Evaluation of a DVB-T compliant digital terrestrial television system

The BBC, in common with other UK broadcasters, intends to start digital terrestrial television services in 1998. These services will be broadcast according to the DVB-T specification. BBC R&D has conducted a programme of laboratory tests and field trials, in preparation for the start of these services. These tests have verified the suitability of the DVB-T specification, and determined some of the key service planning parameters. The laboratory tests have shown that modems can be built with a small implementation margin, and that the system is rugged against co-channel interference and echoes. They have also determined the protection ratios for existing PAL-I services interfered by DVB-T signals. The field tests have confirmed that the results obtained in the laboratory can be achieved in practice, and have shown that actual coverage achieved is generally at least as good as computer predictions suggested