Translators for ATSC 3.0
Originally Aired - Saturday, April 13 | 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM PT
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There are over 4000 TV translators licensed in the US – these by definition rebroadcast the signals of one or more originating transmitters on a different channel. As the ATSC 3.0 transition rolls on, these translator stations are faced with the need to retransmit the programs and advanced services that may be available from the originating station that has converted to 3.0. An ATSC 1.0 translator is comparatively a simple product – it typically consists of an 8-VSB receiver/demodulator, then an 8-VSB modulator/exciter, often with the ability to modify the PSIP information to be appropriate for the translator. An ATSC 3.0 translator brings a much higher level of complexity. Many of the functions of a broadcast gateway/scheduler must be included with the 3.0 translator, as it provides parameter information and baseband signal formatting for the exciter. While some translators use off air RF input from an antenna, others use some terrestrial links (fiber, microwave, etc.) to deliver the program signals to the translator. These bring additional variations to the equipment required. Beyond that, a translator may choose to rebroadcast the program signals from multiple originating transmitters, so some multiplexing and signal grooming may be needed. Further still, a translator station may wish to continue to broadcast in the ATSC 1.0 format, while its originating station converts to ATSC 3.0, which provides other challenges. And there remains the issue of modifying the signaling information to be appropriate for the translator’s broadcast. This paper will examine these different operating situations, and explain what is needed to afford the broadcaster the ability to take advantage of the ATSC 3.0 capabilities, while providing the required services to their viewers.
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