DVB is an open system as opposed to a closed system. Closed systems are content-provider specific, not expandable, and optimized only for the system they were developed for. An open system, such as DVB, allows the subscriber to choose different content providers and allows integration of PCs and televisions. DVB systems are optimized for television, but home shopping and banking, private network broadcasting, and interactive viewing are supported.
DVB opens the possibilities of providing crystal-clear television programming to television sets in buses, cars, trains, and even hand-held televisions. DVB is beneficial to content providers because they can offer their services anywhere DVB is supported regardless of geographic location. They can also expand their services easily and inexpensively and ensure restricted access to subscribers reducing lost revenues due to unauthorized viewing.