Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial version 2 (DVB-T2) is an enhanced and improved version of the DVB-T standard designed for digital terrestrial television distribution. DVB-T2 brings several advancements to the transmission technique, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency compared to DVB-T. This enhanced efficiency can be harnessed to offer higher capacity and/or improved robustness in television broadcasts.

Key features and benefits of DVB-T2 include:

1. Greater Efficiency: DVB-T2 significantly improves the efficiency of data transmission, allowing for better utilization of available bandwidth. This can lead to higher-quality broadcasts or the capacity to carry more channels and services.
2. Generic Stream Encapsulation: DVB-T2 supports the use of Generic Stream Encapsulation (GSE), which is an effective method for delivering IP (Internet Protocol) data directly. This enables the seamless integration of digital television broadcasts with IP-based services and content delivery.
3. Multiple Physical Layer Pipes (PLPs): DVB-T2 introduces the concept of multiple Physical Layer Pipes, or PLPs. This feature allows for the transmission of a mix of services with service-specific levels of robustness. For example, a single DVB-T2 multiplex can carry a combination of high-definition television (HDTV) content intended for household television sets and lower-bit-rate, more resilient services aimed at portable receivers.
4. Mobile Reception: DVB-T2 is designed to support robust mobile reception, even at high speeds. This makes it suitable for delivering content to mobile devices in moving vehicles, such as cars and trains. To facilitate mobile applications, DVB has defined a mobile profile of T2 known as DVB-T2 Lite.
5. Backward Compatibility: DVB-T2 is backward compatible with the existing DVB-T standard. It can be deployed within the current infrastructure of DVB-T transmitters and antennas. However, the implementation of DVB-T2 requires the use of new modulators in transmitters, and consumers may need to acquire new set-top boxes to receive DVB-T2 broadcasts.

In summary, DVB-T2 represents a significant advancement in digital terrestrial television distribution technology. It offers improved efficiency, support for IP data delivery, the ability to accommodate a mix of services with varying levels of robustness, and enhanced capabilities for mobile reception. While backward compatibility with DVB-T ensures a smooth transition, the adoption of DVB-T2 may require infrastructure upgrades and updated consumer equipment to fully leverage its benefits.