What is DVB-RCS?

DVB-RCS stands for Digital Video Broadcast - Return Channel Satellite.

DVB-RCS is part of the DVB standards for satellite communication, DVB-S and DVB-S2.

The purpose of DVB-RCS is to provide a return channel to enable Internet and other data services over satellite.

ViaSat's LinkStar system is one of the VSAT satellite broadband implementations which support DVB-RCS.

The DVB standards are maintained by the DVB Project, which is an industry-led consortium of over 260 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies and others in over 35 countries.

DVB-RCS is officially defined in ETSI EN 301 790: Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Interaction channel for satellite distribution systems.

The DVB-RCS standard is explained in ETSI EN 101 790: Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB);Interaction channel for Satellite Distribution Systems; Guidelines for the use of EN 301 790.

DVB standards are available on the web at the ETSI Publications Download Area.

The Future of DVB-RCS

DVB-RCS is competing against IPoS (IP over Satellite) and S-DOCSIS (Satellite - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification).

As the cost of consumer terminals is the #1 criteria in the success of an Internet over satellite technology, S-DOCSIS seems certain to become the dominant standard. S-DOCSIS systems are able to utilize inexpensive off-the-shelf components designed for the widely deployed DOCSIS networks.

Books on DVB

Digital Video Broadcasting : The International Standard for Digital Television

DVB, Digital Video Broadcasting, is the name for a long list of innovative technical systems for television, radio and data broadcasting. In the world of consumer electronics the DVB systems are the most important developments worldwide. Services based on the DVB systems are in operation in most parts of the world.

Digital Television: MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and Principles of the DVB System

This authoritative tome describes the technology of digital television broadcasting. It gives a thorough technical description of the underlying principles of the DVB standard following the logical progression of signal processing steps, as well as source and channel coding, COFDM modulation, MPEG compression and multiplexing methods, conditional access and set-top box technology. If you are looking for a concise technical briefing that will quickly get you up to speed on the subject of digital television without getting lost in the detail - this is the book you need.