DVB-T or DVB-C: what's the difference?
You can watch TV in different ways. DVB-T and DVB-C are two different types of reception, which we explain in more detail in this practical tip.
Antenna television: DVB-T2
DVB-T stands for "Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial" and is nothing more than the well-known antenna television.
- You can receive about 30 different channels here. Depending on the region you live in, in addition to ARD and ZDF, private broadcasters (e.g. RTL or ProSieben) broadcast their programs via DVB-T.
- We are currently in the transition phase from DVB-T1 to DVB-T2 standard. DVB-T2 enables a very efficient coding (H.265) of the video signal to accommodate very many channels in relatively little bandwidth.
- Around mid-2019, all broadcasts in DVB-T1 format will be switched off.
- In most cases, you do not need to install a new antenna. The old antennas are largely compatible.
- Your old DVB-T1 receiver is not compatible with DVB-T2, which is why you need a new set-top box or a television with an integrated decoder. This is already the case with almost all current TV models. Look for the DVB-T2 logo when purchasing.
Cable television: DVB-C
"Digital Video Broadcasting - Cable" stands for cable television. Cable television was privatized in Germany, which means that it cannot be received free of charge. The two best-known cable providers are "Vodafone" and "Unitymedia TV", but there are also many small regional providers.
- In contrast to DVB-T, the first generation standard is still used in the cable network. DVB-C2 has been fully standardized since 2010, but has not yet been used commercially.
- This is mainly due to the fact that there is still no acute frequency shortage in the cable network. There may be new conditions with future developments such as UHD. SD and HD content are currently being broadcast in parallel.
- Actually, every modern television has already integrated a DVB-C tuner. This means you don't actually need an external set-top box, unless you want to use additional features that your television does not offer.
DVB-T or DVB-C: What are the differences?
- For the new nationwide DVB-T2 there are no extra costs if you only want to watch public service channels. For all private channels you have to pay around 60 € a year. All programs are only broadcast in HD in this way, since an additional broadcast in SD would only waste bandwidth.
- You will receive about 20 free public service programs and another 20 private paid programs via the antenna. Another new feature of the DVB-T2 standard is the improved mobile reception.
- With cable providers you always have a monthly basic fee, which varies depending on the provider. Internet and television contracts are often also bundled. The costs usually range between € 5 and € 20.
- Cable providers usually run around 100 programs in standard and 40 programs in HD resolution. Whether you pay a little more for the HD channels depends on the local provider.
You can read more about DVB-S in another practical tip.