Editing 8VSB (section)

== 8VSB vs COFDM ==
The previously cited FCC Report also found that COFDM has better performance in dynamic and high level static multipath situations, and offers advantages for single frequency networks and mobile reception. Nonetheless, in  2001, a technical report compiled by the COFDM Technical Group concluded that COFDM did not offer any significant advantages over 8VSB. The report recommended in conclusion that receivers be linked to outdoor antennas raised to roughly 30 feet (9 m) in height. Neither 8VSB nor COFDM performed acceptably in most indoor test installations.<ref name="comparison">[http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/archives/mstvtestsum.html 8VSB/COFDM Comparison Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122132418/http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/archives/mstvtestsum.html |date=2005-11-22 }}</ref>

However, there were questions{{who|date=August 2014}} whether the COFDM receiver selected for these tests − a transmitter monitor [http://www.computermodules.com/pdf/dtvm2000t.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927234316/http://www.computermodules.com/pdf/dtvm2000t.pdf |date=2007-09-27 }} lacking normal front end filtering − colored these results. Retests that were performed using the same COFDM receivers with the addition of a front end band pass filter gave much improved results for the DVB-T receiver, but further testing was not pursued.[http://www.sbgi.net/dtv/newer/Receiver%20Anamoly%20Retest.pdf]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The debate over 8VSB versus COFDM modulation is still ongoing. Proponents of COFDM argue that it resists multipath far better than 8VSB. This is important property of the modulation for receiving HDTV in e.g. moving vehicles that is not possible with 8VSB. Early 8VSB [[Digital television|DTV]] (digital television) receivers often had difficulty receiving a signal in urban environments. Newer 8VSB receivers, however, are better at dealing with multipath, but a moving receiver can still not receive the signal. Moreover, 8VSB modulation requires less power to transmit a signal the same distance. In less populated areas, 8VSB may outperform COFDM because of this. However, in some urban areas, as well as for mobile use, COFDM may offer better reception than 8VSB. Several "enhanced" VSB systems were in development, most notably [[E-VSB]], [[A-VSB]], and [[MPH (ATSC)|MPH]]. The deficiencies in 8VSB in regards to multipath reception can be dealt with by using additional forward error-correcting codes which decreases the useful bit rate, such as that used by [[ATSC-M/H]] for Mobile/Handheld reception. [[ATSC 3.0]], the next major television standard in the United States, will use COFDM.

The vast majority of U.S. TV stations use COFDM for their studio to transmitter links and news gathering operations{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}. These are point-to-point communication links and not broadcast transmissions.