DVB-C2: Ready-PlugFest-Go

Abstract

DVB-C2 is the 3rd member of the DVB family of second generation transmission systems. Both the DVB-C2 Technical Specification (EN 302 769) [1] and the DVB-C2 Implementation Guidelines (TS 102 991) [2] have been approved by ETSI in 2011 in its current version. The two major building blocks of DVB-C2 are the LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) FEC (Forward Error Correction) Code and the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) modulation scheme. Using DVB-C2, cable operators will be able to increase their downstream capacity of today about 5 Gbit/s to more than 8 Gbit/s. DVB has completed the system design work by system evaluation and verification and has run two PlugFests with prototype equipment in 2012. Both the professional equipment industry and the CE-industry made excellent progress in the implementation of this new standard in future-proof products. Now it is up to Cable operators to start the deployment of DVB-C2. First field tests have been performed and there are plans of a first operator to start DVB-C2 transmission in 4 big cites in Germany. It is obviously a challenge for the relevant market partners to introduce a disrup-tive new technology, which requires the replacement of all deployed Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).