Nucomm has been awarded a U.S. patent for “Digital Transmission of Broadcast Signals, including HDTV signals, over a Microwave Link.” The patent covers Nucomm’s Analog Coder product line.

Many broadcasters are using Nucomm’s Analog Coder modulator/demodulator system to transmit digital signals via existing analog microwave systems. The current system allows transmission of data rates as high as 30 Mbps using the baseband inputs/outputs available on most microwave equipment. The first use of the technology was at KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kan., where the Analog Coder was used to pass HDTV signals over 26 analog microwave repeater links.

“This newly patented method is another example of Nucomm’s mission to develop affordable solutions for today’s broadcasters,” said Dr. John Payne, Nucomm CEO. “Prior to our newly patented concept, TV stations and other providers were left with no choice but to replace their analog microwave links with digital microwave ones at considerable expense. With our new Analog Coder strategy, which consists of two 1 RU boxes, one box can be placed at the transmitter end while the second box can be based at the receiver end of the link, eliminating the need for replacement.”

The Sprint-Nextel 2 GHz relocation plan only covers 2 GHz equipment in broadcast auxiliary service links. It does not provide equipment for converting the intercity relay links using other frequencies to allow digital transmission. Nucomm’s Analog Coder could allow stations with complex ENG return links to get HDTV back to the studio without the need to replace a lot of microwave gear. However, there are some tradeoffs in data capability and/or robustness when an analog baseband system is used to deliver digital data.