As part of its transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting, Saarl_ndischer Rundfunk (SR), part of the German federal broadcaster ARD, has ordered a DVB-T multiplex center from Thomson. The installation will allow SR’s digital services to officially go on air by the end of 2007, writes Andy Stout.
German broadcasters are migrating rapidly to digital terrestrial broadcasting using the DVB-T format, to make better use of the available spectrum. SR invited Thomson to build a digital playout center on the G_ttelborn site to be monitored from its headquarters in Saarbr_cken.
The solution is based on the new Thomson NetProcessor 9040, providing statistical multiplexing, transrating and PSI/SI management in a single unit. A redundant pair of NetProcessor 9040 devices is provided linked by an automated changeover switch to guarantee very high availability of the MPTS stream to the single frequency transmitter network.
“Europe is moving rapidly towards analogue switch-off,” said Patrick Montliaud, Senior VP, Thomson Integration and Network Solutions. “Thomson’s ability to deliver a highly effective video processing solution is proving attractive. This is our first such installation in digital terrestrial television in Germany, and we are very much looking forward to maintaining our close relationship with SR on this project.”
As well as the redundant NetProcessor 9040 the project also includes an XMS control system that allows the whole solution to be monitored and maintained from a standard web browser, either in the control room or from remote locations. A Thomson Granite Sentinel MPEG quality of service monitoring system is also included, also under XMS control, to ensure a consistently high quality signal is delivered to the viewer at home.
