 
additional filtering to ensure that the transmitte d signal conforms to the GE06 spectrum mask. 
These operational aspects are not however part of a formal Plan  modification or notification 
procedure in the GE06 Agreement and such filte ring will result in changing the technical 
characteristics of the DVB -T2 implementation (e.g. C/N ratios, protection ratios and required 
minimum median field strength values) from that of the standard specific DVB-T2 variant that has 
been filtered only to its  necessary occupied bandwidth. This re nders such implementations difficult 
to apply by administrations when they are reco rded in the MIFR and th eir required level of 
protection is to be established in the case th at harmful interference could occur to these 
implementations, where these assignments can only claim protection to the level afforded by the 
corresponding Plan entry. 
6.2 Transition scenarios 
6.2.1 Introduction 
When moving from analogue to digital transmissions broadcasters have gained experience with the 
transition from one system to another.  Some of the lessons learned were: 
– the higher the percentage of vi ewers that depend on the terrestrial platform as compared to 
other platforms, the more difficult and lengthy is the transition period; 
– for a certain period, a parallel operation of the old and the new technique is required; 84 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 – a certain amount of additional spectrum is needed for this, to accomplish the transition to 
new and more efficient techniques; 
– an incentive in terms of additional programme s, higher service qualit y, etc. is required for 
viewers to accept the transition to new techni ques because it may imply an upgrade of the 
user equipment, which they will have to pay for. 
Some of these aspects are addressed further in this  section as far as gene ral considerations on the 
transition to DVB-T2 are concerne d. Aspects particular to indivi dual countries are described in 
Annex 6. 
6.2.2 Infrastructure 
For DVB-T2 the existing infrastructure (from analogue  TV or DVB-T) which is related to antennas, 
masts, amplifiers, repeaters (although not re-transm itters which re-generate the signal), etc. at the 
transmitting side can be used. On the receiver side existing antenna infrastructure can be reused. This is valid if no change in the channel arrange ment is made. 
Since DVB-T2 is not downward compatible with DVB-T  new tuners, i.e. new TV sets or at least 
additional set-top boxes ar e required at the receiving side. Acco rdingly, modulators, gateways in the 
case of SFNs, upgrade of the contribution networ k, monitoring equipment and possibly filters are 
required at the transmitting side. In addition, the operati on modus of relays wh ich are fed off-air 
may have to be changed with the migration to DVB-T2. 
Most probably, also MPEG-4 source coding will then be used, although this aspect does not affect 
the RF transmission/reception side. 
6.2.3 Frequency planning issues 
The commercial requirements for DV B-T2 foresee compatibility with  the GE06 Plan as a matter of 
principle. Therefore it is possible to use the exis ting GE06 Plan assignments and/or allotments for 
the implementation of DVB-T2. The preceding § 6.1 s howed that there certain constraints have to 
be taken into account. 
From a frequency planning point of  view, for the transition to DVB -T2, it is therefore the easiest 
way to use the existing GE06 Plan structure. No a dditional frequency re-planning is required in this 
case, neither on national nor on inte rnational level. It implies that  the same characteristics with 
regard to transmitter power, antenna position and diagram, etc. are used. A gain in data capacity and/or coverage quality is achie ved. Similarly, for an allotment implementation the characteristics 
of the allotment plan entry regarding its interferen ce potential should be kept  while achieving a gain 
in data capacity and/or coverage quality. 
But DVB-T2 would, in principle, also allow for a more radical approach with regard to frequency 
and network planning resulting in  even higher spectrum efficiency. For DVB-T it is well known 
that the size of SFN is restricted because of self-interfere nce effects. This restriction is reduced with 
DVB-T2 because of the larger guard  intervals coming along with higher FFT modes. In a similar 
manner, existing coverage concepts (with regard  to data capacity and reception mode) could be 
realized with less transmitter sites and/or frequency assignments. 
But such approaches would imply a major re-arrange ment of the existing frequency plan which is 
best achieved by a new planning co nference. At present, such a general re-design of the existing 
frequency plan is not regarded as feasible. However, some improvements may be achieved by 
national or bilateral re-arrangement s. An example for the latter is th e aggregation of several national 
co-channel allotments to one large allotment in order to increase the coverage area which becomes technically possible with the new DVB-T2 variants; although then some multip lex capacity is lost.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  85 
 6.2.4 Transition from Analogue TV to DVB-T2 
For countries that have not yet st arted their transition to DTT, it seems logical that they should 
immediately introduce DVB-T2. Since DVB-T2 has alr eady started as a regular service in some 
countries it can be expected that DVB-T2 e quipment will soon be available on a mass market. 
It is expected that a simulcast period similar to that required for the transition from analogue TV to 
DVB-T will be needed for this tr ansition. The length of the simul cast period will largely depend on 
the relevance of the terrestrial pl atform as compared to other platforms. The higher the terrestrial 
penetration the more care that needs to be taken w ith the transition, and in general, the more time it 
will take. 
For the simulcast period, additi onal spectrum is required for the parallel transmission of TV 
services. The required amount of spectrum will heavily depend on the introduction strategy adopted for DVB-T2. For example in Spain,  with a high percentage of th e population using the terrestrial 
platform as their main means of reception, additional available spec trum was used for the simulcast 
period. 
A short simulcast period will reduce additional co sts, where possible a region-wise transition may 
avoid too abrupt changes across the whole country. This approach  was taken by Germany with the 
introduction of DTT, based on the fact that the per centage of the terrestrial platform was relatively 
small. 
The simulcast situation is eased with a transiti on from analogue to DVB-T2 as this technology can 
accommodate more individual programmes in a multiplex and so a smaller number of multiplexes is required. This will alleviate the cost of the simu lcast period and the difficu lty of finding spectrum 
for the simulcast. 
6.2.5 Transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 
Many European countries have alre ady introduced DVB-T and have, or  are about to cease analogue 
transmissions. For them a migration to DVB-T2 is  a possible next step in the development and 
implementation of broadcast delivery technologies. 
DVB-T2 is not backwards compatible with DVB -T, so an abrupt mi gration from DVB-T to 
DVB-T2 is not possible. More sophis ticated migration strategies are required. It is a commonly held 
view that this migration should be  based on there being additional offe rs to the consumer in order to 
be successful. These offers may consist of add itional programmes or may consist of different 
service types, such as HDTV. 
In general therefore, for the migration period, unus ed and/or additional spectrum is required. This 
may be found in temporarily unused spectrum, av ailable perhaps in countries where DVB-H is 
regarded as not being successful. Other countries may use available VHF spectrum for this purpose. 
A further possibility may be the more compact  aggregation of DVB-T programmes in existing 
multiplexes (with a possible slight loss of quality ) in order to free spectrum for an additional 
DVB-T2 multiplex. In exceptional cases the switc h-off of DVB-T programmes may also be 
considered in order to free up spectrum for a DVB-T2 multiplex. 
Some broadcasters may choose the enlarged possi bilities of DVB-T2 to change or extend their 
coverage and/or service concept. For example, a change from a coverage which up to now mainly 
provides fixed reception to portable outdoor/mobile reception is possible. Also the provision of a 
better video quality  is possible. 
For countries that have already switched to DTT the i ssue of consumer reinvestment becomes an 
issue. The introduction of DVB-T, perhaps within the last ten years, was accompanied by the need 
for consumers to invest in new receiving equipment. Now, with the migration to DVB-T2, a new 
investment in receiving equipment is required by th e consumers. This is a difficult situation since 86 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 consumers have been used to longer renewal cycl es of TV receiving equipment. The introductory 
strategy for DVB-T2 has to be chosen carefully in or der not to lose customers to other platforms, as 
happened in some countries with the tr ansition from Analogue TV to DVB-T. 
A special situation arises in count ries that have started but not completed the process of digital 
switch-over from Analogue TV to DVB-T and that also start to introduce DVB-T2. This situation is 
not that uncommon. Countries where the terrestrial platform is used  by a large percentage of the 
population as the primary means of reception will ne cessarily have a long transition period and they 
are now faced with the challenge of  an additional migration. Special considerations have then to be 
applied. A particular case is described in  detail in Annex 6 fo r the United Kingdom. 
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   Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  89 
 Annex 1 
 
Planning methods, criteria and parameter 
A1.1 Reception modes 
A1.1.1 Fixed antenna reception 
Fixed antenna reception is defined as: 
Reception where a directional receiving antenna mount ed at roof-level is used. In calculating the 
equivalent field strength required for fixed ante nna reception, a receiving antenna height of 10 m 
above ground level is consider ed to be representative. 
A1.1.2 Portable antenna reception 
In the context of this document, portable reception is defined as the reception at rest (stationary 
reception) or at very low speed (walking speed). Portable reception will, in practice, take place 
under a great variety of conditions (outdoor, i ndoor, ground floor and upper floors). In this 
document, portable reception is  comprised of two classes: 
– Class A: portable outdoor reception 
i) with external (for example telescopic or wired headsets) or integrated antenna; 
ii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground leve l, at very low speed or at rest. 
– Class B: portable indoor reception 
i) with external (for example telescopic or wired headsets) or integrated antenna; 
ii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground leve l, at very low speed or at rest; 
iii) on the ground floor in a room w ith a window in an external wall. 
It is assumed that the portable receiver is not mo ved during reception and that large objects near the 
receiver are also not moved. This does not mean th at the transmission channel is static; rather, a 
slowly time-varying channel is a ssumed. It is also understood that extreme cases, such as reception 
in completely shielded rooms, be disregarded. 
A1.1.3 Mobile reception 
Mobile reception is defined as the reception of  a DVB-T2 signal by a recei ver in motion with an 
antenna situated at no less than  1.5 m above ground level. The te rm motion covers speeds from a 
walking person to a car dr iven on a motorway. High-speed trains, buses and other vehicles could be 
considered in some countries. 
A1.1.4 Handheld reception 
A1.1.4.1 Handheld portable reception 
In the context of this document, handheld portabl e reception is defined as the reception at rest 
(stationary reception) or at very low speed (wal king speed). Handheld portable reception will, in 
practice, take place under a great variety of conditions (outdoor, indoor, ground floor and upper 
floors). In addition, the handheld receiver will probably be moved (at walking speed) while being 
viewed. 
The difference between portable reception and handhe ld portable reception lies in the different 
antenna gains which are assumed for the two reception modes. 90 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 In this document, handheld portable r eception is comprised of two classes: 
– Class H-A: handheld port able outdoor reception 
i) with external (for example telescopic or wired headsets) or integrated antenna; 
ii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground leve l, at very low speed or at rest. 
– Class H-B: handheld port able indoor reception 
i) with external (for example telescopic or wired headsets) or integrated antenna; 
ii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground leve l, at very low speed or at rest; 
iii) on the ground floor in a room w ith a window in an external wall. 
It is assumed that the handheld  portable receiver is not move d during reception and that large 
objects near the receiver are also not moved. This does not mean that the transmission channel is 
static; rather, a slowly time-var ying channel is assumed. It is also understood that extreme cases, 
such as reception in completely shielded rooms, be disregarded. 
For the handheld reception mode, it is often possi ble to improve reception by moving the receiver 
position and/or by using an ante nna with higher efficiency. 
It is to be expected that there will be significan t variation of reception co nditions for indoor portable 
reception, also depending on the floor-level at whic h reception is required. There will also be 
considerable variation of buildi ng penetration loss from one build ing to another and considerable 
variation from one part of a room to anothe r. Also, handheld receivers could suffer from 
body-absorption/reflection loss in ce rtain circumstances, e.g. file- downloading applications when 
the receiver is in a pocket. It is to be expected that “portable coverage” wi ll be mainly aimed at 
urban and suburban areas. 
A1.1.4.2 Handheld mobile reception 
In the context of this document, handheld m obile reception is comprised of two classes: 
– Class H-C: handheld reception inside  a moving vehicle (car, bus, etc.) 
i) with the receiver connected to th e external antenna of the vehicle; 
ii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground level, at higher speed. 
– Class H-D: handheld reception inside a moving vehicle (e.g. car, bus, etc.) 
i) without connexion of th e receiver to the external  antenna of the vehicle; 
ii) with external (for example telescopic or wired headsets) or integrated antenna; 
iii) at no less than 1.5 m above ground level, at higher speed. 
It should be noted that body-abso rption/reflection losses could also be of im portance in Class H-D 
under certain circumstances, for example when the terminal is in a pocket and file downloading is under way. However, this document does not consider this situation. 
It is to be expected that there will be signif icant variation of reception conditions for handheld 
mobile reception, depending on the environment of the receiver. There might also be considerable 
variation of entry loss caus ed by the varying construc tion of cars and vehicles. 
In both cases, it is assumed that the handheld mobile  receiver and/or large objects near the receiver 
may move during the reception. It is also unders tood that extreme cases, such as reception in 
completely shielded vehicles, be disregarded. 
Again, the difference between mobile reception and handheld mobile reception,  Class H-C, lies in 
the different antenna gains which are assumed for the two reception modes.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  91 
 A1.2 Coverage definitions 
It is necessary to have definitions for the coverage  of a terrestrial television transmitting station or a 
group of such stations. Digital tele vision service coverage is charac terized by a very rapid transition 
from near perfect reception to no re ception at all and it thus becomes critical to be able to define 
which areas are going to be covered and which are not. However, because of the very rapid 
transition described above, there is a cost penalty if the coverage target within a small area (say, 100 m × 100 m) is set too high. This occurs because it  is necessary ei ther to increase the transmitter 
powers or to provide a larger numbe r of transmitters in order to gua rantee coverage to the last few 
percent of the worst-served small areas. 
For this reason, the coverage definition of “good” has been selected as the case where 95% of the 
locations within a small area are covered. Similarl y, “acceptable” has been defined to be the case 
where 70% of the locations within a small area are covered. 
The definitions do not aim to describe the area where coverage is achieved under worst-case 
conditions. They provide a descrip tion of the area where “good” or  “acceptable” cove rage should be 
achieved under representative practical conditi ons. They may be regarded as describing the 
“quality” of the coverage achieved. 
In defining the coverage area for each recepti on condition, a three-level approach is taken: 
Receiving location 
The smallest unit is a receiving location with dimensions of about 0.5 m × 0.5 m. In the case of 
portable antenna reception, it is assumed that op timal receiving conditions will be found by moving 
the antenna or by moving the handheld terminal up to 0.5 m in any direction. 
Such a location is regarded as covered if the re quired carrier-to-noise and carrier-to-interference 
values are achieved for 99% of the time. 
Small area coverage 
The second level is a “small area” (typically 100 m × 100 m). In this small area the percentage of 
covered location is indicated. 
The coverage of a small area is classified as: 
– “Good”, if at least 95 % of receiving locations  within the area ar e covered for portable 
reception and 99% of receiving locations with in it are covered for mobile reception. 
– “Acceptable”, if at least 70% of receiving locat ions within the area are covered for portable 
reception and 90% of receiving locations with in it are covered for mobile reception. 
Coverage area 
The third level is the coverage area. 
The coverage area of a transmitter, or a group of transmitters, is made up of the sum of the 
individual small areas in which a gi ven class of coverage is achieved. 
A1.3 Calculation of signal levels 
To calculate the minimum median power flux-density or equivalent field strength needed to ensure 
that the minimum values of signal level can be achi eved at the required percentage of locations, the 
following formulas are used: 
 
φ
min = Ps min – Aa + Lf  
Emin = φmin + 120 + 10 log 10 (120 π) = φmin + 145.8 92 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 φmed = φmin + Pmmn + Cl (for fixed reception) 
φmed = φmin + Pmmn + Cl + Lh (for portable outdoor reception, Class A, 
mobile reception and, handheld portable outdoor reception, Class H-A, and handheld mobile vehicular reception, Class H-C) 
φ
med = φmin + Pmmn + Cl + Lh + Lb (for portable indoor re ception, Class B, and 
handheld portable indoor reception, Class H-B) 
φ
med = φmin + Pmmn + Cl + Lh + Lv (for handheld mobile reception, Class H-D) 
Emed = φmed + 120 + 10 log 10 (120 π) = φmed + 145.8 
where: 
C/N: RF signal-to-noise ratio required by the system (dB) 
φmin: Minimum power flux-density at receiving place (dBW/m2) 
Emin: Equivalent minimum field st rength at receiving place (dB μV/m) 
Lf: Feeder loss (dB) 
Lh: Height loss (10 m a.g.l. to 1.5 m a.g.l.) (dB) 
Lb: Building penetration loss (dB) 
Lv: Vehicle entry loss (dB) 
Pmmn: Allowance for man-made noise (dB) 
Cl: Location correction factor (dB) 
φmed: Minimum median power flux-de nsity, planning value (dBW/m2) 
Emed: Minimum median equivalent fi eld strength, planning value (dB μV/m) 
Aa: Effective antenna aperture (dBm2) (Aa = Giso + 10log 10(λ2/4π)). Giso is the antenna 
gain relative to an isotropic antenna 
Ps min:  Minimum receiver input power (dBW) 
For calculating the loca tion correction factor Cl a log-normal distribution of the received signal is 
assumed. 
  C l = μ * σ 
where: 
 μ: distribution factor, being 0.52 for 70%, 1.28 for 90%, 1.64 for 95% and 2.33 
for 99%; 
 σ: standard deviation taken as 5.5 dB  for outdoor reception. See § A1.3.7 for σ 
values appropriate for indoor reception. 
While the matters dealt with in this secti on are generally applicable, additional special 
considerations are needed in the case of SFN s where there is more than one wanted signal 
contribution.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  93 
 A1.3.1 Antenna gain 
The antenna gains used in the derivation of the mi nimum median wanted sign al levels in § 3 are 
given in Table A1.1. 
For portable and mobile reception, an omnidirectional antenna is applied. Within any frequency band, the variation of antenn a gain with frequency may be taken into account 
by the addition of a correction term: 
  Corr  = 10 log
10(FA/FR) 
where: 
 FA: actual frequency being considered; 
 FR: relevant reference frequency quoted in § 3. 
For further detailed information concerning the an tenna gain values of handheld receivers, see 
§ 1.3.3.2 of [Tech3317]. 
TABLE A1.1 
Antenna gain in dBd for the different ba nds and for the different reception modes 
 Gain (dBd) 
Reception Mode 
Band III Bands IV/
V 
Rooftop antenna 7 11 Fixed rooftop 
Adapted antenna –2.2 0 Portable Class A and B 
Mobile 
Handheld mobile vehicular Class H-C 
External antenna* –13 –5.5 Handheld portable outdoor Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B 
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
Integrated antenna –17 –9.5 Handheld portable outdoor Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B 
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
* Telescopic or wired headsets. 
 
A1.3.2 Feeder loss 
The feeder losses used in the derivation of the minimum median wanted signal levels in § 3 are 
given in Table A1.2: 
TABLE A1.2 
Feeder loss in dB fo r the different bands 
 Feeder loss (dB)  
Band III Bands IV/V Reception Mode 
Rooftop antenna 2 4 Fixed rooftop 
 94 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Portable, mobile and handheld receiv ers can be assumed to have a lo w feeder loss in all bands. For 
planning purposes, no feeder losses are to be considered for portable, mobile and handheld 
reception. 
A1.3.3 Man-made noise (MMN) 
IRT measurements of man-made noise in Band I II [BCP078] have shown much higher values than 
those assessed in the RRC-06 Repor t [RRC06] (8 dB instead of 2 dB in urban areas), affecting 
mobile reception using an adapted antenna (m obile reception and handheld mobile vehicular 
Class H-C). On the other hand the effect of ma n-made noise in the receiving environment is 
affected by the negative antenna gains. The full ma n-made noise values are only valid for antennas 
with a gain greater than 0 dBi (2.2 dBd). For antennas with a gain  less than 0 dBi it is important to 
distinguish between the pure antenn a gain and the efficiency of the antenna. The efficiency of the 
antenna reduces all received signa ls equally, also the man-made noi se. Due to this, the relevant 
value for calculation purposes is reduced. In [BCP078] the treatment of man-made noise for 
negative isotropic antenna ga ins is further described. 
The allowance for man-made noise for Bands IV and V is usually taken to be negligible. However, 
according to measurements [TR 102 377], an allowan ce of 1 dB is specified for Bands IV and V in 
urban areas for adapted antennas. 
For planning purposes, the figures in Tables A1.3 and A1.4 are used. 
In Recommendation ITU-R P.372-10 [P372], the differe nce between the man-made noise values for 
residential and rural areas is 2-3 dB. It seems r easonable to apply this di fference also to the new 
man-made noise values here. Therefore the rura l MMN value for adapted antennas in Band III is 
assumed to be 5 dB, in Bands IV/V 0 dB. The corresponding relevant va lues for external and 
integrated antennas are 0 dB in all bands. 
It may be noted that there are also lower MMN va lues quoted for rural ar eas in accordance with 
[NTIA02-390] and [CPRT008]. 
TABLE A1.3 
Allowance for man-made noise used in the calculation for urban areas 
Urban Band III Bands IV/V Reception Mode 
Allowance for man-made noise    
Relevant value for integrated ante nna 0 0 Handheld portable outdoor  
Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
Relevant value for external ante nna* 1 0 Handheld portable outdoor  
Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
Relevant value for rooftop ante nna 2 dB 0 dB Fixed rooftop 
Relevant value for adapted antenna 8 dB 1 dB Portable Class A and B, 
Mobile 
Handheld mobile vehicular  
Class H-C 
* Telescopic or wired handsets. 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  95 
 TABLE A1.4 
Allowance for man-made noise used in the calculation for rural areas 
Rural Band III Bands IV/V Reception Mode 
Allowance for man-made noise     
Relevant value for integrated antenna  0 0 Handheld portable outdoor Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B 
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
Relevant value for external antenna* 0 0 Handheld portable outdoor Cass H-A 
Handheld portable indoor Cass H-B 
Handheld mobile reception H-D 
Relevant value for rooftop ante nna 2 dB 0 dB Fixed rooftop 
Relevant value for adapted antenna 5 dB 0 dB Portable Class A and B  
Mobile Handheld mobile vehicular Class H-C
 
A1.3.4 Height loss 
For portable (Classes A, B, H-A and H-B) a nd mobile reception (Classes H-C and H-D), the 
antenna height of 10 m above ground level, ge nerally used for pla nning purposes, is not 
representative and a corre ction factor needs to be introduced based on a receiving antenna near 
ground floor level. For this reason a receiving an tenna height of 1.5 m ab ove ground level (outdoor) 
or above floor level (indoor) has been assumed. 
The propagation prediction method of Recomme ndation ITU-R P.1546 [P1546] uses a receiving 
height that corresponds to the he ight of the surrounding clutter (buildings et c.). To correct the 
predicted values for a receiving he ight of 1.5 m above ground level a factor called “height loss” has 
been introduced. 
However, the height loss can also be specified for different types of receiving environments. CEPT 
ECC Report 49 [ECC049] provides the height loss values for some type of environments. 
For planning purposes the values in Table A 1.5 could be used for the different bands and 
environment classes. 
TABLE A1.5 
Height loss for the different ba nds and environment classes 
 Receiving antenna height loss (dB) 
 Band III Bands IV/V 
Urban 19 23.5 
Suburban 12 17 
Rural 12 16.5 
 
The height loss values are based on Recommendation ITU-R P.1546 [P1546]. 
The height loss may also depend on  the distance between the transmitter and the receiver, which 
makes it variable with the size of  the coverage area. Therefore, in this document the Figures of 
minimum median equivalent field strength for portable (Classes A,  B, H-A and H-B) and mobile 
reception (Classes H-C and H-D) are calculated at 1.5 m a.g.l. The valu es of height loss given in 96 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 this section could be used to derive the minimu m median equivalent fiel d strength corresponding to 
the height of the surrounding clutte r (buildings etc.). Further inves tigations about the height loss 
are, however, needed. 
For fixed reception the Figures of minimum median equivalent field strength are calculated at 10 m 
a.g.l. 
A1.3.5 Building penetration loss 
Portable reception will take pl ace at outdoor and indoor locations. The field strength at indoor 
locations will be significantly at tenuated by an amount depending on the material s of, and the 
construction of the building. A large spread of building penetration losse s and entry losses for 
moving objects is to be expected. 
For planning purposes, the present document assume s the values shown in Table A1.6 for Class B 
(portable indoor) and Class H- B (handheld portable indoor). 
TABLE A1.6 
Building penetration loss 
 
Band Class B/Portable indoor reception 
Class H-B/Handheld portable indoor reception 
Median value (dB) Standard deviation (dB) 
Band III 9 3 
Bands IV/V 11 6 
 
For Band III, the values are taken from the GE06 Final Acts [RRC06]. 
For Bands IV and V, the values are taken from the ETSI DVB-H implementation guidelines 
[TR 102 377] where further information on building penetrati on loss can be found. 
A1.3.6 Vehicle (car) entry loss 
For Class H-D (mobile inside), the values show n in Table A1.7 are used in the calculations: 
TABLE A1.7 
Vehicle (car) entry loss 
 
Band Class H-D 
Median value (dB) Standard deviation (dB) 
Band III 8 2 
Bands IV/V 8 2 
 
These values come from a study presented in [KHM 98] which shows in-car penetration losses of 
8 dB with an associated standard deviation of 2-3 dB, based on measurements at 800 MHz. 
Furthermore, it is expected that the value of 8 dB will not be sufficient for estimating penetration 
loss into trains. 
Due to the lack of investigations concerning the car entry loss and its vari ation with the frequency, 
the same value is taken for all Bands III and IV/V . Further studies are needed on this subject.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  97 
 A1.3.7 Location percentage 
A1.3.7.1 Signal level variations 
Field strength variations can be  divided into macro-scale and mi cro-scale variations. The macro-
scale variations relate to areas with linear dimensions of 10 m to 100 m or more and are mainly 
caused by shadowing, reflection and scattering. The micro-scale variations relate to areas with 
dimensions in the order of a wavelength and ar e mainly caused by multi-path reflections from 
nearby objects. The effect of micro-scale fading is normally taken into account by an appropriate 
C/N value for the transmission channel under consider ation. Moreover, as it may be assumed that 
for portable reception the position of the antenna can be optimized within the order of a wavelength, 
micro-scale variations will not be too significant for planning purposes. 
Macro-scale variations of the field strength are very  important for coverage assessment. In general, 
a high target percentage for coverage would be requi red to compensate for the rapid failure rate of 
digital TV signals. Therefore an extra correction is required to the value derived from a field 
strength prediction that a pplies to 50% of locations. 
A1.3.7.2 Location percentage requirements at outdoor locations (Portable Classes A 
and H-A) 
Recommendation ITU-R P.1546 [P1546]  gives a standard deviation for wideband signals of 5.5 dB. 
This value is used here for determining the loca tion correction factor for outdoor locations for all 
Bands III and IV/V. 
TABLE A1.8 
Macro-scale variation for portable outdoor reception: 
Coverage targets and location correction factors 
Classes A and H-A, all bands 
Coverage target Location correction factor (dB) 
>70% 3 
>95% 9 
 
A1.3.7.3 Location percentage requirements at indoor locations (Classes B and H-B) 
The location correction factor at i ndoor locations is the combined result of th e outdoor variation and 
the variation factor due to buildi ng attenuation. These distributions ar e expected to be uncorrelated. 
The standard deviation of the indoor  field strength distribution can therefore be calculated by taking 
the root of the sum of the squares of the indivi dual standard deviations. As a consequence, the 
location variation of the field strengt h is increased for indoor reception. 
In Band III, where the macro-scale standard devia tions are 5.5 dB and 3 dB (§ A1.3.5), respectively, 
the combined value is 6.3 dB. 
In Bands IV/V, where the macro-scale standard  deviations are 5.5 dB and 6 dB (§ A1.3.5), 
respectively, the combin ed value is 8.1 dB. 98 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A1.9 
Macro-scale variation for portable indoor reception: 
Coverage targets and location correction factors  
 Classes B and H-B 
 Location correction factor (dB) 
Coverage target Band III Bands IV/V 
>70% 3 4 
>95% 10 13 
 
The resultant location correction f actors at indoor locations for th e different bands are given in 
Table A1.9. 
A1.3.7.4 Location percentage requirements for mobile and handheld mobile vehicular 
reception, Class H-C 
The value of standard deviation given in § A 1.3.7.2 is used here for determining the location 
variation at outdoor locations for mobile and han dheld mobile vehicular reception. To cope with a 
mobile environment, larger valu es of location correc tion factors than for portable reception are 
used. 
These location correction fact ors are given in Table A1.10. 
TABLE A1.10 
Macro-scale variation for mobile reception: Coverage targets and 
location correction factors 
Mobile reception, all bands 
Coverage target Location correction factor (dB) 
>90% 7 
>99% 13 
 
A1.3.7.5 Location percentage requirements for handheld reception in a moving vehicle 
(Class H-D) 
The location correction factor for handheld reception in a moving vehi cle is the combined result of 
the outdoor variation an d the variation factor due to vehicle penetration loss. These distributions are 
expected to be uncorrelated. The standard deviation of the field strength distribution for handheld 
reception in a moving vehicle can therefore be cal culated by taking the root of the sum of the 
squares of the individua l standard deviations. 
In all bands, the macro-scale standard deviations  are 5.5 dB and 2 dB (§ A1.3.6), respectively; the 
combined value is 5.9 dB. 
The resultant location correction factors for handhe ld reception in a moving vehicle (Class H-D) are 
given in Table A1.11.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  99 
 TABLE A1.11 
Macro-scale variation for handheld recepti on in a moving vehicle (Class H-D): 
Coverage targets and location correction factors 
Class H-D, all bands 
Coverage target Location correction factor (dB) 
>90% 7.6 
>99% 13.7 
 
A1.3.8 Frequency interpolation in the UHF band (Bands IV and V) 
The minimum median field strength Fs1 for a frequency f1 using the value of the field strength Fs 
for the frequency f given in the examples, for Bands IV/V, may be calculated from [RRC06]: 
 
for fixed reception:  Fs1 = Fs + 20 log 10(f1/f), and 
for portable and mobile reception:  Fs1 = Fs + 30 log 10(f1/f) 
The difference between the two cases is due to the fact  that the height loss scales with an additional 
factor of 10 log 10(f1/f). 
  
Annex 2 
 
Estimation of the net data ca pacity of a DVB-T2 multiplex 
The exact data capacity of a DVB-T2 configura tion depends on a large number of parameters. 
Possible combinations of FFT and guard interval fraction (GIF) for different bandwidths are given 
in Tables 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 in § 3.1. In addition, only selected scattered pilot patterns are allowed for 
a specific combination of FFT a nd GIF. These are given in Tabl e 2.19 in § 2.7 for the SISO mode 
and in Table 4.2 in § 4.3 for the MISO mode. For convenience, the latter tw o tables are repeated 
below in Tables A2.1 and A2.2, and a summary of Tables 2.5 to 2.7 is given in Table A2.3. 
This Annex gives an overview of the net data ca pacity of a DVB-T2 multiplex. The information is 
taken from [AFM2010] and is base d on the data rates given in [A 133] for the 32k mode taking into 
account scattered pilot pa ttern, bandwidth-extension, guard inte rval fraction and symbol length. 
The error associated with this estimation should be less than 0.5%  for an 8 MHz channel and less 
than 3.5% for a 1.7 MHz channel. 
In general, the data rate is inde pendent of the FFT mode as long as other parameters such as GIF or 
code rate are kept unchanged. However, the ba ndwidth extension depends on the FFT mode. The 
net data capacities for differe nt DVB-T2 configurations in an  8 MHz and a 1.7 MHz channel are 
given in Tables A2.4 to A2.7. The ne t data capacity in a 7 MHz chan nel may be calculated from the 
8 MHz channel case by taking a fraction of 7/8. 
All fields in Tables A2.4 through A2.7 are filled, ev en if a particular comb ination of FFT, GIF and 
scattered pilot pattern is not possible. Then this  data capacity is only hypot hetical and not available 
in practice. It is up to the read er to verify by means of Tables A2.1 to A2.3 whether a particular 
combination is applicable in practice. 100 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Combinations not listed in Tables  A2.4 through A2.7 are not available. 
TABLE A2.1 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for each allowed combination of FFT size 
and guard interval in SISO  mode (from [EN 302 755]) 
FFT size Guard interval 
1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
32k PP7 PP4 
PP6 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 PP2 
PP8 PP2 
PP8 n/a 
16k PP7 PP7 
PP4 
PP6 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 
8k PP7 PP7 
PP4 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP2 
PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 
4k, 2k n/a PP7 
PP4 PP4 
PP5 n/a PP2 
PP3 n/a PP1 
1k n/a n/a PP4 
PP5 n/a PP2 
PP3 n/a PP1 
TABLE A2.2 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for each allowed combination of FFT size 
and guard interval in MISO mode (from [EN 302 755]) 
FFT size Guard interval 
1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
32k PP8 
PP4 
PP6 PP8 
PP4 
 PP2 
PP8 PP2 
PP8 n/a n/a n/a 
16k PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP8 
PP4 
PP5 PP3 
PP8 PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 n/a 
8k PP8 
PP4 PP5 PP8 
PP4 PP5 PP3 
PP8 PP3 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 PP1 
PP8 n/a 
4k, 2k  n/a PP4 
PP5 PP3 n/a PP1 n/a n/a 
1k n/a n/a PP3 n/a PP1 n/a n/a 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  101 
 TABLE A2.3 
Allowed combinations of FFT and GIF 
FFT GIF 
 1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
32k Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No 
16k Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
8k Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
4k No Yes Yes No Yes No No 
2k No Yes Yes No Yes No No 
1k No No Yes No Yes No No 
 
 102 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A2.4 
Capacity in a 8 MHz channel, normal carrier mode, FFT modes: 1k to 32k 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 1 & 2 Scattered Pilot Pattern 3 & 4 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.4 6.1 6.0 5. 5 7.1 6.9 6.7 6.7 6.4 6.2 5.7 
3/5 8.2 8.0 7.8 7.7 7.3 7.2 6. 6 8.5 8.3 8.1 8.0 7.7 7.5 6.9 
2/3 9.1 8.9 8.6 8.5 8.2 8.0 7. 3 9.5 9.3 9.0 8.9 8.5 8.3 7.7 
3/4 10.2 10.0 9.7 9.6 9.2 9.0 8. 3 10.7 10.4 10.1 10.0 9.6 9.4 8.6 
4/5 10.9 10.7 10.4 10.2 9.8 9.6 8. 8 11.4 11.1 10.8 10.7 10.2 10.0 9.2 
5/6 11.4 11.1 10.8 10.7 10.2 10.0 9. 2 11.9 11.6 11.3 11.2 10.7 10.4 9.6 
16-QAM 1/2 13.6 13.3 12.9 12.8 12.2 12.0 11.0 14.3 13.9 13.5 13.4 12.8 12.5 11.5 
3/5 16.4 16.0 15.6 15.4 14.7 14.4 13. 2 17.1 16.7 16.3 16.1 15.4 15.1 13.8 
2/3 18.2 17.8 17.3 17.1 16.4 16.0 14. 7 19.1 18.6 18.1 17.9 17.1 16.7 15.4 
3/4 20.5 20.1 19.5 19.3 18.4 18.0 16. 6 21.4 21.0 20.4 20.1 19.2 18.8 17.3 
4/5 21.9 21.4 20.8 20.6 19.6 19.2 17. 7 22.9 22.4 21.7 21.5 20.5 20.1 18.5 
5/6 22.8 22.3 21.7 21.4 20.5 20.1 18. 4 23.9 23.3 22.6 22.4 21.4 21.0 19.3 
64-QAM 1/2 20.4 20.0 19.4 19.2 18.3 18.0 16. 5 21.4 20.9 20.3 20.0 19.1 18.8 17.2 
3/5 24.6 24.0 23.3 23.1 22.0 21.6 19. 8 25.7 25.1 24.4 24.1 23.0 22.5 20.7 
2/3 27.3 26.7 25.9 25.7 24.5 24.0 22.1 28.6 27.9 27.1 26.8 25.6 25.1 23.1 
3/4 30.7 30.0 29.2 28.9 27.6 27.0 24.8 32.1 31.4 30.5 30.2 28.8 28.2 25.9 
4/5 32.8 32.1 31.1 30.8 29.4 28.8 26. 5 34.3 33.5 32.5 32.2 30.7 30.1 27.7 
5/6 34.2 33.4 32.5 32.1 30.7 30.0 27. 6 35.7 34.9 33.9 33.5 32.0 31.4 28.9 
256-QAM 1/2 27.3 26.7 25.9 25.6 24.5 24.0 22. 1 28.5 27.9 27.1 26.8 25.6 25.1 23.0 
3/5 32.8 32.1 31.1 30.8 29.4 28.8 26. 5 34.3 33.5 32.5 32.2 30.7 30.1 27.7 
2/3 36.5 35.7 34.6 34.3 32.7 32.1 29. 5 38.1 37.3 36.2 35.8 34.2 33.5 30.8 
3/4 41.1 40.1 39.0 38.6 36.8 36.1 33. 2 42.9 41.9 40.7 40.3 38.5 37.7 34.7 
4/5 43.8 42.8 41.6 41.1 39.3 38.5 35. 4 45.8 44.8 43.5 43.0 41.1 40.2 37.0 
5/6 45.7 44.7 43.4 42.9 41.0 40.1 36. 9 47.7 46.7 45.3 44.8 42.8 41.9 38.6  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  103 
 TABLE A2.4 ( end) 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 5 & 6 Scattered Pilot Pattern 7 & 8 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code 
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 7.3 7.1 6.9 6.8 6.5 6.4 5. 9 7.3 7.2 7.0 6.9 6.6 6.4 5.9 
3/5 8.7 8.5 8.3 8.2 7.8 7.7 7. 0 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.3 7.9 7.7 7.1 
2/3 9.7 9.5 9.2 9.1 8.7 8.5 7. 8 9.8 9.6 9.3 9.2 8.8 8.6 7.9 
3/4 10.9 10.7 10.4 10.2 9.8 9.6 8. 8 11.0 10.8 10.5 10.4 9.9 9.7 8.9 
4/5 11.6 11.4 11.1 10.9 10.4 10.2 9. 4 11.8 11.5 11.2 11.0 10.6 10.3 9.5 
5/6 12.1 11.9 11.5 11.4 10.9 10.7 9. 8 12.3 12.0 11.6 11.5 11.0 10.8 9.9 
16-QAM 1/2 14.6 14.2 13.8 13.7 13.1 12.8 11. 8 14.7 14.4 14.0 13.8 13.2 12.9 11.9 
3/5 17.5 17.1 16.6 16.4 15.7 15.4 14. 1 17.7 17.3 16.8 16.6 15.9 15.5 14.3 
2/3 19.5 19.0 18.5 18.3 17.5 17.1 15. 7 19.7 19.2 18.7 18.5 17.6 17.3 15.9 
3/4 21.9 21.4 20.8 20.6 19.6 19.2 17. 7 22.1 21.6 21.0 20.8 19.9 19.5 17.9 
4/5 23.4 22.9 22.2 21.9 21.0 20.5 18. 9 23.6 23.1 22.4 22.2 21.2 20.8 19.1 
5/6 24.4 23.8 23.1 22.9 21.9 21.4 19. 7 24.6 24.1 23.4 23.1 22.1 21.6 19.9 
64-QAM 1/2 21.8 21.3 20.7 20.5 19.6 19.2 17. 6 22.0 21.5 20.9 20.7 19.8 19.4 17.8 
3/5 26.2 25.6 24.9 24.6 23.5 23.0 21. 2 26.5 25.9 25.1 24.9 23.8 23.3 21.4 
2/3 29.2 28.5 27.7 27.4 26.2 25.6 23. 6 29.5 28.8 28.0 27.7 26.4 25.9 23.8 
3/4 32.8 32.1 31.1 30.8 29.4 28.8 26. 5 33.2 32.4 31.5 31.1 29.7 29.1 26.8 
4/5 35.0 34.2 33.2 32.9 31.4 30.8 28. 3 35.4 34.6 33.6 33.2 31.7 31.1 28.6 
5/6 36.5 35.7 34.6 34.3 32.7 32.1 29. 5 36.9 36.1 35.0 34.6 33.1 32.4 29.8 
256-QAM 1/2 29.1 28.5 27.7 27.4 26.1 25.6 23. 5 29.5 28.8 27.9 27.6 26.4 25.9 23.8 
3/5 35.0 34.2 33.2 32.9 31.4 30.8 28. 3 35.4 34.6 33.6 33.2 31.7 31.1 28.6 
2/3 39.0 38.1 37.0 36.6 34.9 34.2 31. 5 39.4 38.5 37.4 37.0 35.3 34.6 31.8 
3/4 43.8 42.9 41.6 41.2 39.3 38.5 35. 4 44.3 43.3 42.0 41.6 39.7 38.9 35.8 
4/5 46.8 45.7 44.4 43.9 41.9 41.1 37. 8 47.3 46.2 44.9 44.4 42.4 41.5 38.2 
5/6 48.8 47.7 46.3 45.8 43.7 42.8 39. 4 49.3 48.2 46.8 46.3 44.2 43.3 39.8 
 104 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A2.5 
Capacity in a 8 MHz channel, extended carrier mode, FFT mode: 8k 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 1 & 2 Scattered Pilot Pattern 3 & 4 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code 
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.5 6.2 6.1 5. 6 7.2 7.0 6.8 6.8 6.5 6.3 5.8 
3/5 8.3 8.1 7.9 7.8 7.4 7.3 6. 7 8.7 8.5 8.2 8.1 7.8 7.6 7.0 
2/3 9.2 9.0 8.8 8.7 8.3 8.1 7. 4 9.6 9.4 9.1 9.0 8.6 8.5 7.8 
3/4 10.4 10.1 9.8 9.7 9.3 9.1 8. 4 10.8 10.6 10.3 10.2 9.7 9.5 8.8 
4/5 11.1 10.8 10.5 10.4 9.9 9.7 8. 9 11.6 11.3 11.0 10.9 10.4 10.2 9.3 
5/6 11.5 11.3 11.0 10.8 10.3 10.1 9. 3 12.1 11.8 11.4 11.3 10.8 10.6 9.7 
16-QAM 1/2 13.8 13.5 13.1 13.0 12.4 12.2 11. 2 14.5 14.1 13.7 13.6 13.0 12.7 11.7 
3/5 16.6 16.3 15.8 15.6 14.9 14.6 13. 4 17.4 17.0 16.5 16.3 15.6 15.3 14.0 
2/3 18.5 18.1 17.6 17.4 16.6 16.3 15. 0 19.3 18.9 18.4 18.2 17.3 17.0 15.6 
3/4 20.8 20.4 19.8 19.5 18.7 18.3 16. 8 21.8 21.3 20.6 20.4 19.5 19.1 17.6 
4/5 22.2 21.7 21.1 20.9 19.9 19.5 17. 9 23.2 22.7 22.0 21.8 20.8 20.4 18.8 
5/6 23.2 22.6 22.0 21.7 20.8 20.3 18. 7 24.2 23.7 23.0 22.7 21.7 21.3 19.6 
64-QAM 1/2 20.7 20.3 19.7 19.5 18.6 18.2 16. 7 21.7 21.2 20.6 20.3 19.4 19.0 17.5 
3/5 24.9 24.4 23.6 23.4 22.3 21.9 20. 1 26.0 25.4 24.7 24.4 23.3 22.9 21.0 
2/3 27.7 27.1 26.3 26.0 24.9 24.4 22.4 29.0 28.3 27.5 27.2 26.0 25.4 23.4 
3/4 31.2 30.5 29.6 29.3 28.0 27.4 25.2 32.6 31.8 30.9 30.6 29.2 28.6 26.3 
4/5 33.3 32.5 31.6 31.2 29.8 29.2 26. 9 34.8 34.0 33.0 32.6 31.2 30.5 28.1 
5/6 34.7 33.9 32.9 32.6 31.1 30.5 28. 0 36.2 35.4 34.4 34.0 32.5 31.8 29.3 
256-QAM 1/2 27.7 27.1 26.3 26.0 24.8 24.3 22.4 28.9 28.3 27.5 27.2 25.9 25.4 23.4 
3/5 33.3 32.5 31.6 31.2 29.8 29.2 26.9 34.8 34.0 33.0 32.6 31.2 30.6 28.1 
2/3 37.0 36.2 35.1 34.8 33.2 32.5 29.9 38.7 37.8 36.7 36.3 34.7 34.0 31.3 
3/4 41.7 40.7 39.5 39.1 37.4 36.6 33.7 43.5 42.6 41.3 40.9 39.0 38.2 35.2 
4/5 44.5 43.5 42.2 41.7 39.9 39.1 35.9 46.5 45.4 44.1 43.6 41.7 40.8 37.5 
5/6 46.3 45.3 44.0 43.5 41.6 40.7 37.4 48.4 47.3 46.0 45.5 43.4 42.5 39.1 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  105 
 TABLE A2.5 ( end) 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 5 & 6 Scattered Pilot Pattern 7 & 8 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 7.4 7.2 7.0 6.9 6.6 6.5 5. 9 7.4 7.3 7.1 7.0 6.7 6.5 6.0 
3/5 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.3 7.9 7.8 7. 1 8.9 8.7 8.5 8.4 8.0 7.9 7.2 
2/3 9.8 9.6 9.3 9.2 8.8 8.6 8. 0 9.9 9.7 9.4 9.3 8.9 8.7 8.0 
3/4 11.1 10.8 10.5 10.4 9.9 9.7 8. 9 11.2 10.9 10.6 10.5 10.0 9.8 9.0 
4/5 11.8 11.6 11.2 11.1 10.6 10.4 9. 5 11.9 11.7 11.3 11.2 10.7 10.5 9.6 
5/6 12.3 12.0 11.7 11.6 11.0 10.8 10. 0 12.4 12.2 11.8 11.7 11.2 10.9 10.1 
16-QAM 1/2 14.8 14.4 14.0 13.9 13.2 13.0 11. 9 14.9 14.6 14.2 14.0 13.4 13.1 12.1 
3/5 17.8 17.4 16.8 16.7 15.9 15.6 14. 3 17.9 17.5 17.0 16.8 16.1 15.8 14.5 
2/3 19.8 19.3 18.7 18.5 17.7 17.4 16. 0 20.0 19.5 18.9 18.7 17.9 17.5 16.1 
3/4 22.2 21.7 21.1 20.9 19.9 19.5 18. 0 22.5 22.0 21.3 21.1 20.1 19.7 18.1 
4/5 23.7 23.2 22.5 22.3 21.3 20.8 19. 2 24.0 23.4 22.7 22.5 21.5 21.1 19.4 
5/6 24.7 24.2 23.5 23.2 22.2 21.7 20. 0 25.0 24.4 23.7 23.5 22.4 21.9 20.2 
64-QAM 1/2 22.1 21.6 21.0 20.8 19.8 19.4 17. 9 22.4 21.9 21.2 21.0 20.1 19.6 18.1 
3/5 26.6 26.0 25.2 25.0 23.8 23.4 21. 5 26.9 26.3 25.5 25.2 24.1 23.6 21.7 
2/3 29.6 28.9 28.1 27.8 26.5 26.0 23. 9 29.9 29.2 28.4 28.1 26.8 26.3 24.2 
3/4 33.3 32.5 31.6 31.2 29.8 29.2 26. 9 33.6 32.9 31.9 31.6 30.2 29.5 27.2 
4/5 35.5 34.7 33.7 33.3 31.8 31.2 28. 7 35.9 35.1 34.1 33.7 32.2 31.5 29.0 
5/6 37.0 36.2 35.1 34.8 33.2 32.5 29. 9 37.4 36.6 35.5 35.1 33.5 32.9 30.2 
256-QAM 1/2 29.6 28.9 28.1 27.8 26.5 26.0 23. 9 29.9 29.2 28.3 28.0 26.8 26.2 24.1 
3/5 35.5 34.7 33.7 33.3 31.9 31.2 28. 7 35.9 35.1 34.1 33.7 32.2 31.5 29.0 
2/3 39.5 38.6 37.5 37.1 35.4 34.7 31. 9 39.9 39.0 37.9 37.5 35.8 35.1 32.3 
3/4 44.5 43.5 42.2 41.7 39.9 39.1 35. 9 44.9 43.9 42.6 42.2 40.3 39.5 36.3 
4/5 47.5 46.4 45.0 44.5 42.5 41.7 38. 3 48.0 46.9 45.5 45.0 43.0 42.1 38.7 
5/6 49.5 48.4 46.9 46.4 44.4 43.5 40. 0 50.0 48.9 47.4 46.9 44.8 43.9 40.4 
 106 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A2.6 
Capacity in a 8 MHz channel, extended carrier mode, FFT modes: 16k and 32k 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 1 & 2 Scattered Pilot Pattern 3 & 4 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.1 5. 6 7.3 7.1 6.9 6.8 6.5 6.4 5.9 
3/5 8.3 8.2 7.9 7.8 7.5 7.3 6. 7 8.7 8.5 8.3 8.2 7.8 7.7 7.0 
2/3 9.3 9.1 8.8 8.7 8.3 8.2 7. 5 9.7 9.5 9.2 9.1 8.7 8.5 7.8 
3/4 10.4 10.2 9.9 9.8 9.4 9.2 8. 4 10.9 10.7 10.4 10.2 9.8 9.6 8.8 
4/5 11.1 10.9 10.6 10.5 10.0 9.8 9. 0 11.6 11.4 11.1 10.9 10.4 10.2 9.4 
5/6 11.6 11.4 11.0 10.9 10.4 10.2 9. 4 12.1 11.9 11.5 11.4 10.9 10.7 9.8 
16-QAM 1/2 13.9 13.6 13.2 13.1 12.5 12.2 11. 3 14.6 14.2 13.8 13.7 13.1 12.8 11.8 
3/5 16.8 16.4 15.9 15.7 15.0 14.7 13. 5 17.5 17.1 16.6 16.4 15.7 15.4 14.1 
2/3 18.6 18.2 17.7 17.5 16.7 16.4 15. 1 19.5 19.0 18.5 18.3 17.5 17.1 15.7 
3/4 21.0 20.5 19.9 19.7 18.8 18.4 16. 9 21.9 21.4 20.8 20.6 19.6 19.2 17.7 
4/5 22.4 21.9 21.2 21.0 20.1 19.7 18. 1 23.4 22.9 22.2 21.9 21.0 20.5 18.9 
5/6 23.3 22.8 22.1 21.9 20.9 20.5 18. 8 24.4 23.8 23.1 22.9 21.9 21.4 19.7 
64-QAM 1/2 20.9 20.4 19.8 19.6 18.7 18.3 16. 9 21.8 21.3 20.7 20.5 19.6 19.2 17.6 
3/5 25.1 24.5 23.8 23.6 22.5 22.0 20. 3 26.2 25.6 24.9 24.6 23.5 23.0 21.2 
2/3 27.9 27.3 26.5 26.2 25.0 24.5 22.6 29.2 28.5 27.7 27.4 26.2 25.6 23.6 
3/4 31.4 30.7 29.8 29.5 28.2 27.6 25.4 32.8 32.1 31.1 30.8 29.4 28.8 26.5 
4/5 33.5 32.8 31.8 31.5 30.0 29.4 27. 1 35.0 34.2 33.2 32.9 31.4 30.8 28.3 
5/6 34.9 34.1 33.2 32.8 31.3 30.7 28. 2 36.5 35.7 34.6 34.3 32.7 32.1 29.5 
256-QAM 1/2 27.9 27.3 26.5 26.2 25.0 24.5 22.5 29.1 28.5 27.7 27.4 26.1 25.6 23.5 
3/5 33.5 32.8 31.8 31.5 30.1 29.4 27. 1 35.0 34.2 33.2 32.9 31.4 30.8 28.3 
2/3 37.3 36.5 35.4 35.0 33.4 32.8 30. 1 39.0 38.1 37.0 36.6 34.9 34.2 31.5 
3/4 42.0 41.0 39.8 39.4 37.6 36.9 33. 9 43.8 42.9 41.6 41.2 39.3 38.5 35.4 
4/5 44.8 43.8 42.5 42.0 40.1 39.3 36. 2 46.8 45.7 44.4 43.9 41.9 41.1 37.8 
5/6 46.7 45.6 44.3 43.8 41.9 41.0 37. 7 48.8 47.7 46.3 45.8 43.7 42.8 39.4  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  107 
 TABLE A2.6 ( end) 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 5 & 6 Scattered Pilot Pattern 7 & 8 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code 
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 7.4 7.2 7.0 7.0 6.6 6.5 6. 0 7.5 7.3 7.1 7.0 6.7 6.6 6.1 
3/5 8.9 8.7 8.5 8.4 8.0 7.8 7. 2 9.0 8.8 8.5 8.5 8.1 7.9 7.3 
2/3 9.9 9.7 9.4 9.3 8.9 8.7 8. 0 10.0 9.8 9.5 9.4 9.0 8.8 8.1 
3/4 11.2 10.9 10.6 10.5 10.0 9.8 9. 0 11.3 11.0 10.7 10.6 10.1 9.9 9.1 
4/5 11.9 11.6 11.3 11.2 10.7 10.5 9. 6 12.0 11.8 11.4 11.3 10.8 10.6 9.7 
5/6 12.4 12.1 11.8 11.6 11.1 10.9 10. 0 12.5 12.3 11.9 11.8 11.2 11.0 10.1 
16-QAM 1/2 14.9 14.5 14.1 14.0 13.3 13.1 12. 0 15.0 14.7 14.3 14.1 13.5 13.2 12.1 
3/5 17.9 17.5 17.0 16.8 16.0 15.7 14. 4 18.1 17.7 17.1 17.0 16.2 15.9 14.6 
2/3 19.9 19.4 18.9 18.7 17.8 17.5 16. 1 20.1 19.7 19.1 18.9 18.0 17.7 16.2 
3/4 22.4 21.9 21.2 21.0 20.1 19.7 18. 1 22.6 22.1 21.5 21.2 20.3 19.9 18.3 
4/5 23.9 23.3 22.7 22.4 21.4 21.0 19. 3 24.1 23.6 22.9 22.7 21.6 21.2 19.5 
5/6 24.9 24.3 23.6 23.4 22.3 21.9 20. 1 25.2 24.6 23.9 23.6 22.6 22.1 20.3 
64-QAM 1/2 22.3 21.8 21.1 20.9 20.0 19.6 18. 0 22.5 22.0 21.4 21.1 20.2 19.8 18.2 
3/5 26.8 26.2 25.4 25.1 24.0 23.5 21. 6 27.1 26.5 25.7 25.4 24.3 23.8 21.9 
2/3 29.8 29.1 28.3 28.0 26.7 26.2 24.1 30.1 29.4 28.6 28.3 27.0 26.5 24.3 
3/4 33.5 32.8 31.8 31.5 30.1 29.4 27. 1 33.9 33.1 32.1 31.8 30.4 29.8 27.4 
4/5 35.8 35.0 33.9 33.6 32.1 31.4 28. 9 36.1 35.3 34.3 33.9 32.4 31.8 29.2 
5/6 37.3 36.4 35.4 35.0 33.4 32.8 30. 1 37.7 36.8 35.8 35.4 33.8 33.1 30.4 
256-QAM 1/2 29.8 29.1 28.3 27.9 26.7 26.2 24.1 30.1 29.4 28.6 28.2 27.0 26.4 24.3 
3/5 35.8 35.0 34.0 33.6 32.1 31.4 28. 9 36.2 35.3 34.3 33.9 32.4 31.8 29.2 
2/3 39.8 38.9 37.8 37.4 35.7 35.0 32. 2 40.2 39.3 38.2 37.8 36.1 35.3 32.5 
3/4 44.8 43.8 42.5 42.0 40.2 39.3 36. 2 45.3 44.2 42.9 42.5 40.6 39.8 36.6 
4/5 47.8 46.7 45.3 44.9 42.9 42.0 38. 6 48.3 47.2 45.8 45.3 43.3 42.4 39.0 
5/6 49.8 48.7 47.3 46.8 44.7 43.8 40. 2 50.3 49.2 47.8 47.3 45.1 44.2 40.7 
 108 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A2.7 
Capacity in a 1.7 MHz channel, normal carrier mode, FFT modes: 1k to 8k 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 1 & 2 Scattered Pilot Pattern 3 & 4 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1. 1 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2 
3/5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1. 3 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 
2/3 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1. 5 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.5 
3/4 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.8 1. 7 2.2 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.7 
4/5 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 1.9 1. 8 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.9 
5/6 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.0 1. 9 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.1 1.9 
16-QAM 1/2 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.4 2. 2 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.3 
3/5 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.9 2. 7 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.8 
2/3 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.3 3.2 3. 0 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.4 3.1 
3/4 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.7 3.6 3. 3 4.3 4.2 4.1 4.1 3.9 3.8 3.5 
4/5 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 4.0 3.9 3. 6 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.1 4.1 3.7 
5/6 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.1 4.0 3. 7 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.2 3.9 
64-QAM 1/2 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.7 3.6 3. 3 4.3 4.2 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.5 
3/5 5.0 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.4 4.4 4. 0 5.2 5.1 4.9 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.2 
2/3 5.5 5.4 5.2 5.2 4.9 4.8 4.5 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.2 5.1 4.7 
3/4 6.2 6.1 5.9 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.0 6.5 6.3 6.2 6.1 5.8 5.7 5.2 
4/5 6.6 6.5 6.3 6.2 5.9 5.8 5. 3 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.1 5.6 
5/6 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.5 6.2 6.1 5. 6 7.2 7.0 6.8 6.8 6.5 6.3 5.8 
256-QAM 1/2 5.5 5.4 5.2 5.2 4.9 4.8 4. 5 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.2 5.1 4.7 
3/5 6.6 6.5 6.3 6.2 5.9 5.8 5. 3 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.1 5.6 
2/3 7.4 7.2 7.0 6.9 6.6 6.5 6. 0 7.7 7.5 7.3 7.2 6.9 6.8 6.2 
3/4 8.3 8.1 7.9 7.8 7.4 7.3 6. 7 8.7 8.5 8.2 8.1 7.8 7.6 7.0 
4/5 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.3 7.9 7.8 7. 1 9.2 9.0 8.8 8.7 8.3 8.1 7.5 
5/6 9.2 9.0 8.7 8.7 8.3 8.1 7. 4 9.6 9.4 9.1 9.0 8.6 8.5 7.8  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  109 
 TABLE A2.7 ( end) 
  Scattered Pilot Pattern 5 & 6 Scattered Pilot Pattern 7 & 8 
     GIF       GIF    
Modulation Code
rate 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 1/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/32 
(Mbit/s) 1/16 
(Mbit/s) 19/256 
(Mbit/s) 1/8 
(Mbit/s) 19/128 
(Mbit/s) 1/4 
(Mbit/s) 
QPSK 1/2 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1. 2 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 
3/5 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.5 1. 4 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.4 
2/3 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1. 6 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 
3/4 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 1.9 1. 8 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.8 
4/5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 1. 9 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.1 1.9 
5/6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.2 2. 0 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.0 
16-QAM 1/2 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.6 2.6 2. 4 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.4 
3/5 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1 2. 9 3.6 3.5 3.4 3.4 3.2 3.1 2.9 
2/3 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.5 3.5 3. 2 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.2 
3/4 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.0 3.9 3. 6 4.5 4.4 4.2 4.2 4.0 3.9 3.6 
4/5 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.2 4.1 3. 8 4.8 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.3 4.2 3.9 
5/6 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.3 4. 0 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.0 
64-QAM 1/2 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 3.9 3.9 3. 6 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.0 3.9 3.6 
3/5 5.3 5.2 5.0 5.0 4.7 4.6 4. 3 5.3 5.2 5.1 5.0 4.8 4.7 4.3 
2/3 5.9 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.2 4. 8 5.9 5.8 5.6 5.6 5.3 5.2 4.8 
3/4 6.6 6.5 6.3 6.2 5.9 5.8 5. 3 6.7 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.0 5.9 5.4 
4/5 7.1 6.9 6.7 6.6 6.3 6.2 5. 7 7.1 7.0 6.8 6.7 6.4 6.3 5.8 
5/6 7.4 7.2 7.0 6.9 6.6 6.5 6. 0 7.4 7.3 7.1 7.0 6.7 6.5 6.0 
256-QAM 1/2 5.9 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.2 4. 8 5.9 5.8 5.6 5.6 5.3 5.2 4.8 
3/5 7.1 6.9 6.7 6.6 6.3 6.2 5. 7 7.1 7.0 6.8 6.7 6.4 6.3 5.8 
2/3 7.9 7.7 7.5 7.4 7.1 6.9 6. 4 7.9 7.8 7.5 7.5 7.1 7.0 6.4 
3/4 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.3 7.9 7.8 7. 1 8.9 8.7 8.5 8.4 8.0 7.9 7.2 
4/5 9.4 9.2 9.0 8.9 8.5 8.3 7. 6 9.5 9.3 9.1 9.0 8.6 8.4 7.7 
5/6 9.8 9.6 9.3 9.2 8.8 8.6 7. 9 9.9 9.7 9.4 9.3 8.9 8.7 8.0 
 110 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 Annex 3 
 
Nyquist time for frequency and time  interpolation vs. guard interval 
The theoretical time delay which a signal path may have  with regard to the first signal path arriving 
at the receiver in order to still contribute constructively is  the Nyquist time (labelled Tn or Tp). For 
DVB-T this time is Tu/3, where Tu designates the useful symbol le ngth. For DVB-T2 this theoretical 
limit depends on the chosen scattered pilot pa ttern. In § 3.5 the theo retical background was 
explained and the theoretical limits for sele cted implementation scenarios were given. 
Table A3.1 gives a comprehensive overview of the Nyquist time for the available combinations of 
guard interval and scattered pilot pattern in SISO mode. 
TABLE A3.1 
Nyquist time for frequency and time interpol ation vs. guard interval (SISO mode, 8 MHz 
bandwidth, elementary period T = 0.1094 µs, Tu: useful symbol length) 
 GIF 1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
 GI 28.0 µs 112.0 µs 224.0 µs 266.0 µs 448.0 µs 532.0 µs n/a 
32k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
(Tu = 3.584 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a 597.3 µs 597.3 µs 597.3 µs 597.3 µs n/a 
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a 298.7 µs 298.7 µs 298.7 µs n/a n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP6,7) 149.3 µs 149.3 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 GI 14.0 µs 56.0 µs 112.0 µs 133.0 µs 224.0 µs 266.0 µs 448.0 µs 
16k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 597.3 µs 
(Tu = 1.792 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a 298.7 µs 298.7 µs 298.7 µs 298.7 µs 298.7 µs  
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a 149.3 µs 149.3 µs 149.3 µs n/a n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP6,7) 74.7 µs 74.7 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 GI 7.0 µs 28.0 µs 56.0 µs 66.5 µs 112.0 µs 133.0 µs 224.0 µs 
8k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 298.7 µs 
(Tu = 896 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a 149.3 µs 149.3 µs 149.3 µs 149.3 µs 149.3 µs  
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a 74.7 µs 74.7 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP6,7) 37.3 µs 37.3 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 GI n/a 14.0 µs 28.0 µs n/a 56.0 µs n/a 112.0 µs 
4k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a 149.3 µs n/a 149.3 µs n/a 149.3 µs 
(Tu = 448 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a 74.7 µs n/a 74.7 µs n/a 74.7 µs 
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a 37.3 µs 37.3 µs n/a 37.3 µs n/a 37.3 µs 
 Tn (PP6,7) n/a 18.7 µs 18.7 µs n/a 18.7 µs n/a 18.7 µs 
 GI n/a 7.0 µs 14.0 µs n/a 28.0 µs n/a 56.0 µs 
2k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 74.7 µs 
(Tu = 224 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a n/a n/a 37.3 µs n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a 18.7 µs 18.7 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP6,7) n/a 9.3 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  111 
 TABLE A3.1 ( end) 
 GIF 1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
 GI n/a n/a 7.0 µs n/a 14.0 µs n/a 28.0 µs 
1k Tn (PP1) n/a n/a n/a n/a 37.3 µs n/a 37.3 µs 
(Tu = 112 µs) Tn (PP2,3,8) n/a n/a n/a n/a 18.7 µs n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP4,5) n/a n/a 9.3 µs n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 Tn (PP6,7) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
 
From the Table it can be seen that in SISO m ode (not in MISO mode) combinations of guard 
interval and scattered pilot patter n are available for which the Nyquist  time is smaller than the guard 
interval (marked in red). It is questionable whether these combinations are feasible. 
 
 
Annex 4 
 
Derivation and comparison of C/N values 
A4.1 Raw values of C/N for the derivation of the Rice and Rayleigh Channel Case 
The DVB-T2 Implementation Guideline [TS 102 831] also provides C/N figures for a Ricean and a 
static Rayleigh channel, derived from simulations. 
TABLE A4.1 
Required raw ( C/N)0 to achieve a BER = 1 × 10–7 after LDPC decoding 
LDPC block length: 64800 bits (from [TS 102 831]) 
 Required ( C/N)0 (dB) for BER = 1 × 10–7 after LDPC decoding 
Constellation Code 
rate Spectral 
efficiency 
(see Note 2) Gaussian 
channel 
(AWGN) Ricean 
channel 
(F1) Rayleigh 
channel 
(P1) 0 dB echo 
channel 
@ 90% GI 
QPSK 1/2 0.99 1.0 1.2 2.0 1.7 
QPSK 3/5 1.19 2.3 2.5 3.6 3.2 
QPSK 2/3 1.33 3.1 3.4 4.9 4.5 
QPSK 3/4 1.49 4.1 4.4 6.2 5.7 
QPSK 4/5 1.59 4.7 5.1 7.1 6.6 
QPSK 5/6 1.66 5.2 5.6 7.9 7.5 
16-QAM 1/2 1.99 6.0 6.2 7.5 7.2 
16-QAM 3/5 2.39 7.6 7.8 9.3 9.0 
16-QAM 2/3 2.66 8.9 9.1 10.8 10.4 
16-QAM 3/4 2.99 10.0 10.4 12.4 12.1 
16-QAM 4/5 3.19 10.8 11.2 13.6 13.4 
16-QAM 5/6 3.32 11.4 11.8 14.5 14.4 
64-QAM 1/2 2.98 9.9 10.2 11.9 11.8 
64-QAM 3/5 3.58 12.0 12.3 14.0 13.9 
64-QAM 2/3 3.99 13.5 13.8 15.6 15.5 112 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A4.1 ( end) 
 Required ( C/N)0 (dB) for BER = 1 × 10–7 after LDPC decoding 
Constellation Code 
rate Spectral 
efficiency 
(see Note 2) Gaussian 
channel 
(AWGN) RICEAN 
channel 
(F1) Rayleigh 
channel 
(P1) 0 dB echo 
channel 
@ 90% GI 
64-QAM 3/4 4.48 15.1 15.4 17.7 17.6 
64-QAM 4/5 4.78 16.1 16.6 19.2 19.2 
64-QAM 5/6 4.99 16.8 17.2 20.2 20.4 
256-QAM 1/2 3.98 13.2 13.6 15.6 15.7 
256-QAM 3/5 4.78 16.1 16.3 18.3 18.4 
256-QAM 2/3 5.31 17.8 18.1 20.1 20.3 
256-QAM 3/4 5.98 20.0 20.3 22.6 22.7 
256-QAM 4/5 6.38 21.3 21.7 24.3 24.5 
256-QAM 5/6 6.65 22.0 22.4 25.4 25.8 
NOTE 1 – Figures in italics are approximate values. 
NOTE 2 – Spectral efficiency does not take into acc ount loss due to signalling/synchronization/sounding 
and guard interval. 
NOTE 3 – The BER targets are discussed in more detail in [TS 102 831]. NOTE 4 – The expected implementation loss due to real channel estimation needs to be added to the above 
Figures. This value will be significantly less than the corresponding Figure for DVB-T in some cases, due to 
better optimization of the boosting and pattern densities for DVB-T2. 
NOTE 5 – Entries shaded blue are results from a single  implementation. All other results are confirmed by 
multiple implementations.
 
 
The DVB-T2 OFDM parameters used for these simulations were chosen so as to be as similar as 
possible to those for DVB-T. These parameters ar e as follows: the FFT size is 8k with a guard 
interval of 1/32, and the bandwidth  is 8 MHz with normal carrier m ode. Rotated constellations were 
used and PAPR (Peak to Average Power Ratio) techniques were not applied. The simulations 
assumed ideal conditions, i.e. ideal sync hronization and ideal channel estimation. 
In § 2.5 these raw values serve as a ba sis to derive the difference DELTA of C/NGauss and C/NRice 
and C/NRayleigh , respectively. They are given in Table A4.1. 
A4.2 Comparison of C/N values calculated according to the methodology of § 2.5 and 
measurement results 
Here, results of available laboratory and field measurements are compared with the C/N values 
calculated according to the methodology proposed in § 2.5. 
These results should be regarded as a first asse ssment of the valid ity of the proposed approach. 
Final confirmation can only be achieved when furt her measurement results and additional receivers 
are available. 
Table A4.2, overleaf, makes a comparison with th e IRT’s measurements [EDP166] for a Gaussian 
(Gauss), a static Rayleigh (RL20stat) channel and a slowly time-vari ant Rayleigh (TU50 0.4) 
channel for 14 different DVB-T2 configurations (Mode 1-Mode 14). The measurements are based 
on a restricted set of receivers mainly designed fo r fixed reception. Receivers Rx 2 through Rx 8 all 
have the same DVB-T2 chip; their results are theref ore given as an average in one row, Rx 1 is 
different and is given in a separate row.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  113 
 One can see that the figures show agreement within 1-3 dB, which is not too bad since the 
measurement results themselves show differences of 2 dB or even more. 
The calculated values are higher by 2-3 dB for the Gaussian channel. For the Rayleigh channel case 
the calculated values are 1-2 dB hi gher than the measured values fo r the static Rayl eigh case, but fit 
quite well within 1 dB for the time-variant Rayleigh case. 
In general, the calculated C/N values can be regarded as conservative compared to the measurement 
results for the Gaussian channel. They f it quite well for the Rayleigh channel case. 114 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254   
 TABLE A4.2 
Calculated C/N values (according to § 2.5) vs. measured C/N values from [EDP166] 
 Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Mode 6 Mode 7 Mode  8 Mode 9 Mode 10 Mode 11 Mode 12 Mode 13 Mode 14 
FFT 8k 8k 16k 16k 16k 16k 16k 8k 8k 16k 32k 16k 16k 16k 
Band-
width 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 8 MHz 
Modula-
tion 16-QAM 64-QAM 64-QAM 256-QAM  64-QAM 256-QAM 64-QAM 16- QAM 64-QAM 64-QAM 64-QAM  16-QAM 16-QAM 64-QAM 
Code rate 3/5 2/3 2/3 1/2 3/4 3/5 2/3 1/2 3/5 3/5 2/3 2/3 3/4 1/2 
Pilot 
pattern PP1 PP1 PP2 PP3 PP3 PP3 PP3 PP2 PP1 PP2 PP2 PP2 PP2 PP2 
GI 1/4 1/4 19/128 19/128 19/128 19/128 19/128 19/128 1/4 19/128 1/16 19/128 19/128 19/128 
Calculated 
C/NGauss 10.1 16.2 16.2 16.6 17.3 19.0 15.8 8.7 14.9 14.9 16.2 11.4 12.5 13.0 
Calculated 
C/NRayleigh  11.8 18.3 18.3 19.1 20.0 21.2 17.9 10.2 16.9 16.9 18.3 13.4 15.0 15.1 
Rx 1 
Gauss 9.0 14.0 14.0 15.3 15.3 20.5 13.2 6.7 13.5 12.7 14.5 9.5 10.2 11.0 
[Rx 2-8 A
v.] Gauss 6.9 13.0 12.9 14.1 14.8 16.5 13.1 5.6 11.8 11.6 13.4 8.2 9.3 9.8 
Rx 1 RL2
0 stat 10.0 17.5 17.5 18.0 18.0 21.0 17.0 9.0 15.5 16.0 17.5 12.0 14.0 13.5 
[Rx 2-8 A
v.] RL20 
stat 9.9 15.6 16.0 16.6 18.2 19.3 16.1 7.7 14.5 14.3 16.2 10.6 12.0 12.4 
Rx 1 
TU50 0.4 13 17.5 17.5 17.5 19.5 21 17 9 16 16 17.5 12 14 13.5 
[Rx 2-8 A
v.] TU50 
0.4 11.8 19.6 17.8 18.4 19.5 22.3 17.8 9.6 16.6 16.4 17.1 12.1 13.6 13.4 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  115 
 A second comparison uses results of measuremen ts [EDP135, Ei2010, Ei2011] of the University of 
the Basque Country. These are field and laborat ory measurements for fixed reception. Channel 
classification is made based on the standard deviat ion of spectral amplitudes of the received signal 
according to Recommendation ITU-R SM.1875 [SM1875]. 
The measurements are taken with the following receivers: 
 Table A4.3: Two consumer receivers. 
 Table A4.4: Professiona l receiver (Enensys) 
 Table A4.5: Software receiver. 
The Nordig Requirements for receivers [NorDig2010]  are also included in Table A4.4 for the 
available channels. 
It must be noted that the channel models are not the same: 
– Nordig 0 dB echo channel does not include frequency offset between paths. 
– In laboratory tests, Ricean and Rayleigh ch annels are obtained by two paths of different 
attenuation and a dela y of 50% of the GI. 
– In field trials, multipath is in some cases produced by SFN configurations, with one main 
transmitter and a gap-filler, and in other cases only by the propagation channel. 
All the measured configurations employ 64- or  256-QAM modulations, pilot patterns PP7 with 
1/128 GIF or PP4 with 1/16 GIF, 8 MHz bandwidth with extended mode and rotated constellations. 
TABLE A4.3 
Comparison of calculated C/N values (according to § 2.5) and  
measured C/N values from [EDP135] 
32k FFT, 8 MHz Extended mode, Pilot Pattern PP4, Ricean channel 
Modulation Code Rate Measured C/N (dB) Calculated C/NRice (dB) 
64-QAM 1/2 11.9 12.9 
64-QAM 3/5 13.4 14.8 
64-QAM 2/3 14.9 16.1 
64-QAM 3/4 16.2 17.6 
64-QAM 4/5 17.5 18.9 
64-QAM 5/6 18.1 19.4 
256-QAM 1/2 16.1 17.0 
256-QAM 3/5 18.3 19.2 
256-QAM 2/3 19.7 20.8 
256-QAM 3/4 22.0 22.8 
256-QAM 4/5 23.2 24.4 
256-QAM 5/6 24.2 25.2 
 
The calculated C/N values are slightly higher than th e measured values by about 1 dB. 116 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 TABLE A4.4 
Comparison of calculated C/N values (according to § 2.5), NorDig values, 
and measured C/N values from lab tests and field trials from [Ei2011] 
32k FFT, 8 MHz Extended mode, Pilot pattern PP4, GIF 1/16 
QAM   64 64 64 64 64 64 256 256 256 256 256 256 
Code Rate   1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 
Gauss.  Simulation 9.9 12.0 13.5 15.1 16.1 16.8 13.2 16.1 17.8 20.0 21.3 22.0 
NorDig 12.6 14.4 15.7 17.3 18.3 18.9 16.5 18.9 20.4 22.4 23.8 24.6 
Lab 10.9 12.8 14.0 15.6 16.6 17.3 15.0 17.4 18.7 20.8 22.3 23.1 
Field 11.2 13.0 14.3 15.9 17.0 17.6 15.3 17.8 19.2 21.4 22.8 23.7 
Calculated 12.6 14.5 15.8 17.3 18.3 19.0 16.6 19.0 20.4 22.4 23.9 24.7 
Rice  Simulation 10.2 12.3 13.8 15.4 16.6 17.2 13.6 16.3 18.1 20.3 21.7 22.4 
Lab 11.3 13.1 14.4 16.0 17.1 17.8 15.3 17.7 19.1 21.4 22.7 25.8 
Field 11.4 13.4 14.7 16.6 17.6 18.3 15.8 18.4 19.8 22.3 24.2 24.8 
Calculated 12.9 14.8 16.1 17.6 18.9 19.4 17.0 19.2 20.8 22.8 24.4 25.2 
Rayleigh  Simulation 11.9 14.0 15.6 17.7 19.2 20.2 15.6 18.3 20.1 22.6 24.3 25.4 
Lab 12.9 14.9 16.5 18.5 20.0 21.0 17.0 19.5 21.3 23.8 25.8 26.2 
Field 13.4 15.6 17.4 19.6 21.4 22.1 17.9 20.7 22.7 25.9 28.5 28.9 
Calculated 14.7 16.5 17.9 20.0 21.6 22.6 19.1 21.3 22.9 25.4 27.5 28.9 
0 dB eco  Simulation 11.8 13.9 15.5 17.6 19.2 20.4 15.7 18.4 20.3 22.7 24.5 25.8 
Nordig 15.5 17.6 19.2 21.6 23.5 25.0 20.2 22.6 24.6 27.4 30.2 32.7 
Lab 13.7 15.9 17.9 20.5 22.6 24.2 18.1 20.8 22.7 25.7 28.6 32.1 
 
32k FFT, 8 MHz Extended mode, Pilot pattern PP7, GIF 1/128  
QAM   
 256 256 256 256 256 256 
Code Rate   1/2 3/5 2/3 3/4 4/5 5/6 
Gauss.  Simulation 13.2 16.1 17.8 20.0 21.3 22.0 
Nordig 15.9 18.3 19.7 21.7 23.2 23.9 
Lab 15.0 17.4 18.9 20.8 22.4 23.1 
Field 15.2 17.7 19.0 21.3 22.8 23.7 
Calculated 15.9 18.2 19.7 21.7 23.1 23.9 
Rice  Simulation 13.6 16.3 18.1 20.3 21.7 22.4 
Lab 15.5 17.8 19.1 21.3 22.6 23.5 
Field 15.6 18.2 19.7 22.2 23.6 24.8 
Calculated 16.3 18.4 20.0 22.0 23.6 24.4 
Rayleigh  Simulation 15.6 18.3 20.1 22.6 24.3 25.4 
Lab 17.0 19.6 21.4 23.8 25.8 27.4 
Field 17.8 20.9 22.2 27.1 28.1 32.6 
Calculated 18.3 20.5 22.1 24.6 26.6 28.0 
0 dB eco  Simulation 15.7 18.4 20.3 22.7 24.5 25.8 
Nordig 19.5 22.0 23.9 26.6 29.3 31.6 
Lab 18.9 21.7 23.2 26.1 29.2 31.9 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  117 
 As indicated in § 2.5, the calculated C/N are identical to the NorDig figures for the Gaussian 
channel within 0.1 dB. 
For the Gaussian channel, the calculated C/N are about 1 to 2 dB higher than the measured values 
from laboratory and field trials. For the Ricean channel the calculated C/N are higher by 0-1 dB 
than the measured figures, and for the Rayleigh channel the calculated C/N fit quite good with the 
measured C/N. In the case of DVB-T2 mode 256-QAM, PP7, for the Rayleigh channel, even higher 
values have been measured than calculated by the methodology of § 2.5. 
These results are in line with the findings of the IRT measurements which indicate that the 
calculated C/N figures are slightly conservative with re gard to the Gaussian channel. They fit 
reasonably well in the Ri ce and the Rayleigh case. 
TABLE A4.5 
Comparison of calculated C/N values (according to § 2.5) 
and measured C/N values from [Ei2010] 
32k FFT, 8 MHz Extended mode, Pilot pattern PP7, Ricean channel 
Modulation Code Rate Measured C/N (dB) Calculated C/NRice (dB) 
64-QAM 3/4 16.0 16.9 
256-QAM 3/5 18.0 18.4 
 
Again, the calculated values are 0.5-1 dB higher than the measured values. 
The overall calculated C/N figures are slightly conservative fo r many T2 modes particularly for the 
Gaussian channel. It has to be kept in mind that the measurement results are yet based on a 
relatively small number of receivers. 118 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 Annex 5 
 
DVB-T2-Lite 
A5.1 Introduction 
DVB-T2-Lite is a system profile which was adde d in version 1.3.1 of the DVB-T2 specification in 
November 2011 [EN 302 755-V1.3.1]. It is partic ularly designed for mobile and handheld 
reception. With T2-Lite the set of possible system c onfigurations is restrict ed as compared to the 
full range of options provided by DVB-T2 as descri bed in version 1.2.1 of th e system specification. 
In order to distinguish T2-Lite from this full range of options the latter is called T2-Base. However, T2-Lite also adds some new options that are not available in T2-Base. Thus T2-Base does not describe the full superset of DV B-T2 options that now exist. 
In general, T2-Lite reduces th e complexity that is required for the reception of only T2-Lite 
services, serving to reduce the cost and power co nsumption for receivers designed for handheld and 
mobile reception. 
In § A5.2 the differences between T2-Base and T2-L ite are listed as far as they are relevant for 
frequency and network planning. S ection A5.3 describes how the T2-Lite data stream can be 
integrated in the DVB-T2 multiplex. Sections A5.4 and A5.5 give details of system and planning 
parameters, although for C/N and protection ratios only limited information is currently publicly 
available. Section A5.6 discusses some po ssible implementation scenarios and practical 
implementation aspects. 
An update of the DVB-T2 implementation guideline including DVB-T2-Lite as pects will soon be 
made available by ETSI. 
A5.2 Differences between T2-Base and T2-Lite 
Differences between DVB-T2-Lite and DVB -T2-Base relevant for planning are: 
– Additional, more robust code rates 1/3 and 2/5 are available 
– Sensitive code rates 4/5 and 5/6 are omitted 
– 256-QAM modulation is possibl e, but not with code rate s 2/3 and 3/4, and no rotated 
constellation is possible with 256-QAM 
– The maximum data rate is restricted to 4 Mbit/s – FFT sizes 1k and 32k are omitted – Pilot pattern PP8 is not possible 
– Long FEC (64k) is omitted 
– Only a reduced time interleaving memory is available – The number of combinations of FFT  size, GI and PP is restricted 
– Additional optional error prot ection is available (scramb ling of L1 post-signalling) 
– Longer FEF blocks are possible (up to 1000 ms). 
A5.3 DVB-T2-Lite signal structure 
In principle, a combination of T2-Lite and T2-B ase services is achieved by means of the future 
extension frame (FEF) or the physical layer pipe (P LP) mechanism. The T2-Lite  profile is signalled 
to the receiver via the L1-signalling. 
There are several possibilitie s for a T2-Lite transmission.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  119 
 The simplest case is that the T2-Lite signal is tran smitted as a stand-alone signal, i.e. no combination 
with T2-Base is required. 
For the combination of T2-Lite (T2L) and T2-Base (T2B) two possibilities are available. Either 
both signals are transmitted within the same physical  layer pipe (PLP). Then T2-Base is transmitted 
in the FEF of T2-Lite and vice versa. Or T2-Base and T2-Lite are transmitted in separate PLP and no FEF mechanism is required. The two possib ilities are shown in Figs A5.1 and A5.2. 
FIGURE A5.1 
T2-Lite and T2-Base in separate PLP 
 
FIGURE A5.2 
T2-Lite and T2-Base in one PLP 
 
For the second case the increase of the FEF block length in T2-Lite is employed in order to 
accommodate the long T2-Base blocks. 
A5.4 DVB-T2-Lite system parameters 
As described in § A5.2, T2-Lite allows for a s lightly different set of possible combination of 
DVB-T2 parameters. It is to be recalled that these possible combinations are not simply a subset of 
the T2-Base options but also  provide additional options. 
120 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 TABLE A5.1 
Possible combination of modulation and code rate 
for DVB-T2-Lite (from [EN 302 755-V1.3.1]) 
Code rate QPSK 16-QAM 64-QAM 256-QAM 
1/3 Yes Yes Yes Yes, but  no rotated constellation 
2/5 Yes Yes Yes Yes, but  no rotated constellation 
1/2 Yes Yes Yes Yes, but  no rotated constellation 
3/5 Yes Yes Yes Yes, but  no rotated constellation 
2/3 Yes Yes Yes No 
3/4 Yes Yes Yes No 
 
Table A5.1 gives an overview of the possible comb inations of modulation scheme and code rate. 
For 256-QAM, some combinations are possible, but  not with a simultaneous use of the rotated 
constellation mode. 
Tables A5.2 and A5.3 give the possible combinations of FFT size, guard interv al and scattered pilot 
pattern for the SISO and the MISO mode. 
TABLE A5.2 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for T2 -Lite for each allowed combination of  
FFT size and guard interval in SISO mode (from [EN 302 755-V1.3.1]) 
FFT size Guard interval 
1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
1k PP7 PP7 
PP6 PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 PP2 
PP3 PP1 
8k PP7 PP7 
PP4 PP4 
PP5 PP4 
PP5 PP2 
PP3 PP2 
PP3 PP1 
4k, 2k  n/a PP7 
PP4 PP4 
PP5 n/a PP2 
PP3 n/a PP1 
 
TABLE A5.3 
Scattered pilot pattern to be used for T2-Lite for each allowed combination of 
FFT size and guard interval in MISO mode (from [EN 302 755-V1.3.1]) 
FFT size Guard interval 
1/128 1/32 1/16 19/256 1/8 19/128 1/4 
16k PP4 
PP5 PP4 PP3 PP3 PP1 PP1 n/a 
8k PP4 
PP5 PP4 
PP5 PP3 PP3 PP1 PP1 n/a 
4k, 2k  n/a PP4 
PP5 PP3 n/a PP1 n/a n/a 
  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  121 
 A5.5 DVB-T2-Lite planning parameters 
It is assumed that a T2-Lite mode shows the sa me sensitivity as the corresponding T2-Base mode. 
This implies that C/N values and protection ratios as desc ribed in § 2.5 and § 3.4 may be used for 
frequency and network planning. 
To date no simulation or measurement results are publicly available for the additional code rates 1/3 
and 2/5. However, these code rate s are also available in DVB-S2. 
Simulation results for DVB-S2 in a Gaussian cha nnel [EN 302 307] are given in Table A5.4 and are 
compared with raw C/N for DVB-T2 from Table 2.9. 
For the higher code rates the C/N figures are identical. Therefore, it can be expected that for the 
lower code rates in T2-Lite the fi gures in Table A5.4 apply. Corresponding C/N values for planning 
may then be derived as described in § 2.5. 
TABLE A5.4 
Raw C/N for DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 for QPSK modes 
(from [EN 302 755-V1.3.1] and [EN 302 307]) 
Mode Raw C/N (dB) DVB-T2 Raw C/N (dB) DVB-S2 
QPSK   1/4 n/a –2.4 
QPSK   1/3 n/a –1.2 
QPSK   2/5 n/a –0.3 
QPSK   1/2 1.0 1.0 
QPSK   3/5 2.2 2.2 
QPSK   2/3 3.1 3.1 
QPSK   3/4 4.1 4.0 
QPSK   4/5 4.7 4.7 
QPSK   5/6 5.2 5.2 
QPSK   8/9 n/a 6.2 
QPSK  9/10 n/a 6.4 
 
More information will be covered in an update of this Report when it becomes available. 
A5.6 Implementation aspects and implementation scenarios 
T2-Lite has the same SFN capability as the T2-Base. 
To update a T2-Base transmitter to a T2-Lite, a fi rmware update of the exciter is sufficient. 
With T2-Lite it is possible to use different FFT sizes within one multiplex. This allows for a more 
flexible mixture between high data rate  services and handheld/mobile services. 
The additional T2-Lite modes allow for an even better provision of mobile  and handheld services. 
Possible implementation scenarios are: 
– T2-Lite multiplexes particularly designed for services for portable/handheld/mobile 
reception. 
– Simulcast of T2-Base services with T2-Lite in order to provide additional coverage for 
handheld, deep indoor or mobile re ception but with a lower quality. 122 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 – To provide in one multiplex different services particularly designed for high data rate 
programmes on one hand and for handhe ld reception on the other hand. 
 
 
Annex 6 
 
Specific implementation scenarios/Country situation 
This Annex gives an overview of the current status (Spring 2012) of DVB-T2 implementation in 
selected countries in Europe. 
A6.1 Introduction of DVB-T2 in the UK 
The UK committed to adopting DVB-T2 in the spri ng/summer of 2008, primarily to facilitate, by 
the most efficient means, the delivery of HD serv ices via the terrestrial TV network. The aim was to 
introduce DVB-T2 as soon as possible so that vi ewers would have the opportunity to migrate 
directly to DVB-T2 as they prepared for switc hover, bypassing the need to upgrade their DVB-T 
receivers later. 
In very broad terms the main objectives were to convert one of the three PSB multiplexes to 
DVB-T2, while the other two would remain DVB-T, a nd to ensure that the coverage of the new 
DVB-T2 multiplex would remain subs tantially the same as it would have been had it not been 
converted. 
In 2008, when ‘T2 decision’ was made, the specification was not complete, no DVB-T2 
transmission equipment was available and ther e were no receivers. Furthermore, the UK was 
part-way through a detailed and complex digital switchover (D SO) programme involving some 
3,100 transmitters. The DSO programme, scheduled fo r completion in late 2012, was set out prior 
to the “T2 decision” and was planned to fo llow a regional basis as shown in Fig. A6.1.  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  123 
 FIGURE A6.1 
UK DSO Regions and timescales 
 
It was deemed critical for the success of T2 to in troduce it as early as possible. This necessitated a 
relatively aggressive timetable with a launc h date planned for December 2009. The following 
section outlines the main steps in the launch pl an and provides some background for the main 
considerations in the project. It is  important to note that a substa ntial amount of work was required 
by the many stakeholders in the project includi ng: the regulator, broad casters, infrastructure 
providers, equipment manufactur ers and content providers. 
A6.1.1 UK T2 rollout process 
A6.1.1.1 Timeline 
The UK DVB-T2 programme broadly followed the hi gh level timeline shown in Fig. A6.2. Each of 
the major work streams shown is described briefly below. 
124 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 FIGURE A6.2 
High level timeline of UK T2 rollout programme. Red line shows T2 launch date 
 
A6.1.1.2 Modulator development 
The BBC began the world’s first DVB-T2 complia nt test transmissions on June 27, 2008 from 
Guildford. Following this a number of manufactur ers developed products  which first came to 
market in 2009, ready for the UK T2 launch. 
A6.1.1.3 Lab and field trials 
Ofcom, the UK regulator, and the B BC ran field trials in conjuncti on with manufacturers to fulfil 
the following aims: 
– Test and validate the DVB-T2 standard 
– Determine and validate the UK transmission mode 
– Aid manufacturers’ transmitter and receiver development. 
Not all the possible DVB-T2 modes in the specifica tion were tested as explained in the following 
section. 
A6.1.1.4 Determination of transmission mode 
Three main factors determin ed the UK mode for T2: 
– Maintenance of the DVB-T based post-DSO PSB coverage requirement of 98.5% of the 
UK population. 
– Reuse of existing broadcast infrastructure for practicality and to reduce implementation 
costs (a commercial requirement of the T2 specification). This requirement implies the use 
of the same ERP and antenna patterns as proposed for the DVB-T multiplex that was 
upgraded. 
– Maximum capacity. 
The first two points above largely dictate a C/N for the T2 transmission substantially the same as 
that for the post-DSO DVB-T network. 
Potential optimization of the network ba sed on other modes was not considered. 
 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  125 
 A6.1.1.5 Receivers 
The UK stakeholders developed a minimum receiver specification for: 
– Set top Boxes 
– Integrated Digital TVs 
– Digital Television Recorders. 
The DTG HD D-Book version 6 (March 2009) initially  specified the technical system for use within 
the UK. Subsequent versions have since been released. 
The UK broadcasters worked closely with a numb er of manufacturers to develop DVB-T2 products 
for launch in late 2009. 
A6.1.1.6 Early sites 
It is apparent from Fig. A6.1 that some key population areas w ould not receive the HD services 
until late in the DSO programme, with  London planned to switch in 2012. 
To increase the consumer market for receivers and to aid a successful launch, five “early” T2 
services were launched in the following key cities covering approximately seven million households. 
 London  Glasgow and Edinburgh 
 Leeds/York 
 Birmingham  Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough. 
Furthermore, the following significant sporting even ts occur before HD services would be available 
in some of the above regions if no ‘early’ sites were in troduced. Providing large cities with HD for 
these events is likely to increase T2 uptake. 
 Football World Cup (June/July 2010)  Rugby World Cup (September/October 2011)  London Olympics (July 2012) 
A6.1.1.7 Integration of T2 into the DSO programme and retrofit 
The T2 launch began part-way th rough the pre-determined DVB-T rollout, meaning that some areas 
in the UK were entirely switched over to DVB-T  by the time DVB-T2 was first launched, while 
others had a mixture of the pre-switchove r analogue and low power DVB-T networks. 
Beginning with the Granada region in late 2009, DVB-T2 was incorporated into the DSO 
programme and one PSB multiplex has since been ‘rolle d out’ with T2 as standard. Managing to do 
this at such an early stage in the DSO program me significantly simplifie d the consumer message 
and rapidly began growing the consumer market. 
It was also necessary to undertak e a retro-fit programme to upgrade to T2 the areas of the UK such 
as the West Country that had already switche d over and were operating as DVB-T only. This 
process was completed with minimal change and disruption to the DVB-T network as it primarily 
involved replacing the existing DVB-T modul ator to the newer DVB-T2 version. 
To achieve these goals in a short time-frame, a substantial amount of work has been undertaken by 
the many stakeholders in the project including the regulator, broadcasters, in frastructure providers 
and equipment manufacturers. 126 Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  
 A6.1.1.8 Re-transmitters and transposers 
The regenerative relays in the DVB-T network require replacement or upgrade to make them 
suitable for DVB-T2. A substantial portion of the DVB-T transposer network has continued to 
operate correctly with a DVB-T 2 signal without modification, a lthough some changes will be 
necessary to maintain the monitoring/alarm systems. 
A6.1.1.9 SFNs 
The UK network makes use of medi um power SFNs in a small number of cases. One T2 Gateway is 
needed for each SFN to create the Management In terface (T2-MI) stream that enables the SFNs to 
work correctly. These devices were not requi red for DVB-T. The primary SFNs have been 
implemented and are operational. They ha ve been found to operate as expected. 
A6.2 Introduction of DVB-T2 in Finland 
In VHF there are three national multiplexes dedicated to DVB-T2 broadcasting and all the network 
licences have been granted to the network operator DNA. In March 2012 three DVB-T2 HDTV 
multiplexes cover over 80% of th e population. DNA is building the networks mainly on telecom 
sites with lower power transmitters. DNA opera tes three DVB-T2 multiplexes with network 
parameters: 32k, 256-QAM, CR 4/5, GI 19/256. 
In UHF two DVB-T2 network licences (one nationa l and one regional) have been granted to the 
network operator Anvia and the transmissions we re started in Februa ry 2011. In March 2012 the 
national DVB-T2 HDTV multiplex covers over 60%  of the population and the regional multiplex 
covers Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Anvia is using the tall masts of Digita with high power 
transmitters. Anvia operates two DVB-T2 multip lexes with network parameters: 32k ext., 
256-QAM, CR 4/5, GI 1/32. 
In UHF Digita already operates four national DVB-T multiplexes: two covering about 100%, one 
covering about 95% and one covering about 90% of the population. In UHF DVB-H transmissions 
were closed down in March 2012 and Digita is allowed to convert the DVB-H network to the 
DVB-T2 network. In April 2012 the national DVB -T2 HDTV multiplex will cover about 85% of 
the population. Digita will operate the DVB-T2 multiplex with network parameters: 8k ext., 
64-QAM, CR 4/5, GI 1/8. 
Furthermore in UHF there will be one nationa l DVB-T2 multiplex to cover about 80% of the 
population. The network licence will be  granted in the near future. 
A6.3 Introduction of DVB-T2 in Sweden 
HDTV was launched in the terrestrial network in Sweden on 1st November 2010. Nine HDTV 
programmes were licenced, offering a mixture of  existing programmes (simulcast SD & HD) and 
new programmes (HD exclusively). The public service broadcaster “S veriges Television” has been 
awarded a licence for two of its pr ogrammes (simulcast with SD). 
One of the nine licences was re turned and in February 2012 the Swedish Broadcasting Authority 
received  26 new applications for the licence. There is  a possibility of either one HDTV programme 
service or three SDTV program me services being awarded. 
The programmes are transmitted in two multiplexes, Multiplex 6 and 7, both using DVB-T2 
MPEG-4. Multiplex 6 uses UHF frequencies only and will carry five programmes, while Multiplex 7 uses both UHF and VHF frequencies. For the UHF transmissions, the extended bandwidth mode is used. For VHF this feature is  not possible without exceeding the spectrum mask. 
Therefore the normal bandwidth mode is used for the VHF transmissions. Because of the slightly 
lower data rate possible for a 7 MHz channel and the normal bandwidth mode, the seventh  Rep.  ITU-R  BT.2254  127 
 multiplex carries one programme less, i.e. four programmes. The reason for using frequencies in the 
VHF band is the loss of the seventh UHF layer in certain areas as a consequence of the decision by 
the Government to use the frequency band 790-862 MHz for mobile services. 
For Multiplex 7 about half of the transmitters will use VHF frequencies and the other half UHF 
frequencies. This is also reflecting the popula tion coverage, where approximately half of the 
population will be reached by the VHF  transmissions and the other half by the UHF transmissions. 
It is very important to inform th e viewers about the fact that they  might need a new VHF antenna to 
receive all the new services, espe cially in areas where frequencies in VHF Band III were not used 
for the analogue TV network. 
In the network planning for the VHF transmissions a slightly lower antenna gain has been assumed, 
compared to what is common in previous planni ng documents for terrestrial  television and in the 
GE06 Agreement, taking into account that the vi ewers might not be very keen on buying new big 
VHF antennas. The higher man-made noise level in VHF  is also taken into account using a planning 
margin. 
The large number of VHF transmitters has results in some delays due to the large amount of new 
transmitting antenna installations. 
On the launch 1st of November 2010 the two DVB-T2 multiple xes covered 70% population and just 
a few months later it covered 80% of the population. 
The DVB-T2 rollout will almost be completed w ith nationwide coverage (approx. 98% of the 
population) before the Olympic Games in London 2012. 
In February 2012 the 6th multiplex (DVB-T2) was regionali zed. SVT1 HD and SVT2 HD are now 
regionalized into 17 regions and TV4 HD into 28 regions. 
A6.4 Introduction of DVB-T2 in Denmark 
On the 2nd of April 2012 the first DVB-T2 multiplex is launched in Denmark. The current multiplex 
5 will be converted from DVB-T to DVB-T2. The multiplex will therefore have a national coverage 
from the first day. 
The new converted multiplex will transmit 4 HD-TV programmes and 6 SD-TV programmes. To accomplish that the following parameters have been selected.  
Bit rate (Mbit/s) 36.55 Channel bandwidth (MHz) 8 Signal bandwidth “Extended” FFT size 32k Modulation 256-QAM Modulation & code rate 2/3 Pilot pattern PP4 Guard interval fraction 1/16 Guard interval (µs) 224