Meinberg GPS Systems synchronize DVB-T Broadcasting Stations in Europe

After the operational start of the German digital terrestrial television network (DVB-T, Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial), the Austrian broadcasting network will enter the productive phase in October 2006. In both countries each and every involved transmitter station requires a stable and reliable frequency reference that is be provided by Meinberg GPS systems.

DVB-T Transmitter (c)opyright by ORS / Austrian Broadcasting Services

In Germany, the Media&Broadcast division of T-Systems, a subsidiary company of the globally operating Deutsche Telekom Group and an important Meinberg customer, is the operator of the DVB-T broadcasting network. GPS167 receivers with redundant GPS receivers, redundant power supplies and ultra-stable oscillators are deployed to meet the requirements of T-Systems and ensure a reliable and continous operation even in the case of a GPS failure or other problems.

In Austria the broadcasting via DVB-T technology starts on October 26, 2006. The ORS (Oesterreichische Rundfunksender GmbH & Co KG / Austrian Broadcasting Services) builds and operates the DVB-T transmitter station network. The DVB-T transmitter will replace the analogue TV technology after a transition period of several months in which both the digital and the analogue signals will be provided (AKA Simulcast). It is planned that in 2008 about 90 percent of the Austrian population are provided with digital terrestrial TV signals, in 2010 this will be increased to 95 percent. The Austrian version of the Meinberg GPS167 based system is designed to meet the reliability requirements for a hassle-free 24/7 operation.

The Single Frequency Network (SFN) approach in both Germany and Austria requires the transmitters to be synchronized with an accuracy of +/- 100 nanoseconds in order to be able to employ the COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technique within the SFN, utilizing signal reflexions to increase overall signal reception quality at the receivers end.

The synchronization equipment delivered by Meinberg is critical for the proper operation of the DVB-T broadcasting network and ensures a high quality TV experience for both German and Austrian viewers. More detailed information about DVB-T can be found on the following websites:

Germany:
http://www.ueberallfernsehen.de [German]

Austria:
http://www.dvb-t.at [German]

Background Information about DVB-T on Wikipedia:
Digital Terrestrial Television