Comparison of terrestrial DTV transmission systems: the ATSC 8-VSB, the DVB-T COFDM, and the ISDB-T BST-OFDM

Abstract

This paper compares the performances of the ATSC 8-VSB, the DVB-T COFDM, and the ISDB-T BST-OFDM digital television terrestrial transmission systems under different impairments and operating conditions. First, a general system level description is presented. It is followed by comparisons based on laboratory test results and theoretical analyzes. The differences in the system threshold definitions are discussed. In addition, a performance and implementation analysis is also presented for the three transmission systems under different network infrastructures, whenever possible, the impact on the broadcasters or consumers is discussed. Possible performance improvements are also identified.