OnAir

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Decode DVB with an SDR

OnAir receives DVB. DVB-T2 / DVB-T, detected automatically.

What DVB is

DVB-T2 and DVB-T are the digital terrestrial television standards used across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. A channel is 1.7 to 8 MHz wide and carries several TV and radio services in one MPEG transport stream.

Frequencies and where it is used

Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia.

In OnAir the tuning shortcut is T2 and T, automatic; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.

What OnAir shows for DVB

Digital TV.

OnAir decoding a DVB-T2 channel from a built-in test signal: spectrum, waterfall and constellations
OnAir decoding a DVB-T2 channel from a built-in test signal: spectrum, waterfall and constellations.

This is one of the established modes, used and tested on real broadcasts.

Which radio you need

Any radio that tunes this range works. An RTL-SDR covers roughly 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz, and every other radio in the radio guide reaches it too. Antenna height and a clear view of the transmitter matter most.

Questions about DVB

Can I decode DVB with an RTL-SDR?

Usually yes for narrowband signals, as an RTL-SDR tunes roughly 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz at up to about 2.4 Msps. Wide signals such as TV channels need a faster radio, and OnAir says next to the source what the selected radio can do.

Is it legal to receive DVB?

Receiving free-to-air broadcasts is legal in most countries. OnAir cannot decode encrypted or scrambled services, and does not try to.

Can I try DVB in OnAir without a radio?

Yes. Most modes include a built-in synthetic test signal, so you can open the screen and try the controls before you own a radio.

Try it without a radio

OnAir includes built-in synthetic test signals for most modes, so you can open this screen, see the layout and try the controls before you own a radio. The Tour button walks you through the app.

Receiving and the law. Receiving free-to-air broadcasts is legal in most countries. OnAir cannot decode encrypted or scrambled services, and does not try to.

More in TV

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