DVBS

DVBS, or Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite, is an international standard for transmitting digital television signals via geostationary satellites. Developed by the DVB Project, it defines how video, audio, and data streams are encoded, modulated, transmitted, and received between broadcasters, satellites, and consumer receivers. The original DVBS standard, commonly referred to as DVB-S, uses QPSK modulation and a robust forward error correction system to cope with the impairments of satellite links. It supports standard-definition and high-definition content encoded with common codecs such as MPEG-2 and, later, MPEG-4.

A successor, DVB-S2, improves spectral efficiency through more advanced modulation (including 8PSK and higher-order constellations) and modern LDPC/BCH error correction, enabling higher data rates and more robust service in varying conditions. DVB-S2 also supports enhanced transmission parameters and improved carrier compatibility.

DVBS is widely used for direct-to-home television, satellite news gathering, and professional satellite distribution. Satellite broadcasts often operate in C-band or Ku-band frequencies and rely on transponders on geostationary satellites. Reception is achieved with consumer satellite dishes and set-top boxes capable of DVB-S or DVB-S2 demodulation, sometimes with conditional access systems for paid services.

The DVB Project publishes and maintains the DVB-S standard as part of a family of DVB specifications. DVB-S2 has become the industry baseline for new satellite deployments due to its efficiency gains and flexibility.