With broadcasters keen to maximise their bandwidth efficiency, the DVB-T2 transmission standard is a hot topic. Harris is showing a comprehensive solution, which includes a cost-effective headend based on its Selenio convergence infrastructure platform, writes Dick Hobbs.
Because the Selenio platform combines baseband video and audio with IP networking, it can accept a mixture of transport streams and video inputs to create a multiplex. Other data streams, such as EPG, subtitling and conditional access, can be brought into the Selenio for single point processing.
The Selenio headend can also incorporate signal conditioning, such as loudness monitoring and correction, to deliver consistency across all channels in a multiplex.
For national broadcasters, bandwidth can be even more effectively used by employing a single frequency network. Maintaining the necessary synchronisation for SFN DVB-T2 is recognised as a particularly processor-intensive task, but Harris says that the Selenio gateway can meet the requirements.
The result is a comprehensive distribution and transport stream system in a compact, 3U device. This significantly reduces the rack space required, as well as lowering power requirements, increasing reliability and speeding the implementation time. The complete system can be tested in simulation before installation, and wiring is greatly reduced. Enhancements and upgrades are implemented in software which can be fully tested before going live.
The Selenio DVB headend and gateway is one of three elements of the Harris transmission solution. Its Maxiva and Platinum transmitter lines use the latest LDMOS technology for high efficiency. The Apex M2X exciter supports all global digital terrestrial broadcast standards, including DVB-T2. The final element is the MultiSource Analyzer (MSA) test and measurement instruments. A DVB-T2 option is to be launched at IBC and will be available for delivery immediately after the show. MSA can provide verified checks on compressed video conformance, audio levels and loudness, and data services. It provides reassurance in systems with a complete headend sending a transport stream to a remote, unmanned transmitter site.
