DVB-S and DVB-S2: what's the difference?
The difference between "DVB-S" and "DVB-S2" is often unknown to consumers and even specialist sellers. We will explain what the two television signals are all about.
Brief explanation of digital television "DVB-S"
- The abbreviation "DVB-S" stands for "Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite".
- Thanks to "DVB-S", digital television signals can be transmitted via satellite, for example. Digital radio is also broadcast via DVB-S.
- With DVB-S you can receive all TV channels that are free to receive throughout Germany with "DVB-S".
- In Germany, you receive around 300 TV channels and 170 radio channels unencrypted, i.e. free of charge. With corresponding subscriptions, you can also activate paid channels. A total of around 1, 500 channels are available via satellite.
"DVB-S" and "DVB-S2": the differences
"DVB-S2" is the further developed version of "DVB-S". In order to receive "DVB-S2", other receivers or TV cards are required. However, a new satellite dish is not needed. Thanks to the improved technology, a data transfer rate that is up to 30 percent higher can be achieved.
- You can watch many channels in better quality (HD) by using "DVB-S2". However, this is not necessarily due to "DVB-S2". At the time of the test, for example, the "WDR" also broadcast its HD channels via the older "DVB-S".
- However, the use of "DVB-S2" leads to cost savings for television stations, which is why all TV channels will probably switch to the new standard over time.
- If you have the choice between "DVB-S" and "DVB-S2", you should definitely use "DVB-S2". The first TV channels will start shutting down DVB-S in 2020.
