Technicolor ATSC-8 User's Guide download pdf (Page 2)

Technicolor MCS

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Introduction

This document describes the process and procedures for integrating the ATSC-8 product with

the COM1000 digital head-end system. The ATSC-8, available from Technicolor, will allow

for the reception of over-the-air broadcasts of digital broadcasts and output of this content

over an Internet Protocol (IP) output. Used in combination with a COM1000 system

containing a QAM6 EdgeQAM, this IP output can be modulated over a digital QAM network in

combination with DIRECTV premium programming if COM24 or COM24-FLX receivers are used.

Over-the-Air Broadcasts

ATSC replaced NTSC broadcasts in the US in 2009 and is the primary transmission for local

digital broadcasts of major network stations. ATSC signals use the same 6MHz bandwidth as

analog NTSC television channels, but are able to provide many programs within this digital

broadcast contained on sub-channels. For instance, many broadcasters will have a main

channel located in the .1 sub-channel, and provide other secondary channels on .2 and .3

sub-channels. Terrestrial broadcasters use an 8VSB modulation to carry 19.39Mbit/s,

typically containing MPEG2 encoded content.

Why Use ATSC broadcasts?

1) In-the-Clear. ATSC broadcasts don’t require any content protection to be added

when they are re-broadcast in a local cable environment. This allows providers to

deliver HD programming “in-the-clear” to TVs. Combined with the COM24-FLX card

providing DIRECTV SD programming, also “in-the-clear”, an entire channel ring could

be set up with mixed HD and SD programming.

2) Free. ATSC broadcasts are available for free in nearly every US city and only require

a simple UHF antenna to receive. To see if ATSC broadcasts are available in your

area, you can visit http://dtv.gov/stationlist.htm and search on your zip code.

3) Sub-channels. Most major local networks broadcast a second or third local channel

which contains important weather related content, local sports, and secondary

programming of value to that local market. These secondary channels are not

typically available on satellite or cable broadcasts.

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Technicolor ATSC-8 User's Guide Page 2