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res a Ready for Digital TV? p re itch p Government Technology ss V sw Jan 4, 2008 e r g T n l In du st ry adapts to big changes Co digita r in a te ch t no logy, business climate for as City20S07 Orlando Sentinel , ns Ka ec 16 D Jan 7, 2008 l Transition? Who’s Ready for the Digita How To Get Ready For TV’s Digital Transition WGRZ-TV Jan 3, 2008 Broadcas ters Prep eMarketer, NY Dec 28, 2007 na r t n o i s i v e l e igital t ect you? d e h t s i t a h W t aff i l l i w w o h d sition an are For D cs.com eCousti , 2007 Dec 20 TV Trans Twice, NY Jan 7, 200 8 ition 01/2008 Products You Can Depend On! FIBER DIGITAL IPTV • • Fiber Distribution Digital Demodulator FODA AQD IP Video Encoder IPME INDUSTRY LEADER FOR OVER 50 YEARS! For more information, call or visit our website at 800-523-6049 • www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Table of Contents How To Use This Guide ....................................................................................................................... 3 Digital Television Overview ....................................................................................................................... 5 Safety Instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7 Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (8VSB) ........................................................................ 8 DHDP Spec Sheet ................................................................................................................................... 10 Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing ................................................................................. 12 Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing ................................................................................... 14 EBS/ITFS (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing......................................................................................... 16 AQD Spec Sheet ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) ...................................................................... 22 Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) ........................................................................ 24 AQT Spec Sheet ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing (via IP) ....................................................................... 30 IPME Spec Sheet ..................................................................................................................................... 32 System — Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Simulcast Viewing (8VSB) Digital & Analog..................... 36 System — Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Simulcast Viewing (QAM) Digital & Analog..................... 38 www.blondertongue.com 2 4 Digital Transition Survival Guide How to Use This Guide This publication has been designed to serve as a guide on how to provide signal to televisions in professional/ industrial/educational environments before, during and after the upcoming ‘digital transition’. The first section of the guide is a general overview concerning the whole digital transition and can be used as a primer to understanding the changes in television technology. This section is in no way an in depth discussion, but rather an efficient overview of the digital technology and it’s benefits. The second section of the guide is a plain English, functional description of the different solutions that can be incorporated into a facility. Each system is broken down into four distinct sections: “Key”, “Functionality”, “In Depth Description”, and “Functional Block Diagram”. The Key is a quick snap shot of what that particular solution entails, covering the Source, Distribution Network and the Viewing Location. The sample Key below is for a system receiving a digital signal from the local Cable Television Company, distributing it through the building on a traditional coaxial or fiber network, for use with televisions that have digital tuners that are set to ‘CATV Mode’. Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Digital CATV QAM Distribution Network Coaxial/ HFC Viewing Location Ethernet Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer The Functionality section is a plain English, functional description of the different sub-systems that can be incorporated in to the project. This is designed to give you the most basic idea of what the system will do for the facility, and can be used to highlight the different uses of the technology. The In Depth Description builds on the information introduced in the Functionality section, but goes in to deeper detail. An operational description is given for each item needed to make the system work. As with any type of technical systems there sometimes are special considerations that must be considered when designing the system, those considerations will be brought forth in this section. The Functional Block Diagram section is a graphic representation of how the components interface with each other. Next to the graphical representation of each component, there is a listing of all the possible items that can perform that function. If the designer picks one component from each group, the system will have all of the components required to operate properly, provided that all of the components are properly installed. www.blondertongue.com 5 3 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Forward This Digital Transition Survival Guide has been designed to break down digital broadband systems into their simple building blocks to be used when specifying an RF System for schools, prisons, sports complexes, or any type of facility. Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. has been in the business of manufacturing equipment for broadband systems over the last 58 years. We have utilized, combined, etc. that knowledge and experience to formulate this Digital Transition Survival Guide to help Specifiers, Architects and Engineers design and modify RF systems before, during and after the FCC mandated Digital Transition. You’ll find we use plain English descriptions and simple to use diagrams to fit your broadband design needs. We welcome your suggestions or feedback. Simply e-mail us at [email protected] with the subject line of ‘Digital Transition Survival Guide.’ Caution The information presented in this manual is intended to be a helpful guide for the design of RF systems. It is not intended to be applicable or suited to every circumstance which might arise during the construction phases of RF systems. The information and drawings contained in the manual are the exclusive property of Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc., but may be reproduced, copied, or published by any means if for the purposes of specifying, designing, or selling Blonder Tongue products. Appropriate trademark and credit must be given to Blonder Tongue, and stock and model numbers of the products are not to be changed. No warranty or liability is implied, nor expressed and this manual should not be construed to be a replacement for sound judgment and experience as applied to actual field circumstances. ©2008 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors. www.blondertongue.com 6 4 Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Television Overview Digital Television is a new broadcasting technology that allows signals to be delivered virtually free of interference. This interference free reception is possible because the Audio and Video information are transmitted as “data bits” allowing video with higher resolution and dramatically better picture and sound quality than is currently available via analog transmission. Digital signals can come from many different sources and in many different formats. The three major formats currently in use in the United States are: Broadcast Over Air (Off-Air) – 8-Level Vestigial Sideband Modulation (8VSB) Cable System – Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) Satellite System – Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK/8PSK) This guide is going to focus on the first two formats and how to utilize them in your facilities. At any viewing location, these digital signals are received and used in their digital form to drive a Digital television, or they are received by an integrated decoder, or set-top box. It is important to understand that under the title of ‘Digital Television’ there are two different standards/levels of signal. Analog vs. Standard Definition vs. High Definition The most basic version of ‘Digital Television’ is Standard Definition Television (SDTV), which is nothing more than a digital version of the traditional Analog viewing that we have been using for the last half century. The version that has generated all of the media activity and industry excitement is High Definition Television (HDTV). HDTV differs from SDTV and Analog in that it has; Higher Resolution — 1080 or 720 lines rather than 480 for SDTV and Analog, Widescreen Format — 16:9 rather than 4:3, Superior Audio — Dolby® 5.1 Surround Sound which is better than traditional analog stereo. In the current Analog television system, images are created by interlace scanning, which uses two fields of alternating horizontal scanning lines to form a full picture, referred to as 480 interlace or 480i. In HDTV, the number of scanning lines can be doubled to 1080 interlace or 1080i, providing more detailed images that practically jump off the television screen. It is these lifelike images that are creating a flurry of business in the consumer and professional electronics industries as individuals and facilities start to upgrade the quality of their viewing locations. HDTV can also be broadcast as a “Progressive Image” (720p) like a computer monitor. In this format, the full frame fills the screen from top to bottom, eliminating scan lines altogether. Why Digital Television? Digital Television offers many benefits for both broadcasters and consumers. Digital Television is more efficient transmission method than Analog Television. In the same bandwidth a broadcaster/operator can provide one analog channel of programming, OR one high definition program AND/OR multiple standard definition programs simultaneously. When broadcasters provide multiple programs within one channel, it is called multicasting. The number of programs that a broadcaster/operator can transmit in a single channel depends on the level of picture detail, or resolution. The digital streams offer improved security to prevent unauthorized people from receiving services that they are not authorized to view. For the consumer, there are also benefits of going digital. There is an increased video programming capacity within the same bandwidth, providing more viewing options for the consumer. One of the biggest improvements is the improved picture quality. The standard definition programs have an improved quality because the digital programming data stream is not subject to the degradation that takes place with the traditional analog transmission. All of the marketing hype around the quality of the HDTV images is well founded. The HDTV images have very vivid, crisp pictures and vibrant colors that are realistic and lifelike. Sometime after the digital transition is complete, there will be increased programming options like interactivity and video-on-demand. www.blondertongue.com 75 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide What Is The FCC Transition Plan? Congress has determined that the current analog broadcast service must eventually convert completely to digital operation. On December 24, 1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the major elements of the American Television Standards Committee (ATSC) Digital Televisions (DTV) standard, mandating its use for digital terrestrial television broadcasters in the United States. In 1997 the FCC adopted the companion DTV rules, assigning an additional 6 MHz channel to approximately 1,600 full-power broadcasters in the US. This permitted broadcasters to simulcast, or transmit analog & digital signals in parallel during the transition period while consumers made the conversion to digital televisions. Cable Television and other video media are also transitioning to digital, but are doing so for business or quality reasons, not federal mandate. As of June 12, 2007, 1,241 Stations in 211 Markets were broadcasting in digital.1 The current target date set for the completion of the digital transition is February 17, 2009. The date has been moved back several times since it’s original inception. In light of all the recent public service announcements that the FCC has been running, many in the industry feel that this date is going to stick. When the transition completion date is reached the analog spectrum will revert back to the FCC. The FCC did not mandate the use of the specific format, so broadcasters are free to choose which digital format to transmit, even if it means mixing formats. There are eighteen ATSC digital television formats; four Video Graphics Array (VGA) formats, eight Standard Definition (SDTV) formats, and six High Definition (HDTV) formats. In order to help the adoption of digital television, the FCC required ATSC Digital Tuners to be integrated into new televisions. The schedule for the television tuner transition is: 36” and above = July 1, 2004 for 50% of all units; July 1, 2005 for all units 25” to 36” = July 1, 2005 for 50% of all units; July 1, 2006 for all units 13” to 24” = July 1, 2006 for 50% of all units; July 1, 2007 for all units Industry References • • • • • • Federal Communications Commission (FCC), www.fcc.gov Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), www.atsc.org National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), www.nab.org FCC Digital Transition, www.dtv.gov National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), www.ncta.com Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE), www.scte.org Useful Websites • • • • • • • • • • Reference & Products, www.blondertongue.com Off-Air Antenna Reports, www.antennaweb.org Acronym Search, www.ucc.ie/cgi-bin/acronym Satellite Information, www.lyngsat.com Satellite Signals Information, www.satsig.net Online Satellite Calculations, home.online.no/~jensts/satellite.html Satellite Lookup, www.geo-orbit.org Glossary, www.satnews.com Rules For Telecommunications, www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037 Off-Air Antenna Reports, www.tvfool.com 1 For a complete listing of DTV broadcast stations, please refer to http://www.nab.org/ or http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html www.blondertongue.com 8 6 Digital Transition Survival Guide Safety Instructions You should always follow these instructions to help ensure against injury to yourself and damage to your equipment. ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ ➧ Read all safety and operating instructions before you operate the unit. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings on the unit and in the safety and operating instructions. Follow all installation, operating, and use instructions. Unplug the unit from the AC power outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior of the unit. Do not use accessories or attachments not recommended by Blonder Tongue, as they may cause hazards, and will void the warranty. Do not operate the unit in high-humidity areas, or expose it to water or moisture. Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious personal injury and damage to the unit. Install the unit only in a mounting rack designed for 19” rackmounted equipment. Do not block or cover slots and openings in the unit. These are provided for ventilation and protection from overheating. Never place the unit near or over a radiator or heat register. Do not place the unit in an enclosure such as a cabinet without proper ventilation. Do not mount equipment in the rack space directly above or below the unit. Operate the unit using only the type of power source indicated on the marking label. Unplug the unit power cord by gripping the plug, not the cord. The unit is equipped with a three-wire ground-type plug. This plug will fit only into a ground-type power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the ground-type plug. Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit. Be sure that the outdoor components of the antenna system are grounded in accordance with local, federal, and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Pay special attention to NEC Sections 810 and 820. See the example shown in the following diagram: Satellite Dish Ground Clamp Coaxial Cable from Satellite Dish Electric Service Equipment Antenna Discharge Unit (NEC Section 810-20) Ground Clamps Power Service Grounding Electrode System (NEC Art. 250, Part H) Grounding Conductors (NEC Section 810-21) www.blondertongue.com 7 9 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (8VSB) Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality The federal government has set February 17, 2009 as the digital transition cut-off date. This means the current simulcasting of both analog and digital HDTV/SDTV broadcasts will end and only digital TV broadcasts will be available over the air. All facilities with television systems that are utilizing off-air programming must be upgraded before then in order to maintain program delivery. This system will allow you to receive the local, digital (8VSB) off-air broadcast programming that is available in the market and distribute it through the facility in it’s original digital format. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid fiber/coax distribution network within the facility. A digital television with an 8VSB tuner is required to display this channel. The main component difference between a digital and standard analog channel in the headend is the channel processor. Because of signal format differences, the digital signal requires a digital channel processor that is specifically designed for digital off-air broadcasts. It is important to note that standard analog channel processors will not work on digital channels and standard television sets will not receive digitally transmitted programs. In Depth Discussion Antennas are selected based on the frequency/channel that is to be received, not the content, all off-air/ broadcast antennas will receive both analog and digital signals, however receiving the new digital off-air channel may require a new antenna because of the new channel frequency assignment of the digital channel. Since the necessity of a pre-amp cannot be determined until a site survey is performed, it is advisable to specify one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for the preamplifier being used must be specified separately. The digital processor is the system component that filters and amplifies to condition the particular channel being received. The processor can convert the received channel to another channel for output onto the system. It is common practice to convert desired local UHF channels to non-broadcast VHF channels in the market. This is done to minimize losses, and make it easier to construct and manage the distribution network. When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. Digitally modulated carriers (ATSC, 8VSB, QAM) should have an output signal level that is about 10 dB less than it’s equivalent analog channel. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 10 8 Digital Transition Survival Guide ��������������������������������������������������������� � � ���������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� � � ������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� � �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� � ����������������������������� ���������������� � ���������������������������� �������������������� � �������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 9 11 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide DHDP Series Easily Deliver Digital & High Definition Programming Blonder Tongue’s Digital High Definition Processor (DHDP) Series gives cable television operators the ability to easily deliver digital & high definition programming from 8VSB off-air sources to customers over existing cable systems. The DHDP Series is a two-part system that receives any high definition or digital signal and processes it to any available 6 MHz channel in the 54-860 MHz frequency range. The unit does not modify any of the data stream information throughout the process guaranteeing compatibility with many consumer decoders. Achieving the highest level of signal purity, the DHDP features triple SAW filtering that results in extremely high adjacent channel rejection. Plus, advanced AGC circuitry ensures consistent output signal fidelity. All modules are housed in Blonder Tongue’s advanced die-cast micro housing and compatible with Blonder Tongue MIRC style chassis units. With DHDP Series Converters, an operator uses an off-air antenna to receive the digital & high definition programming from local broadcast sources. These signals, currently found in the UHF band, are transmitted in 8 Vestigial Side Band (8VSB) format. The 8VSB signal is received by the DHDC-D, converted to IF and then fed to the DHDC-U. The DHDC-U then upconverts the signal to any available channel, including on-channel if desired, for distribution on the existing cable system. The signal can then be viewed at the customers’ homes with any HDTV-capable television or a standard television with an external HDTV receiver. • Brings Digital and HDTV Programming to Existing Systems • Agile Off-Air Channel Inputs and Outputs are Selected by Simple Switches • Superior Triple SAW Filtering for Ultra-Clean Adjacent Channel Performance • Encased in Advanced Die-Cast Housing for Compatibility with Standard Blonder Tongue Micro-Modular Racks & Power Supplies www.blondertongue.com 10 12 Digital Transition Survival Guide DHDP Series Digital High Definition Television Processor ❍ Features & Benefits • Digital & High Definition Capable • MICM Form Factor • 54-860 MHz 8VSB Input • 54-860 MHz CATV & Broadcast Output • Excellent Noise Performance - 88 dBc @10 kHz & 98 dBc @20 kHz • +40 dBmV Digital Output Level (+45 dBmV Analog Signals) ❍ Specifications The DHDP Series is a two-unit system consisting of a Downconverter unit which acts as the input section and an Upconverter unit which acts as the output section. Both units are housed in a single MICM style die-cast chassis. The Downconverter unit is designed to accept any 8VSB signal from 54-860 MHz. Channel entry is made using a 2 digit front panel accessible BCD switch. (I.E. - VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69 & unused spectrum 806-860 MHz). The Downconverter outputs an IF signal which is fed to the Upconverter unit. The Upconverter unit is designed to take the IF signal from the downconverter and process it to any channel from 54-860 MHz. Channel entry is made using a 2 digit front panel accessible BCD switch. (I.E. - CATV – STD, IRC & HRC as well as Broadcast VHF & UHF). DOWNCONVERTER RF Input Frequency Range: (8VSB) VHF 2-13: 54-216 UHF 14-69: 470-806 UHF Extended: 806-860 Operating Input Range: -10 to +20 dBmV Input Level Range: (AGC Controlled) -20 dBmV to +25 dBmV Adj. Ch. Rejection: (Ref. to +30 dBmV IF output) Adj. Aural and Below: >65 dB Adj. Visual and Above: >65 dB Output Frequency: 44 MHz IF Output Level: +30 dBmV (-20 to +25 dBmV Input) L.O. Leakage on RF Input Port: -50 dBmV Phase Noise: @ 10 KHz Offset -85 dBc/Hz General Power Requirements: +12 VDC: 120 mA +5 VDC: 160 mA Power: Operating Temperature Range: 0 to +50 ºC Mechanical Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.15 x 3.5 x 7.5 in., 29 x 89 x 101 mm Weight: 0.8 lbs., .36 kg Connectors: RF Input: "F" Female IF Output: "F" Female Power: 3 Pin Polarized Receptacle Controls: Channel Selection: 2 Digit Push Button Channel Enter: Push Button Indicators: Power On/Status OK: 2 color LED/Green Status (Error): 2 color LED/ Red UPCONVERTER RF Output Frequency Range: 54-860 MHz Channels: CATV- STD, IRC, HRC Broadcast; VHF, UHF Output Frequency Tolerance: ±5 KHz Output Level: Analog: +45 dBmV (IF Input +35 dBmV) Digital: +40 dBmV (IF Input +30 dBmV) Output Level Adj. Range: 10 dB Channel Flatness: 1 dB Spurious Output 50-1000 MHz: -60 dB C/N Ratio In Channel: Digital: -60 dB (6 MHz BW +40 dBmV Output) Analog: -65 dB (4 MHz BW +45 dBmV Output) Broadband Noise: -76 dBc (4 MHz BW +45 dBmV Output) Phase Noise: @ 10 KHz Offset -88 dBc @ 20 KHz Offset -98 dBc Output Impedance: 75 Ω Output Return Loss: 12 dB General Power Requirements: +12 VDC: 140 mA +5 VDC: 300 mA Power: 3.2 W Operating Temperature Range: 0 to +50 ºC Mechanical Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.15 x 3.5 x 7.5 in. 29 x 89 x 101 mm Weight: 0.8 lbs., 0.36 kg Connectors: IF Input: "F" Female RF Output: "F" Female Power: 3 Pin Polorized Controls: Channel Selection: 2 Digit Push Button Channel Enter: Push Button RF Output Level: Control Indicators: Power On/Status OK: 2 color LED/Green Status (Error): 2 color LED/ Red ❍ Ordering Information Model Stock No. Description Model Stock No. Description DHDC-DV DHDC-UV DHDP-V 6264 6265A 6266A Digital & HDTV Downconverter Digital & HDTV Upconverter Digital & HDTV Processor Vertical Combo MIRC-12V 7715 MIPS-12C 7722C 12 Module Rack for Vertical Application (6 Channels in 3RU) Power Supply for Vertical Application Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. • One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 ©2007 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 800-523-6049 or 732-679-4000 • www.blondertongue.com www.blondertongue.com 13 11 Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality The federal government has set February 17, 2009 as the digital transition cut-off date. This means the current simulcasting of both analog and digital HDTV/SDTV broadcasts will end and only digital TV broadcasts will be available over the air. All facilities with television systems that are utilizing off-air programming must be upgraded before then in order to maintain program delivery. This system will allow you to receive the local, digital (8VSB) off-air broadcast programming that is available in the market and distribute it through the facility in a format that can be viewed by the existing analog televisions. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This application assumes that all of the televisions in the system have analog tuners and therefore cannot receive the digital channel directly. In Depth Discussion Antennas are selected based on the frequency/channel that is to be received, not the content, all off-air/ broadcast antennas will receive both analog and digital signals, however receiving the new digital off-air channel may require a new antenna because of the new channel frequency assignment of the digital channel. The requirement for a pre-amp or not cannot be determined until a site survey is performed. It’s advisable to specify one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for the preamplifier being used must be specified separately. The AQD Digital Demodulator is the system component that receives the offair digital channel and tunes to a particular program (within the channel) if multiple programs are transmitted. The digital demodulator provides analog, baseband audio and video outputs to connect an analog modulator. This modulator then creates the new channel that will be viewed by the existing analog televisions. It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or CATV channels to minimize distribution losses and make it easier to construct and manage the system. When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 14 12 Digital Transition Survival Guide ������������������������������������������������� � � � � � �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� � ����������������������������� ���������������� � ����������������������� ������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������� � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������� � ������������ ��������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� � ������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������ � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � � � � ���������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 13 15 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality Any facility that wants to utilize a digital cable television feed as a source for their analog televisions will need to convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions. This system will allow you to receive a digital (QAM) channel from the local cable company and distribute it to conventional analog televisions in the facility. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This application assumes that all the TV’s in the system are analog and therefore cannot receive the digital channel directly. In Depth Discussion The method to utilizing a digital CATV signal is to employ an AQD Digital Demodulator and modulator in series. The AQD is an agile device that can be set up to receive a digital CATV channel input signal. Its function is to extract the audio and video information from the digital carrier and provide separate analog audio and video output signals. These separate audio and video feeds, also called baseband audio and video, are then applied to a modulator. It is the job of the modulator to take the audio and video and make them in to a cable TV channel that can be viewed by the existing analog televisions. This channel can then be combined with other channels that have been created at the property. It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or CATV channels to minimize distribution losses and make it easier to construct and manage the system. When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. The keys to success in this system are making sure that the AQD demodulators have enough input signal to function correctly and making sure that the modulator is adjusted correctly for proper output level. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 16 14 Digital Transition Survival Guide ��������������������������������������������� ���������� ���� � � � � � � �������������������������������������� QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������ ������������������������������� � ������������ ��������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� � ������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������ � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � ������������ ��������������� ����������������������� ������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������� � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 15 17 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide EBS/ITFS (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality Any facility that wants to utilize a digital EBS/ITFS feed as a source for their analog televisions will need to convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions. This system will allow you to receive the digital EBS/ITFS (QAM) channel transmission and distribute it to the conventional analog televisions in the facility. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This application assumes that all the TV’s in the system are analog and therefore cannot receive the digital channel directly. In Depth Discussion The method to utilizing a digital EBS/ITFS signal is to employ an AQD Digital Demodulator and modulator in series. The AQD is an agile device that can be set up to receive a digital EBS/ITFS channel input signal from an EBS/ITFS downconverter. Its function is to extract the audio and video information from the digital carrier and provide separate analog audio and video output signals. These separate audio and video feeds, also called baseband audio and video, are then applied to an analog modulator. It is the job of the modulator to take the audio and video and make them in to a NTSC cable TV channel that can be viewed by the existing analog televisions. This channel can then be combined with other channels that have been created at the property. It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or CATV channels to minimize distribution losses and make it easier to construct and manage the system. When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. The keys to success in this system are making sure that the AQD demodulators have enough input signal to function correctly and making sure that the modulator is adjusted correctly for proper output level. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 18 16 Digital Transition Survival Guide ����������������������������������������� � � ��������������� ����������� � ���������������������� ����������� � ����������������������������������� ����������� � ������������ ��������������� ����������������������� ������������ � � � � �������������������������������������� QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������ ������������������������������� � ������������ ��������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� � ������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������ � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 17 19 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide AQD Family of Products • • • Front • • • Receives & Demodulates 8VSB, QAM 64 & QAM 256 (Annex B) Input Streams Modular & Compact Units Permit High Density — 8 Modules in 3 RU Outputs 480i NTSC Composite Video Rear Common Unit Permits Easy Set-up & Configuration via Front Panel LCD Controls Auto-Scan Feature Finds All Available Programming Optional Remote Computer Control Capability Built-in Front • • • Front • • Rear Optional Unit Permits Complete Remote Monitoring & Control of All Units at a Headend Location No Software Installation Required & Works with any Computer – MAC or PC – Uses Standard Web Interface Easy to Use Graphical Interface with Advanced Functions Like Real Time Status and Headend Temperature Monitoring Rear Optional Unit Provides Back-up Power for 2 Full AQD Racks (16 modules) Built-in Fan Helps Air Circulation for Increased Product Life Span • • High Performance 3 Rack High Chassis Houses up to 8 AQD Modules Specially Configured to Support Optional Custom Splitter to Make Signal Delivery Simple Front Rear www.blondertongue.com I 20 18 I Digital Transition Survival Guide The ATSC/QAM Demodulator or AQD is a high performance modular digital receiver that allows for the reception and demodulation of an 8VSB (Off-air SD/HD digital TV Signal) or QAM (Digital CATV) Annex B signal into a baseband NTSC video and audio output. This permits the delivery of digital television signals in a analog format directly to a television or to interface easily with existing analog modulators on CATV networks. Most operators and consumers are aware of the federally mandated US government deadline for the transition from analog to digital broadcasts. This deadline has been set for February 17, 2009 by Congress. This means that all off-air analog signals will be terminated and replaced by standard and/or high definition digital signals. A similar mandate has also been set for the Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) or newly renamed Educational Broadband Service (EBS) providers. This creates a dilemma for the millions of perfectly good working analog television sets deployed in the market, especially in educational and institutional environments. The AQD Series from Blonder Tongue solves this dilemma. Designed to bridge the digital transition gap, the AQD permits the receipt and delivery of digital originated TV signals in analog format so that the need and requirement to purchase expensive new digital/HD televisions or converter boxes for each viewing location is eliminated. The AQD provides a infrastructure based solution that allows for the replacement of sets in a more economical reasonable manner. • • • • Any large installed base of analog television viewing locations, easing the cost to upgrade to digital capable televisions immediately Educational & Institutional Facilities — Schools, Universities, Hospitals, Prisons, Nursing Homes, Military Bases, etc. EBS Broadcast environments to permit simultaneous analog & digital transmission Any location that requires digital 8VSB or QAM reception converted to analog • Television Studios for conversion of digital signals to analog format, great to monitor broadcasts in analog & for locations where digital upgrade is not permitted • Any location that has a need to simulcast an analog and digital television signal • Digital ‘Cherry Picking’ of un-encrypted QAM channels • Locations that can not budget or afford to replace and upgrade all of the viewing locations to digital capable HEADEND STATUS UNIT INFORMATION www.blondertongue.com 21 19 21 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide �������� Internet ENTER RCS INFORMATION PCM SETUP www.blondertongue.com 22 20 Digital Transition Survival Guide AQD ATSC/QAM Demodulator ❍ Features & Benefits • 8VSB, QAM 64 & QAM 256 (Annex B) Transport Streams Supported • Modular & Compact Units Permit High Density 8 Modules in 3 Rack Height • Easy Set-up & Configuration via Front Panel LCD Controls • Remote Computer Control Capability via Internet or RS-232 • Decodes all 18 ATSC Video Formats • Left/Right Stereo Audio Output The ATSC/QAM Demodulator is housed in a 3 RU Module that allows for 8 units to be inserted in a chassis with a common power & control unit. The power and control unit features a 2 line by 16 character liquid crystal display (LCD) to allow interaction with the easy to follow user menu functions for simple programming. The entire rack can also be optionally remotely controlled via an RS-232 modem or the Blonder Tongue AQD-RCS. The AQD provides the operator with a NTSC composite video via an F connector and audio via left/right RCA connectors. This is designed to function seamlessly with Blonder Tongue analog modulators to allow the delivery of the desired digital signals in any analog channel. The unit supports decoding all 18 ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) standard formats including 8VSB, annex B QAM64 & QAM 256. Video is displayed in 480i (NTSC) in 4:3 or 16:9 formats with closed captioning decoding supported as well. ❍ Specifications Input — 8VSB Mode Tuning Range: UHF 14-69, VHF 2-13 or CATV 2-135 Data Rate: 19.392 Mbps Input Level: -20 to +20 dBmV Modulation Type: 8VSB ATSC Compliant Input Connector: 75 Ohm “F” Female Input — QAM Mode Tuning Range: CATV 2-135 Data Rate: QAM 64 Annex B: 26.9 Mbps, Auto Detection QAM 256 Annex B: 38.8 Mbps, Auto Detection General Power: 115 VAC Operating Temperature Range: 0° to +50° C Storage Temperature Range: -25° to +70° C Humidity: 0 to 95% RH Mechanical Module Dimensions: 11.31 x 5.25 x 1.5 Inches Chassis Dimensions: 5.25 x 19 x 12 Inches PCM Dimensions: 10.625 x 5.25 x 4.43 Inches Mounting: Standard 3 EIA Unit Height – 5.25” x 19” Module Weight: 1.5 lbs. Input Level: -20 to +20 dBmV PCM Weight: 4 lbs. Input Connector: 75 Ohm “F” Female Fully Loaded Weight: 24 lbs. Output — NTSC Composite Video Output Level: 1 Vp-p Video Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (Pan and SCAN) Closed Captioning: EIA-608 LCD: 2 line x 16 character display Switches: 5 push button navigation switches Computer Control: Optional Remote Configuration Server Video Format: 480i NTSC Output — Analog Audio Audio Level: 1 Vrms Audio Control: Adjustable Connectors: RCA left/right ❍ Ordering Information Model Stock No. Description AQD AQD–PCM 6245 6246 QTRC 6233 ATSC/QAM Demodulator – Module ATSC/QAM Demodulator – Power & Control Module QAM Transcoder Rack Chassis Model Stock No. Description AQD/AQT-SPS QT-RFC QTHF 6253 6234-1 6235 AQD/AQT Standby Power Supply Unit 8 Way RF Combiner/Splitter QT/AQD Headend Fan I I Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. • One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 ©2007 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 800-523-6049 or 732-679-4000 • www.blondertongue.com www.blondertongue.com 23 21 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality It is common for digital televisions to only lock to digital CATV QAM signals when the digital television is set or tuned to the “CATV” mode. This creates difficulties for systems/facilities transmitting standard ATSC digital off-air or broadcast 8VSB signals. This solution solves this problem by converting an entire 8VSB digital off-air channel to a digital QAM signal. This new QAM channel will be available in the CATV band permitting the current generation of digital televisions that are integrated with QAM tuners to easily tune and display the television picture. This eliminates the problem of having to reprogram the television every time the customer wants to switch between digital CATV and digital off-air channels. In Depth Discussion Antennas are selected based on the frequency/channel that is to be received, not the content, all off-air/ broadcast antennas will receive both analog and digital signals, however receiving the new digital off-air channel may require a new antenna because of the new channel frequency assignment of the digital channel. The requirement for a pre-amp or not cannot be determined until a site survey is performed. It’s advisable to specify one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for the preamplifier being used must be specified separately. The AQT ATSC to QAM Transcoder is the system component that receives the off-air digital (8VSB) channel and changes the modulation scheme. The ATSC to QAM Transcoder (AQT) is a modular unit that receives either an 8VSB (Digital Off-air) or QAM (Digital CATV) signal, and transcodes it to any CATV QAM channel. The transcoding enables televisions with QAM digital tuners to seamlessly view the 8VSB Off-air digital signals on cable television frequency assignments without having to change the television tuner input from ‘CATV’ mode to ‘Off- Air’ mode. The input digital signal is stripped of it’s original digital modulation (8VSB or QAM), leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, clean QAM carrier and reinserts the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. If the original channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, if the original channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 24 22 Digital Transition Survival Guide �������������������������������������������������������� � ���������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� � ������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� � �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� � ����������������������������� ���������������� � ����������������������������� ������������ � �������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� �������������������������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � � � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 23 25 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality This system is the digital version of a traditional ‘Cherry Picker’ system. The system will allow you to select a few desired digital channels from the local Cable Television Company, and ignore the undesired channels. These desired digital channels can then be redistributed through the existing hybrid fiber / coaxial network within the facility. This is extremely valuable if a large facility only has a 450 MHz distribution network, and the MSO’s digital offering starts at 650 MHz, there is no room for the digital tier without a costly network upgrade. The AQT can receive the desired high frequency QAM channels and transcode them to available channels within the existing 450 MHz network, delivering the desired CATV QAM channels, while preventing a costly network upgrade. If the original CATV QAM channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, requiring an authorized set-top for viewing. If the original CATV QAM channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear, and can be viewed on any television with a QAM digital tuner set to “CATV” mode. In Depth Discussion The ATSC to QAM Transcoder (AQT) is a modular unit that receives the QAM (Digital CATV) signal and transcodes it to another CATV QAM channel. The AQT can be used to ‘Cherry Pick’ selected digital channels from the existing CATV QAM digital lineup and process it for redistribution. If the original CATV QAM channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, requiring an authorized set-top for viewing. If the original CATV QAM channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear, and can be viewed on any television with a QAM digital tuner set to “CATV” mode. This system will allow the facilities operator to insert the selected CATV QAM carriers in to a bandwidth limited private CATV network. The input digital signal is stripped of it’s original QAM digital modulation, leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, clean QAM carrier and reinserts the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 26 24 Digital Transition Survival Guide ���������������������������������������������������� ���������� ���� � ������������ ��������������� � ����������������������������� ������������ � �������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� �������������������������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 25 27 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide AQT Family of Products • • • • Receives & Transcodes 8VSB (Digital Off-Air) Signals to QAM Modular & Compact Units Permit High Density – 8 Modules in 3 RU Outputs 12, 32, 64, 128, or 256 QAM Common Unit Permits Easy Set-up & Configuration via Front Panel LCD Controls Supports Powering & Control for 8 Modules Optional Remote Computer Control Capability Built-in • • • • • • • Optional Unit Permits Complete Remote Monitoring & Control of All Units at a Headend Location No Software Installation Required & Works with any Computer – MAC or PC – Uses Standard Web Interface Easy to Use Graphical Interface with Advanced Functions Like Real Time Status and Headend Temperature Monitoring Optional Unit Provides Back-up Power for 2 Full AQT Racks (16 modules) Built-in Fan Helps Air Circulation for Increased Product Life Span • • High Performance 3 Rack High Chassis Houses up to 8 AQT Modules Specially Configured to Support Optional Custom Splitter to Make Signal Delivery Simple I www.blondertongue.com 28 26 I Digital Transition Survival Guide The Blonder Tongue ATSC to QAM Transcoder (AQT) is a modular unit that receives either an 8VSB (Off-air Digital) or QAM (CATV Digital) signal, and transcodes it to any CATV QAM channel. The transcoding enables televisions with QAM digital tuners to seamlessly view the 8VSB Off-air digital signals on cable television frequency assignments without having to change the television tuner input from ‘CATV’ mode to ‘Off-Air’ mode. The input digital signal is stripped of it’s original digital modulation (8VSB or QAM), leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, clean QAM carrier and reinserts the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. If the original channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, if the original channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear. The only modification to the original data stream that is performed is changing the data rate when converting an 8VSB signal to a QAM signal. This rate change is done via Null Packet processing and does not affect the encryption in any way. The regeneration of a new, clean QAM signal is also useful for digital ‘cherrypicking’ from an existing digital channel line-up, or ‘regenerating’ a channel for optimal Modulation Error Ratio (MER) performance. Transcode Digital 8VSB (Digital Off-Air) or Regenerate QAM (CATV Digital) Signals to QAM on Any Channel with the AQT. DIGITAL OFF-AIR RECEPTION CATV FEED FROM MSO Pre-Amp Digital TV with QAM Tuner -OR- Power Supply and Power Inserter 6 MHz 8VSB (Digital Off-Air) 6 MHz QAM (CATV Digital) COAXIAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK Splitter Internet AQT-RCS Remote Configuration/Management • • • • • Lodging Facilities Educational, Institutional Facilities Private Cable Operators (PCOs) Multiple System/Service Operators (MSOs) Any facility with CATV networks and televisions with digital tuners that will only tune QAM channels when set to CATV mode www.blondertongue.com 29 29 27 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital channel processing applications including: • ATSC/8VSB Signal Transcoding to QAM – It is common for digital televisions to only lock to QAM type signals when set or tuned to the “CATV” mode. This creates difficulties for operators transmitting standard ATSC (“digital off-air” or “broadcast”) 8VSB signals. The Blonder Tongue AQT solves this problem by converting an entire 8VSB (ATSC) off-air digital channel to a QAM digital signal. This new QAM channel can be transmitted by the AQT anywhere in the CATV band permitting the current generation of digital televisions that are integrated with QAM tuners to easily tune and display the television picture. It also eliminates the need to reprogram or switch the input mode on the television every time a customer wants to switch between a standard digital CATV or off-air channel. • Digital ‘Cherry Picking’ – The AQT Family of products can be used to ‘Cherry Pick’ selected digital channels from an existing CATV QAM digital lineup and process it for redistribution. If the original CATV QAM channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, requiring an authorized set-top for viewing. If the original CATV QAM channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear, and can be viewed on any television with a QAM digital tuner set to “CATV” mode. The AQT can also be used to ‘Cherry Pick’ and insert selected CATV QAM carriers in to a bandwidth limited private CATV network. This is extremely valuable if a large facility only has a 450 MHz distribution network, and the MSO’s digital offering starts at 650 MHz, there is no room for the digital tier without a costly network upgrade. The AQT can receive the desired high frequency QAM channels and transcode them to available channels within the existing 450 MHz network, delivering the desired CATV QAM channels, while preventing a costly network upgrade. • QAM Regeneration – As RF signals travel through distribution networks the signals become degraded for a variety of reasons and CATV QAM digital channels are not exempt from this degradation. The AQT Family of products can be used at a remote hub location to restore a high quality CATV QAM digital carrier. The input CATV QAM digital signal is stripped of it’s original digital modulation (QAM), leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, clean QAM carrier and reinserts the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. This ‘regeneration’ process creates a new, clean QAM channel with an optimal Modulation Error Ratio (MER) performance for continued distribution to subscribers. AQT - LCD Left/Right Variable Sequence ��������������� ������������ Excellent = 8VSB >30 dB Good = 25—30 dB Marginal = 18—25 dB Non-Functional = <18 dB 64 QAM >38 dB 30—38 dB ������������� ������� ����������������������� ������������ ������������� �������������� ��������� 256 QAM >38 dB 35—38 dB 23—30 dB 30—35 dB <23 dB <30 dB �������������� �������� ��������������� ������� ���������������� ������ ������������� ��������� ����������������������� ������������ ������������� �������������� ��������� ������������� ����� ����������������������� ���������������� �������������� ��������������� ��������������� ������ ��� �� ������ ���������� �������� �������� �������� ��������� ����������� AQT - LCD Loop Display Sequence �������� �������� ��������� ����������� ��������� ����������� ��������������� ������������ ��������������� ������������ �������������� �������� ��������� ����������� ���������������� ����������� AQT - LCD Interactive Variable Sequence ����������������� ��� �������� ��� ��������������� ����� ����� ������ ��������������� ���������������� ��������������� ��������������� ��������������� ���������������� ���������������� �������������� ���������� ���� ���������� ��������������� �������������� ���������� ������������ ������������� ����������� ���������� ���������� ���������� ���������� ����������� ����������� ���������� ����������� ��������� ���� ��������������� �������� �������� �������� �������� �������� �������� �������� �������� �������� ������� ������� ������� ������� ������� ������� ������� �������� ��� ��� ��� �������������� �������� �������� �������� ������� ������� ������� �������� �������� �������� �������� ������� ������� ������� ��������������� ������� ���� ���������� ��������������� �������������� ���������� ������������ ������������� ������� ������� ��������������� ��������� ������������ www.blondertongue.com ������������������ ������������� ����������� ����������� ������������ ������������ 30 28 ������� ������ �������� ���� ���������� �������� ���������� ����� ������ �������� ���� ���������� �������� ���������� ������ ������ �������� ���� ���������� �������� ����������� ������ ������� �������� ���� ���������� �������� ������������ ����������� ������������ ������� ������� ������� ������� Digital Transition Survival Guide AQT 8VSB/QAM to QAM Transcoder Solution ❍ Features & Benefits • Transcodes 8VSB Off-Air Signals to QAM • Modular Design Allows One to Eight Transcoder Modules in a Chassis Utilizing 3 Rack Spaces • Fully Agile Output Frequency Range of 54-864 MHz • Back-Lit LCD Display Panel with Front Panel Accessible Push Button Controls Provides Access to All Vital Unit Information and Makes Set-Up and Troubleshooting A Breeze • Design Modularity Provides the Ability to Field Replace Any Module in the Unlikely Event of a Failure The AQT (ATSC/QAM Transcoder Series) from Blonder Tongue features a state-of-the-art approach and offers top notch performance and functionality. It incorporates a scalable modular design that allows from one to eight transcoder module units as well as a single combination power supply & ❍ Specifications control module to be added, removed or swapped at any time in the 3 rack high chassis. The AQT Off Air 8VSB/QAM Input Series transcoder modules are compatible with off Demod Mode: air 8VSB signals to transcode to QAM signals. It is ATSC: 8VSB or 16VSB also well suited for regenerating or changing the ITUA: 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 QAM ITUB: 64, 256 QAM channel of a QAM signal. The modules are housed in a custom designed chassis intended to accommodate from one to eight different modules as well as specially designed chassis mountable splitters and combiners to make wiring simple and painless. Control of the transcoder units is easily accomplished with a common power supply & control unit via operator selection from the front panel push button controls and back-lit LCD panel. This module interfaces to any of the AQT transcoder modules through a simple 12-pin connector and cable. The control module’s brain is a flash upgradeable microprocessor to ensure support for any future development. Support for redundant back-up or ‘standby’ power is also built into every AQT power & control module. This is easily added at any time for an operator by interfacing to the optional standby power supply unit. In addition, the optional AQT Remote Configuration Server provides the ability to remotely control and monitor any of the transcoder modules over the Internet – this makes turning off a problem unit and reprogramming a live spare a quick fix preventing an immediate truck roll. • Off-Site Remote Operation and Control Including Digital Adjustment of the QAM RF Output Level with High Performance QCentral Computer Software or over the Internet with Headend Web Server • Optional Redundant/Standby Power Support Capability Built in to Every Unit Symbol Rate: Variable rate QAM up to 7 Mbaud Spectral Inversion: Auto Recognition Carrier Suppression: 45 dB Roll off: 12, 15, 18 % QAM Input Range: QAM SNR: >40 dB 54-864 MHz MER: >40 dB Bandwidth: 6 MHz RF Output Impedance: 75 Ω Symbol Rate: 1 to 6.9 Msps Spurious: -60 dBc Level: -20 dBmV Min. for QAM64 Broadband Noise: -75 dBc min. -15 dBmV Min. for QAM256 (4 MHz BW @40 dBmV) 8VSB Input Range: Phase Noise @ 10 kHz: -95 dBc min. UHF & VHF 54-806 MHz Frequency Stability: ± 10 kHz Bandwidth: 6 MHz QAM I/Q Phase Error: < 1 degree Symbol Rate: Up to 19.4 Mbps I/Q Amplitude Imbalance: < 1 dB Level: -28 dBmV Min. for 8VSB Computer Control: -25 dBmV Min. for 16VSB Optional Remote Configuration Server Input Impedance: 75 Ω QAM Output Output Frequency Range: Agile 54-864 MHz (CATV 2-135) QAM Bandwidth: Variable Frequency Step: 6 MHz Output Level: +40 dBmV * Display Error: ±2 dB Level Adjustment Range: 15 dB Modulation Mode: 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 Controls Backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 5 Navigation/Enter Push Buttons AQT Unit Status Indicator: 1 Green LED Per Module Connectors AQT-PCM Computer Control: 2 RJ11 Rear Panel RS232 Power Data: 250-pin "F" Female AQT Input: "F" Female Output: "F" Female Power/Data: 12-pin Female Mechanical Rack Chassis Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.25 x 19.0 x 12 in. 133.4 x 482.6 x 304.8 mm AQT Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.25 x 10.625 x 1.5 in. 133.4 x 269.9 x 38.1 mm Mounting: Standard EIA Unit Height: 5.25 x 19.0 in. Wide Rack Mount: 133.4 x 482.6 mm AQT Unit Weight: 1.7 lbs., 0.77 kg Fully Loaded Chassis Weight: 28 lbs., 12.7 kg Power Requirement: 100 to 265 VAC Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz Enviromental Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 °C Storage Temperature: -20 to 70 °C Humidity: 0 to 90 % RH ❍ Ordering Information QAM Transcoder Model Stock No. AQT 6275 AQT-PCM 6276 QTRC 6233 Accessories QT-RFCS 6234 AQT-SPS AQD/AQT-RCS QTHF HDA Series 6254 6253 6235 6240-XX I Description ATSC to QAM Transcoder AQT-Power & Control Module QAM Transcoder Rack Chassis QT RF Combiner and Splitter (Contains QTRFC, 6234-1 and QTRFS, 6234-2) AQT Standby Power Supply with Headend Fan AQD/AQT-Remote Configuration Server QT Headend Fan Headend Distribution Amplifier (4 to 16 ports with 24 to 16 dB gain) I Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. • One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 ©2007 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 800-523-6049 or 732-679-4000 • www.blondertongue.com www.blondertongue.com 31 29 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing (via IP) Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Digital CATV QAM Distribution Network Coaxial/HFC Ethernet Viewing Location Analog TV Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality Any facility that wants to utilize a digital cable television feed as a source for their analog televisions and computers will need to convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions and in to an IP stream for their computers. This system will allow you to receive a digital (QAM) channel from the local cable company and distribute it to: analog televisions with IP set top boxes and PCs running IPClientViewer software. The signals are delivered via a traditional closed Ethernet distribution network, either LAN or WAN. This application assumes that there are no coaxial or hybrid fiber/coaxial networks in the facility, and that the only available distribution network is Ethernet. In Depth Discussion The method to utilizing a digital CATV signal as a source for an Ethernet network is to employ an AQD Digital Demodulator and an IPME-2 Internet Protocol (IP) Encoder in series. The AQD Digital Demodulator is the system component that receives the CATV digital channel and tunes to a particular program (within the channel), if multiple programs are transmitted. The AQD Digital Demodulator provides analog, NTSC baseband audio and video outputs to connect to the IPME-2 IP Encoder. The IPME-2 is the system component that receives the NTSC analog, baseband audio and video signals from the Digital Demodulator and encodes them to an MPEG-2 transport stream for distribution over a properly setup LAN or WAN. This stream has ‘real time’ video quality of 30 frames per second, full screen resolution of up to 720x480, and stereo audio. It is very important to note that the managed switches supporting the LAN or WAN MUST have the following items enabled: IGMP Snooping Querier, IGMP Snooping, and IP Multicast. These switch features are vital to the proper operation of Video over IP, and must be present in the managed switches for a proper user experience. Once the signals are on the IP network, they can be utilized by either: analog televisions via industry standard IP set top boxes or PCs running IPClientViewer software. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. www.blondertongue.com 32 30 Digital Transition Survival Guide ������������������������������������������������������ ���������� ���� � � � � ������������ ��������������� � ����������������������� ������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������� � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������� � ������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ������������ �������������������������������������������� � ����������������������� ������������������������������������� � ������������������ ����������������������������������������������� ���������������� ������������������������ ����������������� � ������������������������������ �������������������������������� � �������������� �������������������������������������� � � � ����������� �������������� � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 31 33 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide IPME Family of Products • • • Compact, High Performance, IP Video Encoder converts NTSC Baseband input to an MPEG-2 data stream with DVD quality video Encoder will support Multicast or Unicast video streams with operator-controlled bandwidth from 1.5 to 7.5 Mbits/s for optimal network utilization Flexible control options: RS-232 local connection, Web interface via IPME Stream Manager, or HTTP / Telnet Front Rear • • • Provides Virtual Channel Map and stream information to IPClientViewer software Allows for the remote management of up to 64 encoders with secure administrator authorization control Compact, modular design uses only one slot in the standard IPME Chassis pictured below Front Rear • • Chassis with integrated power supply uses only 1 Rack Unit of space (1.75”) Holds up to three Encoder Chassis or Stream Manager units I www.blondertongue.com I 32 34 Digital Transition Survival Guide The Blonder Tongue MPEG-2 IPTV Encoder permits the ability to stream a single audio/video program signal in MPEG-2 format over a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) infrastructure. The compact and modular package facilitates easy integration with existing or new systems. The unit transmits video in real time DVD quality at 30 fps (frames per second) and full screen resolution of 720 x 480 or lower to conserve system bandwidth. Multicast or Unicast modes are supported. The module is designed to work in conjunction with standards-compliant viewers for the PC such as the Blonder Tongue IPClientViewer software or a TV monitor with an IP set top box. • • • • Educational campuses with closed networks, Public Schools, Universities Enterprise business environments, multi-building corporate campuses Large facilities with deployed data networks: Hospitals, Prisons, Sports Complexes, Military Facilities Private and commerical production studios for distribution of specialty content and programming • Controlled distribution of video content in a business environment: ◆ CEO wants to deliver a “State of the Union” address to the company without having to assemble everyone in front of a few TVs ◆ Brokerage house wants all brokers to have desktop access to all of the major financial and news networks without having to install additional televisions or monitors ◆ Continuing education videos are run on a schedule during the day, and employees do not have to leave their desks to view the materials • Video distribution within facilities that do not have a coaxial network but do have a data network: ◆ Video production facilities that wish to share “raw” or “working” footage to the desktop ◆ Extend the reach of college/university language lab services to any PC within a closed campus network ◆ Monitoring of security cameras via the data network without the addition of a CCTV coaxial network Status: Indicates if the IP Video Stream is active or inactive Ch. #: Indicates the Channel Number for the IP Video Stream Ch. Name: Indicates the Channel Name for the IP Video Stream Res.: Indicates the video resolution for the IP Video Stream Comments: Provides a brief description of the IP Video Stream as entered in the Stream Manager’s “Comment Field” www.blondertongue.com 35 33 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Special attention must be taken with all switches in the LAN/WAN to ensure the proper function of the IP Video Streams. All switches must support the following: • IGMP Snooping • IGMP Snooping Querier • IP Multicasting e.g. Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) IPME Stream Manager Configuration Section Location: Editable field that stores the physical location of the IPME Stream Manager Name: Editable field that stores the name assigned to the IPME Stream Manager Domain: Editable field that stores the alias that allows for the logical grouping of Channels Date: Editable field that displays the current date in MM/DDD/YY format Time: Editable field that displays the current time in HH:MM:SS format Save: Saves the current IPME Stream Manager Configuration to non-volatile memory Encoder Configuration Section Encoder #: Non-zero read-only field, displaying the Encoder’s sequential index amongst the list of Encoders <: Scrolls backward to display and/or edit the previous Encoder’s configuration >: Scrolls forward to display and/or edit the next Encoder’s configuration Save: Applies and saves the current Encoder’s configuration to non-volatile memory Cancel: Cancels and discards any changes made to the current Encoder’s configuration Delete: Deletes a stored Encoder’s configuration Add: Presents a blank Encoder configuration ready for population by the user www.blondertongue.com 34 36 Digital Transition Survival Guide IPME IPTV MPEG-2 Encoder ❍ Features & Benefits • Compact High Performance IP Video Encoder/Server • Permits an Unlimited Number of Client Viewing Sessions • MPEG-2 Standards Compliant with DVD Quality Video @ 30 fps • User Controlled Bandwidth – 1.5 Mbits/s to 7.5 Mbits/s • Easy Set-up & Configuration ❍ Specifications IPTV Encoder Compression: MPEG-2 Standards Compliant, RFC-1889 & RFC-2250 Minimum PC Requirements Pentium® III 500 MHz or Higher or Equivalent Processor Ethernet: 10BaseT Ethernet or 100BaseTX Fast Ethernet Compatible (Auto-sensing) Bandwidth Control: Minimum: 30 fps @ 1.5 Mbits/s, 325 x 240 Resolution Recommended: 30 fps @ 3.8 Mbits/s, 720 x 480 Resolution Maximum: 30 fps @ 7.5 Mbits/s, 720 x 480 Resolution 256 MB RAM Windows® 2000 or XP, with Internet Explorer 5.5 and Direct-X 8.1 or Higher General Power: + 3.3 VDC, 1 AMP Operating Temperature Range: 0° to +50° C Streaming Modes: Multicast or Unicast Modes, “Transport Stream over UDP” or "RTP over UDP” Storage Temperature Range: -10° to +70° C Multicast Sessions: Unlimited Number of Client Viewing Sessions Humidity: 0 to 90% RH Quality of Service: Packet Shaping – Reduces Packet Burst and Maintains a Consistent & Controlled Packet Rate with Minimum Latency FEC – (Forward Error Correction) – Enables Lost Packet Reconstruction Mechanical Module Dimensions: 4 x 7 Inches Chassis Dimensions: 19 x 8.25 x 1.75 Inches Input & Output Video Input Formats: NTSC & PAL Module Weight: 0.8 lbs. Front Panel Connectors RJ-45 Ethernet, 10/100 Fully Loaded Weight: 5.125 lbs. Chassis Weight: 2.725 lbs. RS-232 Serial Connector Rear Panel Connectors Video Input ‘F’ Female Connector Audio Input Left/Right RCA Connectors Power Connector, 3 Pin +3.3 VDC System Requirements Standard MPEG-2 Encoding with TCP/IP Protocols, Images can be viewed on a PC with BT’s IPClientViewer (MPEG Decoder) Software or an Optional IP Set-top Decoder Box *MPEG-LA License Fee is Required ❍ Ordering Information Model Stock No. Description IPME-2 IPMPEG-LA IPME-CH 2420 2412 2419 IPTV MPEG-2 Encoder MPEG License Authority Fee (Required with each IPME-2) IPTV Encoder Rack Chassis 2415 2411 IPTV MPEG-2 Stream Manager Blonder Tongue Internet Protool Client Viewer Accessories IPME-SM IPCV I I Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. • One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 ©2007 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. 800-523-6049 or 732-679-4000 • www.blondertongue.com www.blondertongue.com 37 35 www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception Simulcast Viewing (8VSB) Digital & Analog Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Viewing Location Analog TV Ethernet Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality This system is designed as an example of how to deploy two of the prior individual solutions to support both analog and digital viewing locations. The two solutions that we are referring to are Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (8VSB) (Page 8) and Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing (Page 12). Please see the individual solutions for their detailed descriptions and explanations. In Depth Discussion The overall ideas behind this combination system are: • The operator/ facility is reliant on the free off-air signals • The operator/facility can immediately upgrade to take advantage of the signal quality improvements offered by the digital transmission • The operator/facility can keep using their existing analog viewing locations by converting the digital off-air 8VSB transmission back to analog; Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing • The operator/facility will also have the transmitted, digital off-air 8VSB signal available for the digital televisions on the original their broadcast channel assignments (UHF or VHF); Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (8VSB) www.blondertongue.com 38 36 Digital Transition Survival Guide ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������� ���������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� � � � � � � � ����������������������������� ���������������� � ������������ ��������������� ����������������������� ������������� ����������� ��������������������������������������� � � � � � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������� � ���������������������������� �������������������� ������������ ������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� � � � � � � �������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 37 39 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com Digital Transition Survival Guide Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception Simulcast Viewing (QAM) Digital & Analog Source Digital Off-Air 8VSB Distribution Network Digital CATV QAM Coaxial/HFC Viewing Location Analog TV Ethernet Digital TV CATV Mode Digital TV Broadcast/ Off-Air Mode PC Running IPClientViewer Functionality This system is designed as an example of how to deploy two of the prior individual solutions to support both analog and digital viewing locations. The two solutions that we are referring to are Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing (Page 12) and Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) (Page 22). Please see the individual solutions for their detailed functionality descriptions and in depth explanations. In Depth Discussion The overall ideas behind this combination system are: • The operator/ facility is utilizing the free off-air signals and wants their digital televisions to only tune to CATV channel assignments • The operator/facility can immediately upgrade to take advantage of the signal quality improvements offered by the digital off-air 8VSB transmission • The operator/facility can keep using their existing analog viewing locations by converting the digital offair 8VSB transmission back to analog; Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing • The operator/facility will also have the digital off-air 8VSB signal transcoded to QAM for the digital televisions set in “CATV Mode” and tuning CATV channel assignments; Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) www.blondertongue.com 40 38 Digital Transition Survival Guide ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ � ���������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������������� � ������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� � �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� � ����������������������������� ���������������� � ������������ ��������������� � ����������������������� ������������� ����������� ��������������������������������������� � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������� � ����������������������������� ������������ � �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ QTRC # 6233 (CHASSIS) AND ������������������������������� � ������������ ������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� � �������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� � ����������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � ������������ ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ � � � � � � � � � � � � � BLONDER-TONGUE��������������������� ��������������������������������������� www.blondertongue.com 39 41 ��� ���� �������� ��� �������� ��������� www.blondertongue.com One Jake Brown Road Old Bridge, NJ 08857-1000 USA (800) 523-6049 • FAX: (732) 679-4353 www.blondertongue.com