Weimar gets digital TV and more
In support of Germany's digital TV (DTV) switch-over, broadcast solutions group, Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), designed, installed and commissioned a broadband panel antenna/combiner system for the rural German city of Weimar. The RFS broadcast system is a key component of a complete 12-program/three-channel DTV solution provided by one of Europe's major broadcast infrastructure groups. The combined terrestrial broadcast system provides DTV coverage to metropolitan Weimar and its surrounds.
With extensive global experience in providing broadband RF solutions, RFS provided a fully engineered broadcast RF system, tailored to the local broadcast environment. The complete digital broadcast solution was realised within the strict three-month delivery schedule.
As Germany's 2008 targeted analogue TV switch-off date fast approaches, TV broadcasters around the country are making the switch from analogue to digital. RFS Broadcast Systems Engineering Manager, Hans-Peter Quade says: "Weimar's analogue service made way for digital in a 'hard-cut' initiative, whereby the transition from one technology to the other occurs instantaneously, without any changeover period. A complete UHF antenna solution from RFS made the swift transition from analogue to digital TV possible, and provided flexibility for future expansion."
The new digital video broadcasting - terrestrial (DVB-T) system employs a range of the latest RFS technologies. With a transmission power capability of 30 kW, the four-level, four-sided RFS PVP vertically polarized panel array provides broadband DTV coverage to Weimar and environs. A three-channel balanced coaxial combiner (CA3P200E) –upgradeable to six channels--enables the RF combining of the three 8-MHz channels, each of which comprises a multiplex of four programs. The RF link between the transmitter and the antenna is achieved using RFS HELIFLEX coaxial transmission line.
According to Quade, the Weimar broadcast system boasts a future-proofed design that accounts for the changing broadcast landscape. "Weimar's digital broadcast system can accommodate a two-fold increase in its DTV service capacity," said Quade. "The RFS PVP panel array can also be used to broadcast DVB-H [Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld], providing unparalleled flexibility to both broadcasters and users. Weimar is fully-equipped to provide mobile TV."
The Weimar DTV project presented RFS with a range of unique technical and environmental challenges. "Prior to the tender process, all RFS equipment had to be qualified to ensure it satisfied the end-user's technical performance criteria," said Quade. "The RFS products that made up the Weimar end-to-end RF solution passed with flying colours." In addition to the performance requirements, environmental restrictions were also introduced, dictating the camouflaging of the antenna in order to blend into the local Weimar environment. "RFS was able to customise and colour-match the antenna arrays to match the local surroundings," said Quade.
With mobile TV just around the corner, Weimar's newest broadcast installation is ideally positioned to provide the most up-to-date broadcast services to its citizens. "The flexible broadcast technology provided by RFS, along with the infrastructure already in place, allows the implementation of additional digital services," said Quade. "It is this forward-planning that has Weimar looking to the future."
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