Digital Video Broadcasting facts for kids
Digital Video Broadcasting, often called DVB, is a set of rules for sending digital content, like TV shows, using special technology. It's how many of us get our favorite channels today! This digital way of sending signals lets us watch many more channels with super clear pictures and sound compared to older TV systems.
DVB uses a clever trick called data compression. Imagine you have a big file on your computer. Compression is like making that file smaller so it's easier and faster to send. This means that instead of just one TV channel, DVB can fit several video channels into the same space that an old analog TV channel used to take up.
Contents
How DVB Signals Travel
DVB isn't just one type of system; there are different ways these digital signals can reach your home. Each way uses a different method to send the information.
DVB-S and DVB-S2: TV from Space
The "S" in DVB-S and DVB-S2 stands for Satellite. These standards use satellites orbiting high above Earth to broadcast TV signals.
- A TV station sends its signal up to a satellite.
- The satellite then sends the signal back down to Earth, covering a very wide area.
- You need a special satellite dish at your home to catch these signals.
- DVB-S2 is a newer, improved version of DVB-S, allowing even more channels and better quality.
DVB-C: TV Through Cables
The "C" in DVB-C stands for Cable. This standard is used by cable TV companies.
- Instead of airwaves or satellites, the TV signals travel through special wires called coaxial cables.
- These cables are usually buried underground or run along poles.
- Your home is connected directly to the cable network, and the signals come right into your TV or cable box.
DVB-T and DVB-T2: TV from Towers
The "T" in DVB-T and DVB-T2 stands for Terrestrial. This means the signals are sent from towers on the ground, similar to how traditional radio or older TV signals were broadcast.
- Large antennas on tall towers send out the digital TV signals.
- Your TV or a special set-top box with an antenna picks up these signals directly from the air.
- DVB-T2 is a newer version that allows for more channels and better picture quality, especially for high-definition (HD) TV.
What About Digital Radio?
DVB is mainly for video and TV. But there's a similar technology called Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) which is specifically for sending digital radio signals. It works in a similar way, giving you clearer sound and more radio stations.
Related pages
