Thomson Broadcast Launches Flexible DVB-T2 Transmission Solution
Paris — Sept. 8, 2010 — Thomson Broadcast (formerly the transmission division of Grass Valley) has created a new DVB-T2-ready exciter that gives the Thomson Elite and IOT DCX Paragon transmitters the capability to broadcast in DVB-T2 while maintaining full compatibility with existing services over DVB-T/H, ATSC, ATSC-MH, and ISDB-Tb. Already proven and on-air in the United Kingdom, the new exciter provides a transmission solution for broadcasters switching analog services directly to DVB-T2 or upgrading mature digital markets to DVB-T2 for improved bandwidth efficiency.
Migration to DVB-T2 offers a range of benefits, including a solution to spectrum scarcity: with up to 50 percent improvement in capacity, broadcasters can transmit more SD and HD services within their existing spectrum, or reduce the spectrum required to transmit existing services. Up to four multiplexed HD programs can be added.
The new coding technologies of DVB-T2 provide excellent performance in high noise and interference conditions. In addition, DVB-T2 offers mechanisms for service-specific optimization, allowing services to be targeted both for rooftop and mobile reception.
Installed Thomson Elite and IOT DCX Paragon transmitters can be upgraded with the new exciter to prepare for a cost-effective roll-out of DVB-T2 services whenever the broadcaster chooses.
This fourth-generation exciter from Thomson Broadcast is an all-in-one 2-RU 19-inch unit with built-in functions including DVB-T/H and DVB-T2 modulation, a unique real-time Digital Adaptive Precorrection (DAP) process, a GPS receiver for SFN applications, seamless ASI and IP switching, full backward compatibility with DVB-T and with existing set-top boxes, and local or remote software update capabilities. The DVB-T2 exciter also offers Global System Encapsulation (GSE) input compatibility and full support for DVB-S2 and MPEG-7, with multiple input capabilities.
"Thomson chaired the Modulator Interface Technical Group, which means that we can guarantee outstanding interoperability with network operator interfaces," said Nicolas Dallery, president, Thomson Broadcast. "This new flexible, cost-optimized DVB-T2 exciter is the right solution at the right time for broadcasters seeking to benefit from the many advantages of DVB-T2 operation."
Thomson Broadcast is on the Web at www.thomson-broadcast.com
