OnAirTV · Experimental
Decode ISDB-T with an SDR
OnAir receives ISDB-T. ISDB-T (Japan, Brazil and most of South America; 8 MHz channels in the Maldives), 6, 7 or 8 MHz channel, 13 segments.
What ISDB-T is
ISDB-T is the terrestrial television standard of Japan, Brazil and most of South America. It splits a 6 MHz channel into 13 segments, one of which can carry one-segment mobile TV.
Frequencies and where it is used
Japan, Brazil and most of South America, Philippines.
In OnAir the tuning shortcut is Japan, Brazil; you can enter any frequency your radio reaches.
What OnAir shows for ISDB-T
Digital TV and one-segment mobile TV.
This receiver is built from the published specification and checked end to end on simulated signals. It has had little or no testing on real transmissions yet, so reports and recordings on Discord are welcome.
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 ISDB-T
Can I decode ISDB-T 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 ISDB-T?
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 ISDB-T 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.