What Is a DVB-S2 to DVB-C / DVB-T / ISDB-T Modulator and How Does It Work?

Recommended Model: Catcast HPR3624M FTA DVB-S2 Tuner to RF Modulator

Digital TV networks rely on different broadcasting standards — satellite uses DVB-S/S2, cable uses DVB-C, and terrestrial systems use DVB-T or ISDB-T. When operators, hotels, or residential systems need to redistribute satellite channels over a local coax network, they require a professional conversion device.

This device is the DVB-S2 to DVB-C/DVB-T/ISDB-T Modulator.

1. What Is a DVB-S2 to RF Modulator?

A DVB-S2 to RF modulator receives satellite signals, demodulates them, and regenerates the content into new RF channels in formats such as:

• DVB-C (Cable)

• DVB-T (Terrestrial)

• ISDB-T (South America & Japan)

• ATSC / DTMB (depending on configuration)

It functions as the core of many digital TV distribution systems in:

• Hotels, resorts, cruise ships

• Cable TV headends

• Apartments, villas, residential buildings

• Hospitals, schools, government facilities

• IPTV & hybrid DVB systems

2. How Does It Work?

A DVB-S2 to RF modulator completes four major tasks:

1. Tuner Input (DVB-S/S2/S2X)

Receives multiple satellite transponders and extracts transport streams (TS).

2. Multiplexing & Stream Processing

The device re-multiplexes programs:

• Select or delete services

• Adjust program information (SID, LCN, names)

• Add ASI/IP inputs

• Support for UDP/RTP MPTS/SPTS

3. Digital RF Modulation

The processed streams are modulated into new RF channels:

• DVB-C: 16/32/64/128/256 QAM

• DVB-T: QPSK/16QAM/64QAM

• ISDB-T: DQPSK/QPSK/16QAM/64QAM

4. RF Output Distribution

The new channels are broadcast over the local coax network:

• 96–864 MHz

• MER ≥ 37 dB

• Adjustable output level (-35 to -5 dBm)

3. Why Use a DVB-S2 to RF Modulator?

A single device can replace many satellite receivers + multiple modulators, reducing both space and cost.

4. Recommended Product: Catcast HPR3624M Tuner to RF Modulator

The Catcast HPR3624M is one of the most flexible and powerful tuner-to-modulator platforms in the market.  Detalles del producto HPR3624M

Key Advantages

✓ High tuner capacity

• Up to 24 tuners (DVB-S/S2/S2X, DVB-T/T2, DVB-C, ISDB-T, ATSC)

• Mixed tuner types supported

✓ Multiple RF output standards

• DVB-C (8 / 16 / 32 carriers)

• DVB-T / ISDB-T / ATSC / DTMB (4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 24 carriers)

✓ Advanced multiplexing

• 128 IP inputs (UDP/RTP)

• ASI input & output

• MPTS & SPTS IP output

✓ Excellent RF quality

• MER ≥ 37 dB

• 96–864 MHz output, 1 kHz step

✓ High integration = lower cost

One chassis replaces multiple receivers, multiplexers, and modulators — reducing costs for operators and system integrators.

✓ Easy management

• Web NMS

• Clear UI for quick setup

• Fast scanning and program mapping

5. Conclusion

A DVB-S2 to DVB-C/DVB-T/ISDB-T modulator is essential for any digital headend that needs to convert satellite channels into cable or terrestrial formats. It simplifies content distribution, increases reliability, and significantly reduces system cost.

The Catcast HPR3624M offers exceptional flexibility, powerful multiplexing, high-quality RF output, and a fully integrated design — making it an ideal solution for hotels, operators, ISPs, campuses, and residential TV networks.

Catcast also offers a variety of modulators; please Click here to view the Modulator catalog.