The 2009 NAB Show Booth N2502  

 

 

Abstract: This paper will be a discussion of the key considerations one needs to evaluate when developing implementation plans for enhanced HD Radio coverage using “on-channel” repeaters or gap fillers. We will examine the implications, challenges and limitations of receiving a HD Radio signal off the air, and repeating the digital only portion on the same channel. There will be a review of antenna isolation required, practical power levels, the benefits and limitations of adaptive echo cancellation and impact on receiver performance. This presentation will explore space planning, power levels and the ongoing costs. This discussion is based on the real world experience with similar projects and networks Harris has been involved with around the world.

Abstract: This paper traces the process of selecting the technology and developing a new high power, VHF, transmitter for the common amplification of FM+HD signals. This paper also explains the application of new, high power, RF amplifier and power supply technologies to elevated HD Radio sideband transmission.

Abstract: This paper addresses the challenges involved in adding HD Radio transport over an existing 950 MHz STL path. Beyond simply adding an IP stream alongside the analog FM, we'll look at what can be done if we re-examine the whole concept from the ground up with joint FM/HD transport in mind. What should the next generation of 950 MHz STL look like? What combination of technologies, both new and established, provide the best recipe for success?

We will look at such issues as: How much traffic can a 950 STL support? What backhaul alternatives might be used to enable TCP traffic without a full 950 MHz return path - and how can this provide network-based remote management for monitoring and control? What techniques allow us to carry other Ethernet (LAN) traffic alongside the HD stream without interference between them? What are the tradeoffs between modulation waveforms, data payload, and required channel bandwidth? Equally importantly, we'll look at ways to make this all work on existing licensed spectrum, using existing cables and antennas.

Abstract: In order to meet the needs of today’s diverse broadcast system topologies and enhance the utility of HD Radio, new system architecture has been developed. The Third Generation HD Radio Broadcast System Architecture (BSA) is made up of hardware and software components that have been designed to facilitate the evolution of radio broadcasting from the traditional single analog service to hybrid, In-Band-On-Channel (IBOC), offering multiple services in a more cost effective and reliable system than ever before.

The third generation HD Radio system has evolved as part of the new Embedded Exporter hardware platform and version 4 software developed jointly by iBiquity Digital Corp., leading broadcast equipment manufacturers and the NAB. The new architecture, shown in Figure 1 implements content and services frameworks as well as command and control functionality built on a common communications protocol between the various HD Radio components.

There is much work yet to be done to provide all of the new functionality that is made possible by the Gen III architecture. It will be left, to manufacturers and developers, driven by customer demand to implement these features. The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the many possibilities and stimulate discussion.

Abstract: Many consumers will tell you that the average quality of television has gone down in recent years — and they're not just referring to the programming. While some HD content may indeed look pristine in the living room, it's true that viewers' perception of a great deal of content is that it's become somehow worse, despite the broad deployment of digital systems and "HDTV." Unhappy viewers may change channels, change service providers or even sue if the quality doesn't meet their expectations. How can this be in the magical digital age? This paper looks into the types of degredations that can reduce the quality of audio and video between creation and the viewer, their impact — technically, perceptually, and artistically — and where they occur in equipment and systems. System design considerations and operational solutions are discussed, including lip sync and use of Active Format Description (AFD) in aspect ratio management.

Abstract: Broadcast eXchange Format (SMPTE 2021) has enjoyed much fanfare since its release just over a year ago in April 2008. The standard is quite broad and can mean many things to many people in terms of workflow efficiencies. The past year has witnessed much press and demo activity surrounding BXF. In this paper, we’ll look at how BXF is being deployed, giving broadcasters who have not yet implemented this protocol a glimpse into ways in which others in the industry are employing it.

Abstract: A new frontier of broadcast system design is upon us, brought about by technology advancement and adoption. Several approaches result in the ability to select from multiple waveforms for a single system. These approaches inevitably involve software and programmable processing to create each waveform for a specific air-interface standard. However, the combination of several technologies now allows the block diagram of a deployed system to be redefined.

A software-defined radio (SDR) platform includes a hardware composition and software framework which meets the requirements for flexibility through software. By combining the tools and components of digital signal processing with some of the best software architecture ideas from the computer and server domains, the result is a specialized fully capable development platform.

Basic software concepts which are familiar to computer users, such as applications, upgrades, and interfaces, also have well understood patterns and solutions for developers. Also, the interaction between the various pieces of hardware and software can be managed in a structured fashion. This allows developers to focus on maximizing the quality of the investment of the end user.

Abstract: Understanding metadata such as “audio metadata” and “Active Format Description” (AFD) is a challenge until one understands the transport of video, audio and “extra information” in today’s systems. Looking back into how extra information has traditionally been moved in analog NTSC/PAL and 270 Mb/s infrastructures allows one to understand how that “extra information” is carried in 1.5 Gb/s and now 3.0 Gb/s infrastructures. How to find and view metadata using measurement equipment is another challenge as new systems are commissioned. Even if all is ideal and metadata is utilized across the system, there still can be issues.

Abstract: For the past 10 years, 28 to 32 volt Lateral Diffused Metal Oxide Silicon (LDMOS) FET devices have become the technology of choice for high power linear amplifiers for broadcast RF amplifier applications. Advantages, including ruggedness, reliability and linearity have already been well proven. Recently developed, high-power, 50 volt, LD-MOS FET devices have now become available for the UHF television broadcast band (470 – 862MHz).

This paper addresses the application of these new 50 volt high power LDMOS devices in a new transmitter design. Several key operational benefits will be discussed, these include:

• Higher power density (more power per RF pallet) compared to existing designs.
• Smaller transmitter footprint, requiring less physical room space.
• Greatly improved AC to RF efficiency, resulting in lower operating costs and less waste heat to the room.
• Simple, rugged design using fewer components, resulting in improved reliability
• Power levels previously attainable only from tube based designs can now be realistically achieved using solid state, resulting in improved redundancy and reliability

The concept for a new UHF multimedia transmitter platform using the new RF devices will be discussed, including, exciter, power supplies and cooling systems.

 

Abstract: Players in the media business (such as broadcasters, program producers/distributors, ad agencies and commercial producers) don’t believe that technologists can integrate all of their systems. Sure, they have all seen point-to-point integrations succeed, but many remain skeptical when it comes to fully integrated worklows from start to inish. In addition, many technologists don’t believe that these players know, or care, enough about metadata. Both are mistaken, of course. This leads to a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation in the realization of fully digital worklows, and the eficiencies they promise. A classic example of this is the slow adoption of new means of content identiication, such as ISAN and Ad-ID, with the improved metadata lows that these standards facilitate. This paper will explore the stumbling blocks, enablers, and milestones that users encounter along the way to their ultimate goal of fully digital worklows, and will attempt to show users the path of least resistance, with a focus on the worklows associated with advertising content.