This post serves to describe the system requirements for three main line High Definition Signal Distribution technologies which are currently available and supported by Teljoy Audio Visual.
The three technologies are respectively:
1. HD over DVB-C (Digital Video Broadcast via Coax Cable and/or Fibre Hybrid infrastructure)
2. HD over L-Band IF distribution (Intermediate frequency over Coax Cable and Fibre Hybrid infrastructure)
3. HD over DVB-IP (Digital Video Broadcast via Internet Protocol over CAT5/6 and Fibre Network infrastructure)
Each technology consists of three parts, namely:
1. The Head-End
2. Trunk and Network Feeds
3. Endpoints
1. HD over DVB-C
a. Head-End:
i. Satellite signal is supplied to professional decoders (IRDs), and each required HD channel is assigned to a specific IRD.
ii. The satellite signal is coded into an encrypted digital video and audio signal which is then modulated into a digital carrier within the RF CATV Band.
iii. This carrier signal can be combined with other existing analogue or digital signals generated at the head-end.
b. Trunk and Network Feeds:
i. Signals generated by the Head-End are amplified and distributed over existing or new coaxial cable infrastructure and also over Fibre Optic links if far distances need to be covered.
c. Endpoints:
i. At each endpoint or viewpoint, the coaxial cable terminates in a Teljoy Audio Visual approved outlet.
ii. A system specific High Definition capable DVB-C Set Top Box is connected to the outlet, and is tuned to receive the DVB-C signals as generated by the head-end.
iii. The Set Top Box is typically installed within a secure, tamper proof enclosure and would contain decryption technology and a smartcard to decrypt signals from the Head-end.
iv. An HDMI cable or component cable depending on what is supported by the screen) is connected from the decoder to the screen, in order to provide High definition Video and audio.
v. Subscriptions will be levied in terms of Multichoice regulations on commercial properties, which state that there is a fee due for every viewpoint connected to the system and per additional channel required outside of the standard business bouquet.
d. HD over DVB-C Advantages:
a. Compatible with existing coaxial network infrastructures.
b. Clear picture at every viewpoint, not snowy or plagued by analogue interference patterns.
c. Can be combined with analogue as well as other digital signals.
d. Well proven stable technology implemented internationally and at most stadiums during the 2009 Confederation Cup* and 2010 FIFA World Cup*.
2. HD over L-Band IF Distribution:
a. Head-End:
i. Satellite signal is supplied to an IF Signal Processor.
ii. The processor converts and modulates all available signals and prepares them for distribution over a single coaxial IF ready network infrastructure.
iii. The distributed IF signal remains encrypted.
iv. The processed signals can be combined with other existing analogue signals as generated by existing CATV equipment.
b. Trunk and Network Feeds:
i. The signals generated by the Head-End are amplified and distributed over existing or new coaxial cable infrastructure and also over Fibre Optic links when far distances need to be covered.
ii. The coaxial network must contain amplifiers and splitters which are compatible with IF signal distribution.
iii. It is common practice that existing CATV networks contain RF amplifiers and RF splitters which need to be replaced with IF compatible units.
iv. Due to the high frequency and associated high loss nature of distributed IF signals, the use of Fibre Optics is not only recommended but becomes a necessity; and fibre optic cable and associated equipment will form a part of the path to upgrade any large network.
c. Endpoints:
i. At each endpoint or viewpoint, the coaxial cable terminates in a Teljoy Audio Visual approved IF compatible outlet.
ii. A High Definition Multichoice decoder is connected to the outlet, and is tuned to receive the processed signals as generated by the head-end.
iii. The tuning settings are site specific, and need to be set up on every decoder which is connected to the system.
iv. The decoder is typically installed within a secure, tamper proof enclosure and would contain decryption technology and a smartcard to decrypt signals from the Head-end.
v. An HDMI cable is connected from the decoder to the Screen, in order to provide High definition Video and audio.
vi. Subscriptions will be levied in terms of Multichoice regulations on commercial properties, which state that there is a fee due for every viewpoint connected to the system and per additional channel required outside of the standard business bouquet.
d. HD over L-Band IF Distribution Advantages:
a. Compatible with existing coaxial network infrastructures with modification as indicated in point 2.b.
b. Clear picture at every viewpoint, not snowy or plagued by analogue interference patterns.
c. Can be combined with analogue as well as other digital signals.
d. Well proven stable technology implemented in the hospitality industry.
3. HD over DVB-IP:
a. Head-End:
i. Satellite signal is supplied to an IP signal processor.
ii. The signal is digitally packetized according to TCP/IP protocols and is then made available on a CAT5/6 network via approved managed network switches and associated infrastructure.
iii. A system specific server allows access to registered devices (Set Top Boxes) which are connected to the system.
b. Trunk and Network Feeds:
i. The signal is not readily compatible with coaxial network infrastructures, and it is recommended that a purpose built IP network be installed.
ii. The Trunk infrastructure will consist of a Fibre back-bone and Gigabit rated managed switches, as required by the system design, and will be based on FTTN (Fibre to the Node) architecture.
iii. The network infrastructure will consist of CAT5/6 copper cable installed in a star topology from node based switches to localised endpoints, based on unit groups and distance from the nearest node.
c. Endpoints:
i. The CAT5/6 copper cable will terminate onto an RJ45 network outlet, at each viewpoint.
ii. The Set Top Box is typically installed within a secure, tamper proof enclosure and would contain decryption technology and a smartcard to decrypt signals from the Head-end and is connected to the outlet via a CAT5 patch lead.
iii. Site and viewpoint specific IP addresses are assigned and registered per Set Top Box, as per 3.a.iii.
iv. An HDMI cable is connected from the decoder to the Screen, in order to provide High definition Video and audio.
v. Subscriptions will be levied in terms of Multichoice regulations on commercial properties, which state that there is a fee due for every viewpoint connected to the system and per additional channel required outside of the standard business bouquet.
d. HD over DVB-IP advantages:
a. Other services such as Interactive, Video on Demand, Internet and Voice Over IP can be integrated in future, should it be required.
b. A system specific Set Top Box can not be used elsewhere, which minimises the risk of theft.
c. Clear picture at every viewpoint, not snowy or plagued by analogue interference patterns.
d. Remotely manageable, makes it possible to pull reports on devices which are offline, for pin point maintenance/service action requirements.
e. Growing in popularity and was used at some Stadiums during the 2010 FIFA World Cup*. Also popular in the Health Care and Hospitality industries.
* 2009 Confederation Cup* and 2010 FIFA World Cup* are registered Trademarks of their respective owners