MUNICH, Germany—Rohde & Schwarz has unveiled the TM1 air-cooled UHF transmitter at IBC2026, Sept. 11-14, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

The transmitter offers high system availability, enhanced energy efficiency and native support for NextGen TV broadcasting standards. It was specifically developed to help operators reduce energy consumption while enabling a simple migration path for existing TMU9 installations.

The TM1 expands the company’s UHF transmitter portfolio and covers power levels from 600 watts to 6.5 kilowatts. The transmitter supports ATSC 3.0 and 5G Broadcast natively. This enables network operators to implement new business models, such as mobile TV, targeted datacasting or interactive formats.

Advanced automation features ensure maximum efficiency in daily operations, Rohde & Schwarz said. For instance, R&S Auto-Doherty optimizes real-time performance for every operating point. Developed according to Secure by Design principles, TM1 transmitters help operators meet cybersecurity requirements, enabling secure and stable operation of critical broadcast infrastructure.

Rohde & Schwarz is offering a TM1 renewal option. Broadcast network operators can upgrade existing equipment from the previous generation to match the full functionality and performance of a modern TM1 in a cost-efficient manner.

The effort required to upgrade existing transmitters is significantly lower than a new system deployment. By extending the operational lifespan of current equipment, operators drastically reduce the time, space and capital expenditure typically needed for network modernization, Rohde & Schwarz said.

“The R&S TM1 is a future-proof solution that combines uncompromising RF performance with high sustainability,” Rohde & Schwarz Product Manager Maurice Uhlmann said. “Through TM1 renewal and native support for 5G Broadcast and ATSC 3.0, we help network operators immediately reduce their operating costs and carbon footprint, while simultaneously establishing the technological foundation for tomorrow's revenue streams.”

See Rohde & Schwarz at IBC stand 8.B70.

More information is available on the company’s website.

MUNICH, Germany—Rohde & Schwarz announced today that it plans to introduce “a new addition to its transmission portfolio designed to optimize efficiency, secure long-term investments, and simplify daily operations” at the 2026 IBC Show, Sept. 11-14 at the RAI Amsterdam.

Although it didn’t identify the new product or where it fits into a broadcasters’ RF infrastructure, the company said it falls in line with the company's IBC focus on “emphasizing operational efficiency and sustainable technology evolution.” Alongside this launch, Rohde & Schwarz will also host its Innovation Theatre at its booth, offering presentations on new business fields and emerging industry trends.

Rohde & Schwarz says it will also demonstrate its terrestrial transmission solutions featuring native support for 5G Broadcast and ATSC 3.0. The company says its transmitter platforms and software-defined receivers allow broadcast network operators to seamlessly adapt to changing standards and enable the deployment of new services such as datacasting, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), and multimedia emergency warnings.

As satellite network operators face the challenge of updating critical space-to-ground communication links, the company says its R&S PKU100 Ku-band uplink amplifier showcased at the event provides a viable migration path from legacy tube-based systems to a highly efficient solid-state architecture. The solution allows for a direct 1:1 replacement of aging tube amplifiers within existing configurations, significantly reducing installation effort. By upgrading to this technology, satellite networks achieve immediate improvements in reliability and operational efficiency, while integrated self-monitoring capabilities minimize maintenance requirements and lower the total cost of ownership, according to the company.

"For decades, Rohde & Schwarz has built a reputation in broadcasting founded on innovation and reliability," says Steven Edwards, Vice President, Broadcast Distribution at Rohde & Schwarz. "Our latest TV, radio, and satellite solutions deliver exceptional performance while meeting growing technical and audience demands. At IBC 2026, we are proud to showcase our next-generation solutions, ensuring our customers' investments remain secure and adaptable for decades to come."

Rohde & Schwarz will be in Booth 8.B70.

MUNICH and RIO DE JANEIRO—Brazilian television broadcaster TV Globo has chosen Rohde & Schwarz to supply the first commercial transmitters for Brazil’s DTV+ next-generation television service.

The strategic partnership marks a turning point for free-to-air television in Brazil. Rohde & Schwarz will deliver transmitters that are specifically developed to meet the requirements of DTV+ technology, providing a future-proof, high-performance platform for the next generation of broadcasting.

Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decrees in August 2025 adopting the ATSC 3.0 physical layer for its DTV+ (formerly called TV 3.0) television system.

DTV+ promises a new viewing experience with very high picture quality in 4K and up to 8K in the future. A key differentiator of DTV+ is its app-centric approach, seamlessly integrating over-the-air TV with broadband connectivity to enhance the smart TV experience.

Through the DTV+ App/Globo App, viewers will enjoy a unified experience regardless of the source of the content and will also benefit from advanced features, such as targeted advertising and integrated shopping that can be controlled via the remote. Furthermore, improved spectrum efficiency will ensure broader and more flexible coverage.

“Rohde & Schwarz is proud to support Globo in launching this groundbreaking technology,” said Steven Edwards, vice president of Broadcast Distribution at Rohde & Schwarz. “Our transmitters are the result of intensive research and development – leveraging our unique software defined exciter technology to deliver higher performance and an improved feature set – and will help combine the benefits of terrestrial broadcasting and the digital world.”

The agreement was finalized at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2025 in Amsterdam. The transmitters are scheduled to be installed in time for the 2026 Soccer World Cup, with deliveries beginning initially in the metropolitan regions of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

By using the higher part of the VHF Band III frequency, this project ensures a smooth transition to DTV+ without interrupting current broadcasts. This marks the world’s first deployment of this frequency spectrum for television applications. The project includes advanced technologies, such as MIMO transmission, which significantly increases the transmitted data rate and signal quality, as well as geographical segmentation.

“DTV+ represents an important step for Brazilian television,” said Raymundo Barros, technology director at Globo. “The innovative technologies associated with it will redefine the television experience for millions of viewers in Brazil. The transmitters from Rohde & Schwarz play a key role in the development of this system.”

More information is available on the company’s website.

DENVER and MUNICH—Imagine Communications today announced its plans to acquire Pixel Power Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rohde & Schwarz. Financial terms of the transaction were not made public.

The transaction “represents a strategic alignment for both companies, enabling Imagine to offer broadcast customers the most extensive portfolio of live production and playout solutions on the market while allowing Rohde and Schwarz to focus on its core operations in Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity,” Imagine said.

The acquisition is expected to close in 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

Imagine and Pixel Power have a shared vision for the IP- and cloud-based future of broadcast and digital streaming markets, Imagine said.

“This strategic acquisition enables Imagine to immediately broaden its live production ecosystem and playout offerings via integration of Pixel Power’s software-defined, deploy-anywhere platforms — bringing together complementary approaches, technologies, and engineering expertise that will provide customers with deeper integration possibilities and a broader set of tools to meet every need,” the company said.

The addition of Pixel Power’s PRISMON multiviewer, which delivers powerful master control and cloud capabilities, will complement the ultra-low-latency production capabilities of Imagine’s popular SNP Multiviewer and enable Imagine to offer the most comprehensive portfolio of IP and IP-hybrid multiviewer solutions available on the market.

With a development team based in Cambridge, England, Pixel Power has a rich history in graphics and playout workflows and advanced multiviewer and monitoring systems. Imagine will maintain the Cambridge facility, combine Pixel Power’s existing support with Imagine’s care and services team, and support all current global customers and the installed base for Pixel Power’s PRISMON, Gallium, and StreamMaster platforms, Imagine said.

“We are proud of the achievements of Pixel Power, and we are confident that Imagine is the right home for their continued growth and expansion," said Thorsten Sauer, CEO of Pixel Power and VP Media Solutions of Rohde & Schwarz. “This move allows us to focus more deeply on our core operations and customer base while ensuring that we pass the reins to a new owner who cares deeply about our customer base and will take the business to the next level.”

"We’re excited to welcome the talented Pixel Power team to the Imagine family," said John Mailhot, Senior Vice President, Product Management at Imagine Communications. "This acquisition enhances our ability to deliver innovative, business-driving solutions for our customers, and we’re proud to continue building on the strong foundation established under Rohde & Schwarz."

“This alignment not only opens up exciting new opportunities to scale our innovation but also ensures customers benefit from more tailored solutions, improved support, and a stronger foundation for evolving workflows,” added James Gilbert, Deputy CEO of Pixel Power. “Our team is energized by the possibilities ahead and ready to help in shaping the next chapter of broadcast technology.”

News-Press & Gazette is replacing its aging transmission infrastructure with a Rohde & Schwarz THU9evo liquid-cooled, high-power transmitter to enhance transmission efficiency, reliability, and reduce operating costs.

“Despite outputting twice the power of the transmitter it replaced, the THU9evo has actually reduced our power costs thanks to its improved efficiency and the overall savings from liquid cooling,” said James Crawford, Director of Engineering and Operations at NPG. “Our transmitter site is located on a mountain in the middle of a high desert tundra. It experiences outdoor temperatures ranging from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months, to sub-zero temperatures in the winter. Performance has remained rock-solid, providing our viewers with reliable access to news and information even in the most unforgiving weather events.”

Erik Balladares, Vice President of Sales, North America, Broadcast Distribution at Rohde & Schwarz, added, “We are excited to partner with News-Press & Gazette Co. and provide them with the THU9evo transmitter. Our solution directly addresses the challenges facing broadcasters today—the need for efficient, reliable, and high-performance transmission systems. We look forward to supporting NPG’s broadcast needs moving forward.”

NPG owns TV stations in 10 markets in the Midwest and western United States.

MIAMI—Miami-Dade TV (MDTV) has revamped its playout as part of a broadcast infrastructure modernization project with PlayBox Neo for the channel’s 24/7 mix of live and prerecorded programming available on YouTube, Comcast channel 76 and AT&T U-verse channel 99.

MDTV updated key components of its HD/4K production and transmission environment, including master control, to create a more flexible and reliable workflow and improve the quality of its programming.

The PlayBox Neo system replaced MDTV’s existing automation and server setup in master control. The new workflow uses the AirBox Neo servers for playout. The solution also controls the inputs and outputs from a Rohde & Schwarz router. Enlighten Digital installed the PlayBox Neo for MDTV, the company said. 

The PlayBox Neo system handles both live signal switching and the insertion of prerecorded segments, ensuring smooth broadcast operations. It automates the playout of MDTV’s programming across its broadcast channels and streaming platforms. Content includes scheduled government meetings, public service content, educational programs and live events.

“We needed a solution that would integrate seamlessly with our existing infrastructure while providing a robust and intuitive interface for our team,” Shawn Hinchey, chief of digital media services at Miami-Dade County, said.

“PlayBox Neo stood out because of its modular design, IP streaming support, scheduling flexibility and ease of use. It supports the kind of hybrid SDI/IP workflows we’re adopting and allows for remote operation, which has become increasingly important in our environment.”

The full PlayBox Neo set up features master and redundant AirBox Neo systems with eight channels that interface directly with MDTV’s routing switcher. Rounding out the system are: TitleBox Neo, an interactive CG; ListBox Neo, for schedule creation and editing; Live Ingest and the Multi-Backup Manager (MBM), for multichannel redundancy.

“Scheduling and automation play a vital role in our operations, and PlayBox Neo’s scheduling tools have enhanced our workflow,” Hinchey said. “The ability to easily build 24-hour daily playlists in ListBox Neo and transition them seamlessly into AirBox Neo for playout makes our production process dramatically more efficient. Additionally, the Live Ingest controller gives us the flexibility to schedule recordings efficiently, which is essential for our dynamic programming.”

TOLEDO, Ohio—At WLMB-TV 40, our mission has always been to serve Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan with family-friendly, devotional programming. Since our founding in 1998, we’ve worked hard to deliver high-quality content while being careful stewards of our resources as a nonprofit broadcaster.

When we won a bid for UHF Channel 35, we faced a major transition: We needed to move from the VHF band to UHF, requiring a higher-frequency transmitter capable of delivering increased power. This was not just a technical upgrade; it was an opportunity to expand our audience reach and improve broadcast quality. But as a nonprofit organization, we had to ensure that every dollar spent would provide strong value for our community.

Lower Cost, Larger Audiences
We raised the necessary funding through an on-air donation drive, knowing our viewers trusted us to invest wisely. Our next step was finding a transmitter that could maximize efficiency, reduce operational costs and support our long-term goals. We conducted extensive research, spoke with respected broadcast engineers and met with manufacturers at trade shows.

In addition to performance and efficiency, service and support played a key role in our decision. Rohde & Schwarz provided excellent presale guidance and remained engaged throughout the installation process. Its team worked closely with our engineers to ensure a smooth and timely transition, answering questions promptly and providing clear technical information whenever needed. That level of responsiveness gave us confidence not only in the product but in the partnership itself. For a smaller, mission-driven station like ours, having direct access to knowledgeable support was especially important.

After a thorough review, we chose the Rohde & Schwarz R&S TE1 liquid-cooled transmitter. Its energy-efficient design stood out immediately. Liquid cooling significantly reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning, lowering overall energy costs. As we calculated projected savings, we realized the R&S TE1 would pay for itself within three to four years—a critical factor in our decision.

The installation of the transmitter took approximately two weeks. Since going live with the R&S TE1, we have seen a remarkable 28% increase in audience reach, expanding from 1.8 million to 2.3 million households, with half of those households able to receive our signal with a simple indoor or outdoor antenna. Additionally, about 1.24 million people in neighboring TV markets can now more easily receive our signal.

Ready for NextGen TV
Beyond energy savings and expanded reach, the R&S TE1 has positioned WLMB-TV for the future. It is ATSC 3.0-ready, ensuring that when we decide to adopt next-generation broadcast technology, we’ll be prepared without needing another major equipment investment. For a nonprofit like ours, this future-proofing offers both financial security and strategic flexibility.

Reliability was another major factor in our choice. With any broadcast operation, equipment downtime can impact not just technical operations but the trust we’ve built with our viewers. Knowing that the R&S TE1 is designed for high reliability and a long service life gives us peace of mind that we can continue serving our community without interruption.

Looking back, selecting the R&S TE1 was the right decision for WLMB-TV 40. We have improved the quality of our broadcasts, expanded geographic reach, significantly reduced operational costs and set the stage for future growth—all while staying true to our commitment to be responsible with our donors’ support.

The transition from VHF to UHF could have been a daunting and expensive undertaking, but with careful planning and the right technology partner, it has been a tremendous success for our station and the community we serve.

For more information, click here.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 6-9, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its latest digital transmitter technology focused on the ATSC 3.0 standard (aka NextGen TV) and its new remote transmitter monitoring service.

Introduced at last year’s show, Rohde’s liquid-cooled, high-power R&STE1 transmitter has set new standards in technical design and performance, not least through its native ATSC 3.0 capabilities, the company said. Its software-defined architecture and highly resilient hardware simplify maintenance, while its energy efficiency of up to 50% helps dramatically lower operational costs. Its modular design enables continuous updates and potential support for applications like datacasting, emergency alerting as well as the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS), which is being touted as a potential backup for GPS.

Visitors to Rohde's booth can also take part in a schedule of Tech Talks and discussions covering key industry developments and opportunities. Reservations can be made here: rohde-schwarz.com/RS-TechTalks.

“We look forward to NAB once again, and welcome visitors to our booth to experience the future of broadcasting,” said Steven Edwards, Vice President, Broadcast Distribution at Rohde & Schwarz. “We are focusing on sharing knowledge and experience, and our series of Tech Talks will feature our partners talking about real-world applications. Alongside these presentations we will have discussion panels where we will talk about the real advantages and opportunities for terrestrial broadcasting in the future.

“Visitors will also be able to see the latest generation of software-defined, high-efficiency modular transmitters,” he added. “That includes our unique RMTX—remote monitoring of transmitters—a new service that provides real-time, secure and proactive monitoring and maintenance. When combined, our transmitters offer highly reliable and cost-effective performance, ease of operation without need for extensive specialist engineering operations, and the opportunity to open new revenue streams and services.”

RMTX provides expert monitoring and supervision of transmitters 24/7, from a dedicated Rohde & Schwarz operational support center. Should any issue arise with a transmitter anywhere it will be identified and triaged, and remote fixes applied. Should they be needed, spare parts will be rapidly shipped from stock. RMTX also incorporates routine preventative maintenance, scheduled to be most efficient for the operator and engineers, the company said.

Rohed & Schwarz will be in Booth W3043 in the West Hall of the LVCC.

Pixel Power, a Rohde & Schwarz company providing broadcast playout solutions, has announced five new hires:

Aurelia Znakowa has joined Pixel Power as chief financial officer. A qualified accountant with a degree in business with law and an MBA from Cranfield University, she was most recently director of finance at Blacktrace and helped oversee the company’s acquisition by California biotech brand Unchained Labs.

Stuart Russell joins as the company’s new marketing manager. Russell has 13 years of marketing expertise in the media production industry, with high-profile brand, marketing and communications roles with Videndum (formerly the Vitec Group) and Ross Video.

Asad Shah was hired as project engineer, bringing extensive practical knowledge on delivering premium content. He has spent 15 years leading teams in major playout and master control centers for large service providers and holds a degree in media technology from the University of Salford.

Stephanie Leroux is Pixel’s new project manager, tasked with keeping her team on track with project and development deliverables. Originally from Metz, France, Leroux has a master’s degree in applied physics from Metz University. She has lived in the U.K. for 20 years and has about as many years of experience working in the media industry in both engineering and project management roles.

Ehren Stowers was hired as product manager for Pixel Power’s automation and monitoring lines. Stowers started his career as a presentation director in his native New Zealand before moving to London and holding equivalent jobs with BBC and Red Bee Media, before taking on the role of product manager at Red Bee.

“Our mission is to help our customers gain competitive advantage by using our technology to optimize their content creation and delivery,” Pixel Power CEO Thorsten Sauer said of the new hires. “Given his expertise, Stuart will help tell our story as Pixel Power embarks on this new chapter. Asad and Ehren each have invaluable experience in what our customers do and can talk on equal terms, helping us to focus our products and continue developing the right solutions. Stephanie’s project management expertise will ensure we meet our key development deadlines. Welcome, too, to Aurelia, whose financial acumen and detailed business experience will be vital to the ambitious growth plans we are putting in place.

“The reorganized and rebranded Pixel Power is already showing new energy and agility, and I’m sure our customers will be excited by this new direction and the innovative solutions that will accompany it,” Sauer said.

MUNICH and DUSSELDORF, Germany—Rohde & Schwarz and European tower company Vantage Towers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the commercialization of 5G Broadcast (5GB) technology across Europe.

The agreement will support deployment of 5G Broadcast for its commercial rollout, which is expected to begin in 2026. Vantage Towers has more than 86,000 tower sites.

“We are delighted to partner with Rohde & Schwarz to bring large-scale 5G broadcast coverage to life,” Badiaa Bazarbacha, co-managing director (interim) of Vantage Towers Germany, said. “This collaboration combines the strengths of both companies, with Rohde & Schwarz’s innovative 5G Broadcast equipment being deployed across Vantage Towers’ extensive network of towers, rooftop sites and indoor coverage solutions. By utilizing our comprehensive infrastructure portfolio, we are enabling media broadcasters to achieve a rapid and efficient commercial rollout of this cutting-edge technology.”

The MOU outlines a collaborative framework between Rohde & Schwarz and Vantage Towers to develop the business and market readiness for 5G Broadcast. Since the commercial deployment of the technology targets multiple applications like Live and Linear Content, Automotive Beyond Entertainment, Venue Casting and Public Warning Services, uninterrupted coverage with an optimal quality of service for consumers is imperative, the companies said.

The companies will create a go-to-market model that leverages Vantage Towers’ extensive asset base and neutral host expertise and Rohde & Schwarz’s portfolio of network solutions, services and close relationships with Broadcast Network Operators worldwide, they said.

“5G Broadcast will provide enhanced viewing experiences for consumers on the go, along with high quality of service for broadcasters through optimized outdoor mobile coverage and specific public indoor venues,” Rohde & Schwarz Vice President for Broadcast Distribution Steven Edwards said. “Using the locations of Vantage Towers and the Rohde & Schwarz 5G Broadcast solution, we look forward to helping develop a creative 5G Broadcast solution for Broadcasters and BNOs in Europe and beyond.”

The partnership focuses on facilitating the rollout of 5G Broadcast networks in strategic European markets with expansion planned for additional markets in the coming years.

More information is available on the Rohde & Schwarz website.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz will feature its Remote Transmitter Monitoring Service (RMTX) and the R&S TE1 extra-high-power liquid-cooled transmitter during the 2024 NAB Show New York, Oct. 9-10, at the Javits Center in New York City.

The R&S TE1, a native ATSC 3.0 design, addresses many of the challenges broadcasters face, such as high energy consumption and environmental impact and the complex maintenance requirements of traditional transmitters. The transmitter leverages modern design techniques to provide greater efficiency and its liquid cooling system eliminates the need for power-intensive air conditioning, significantly reducing the carbon footprint, the company said.

"We value the opportunity to connect with broadcast network operators at NAB Show New York 2024," said Erik Balladares, vice president of broadcast and media at Rohde & Schwarz USA. "Our customers have been eagerly awaiting this innovative transmitter and our remote monitoring service, and we are confident that our solutions will meet their needs for a more sustainable and efficient broadcasting operation."

Key features include the company’s Remote Transmitter Monitoring service (RMTX), which provides U.S. broadcasters with a solution to the scarcity of specialized RF engineers, and an intelligent management software for automatic optimal setup and maximum efficiency, the company said.

“The R&S TE1 is a product designed specifically for the North American Broadcast market. It is our future transmitter platform aimed at solving the problems broadcasters are facing today and in the future. It significantly reduces the environmental impact and cost of high-power transmission and is designed with advanced intelligence to monitor its own health and notify the user when maintenance may be required,” said Steven Edwards, vice president of broadcast distribution at Rohde & Schwarz.

See Rohde & Schwarz at 2024 NAB Show New York booth 1207.

More information is available on the company’s website.

SAO PAULO—Just weeks after Brazil announced its adoption of part of the ATSC 3.0 advanced broadcast standards, advocates of 5G broadcast are demonstrating the technology at SET Expo 2024, Latin America’s largest broadcast trade show.

Motorola and Qualcomm Serviços de Telecomunicações Ltda. ("Qualcomm Brazil") in collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz, are demonstrating 5G Broadcast during the three day event, Aug. 20-22 and discussing how the format “is gaining momentum in regions such as Mexico and Brazil.”

5G Broadcast is primarily designed to target mobile users with live streaming and linear content. Advocates say the format “complements” existing DTV standards such as DVB-T2 in the European Union and ATSC 3.0 as the next-generation digital TV system in Brazil. The demonstration highlights the versatility of 5G Broadcast in operating as a standalone broadcasting platform or in conjunction with mobile network operators (MNOs) through a seamless service continuity feature.

Rohde & Schwarz—which launched its new ATSC 3.0 transmitter at the NAB Show—is instead focusing on 5G Broadcast at SET, delivering a mix of live streaming services at its booth.

Last month, Brazil’s BTVD Forum, the non-profit organization that advises the Brazilian government on digital television and policy matters, recommended the selection of the ATSC 3.0 physical layer as the over-the-air transmission system for the nation’s TV 3.0 next-generation terrestrial broadcast service, which is expected to launch in 2025. The ATSC itself is hosting its own booth during the show.

When and if 5G Broadcasts become publicly available, consumers wanting to access them can use commercially available Motorola Edge devices powered by a Snapdragon mobile platform that have been modified to enable content reception without requiring a SIM subscription..

“Content services can be delivered in a more efficient and reliable way using 5G Broadcast technology without compromising existing mobile cellular technology. We are excited to bring this collaboration with the Rohde & Schwarz team to Latin America and show what delivering digital TV content through standard 3GPP technology can look like,” said Lorenzo Casaccia, Vice President, Technical Standards, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

"We are thrilled to demonstrate the potential of 5G Broadcast in Brazil, providing an enhanced viewing experience and new business opportunities for broadcasters and mobile operators alike," said Mohamed Aziz Taga, Head of Business Development & Strategy at Rohde & Schwarz. "Working with our esteemed partners to bring this technology to SET Expo 2024 is an exciting opportunity. 5G Broadcast represents a significant advancement in broadcast technology, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency."

The demos are taking place at Rohde & Schwarz booth, Stand 2.E77.

Missed any of our recent product news? Here is TV Tech's weekly wrap-up of new products, services and deployments we published in our newsletter between July 29 to August 2. The stories are listed from the newest on Friday August 2, day by day back to our stories from Monday July 29

JVC Begins Shipping New KM-IP12S8 Series vMix 4K Video Switchers

The latest JVC Solutions are designed for multi-camera productions of live sports and events.

Vivo Taps Harmonic to Power Caliente TV Sports Channel

Harmonic's VOS360 Media SaaS-based Solution is being used to simplify media processing, playout and primary distribution for a new sports channel in Mexico.

EVS Acquires MOG Technologies

The deal will expand its market reach and further support the extension of EVS’ MediaCeption workflows.

Ateliere Launches Its New `Connect AI’ Offering

At IBC 2024 Atelier will be showing what it is billing as the industry’s first end-to-end GenAI media supply chain solution.

VITAC To Demo Latest AI Captioning, Translation Advancements at IBC 2024

The company’s AI-powered Captivate captioning solution lowers the cost of captioning.

Sony Ships M2L-X Live Production Switcher

The switcher leverages hybrid procession and operations for on-premises and cloud production.

Comcast, Comscore Expand Cross-Platform Measurement Efforts

Enhanced partnership will allow Comscore clients to tap into Comcast Advertising’s Signal Authentication solution to increase fidelity of measurement and attribution.

Rohde & Schwarz To Showcase Latest Updates To Gallium, StreamMaster, PRISMON At IBC Show

Its Gallium and StreamMaster playout environment now runs on the latest Windows and Linus releases.

Dolby Acquires THEO Technologies

The deal will help Dolby expand its solutions for live sports and entertainment that enable viewers to interact with content while watching on different screens.

Atomos Unveils Shinobi II HDR Monitor

The new high-brightness HDR monitor is designed for vloggers, creatives and photographers.

iSpot Launches Cross-Platform Measurement Offering for TikTok

The solution enables brands to verify the audience overlap and incremental reach TikTok delivers against linear TV.

CommScope Launches STARLINE ESD 1.8 GHz Amplifiers

The ESD amplifiers offer substantial upgrades for DOCSIS 3.1 networks and an incremental path to DOCSIS 4.0.

Bahrain TV Launches Middle East’s First IP Playout System

State broadcaster tapped Grass Valley for the upgrade.

Critical Connection: Automotive ATSC 3.0

Experts discuss ATSC 3.0's role in automotive connectivity.

Comscore Introduces Comprehensive Cross-Platform YouTube Audience Measurement

Comscore measurement and video insights are now available for YouTube traffic on desktop, mobile and CTV.

Wohler Announces 3G-SDI To 12G-SDI Upgrade Path

The new module, OPT-RMOC-12G, makes it possible to migrate a 3G-SDI capable monitor to a 12G-SDI (4K) capable monitor.

Wooden Camera Introduces Accessory System for Canon EOS C400

The system integrates with a wide range of Wooden Camera, Canon and third-party accessories.

Avid Unveils Latest Version Of Media Composer

The release adds a new transcript tool, deeper Pro Tools compatibility and enhanced collaboration.

Vegas Creative Software Launches Vegas Pro 22

Improvements to the video engine enable new AI-assisted features, text-based editing and enhanced audio tools.

Dot Group Showcases AI-Driven Solutions for M&E at IBC 2024

Dot will sponsor the AI Tech Zone networking area, highlighting innovative data management solutions.

PMVG Launches NextGen TV Station in Cookeville, Tenn.

The Public Media Venture Group (PMVG), a business development consortium of 32 public stations, has launched NextGen broadcasting service on W35DZ-D, its low-power station in Cookeville, Tennessee.

ADMC Riyadh Deploys Ikegami HDK-99 HDR Camera Systems

Each system comprises an HDK-99 camera head, FA-97A fiber interface, BSX-100H base station, VFL-P700A viewfinder and OCP-300 operation control unit.

Leader Electronics of Europe to Feature New ZEN-W Series Advanced Analyzers at IBC Show

Test and measurement specialist Leader Electronics of Europe will make the European debut of its ZEN-W Series of advanced analyzers at IBC 2024, Sept. 13-16, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

V-Nova, Amlogic to Support MPEG-5 LCEVC on Amlogic SoCs

V-Nova and Amlogic have announced a partnership to support MPEG-5 LCEVC on Amlogic SoCs.

Pliant to Showcase New Compact Crewcom Radio Pack at IBC2024

Professional intercoms provider Pliant Technologies will highlight its new CRP-C12 Compact Radio Pack at IBC2024, Sept. 13-17 at the RAI Amsterdam.

Disney, NBC and NFL Among IBC2024 Innovation Awards Finalists

IBC has announced the finalists for this year’s IBC Innovation Awards, taking place on Sunday, Sept. 15 during IBC2024 in the RAI Amsterdam.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz will highlight infrastructure solutions that have been updated to leverage the latest software architectures and techniques at IBC 2024, Sept. 13-16, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

“Leading broadcasters in Europe and around the world tell us their critical issues are operational efficiencies, interoperability and security,” said Thorsten Sauer, vice president of Rohde & Schwarz Media. “Those issues have to be addressed whilst also delivering against the business needs for revenue optimization, compliance and viewer experience.

“That is why we continue to innovate, to bring the right functionality into systems running efficiently on standard hardware,” said Sauer. “We push our development teams to adopt the best new technologies, which delivers real benefits for our users, including unique capabilities.”

The company’s Gallium and StreamMaster automated playout environment can now run under the latest versions of Windows or Linux. It leverages the latest .NET 6.0 technology to provide cost-efficient cloud deployment and a PostgreSQL backend, an advanced open-source relational database, the company said.

This enables broadcasters and service providers to build playout automation and delivery systems from a single channel to hundreds, whether on premises, as a multi-site operation or hybrid cloud, and controlled securely from any location via a web browser, the company said.

Gallium can keep track of the legal limits on advertising minutes, providing graphical, detailed indications of the status to assist users to remain in compliance with regulations. The configurable Gallium software also allows practical operational workflows through tight interworking. It supports the Telestream DIVA API, for example, to manage very large libraries seamlessly. Gallium and StreamMaster also support direct control of the Nevion VideoIPath media orchestration layer, it said.

The company also will feature the latest developments in its PRISMON software-defined, networked multiviewer and monitoring platform. Already delivering high channel density, the adoption of PCI 4.0 gives the platform an even better price-performance ratio on COTS hardware, the company said.

Fully implemented in software, PRISMON provides agility and capacity. The company is continuously updating the platform. For example, PRISMON has been updated to support the latest NDI, SRT, NMOS and SMPTE ST2110 standards, Dolby Atmos encoded streams and watermarking and signaling schemes. 

See Rohde & Schwarz at IBC 2024 Stand 7.B21.

More information is available on the company’s website.

BARCELONA, Spain—Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals’ (3Cat’s) 24-hour news channel 3/24 Channel has deployed the Rohde & Schwarz R&SPRISMON multiviewer to monitor uncompressed IP feeds alongside SDI and NDI signals.

A highly watched television network in Catalonia, 3Cat delivers a broad mix of content from its studios and headquarters here. The channel recently underwent a renovation and transition to HD with SMPTE ST 2110 technology alongside SDI signals, NDI and transport streams, Rohde & Schwarz said.

The R&S PRISMON architecture leverages networked servers to allow users to build up large numbers of tailored multiviewer displays. Each server can accept any mix of SDI and IP feeds, eliminating the need for external converters, saving capital costs and reducing the carbon footprint, it said.

Each feed needs to be connected to only one of the servers. The resulting mosaic tile feeds are shared across the network, simplifying the processing demand while delivering complete flexibility in displays.

Engineers can set up multiviewer displays capable of meeting the specific needs of each operator and area regardless of the source format. With R&S PRISMON, operators can monitor feeds side by side as well as audio VU meters, various tally signs, countdowns, stopwatches, clocks and warnings.

“We have a very busy technical setup, and we need a large number of different multiviewer layouts,” said 3Cat specialist engineer Marc Sanclimens. “Rohde & Schwarz was able to demonstrate how Prismon could provide all the different layouts we required from just three servers, and allow us to freely mix SDI, NDI, ST-2110 and other feeds as necessary. Like all modern broadcasters, we need to be flexible in our operations, and Prismon gives us the complete freedom we require to set up and dynamically change our monitoring.”

R&S PRISMON runs on COTS hardware and is cloud-ready. It supports Ultra HD inputs and displays, and its networked design means that in complex applications each feed only needs to be processed once. Easy to integrate into control and automation systems for live production, R&S PRISMON links directly with IP-based tally and UMD signals, the company said.

Unitecnic, a distributor and systems integrator with an office in Barcelona, installed 3Cat’s R&S PRISMON.

More information is available on the company’s website.

This month I’ll focus on what I saw on the exhibit floor at NAB Show. This isn’t a comprehensive overview of all the RF and transmission exhibits and show news—other articles in TV Tech do that well. Instead, I’ll be looking at a few exhibits I found interesting. Next month I’ll discuss other RF technology topics from the show, including BPS and 5G Broadcast.

Rohde & Schwarz
Many broadcasters purchased Rohde & Schwarz THU-9 transmitters during and after the repack, so I wasn’t surprised that Rohde’s unveiling of its new UHF TV transmitter, the TE1, attracted a large crowd Monday afternoon despite its location in the South Hall, far away from other transmitter and distribution exhibits.

Some of the changes are apparent looking at the transmitter. Unlike the THU9, which was designed for worldwide use, the TE1 was designed specifically for the U.S. market where higher power transmitters are required. The exciters mount horizontally in the rack, allowing up to 14 amplifiers per cabinet and increasing the per-cabinet output power to 24.5 kW. Looking at the back of the transmitter, you can see the changes in the combiner output and load. 

Also, the power input is now at the top of the cabinet, cleaning up the wiring on the right side (from the rear) power distribution panel. (The colorful LED cabinet lighting in the photo is not available as an option.) 

The exciter includes the ATSC 3.0 modulator—a separate SDE-900 unit is not required. Reflecting the TE1 North American market focus, the specifications show ATSC and ATSC 3.0 as the only supported standards. The product brochure says it is “Prepared for 5G Broadcast.” 

End-to-End ATSC 3.0 Transmission System
Anywave showed a complete ATSC 3.0 signal chain that will make it easy for broadcasters, particularly LPTVs, to switch to ATSC 3.0. It includes the encoder, gateway and scheduler, and exciter. 

A key feature of the gateway/scheduler is a custom design using FPGAs rather than software running on a server. This enables a complete ATSC 3.0 encoder, gateway/scheduler and exciter in three rack units of space to consume a fraction of the power required for a server-based system. 

Their AW9200 Exciter+ can be configured for use as a translator for ATSC 3.0 with a gateway option that allows modification of signaling at the translator site without additional gateways.

Smart Dummy Load
As transmitters become more efficient, engineers are taking a closer look at the power consumed by dummy loads in systems with multiple transmitter cabinets. When one of the cabinets shuts down, the combiner becomes unbalanced. 

In a two-cabinet system, this results in half the remaining power going into a reject load. This doesn’t happen that often, so any power used to cool the dummy load while both cabinets are operating normally is wasted. 

Dielectric’s solution is the “OptiLoad,” which turns on the cooling pumps only when required. This is more complicated than it sounds. If the reject load fails, it will shut down the entire transmitter. Worse, if it fails to shut down the transmitter and a cabinet fails, the coolant pressure and steam generated by the load can cause a mess before the reflected power takes down the transmitter. The OptiLoad includes RF sensors and other features designed to prevent such disasters. 

Simplifying ATSC 3.0 Station Configuration
Most ATSC 3.0 stations set their modulation and coding and PLP configura-tions once and don’t change them. Triveni showed its “Station Manager,” which makes setting, storing and restoring ATSC 3.0 configurations easier. 

Anyone who has looked at the ATSC 3.0 standard knows there are an almost infinite number of configurations available. Changing one parameter can require changing another parameter to maintain a legal ATSC 3.0 stream. The Station Manager interface makes this easier. 

I can also see how Station Manager could become an important part of the broadcast core network, which will allow broadcasters to offer excess data capacity for other uses, such is IoT. This will likely require participating broadcasters to change their transmission parameters to accommodate demand for data delivery with different bandwidth and robustness requirements. 

Broadcast Positioning Service Solution
Many engineers see the ATSC 3.0 Broadcast Positioning Service (BPS) as a key driver of ATSC 3.0 support from the government and perhaps device manufacturers as well. I’ve discussed BPS before and will have more on it next month, but wanted to highlight one product that will make it easier for broadcasters to add BPS capability to their transmission systems. Stations that want to transmit BPS signals will need to precisely time the transmission of the ATSC 3.0 bootstrap. 

The Avateq AVQ-1050 consists of a BPS receiver and a BPS synchronizer, which together compare the received signal with a reference clock and adjust the transmission time to make it a stable, precise time source. It can directly control the transmission time from a Rohde & Schwarz exciter without connection to the gateway and scheduler, which may not be located at the transmitter site. 

ATSC 3.0 for Legacy Cable Systems
As the transition to ATSC 3.0 progresses, there will be a need for cable companies to receive ATSC 3.0 signals. While the ideal scenario would be for the cable companies to deliver a stream that enables most of the ATSC 3.0 features, during the transition, they will need to convert the ATSC 3.0 to a form that will work with their existing set-top boxes. 

To that end, the Sencore TXS3800 ATSC 3.0 to ATSC 1.0 transcoder can provide decryption and transcode video and audio from ATSC 3.0 to ATSC 1.0 formats in an ATSC 1.0 transport stream. 

NextGen-Compliant Dongles
I was happy to see several low-cost set-top box devices displayed in the ATSC booth that support A3SA content protection. However, I’m still looking for an ATSC 3.0 NextGen-compliant tuner I can plug into a USB port of my laptop to view ATSC 3.0 protected content on the road.

Dongles have been available for a few years, but none made it to the consumer market and none I’ve found support A3SA content protection. It doesn’t appear that will happen soon, but after seeing compliant set-top boxes based on Android TV, perhaps it will be possible to create an ATSC 3.0 dongle that will work with Widevine-enabled Android tablets. ATSC 3.0 has many advantages when it comes to mobility so I expect there would be demand for portable ATSC 3.0 receivers, especially in areas prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters. l

As always, your comments and questions are welcome. Email me at dlung@transmitter.com. 

MUNICH, Germany—Regional German broadcaster Südwestrundfunk (SWR) has deployed the Rohde & Schwarz Pixel Power graphics and playout solution.

Based in Baden-Baden, Germany, SER is part of the German federated ARD consortium. It provides the primary playout facilities for its own channels and other southern German broadcasters, including Saarländischer Rundfunk (SR), Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) and Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR).

SWR chose a software-defined playout replacement for its existing playout infrastructure as it reached its end-of-life. Having graphics and branding integrated into the solution was a key part of SWR’s strategy.

“In our search for a modern playout solution, we wanted a solution that is truly future-proof, flexible and highly scalable,” said SWR project matter Udo Fettig. “Gallium and StreamMaster are our chosen solutions providing all necessary information in one graphical user interface, without restrictions. We could lay the system out to suit all our operational workflows.”    

The broadcaster required the ability to manage live events and schedule breaks as well as add live graphics, ranging from lottery results to severe weather warnings. The new system also offers a text-to-speech function to meet the needs of the visually impaired in emergencies, Rohde & Schwarz said.

The Rohde & Schwarz Pixel Power Gallium and StreamMaster software applications run on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. They can operate on premises, in the cloud or as a hybrid, the company said.

They also support remote access. SWR has already run output with the solution’s channel controller from a home office location without sacrificing the flexibility and interactivity needed for live breaks and unscheduled events, it said.

More information is available on the company’s website.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz will present a complete 5G Broadcast ecosystem at Mobile World Congress 2024, Feb. 26-29, at the Gran Via | Fira Barcelona convention center in Barcelona.

The presentation will focus on the system being ready for rollout and will show pathways to additional revenues, the company said.

5G Broadcast is a one-to-many transmission standard, part of the 3GPP specifications. Media broadcasts can be received on suitable mobile devices without a SIM card. The format provides for data broadcast, making it well-suited for updating IoT devices or automotive applications, it said.

Rohde & Schwarz has taken a significant role in its standardization, including working with ETSI JTC Broadcast and 5G-MAG, to ensure widespread acceptance of the technology. Thanks to this work, ITU has now endorsed 5G Broadcast as a next-generation DTT standard worldwide. The result is more agile use of the full UHF band, and a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the industry, the company said.

“For operators of networks, adding 5G Broadcast is a simple upgrade to Rohde & Schwarz transmitters,” said Thomas Janner, director of R&D Broadcast Applications at Rohde & Schwarz. 

“For the first time there is a practical, economical route to achieve true mobile television, further enhancing the cellular proposition without adding to network congestion. Additionally, there are huge opportunities for data delivery services, even in parallel to television broadcasting,” he said.

“These data services come at a time when delivery to automotive and IoT is desperately needed, and 5G Broadcast is ready to capture these new revenue streams, making it a win-win across the board.” 

More information is available on the company’s website.

See Rohde & Schwarz at stand 5A80.

Interest in over-the-air reception of TV in the U.S. continues to grow as evidenced by sales of antennas, with CTA estimating that the total antenna marketplace in the U.S. will exceed 53 million homes by 2025. While the ATSC 3.0 build out continues, a new concept, “5G Broadcast” is now being considered as another option for high-power, high-tower “next generation” TV broadcasting. 

There is already one experimental 5G Broadcast station on the air (WWOO-LD in Westmoreland, NH, announced in July), and broadcasters in other parts of the world are testing 5G Broadcast deployment. 

Will it replace ATSC 3.0 as the “next generation” broadcast technology? The major factor, in my opinion, will be whether or not consumers and broadcasters drop over-the-air TV in favor of streaming programming over the internet. 

5G Broadcast is targeted primarily at mobile devices, where data capacity for video distribution is still a concern. Consumer adoption of ATSC 3.0, so far, has been limited to fixed TV sets. While more people are cutting the cord and discovering (or rediscovering) over the air broadcasts, far more of these sets are connected to the internet alone than to antennas. 

Will wireless operators, who largely control distribution of mobile devices in the U.S., allow reception of 5G Broadcasting without a government mandate? If there is a government mandate, perhaps that mandate could require ATSC 3.0 devices instead. 

That raises some questions: Which technology is better? Which is easier to implement? I’ll provide some information and links to resources to help you answer those questions. 

A 3GPP Standard
5G Broadcast today is defined in 3GPP Release 17 (for an overview on the evolution of 5G Broadcast within 3GPP, check “Broadcast, multicast technologies,” by Dongwook Kim, 3GPP MCC. 

The current standard has features that support high-power, high-tower broadcasting. These include Receive-Only-Mode (no SIM card required) and a cyclic prefix of up to 200 microseconds, allowing larger distances between sites in a single frequency network (SFN). 

The major components of the 5G Broadcast signal are the CAS (cell acquisition subframe) which contains the PBCH (physical broadcast channel); PDCCH (physical downlink control channel), and the PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel) necessary to decode the PMCH (physical multicast channel). In order to receive a 5G Broadcast signal, a receiver must be able to decode the PBCH, the PDCCH, the PDSCH, and the PMCH. 

The PBCH, PDCCH and PDSCH are control channels that can be compared to the bootstrap, L1-basic and L1-detailed in ATSC 3.0, while the PMCH is similar to the PLP subframe in ATSC 3.0. The coding and modulation of  these components determines the robustness and capacity of the system. 

More information on the 5G Broadcast physical layer is available in “ETSI TS 103 720 Technical Specification” and in the IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting paper “Evaluation of ATSC 3.0 and 3GPP Rel-17 5G Broadcasting Systems for Mobile Handheld Applications.”

5G Broadcast Hardware/Software
Rohde and Schwarz has developed a 5G Broadcast platform that has been used for tests around the world. Fig. 1, taken from the company’s “5G Broadcast for Automotive” presentation by Dr. Nik Dimitrakopoulos, shows a R&S BSCC2.0 (broadcast service and control center) feeding a R&S SDE900 (the same model number unit used for ATSC 3.0 signal generation) into a TCE901 exciter and THU9evo transmitter. 

With the exception of the BSCC2.0, this configuration will be familiar to U.S. broadcasters. Fig. 2, from the BSCC2.0 product brochure, shows the internal architecture of that unit. 

The OpenAirInterface5g initiative has developed software that will run on a UHD/USRP based SDR. The last information I have on this is from 2019 for a configuration based on 3GPP Release 14. Details are available in the “FeMBMS/eMBMS E2E Prototyping using OpenAirInterface5G” presentation by Javier Morgade at Vicomtech. 

Fig. 3 shows a system using two Ettus B210 SDRs, the same model used in the GNU Radio ATSC 3.0 transmitter I described in a previous article.  

Comparing 5G Broadcast and ATSC 3.0 Performance
As in the 5G Broadcast system described earlier, ATSC 3.0 has elements that allow receivers to lock to the channel, get information on how to tune the channel, and decode the data. How these elements are implemented affects performance under different conditions. 

Table XI in the IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting paper Evaluation of ATSC 3.0 and 3GPP Rel-17 5G Broadcasting Systems for Mobile Handheld Application shows ATSC 3.0 performance gains for TU-6, India-Urban, India-Rural, and Seoul-SFN-3 channels for ideal estimation and linear estimation at speeds of 3, 40, and 120 km/hr. 

Performance gain of the ATSC 3.0 bootstrap versus 5G PBCH varied from a worst case -4.1 dB for linear estimation of a TU-6 channel at 120 km/hr to a best case +10.5 dB for linear estimation of the Seoul-SFN-3 channel at 3 km/hr. Bootstrap performance was better than PBCH in 20 of the 24 scenarios.

A comparison of PDSCH versus L1-Detail showed ATSC 3.0 performance gain varied from -3.0 dB to +5.0 dB. PDSCH was undecodable in 3 of the 24 scenarios. L1-Detail was worse than PDSCH in 8 of the 24 scenarios, although in six of these the difference was less than 1 dB. 

When comparing ATSC 3.0 subframe with PMCH, the subframe performed better at 5 Mbps, 10 Mbps and 15 Mbps in every channel, with PMCH undecodable in 8 of the 24 scenarios at 15 Mbps. The performance gain ranged from +15 dB linear estimation in a 10 Mbps TU-6 channel at 120 km/hr to +0.6 dB ideal estimation at 10 Mbps at 3 km/hr and 40 km/hr in an India-Rural channel. 

The study presented in the IEEE paper explains the ATSC 3.0 performance gain comes from the superiority of its BICM (bit interleaved coded modulation) components and, depending on the propagation channel, the time interleaver. The bootstrap performs worse than PBCH in non-line-of-sight channels with high mobility but otherwise bootstrap has better performance. In the comparison of PDSCH, L1-Detail performed better over line-of-sight but PDSCH was able to take advantage of the diversity provided by combining two PDSCH in non-line-of-site situations. 

Practical Implications: 5G Broadcast vs. ATSC 3.0
Broadcasters have ATSC 3.0 transmission infrastructure, but at this time don’t have consumer equipment beyond fixed TV sets and gateway devices. Qualcomm is adding 5G Broadcast support to its mobile device chipsets but no devices supporting 5G Broadcast are currently available to consumers. Prototype devices are available for both standards. When will consumers be able to purchase these devices? 

ATSC 3.0 broadcasts are already on the air in more than 70 markets in the United States. Currently there is only one 5G Broadcast station in the U.S., the experimental LPTV mentioned earlier. The 5G Media Action Group’s web site has details on 5G Broadcast trials as well as links to a GITHUB with 5G Broadcast reference tools. Expect to hear more about 5G Broadcast deployments around the world at the 2023 IBC Show. 

5G Broadcast can build on existing modems and 5G mobile device components. This should make it relatively easy for manufacturers to implement in mobile devices. ATSC 3.0 has an incompatible physical layer and requires additional hardware, which implies extra cost for mobile devices. Many ATSC 3.0 performance advantages come from time-interleaving which requires more memory. I’m not aware of 5G capability in any TV set. If 5G Broadcast is required in TV sets, what will that cost?  

The IEEE Broadcast Transactions paper shows ATSC 3.0 has a significant cost advantage for network deployment—fewer transmitters are required for equivalent or better coverage. Will that matter in the U.S.? 

5G Broadcast & ATSC 3.0 Together
What if we end up in a scenario where 5G Broadcast is available on newer mobile devices but not in TV sets and ATSC 3.0 is available in TV sets but not on mobile devices? What about automobiles? We’ve seen interest in using ATSC 3.0 for delivering content to automobiles and as shown in the IEEE paper, ATSC 3.0 has a performance advantage there, but if 5G wireless devices are already in the vehicle, that may give 5G Broadcast an advantage.  

One solution would be for a TV station to transmit both 5G Broadcast and ATSC 3.0 on the same channel. This would require using time division multiplexing (TDM) to share the channel. I described the demonstration at the 2023 NAB Show in my two-part review of the show in my June and July columns. 

For this to work, either or both the ATSC 3.0 or 5G Broadcast standards will require changes to their frame structure. Given the number of ATSC 3.0 TV sets already in use, any change to that standard will have to be compatible with existing TV sets. 

Will it Become a Reality?
FCC rules require broadcasters to deliver at least one free channel to the public in standard definition. During the transition to ATSC 3.0, the FCC has required broadcasters to ensure programming remains available to all viewers, including simulcasting on ATSC 1.0. It is unlikely the FCC will allow broadcasters to shut down both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 and move to 5G Broadcast any time soon. Assuming interest in OTA TV continues, the number of ATSC 3.0 sets will continue to rise making a full transition to 5G Broadcast difficult.  

Without new spectrum, I don’t expect a significant number of 5G Broadcast signals on the air in U.S. broadcast bands until enough ATSC 1.0 spectrum has transitioned to ATSC 3.0 to allow 5G Broadcast to share spectrum with ATSC 3.0. At that time, some stations may be able to move to 5G Broadcast entirely while other stations carry their programming on ATSC 3.0 channels, similar to the way stations are transitioning to ATSC 3.0 now. Stations may also use TDM (time division multiplex) to share their channel between ATSC 3.0 and 5G Broadcast. Both assume FCC approval. 

Several visions for the future for 5G Broadcast/Multicast Rohde and Schwarz described in their presentations could apply to the ATSC 3.0 system. In the end, the choice will likely depend as much on marketing, business plans and consumer preferences as it will on technology. 

5G Broadcasting is continuing to evolve. 3GPP Releases 18 and 19 should make it easier for high-power, high-tower broadcasters to begin 5G Broadcast, either by itself or time shared with ATSC 3.0 when (and if) 5G Broadcast reception becomes available in mobile devices. 

BATON ROUGE, La.— Broadcast engineering and commercial AV solutions provider Technical Services Group (TSG) will install Rohde & Schwarz solid-state transmitters for two Louisiana-based PBS member stations, preparing the stations for a future ATSC 3.0 transition. 

WLPB in Baton Rouge is part of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, the state network of six PBS stations offering three channels of programming operated by the Louisiana Educational Television Authority. TSG will also provide transmitter services for WYES, a PBS member station serving New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast that is owned by the Greater New Orleans Educational Television Foundation, TSG said. 

Both will be upgraded with R&S THU9-24 high-power, liquid-cooled transmitters. TSG will provide turnkey decommissioning, inside RF, installation and commissioning as well as electrical and mechanical services. The new units will be sized for new antennas with vertical polarization (VPOL) to improve ATSC 3.0 transmission. WLPB’s new transmitter will be on-air this summer, while WYES is scheduled to be live before autumn, it said. 

“It’s always special when we’re asked to work with and support public television,” said TSG CEO Bo Hoover. “These new transmitters will help WYES and WLPB deliver programming and services to Louisiana PBS viewers for years to come, as well as equip them for the move to NextGen TV. Plus, the R&S transmitters use liquid cooling to minimize heat load, so air conditioning requirements are far more cost efficient.”

More information is available on the company’s website. 

A New Hampshire-based LPTV station has filed the industry’s first application for an experimental 5G Broadcast STA from the FCC, part of an effort to demonstrate the technology’s viability in the U.S.

WWOO-LD, an LPTV owned by Milachi Media, LLC, in Westmoreland, NH, headed up by Bill Christian, filed the application last week. Christian is partnering with Frank Copsidas, founder of the LPTV Broadcasters Association founder and industry veteran Preston Padden to form a new venture called “XGen Network” to focus on the new technology. 

The company plans to begin testing after FCC approval of the STA, which Copsidas thinks will be sometime this summer. It will broadcast a stream from NASA TV over 5G from its antenna atop One Beacon Street in Boston over digital channel 28. 

Based on the 3GPP Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service broadcast standard (FeMBMS) 5G broadcast enables the distribution of linear media content via large radio cells with a radius of up to 60 km.

Copsidas elaborated on how he and his colleagues came across the new technology, which is based on Rohde & Schwarz’s testing of 5G broadcast for the past several years. 

“Our goal is to launch 5G broadcasting in the U.S. and what we're doing at WWOO is a ‘proof of concept,’” Copsidas said. “I've been bothering Rohde & Shwarz about doing an experimental [5G broadcast] on one of my stations, but the problem was that there were no receivers in what is now the UHF band for TV, Channel 14-36.”

Copsidas says they have obtained prototypes—a smartphone and commercial receiver boxes that can tune into any channel on the UHF television band and that they expect to receive the equipment from Rohde & Schwarz by the end of June. 

(See also What Can Broadcasters Do with 5G?)

In addition to the single stream, Copsidas says they will also be working with SpectraRep to test a separate data stream for first responders. “The advantage for public safety is a lot of times when something big happens, such as a hurricane or whatever, cellphone service goes down, so  all first responders are left with is two way radio,” he said. “But broadcast tends to stay up during those periods. So this is yet another platform first responders would have to communicate.”

Copsidas thinks LPTVs are uniquely positioned to test and possibly deploy 5G broadcasts. 

“LPTVs own more than 75% of all broadcast television licenses in the U.S.,” he said. “We’re best suited to cover the U.S., particularly rural markets. Secondly, there's a technical aspect—when you launch 5G broadcasts and you look at single frequency networks [SFNs] as part of the mix, you don't want 100,000W on one signal. In the end, you're in the middle of a market throwing out this huge signal that essentially will interfere with your SFNs because they want the same channel.” 

“So we're better suited by nature,” he added.

With broadcasters currently rolling out ATSC 3.0, is this experiment considered competition to NextGen TV or a supplement? Copsidas offered his own opinion on the 3.0 rollout so far, which he characterized as “challenging.” 

“I think Covid had a lot to do with a lot of the issues in broadcasting in general and the technical side,” he added. However, Copsidas also doesn’t think it’s time for LPTV to adopt 3.0 due to costs and the lack of signal contour protection.

“There's absolutely no reason for low power to go 3.0,” he said. “And the reason is, let's say it costs 75 grand to go 3.0 for low power—you can be displaced tomorrow, so there's no certainty and there's no business reason right now for any 3.0 or for any LPTV to go 3.0. 

“So that’s why we're asking the FCC for protection of the contour,” he added.

Efforts to combine 5G and ATSC 3.0 have been ongoing for several years, spearheaded by Rohde & Schwarz. Although WWOO’s experiment will be 5G only, Copsidas says the tests could go a long way in helping to advance a combined scenario. Copsidas says he got good feedback from ATSC during the association’s annual meeting in Washington this week.

“I talked to [ATSC President] Madeleine Noland last night, and she was very excited because she sees ways we can work together,” Copsidas said. 

LAS VEGAS— Sustainability will be a main focus of Rohde & Schwarz at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 16-19 as the company touts its high efficiency THU9evo transmitter and conducts a live demonstration of 5G Broadcast at its booth.

Energy efficiency represents a major challenge for the broadcast industry, but one which must be addressed to achieve a more sustainable future for everyone, the company said. R&S’s THU9evo is a flexible, software-defined transmitter platform which delivers the high power density on the market, which for ATSC broadcasting, means energy efficiency of as much as 43% according to the company.

Rohde & Schwarz says “this unprecedented high efficiency performance means an equally dramatic reduction in operating costs.” This is further enhanced by the liquid-cooled design, meaning that much of the heat can be dissipated in the outside atmosphere rather than requiring expensive air conditioning in the transmitter building. Together, it is a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint, ensuring that terrestrial transmission is the sustainable delivery route in a connected world, according to the company.

Rohde will also return with a 5G Broadcast demo in partnership with Qualcomm Technologies. 5G Broadcast serves content to mobile devices without using cellular bandwidth, enabling new services like localized and pop-up channels. The company says 5G Broadcast also opens up valuable new revenue opportunities for transmitter network operators, like IoT data multicasting, for example to the automotive industry. 

“Minimizing the carbon footprint is a vital mission for everyone,” said Thomas Janner, Director R&D Broadcast Application at Rohde & Schwarz. “Transmitters have traditionally been power hungry devices, but we have been tirelessly working to refine the electronic architecture to maximize operational efficiency and minimize the power consumed. Added to that, the ability to introduce new services like 5G Broadcast to the industry, which will enable new business models, makes terrestrial transmission even more interesting,” he added. “We look forward to showing NAB visitors how R&S transmitters pave the way to a sustainable future.”

Rohde & Schwarz will be in Booth N1949 in the North Hall of the LVCC.

MUNICH—Claro, the biggest mobile operator in Brazil and Latin America, Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. partnered in a demo at Open Rio 2023 that showed the potential of 5G broadcast to drive new business models and transform the way content is delivered. 

The demonstration featured a live signal transmitted over-the-air from the Claro booth to a smartphone form-factor test device from Qualcomm Technologies. Live content was transmitted using a 5G Broadcast signal over-the-air, providing visitors with a taste of an advanced live mobile experience. 

The live 5G Broadcast streaming demonstration used Rohde & Schwarz's end-to-end 3GPP compliant solution, comprising a 5G Broadcast RAN enabled with R&S TLU9 transmitter and the Broadcast/Multicast Core Network powered by the Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC2.0). The input content was received from five live-feed cameras and transcoded using Ateme's Titan encoding solution. 

Built on the 3GPP Rel-16 feature-set, the 5G Broadcast solution operates in a Receive-Only Mode (ROM), Free-To-Air (FTA), and without the need for a SIM card (SIM-free reception). Rohde & Schwarz demonstrated the 5G Broadcast dedicated mode in action, with a standalone mobile broadcasting infrastructure. 

"5G Broadcast technology has the potential to transform the way content services are delivered without compromising existing mobile cellular services,” said Manfred Reitmeier, VP broadcast and amplifier systems at Rohde & Schwarz. “We were excited to show Open Rio visitors what was possible with the current technology and give them a taste of a real-world 5G Broadcast scenario. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Claro and Qualcomm Technologies as we work to drive the technology forward and show partners and customers exactly what they can achieve." 

Broadcast/Multicast over 5G opens up a variety of service models beyond linear and live content distribution, giving network operators and media content access to a new world of content and data delivery options, the companies said.

The technology can also reach large numbers of consumers without affecting existing cellular 5G mobile networks. Venues and the automotive sector are particularly suitable for new consumer applications, while the high power, high tower free-to-air/no-SIM operation enables emergency services and national authorities to more securely deliver public messages during natural disasters or emergencies. 

COLUMBIA, Md.—Broadcast engineering solutions provider Technical Services Group has installed new transmitters in the Rohde & Schwarz Training Center at its corporate headquarters.

The transmitters, which are not on-air, are fully functional and give students the opportunity to receive hands-on training in a typical broadcast environment.

“Rohde & Schwarz approached us about updating their training center to include the latest models,” said TSG CEO Bo Hoover. “We basically designed a system that is very similar to what any broadcaster would find at their transmitter site. We mirrored a typical infrastructure, but it’s in a showroom.”

The project began with TSG removing the older systems to make room for the new transmitters. TSG installed the newest R&S THR9evo liquid-cooled FM radio and R&S TMU9evo air-cooled UHF transmitters.

Rohde & Schwarz’ two-day training program gives students the chance to troubleshoot potential problems and work directly with transmitters. “The upgrade to the facility really made these transmitters more real-world, as if they’re installed at a customer’s location,” said Hoover. 

Installing the transmitters in a corporate office was challenging, requiring TSG to hide parts of the infrastructure. For instance, the cooling lines were run above the finished ceilings, and the heat exchanger infrastructure was installed in a way that was hidden from visitors and employees, he said.

“We’re known for our detailed, high-quality work in the field, but we weren’t working at a dirty old transmitter site,” he said. “The finished product had to be showroom grade. We’re proud that Rohde & Schwarz trusted TSG for this high-profile project.”

More information is available on the TSG website.

FORT MYERS, Fla.—5G cellular service is widely available in populated areas and starting to have an impact on broadcasters from acquisition to distribution. Think “5G” and you’ll most likely think of fast smartphone downloads, home internet service or 5G bonded (or aggregated) cellular systems in a way similar to 4G bonded/aggregated cellular. But 5G is different and will be much more different as standards evolve.

5G for Acquisition
Using mobile network operator (MNO) cellular networks for acquisition is nothing new. 4G was, and in some areas, still is how a remote signal gets back to home base. However, 5G offers advantages in data rate and latency to enable 4K UHD, but not as much as you would think. Cellsmart’s mid-2022 “Global Cellular Performance” study of real-world conditions found that, globally and on average, 5G upload speeds only showed an increase of 55% to 31.27 Mbps over the 4G global average. This is in contrast to 5G download speeds of 241.61 Mbps. 

“5G is prioritized for downloading—upload speeds are not significantly maximized,” said Rob Waters, global director of sales at Dejero. “For our 5G bonded systems, it’s all about the lowest latency with the highest bandwidth, that’s where multiple antennas per modem really comes in as a powerful weapon.”

However, Dan Pisarski, CTO at LiveU adds that “there’s still a few other tricks up 5G’s sleeve. “The 5G protocol’s fixed deterministic latency of the network is an overlooked gem,” he said. “With MEC [multi-access edge computing], for example, latency can go from 60 ms to below 10 ms. The challenge is the entire latency budget. But taking the first hop to sub 10ms, we can increase redundancy by adding a bit more latency. This provides exciting applications for broadcasters.”

The Cellsmart study also showed that the cellular frequency being used has a significant impact on upload speeds. “Where results have been taken in areas with mmWave, there are dramatically different results including downloads in excess of 800 Mbps, uploads in excess of 250 Mbps and latencies of sub 10 ms.”

According to TVU Network’s founder and CEO Paul Shen, the upload speed you get depends on where you are. “Unless you’re in a populated area, you won’t see 5G mmWave deployment. Suburban and rural areas don’t present a financial incentive for telcos to use mmWave. Plus, some versions of 5G with sub-6 Ghz deployment use the same spectrum as 4G/LTE.”

While LiveU, Dejero and TVU have different technologies for 5G, there’s one thing all three agree on: For the end-user, operating 5G is basically the same as operating 4G, whether it’s someone acquiring footage or the organization receiving that footage. All three are seeing interest in 5G from similar populations. “Both existing 4G customers and those producing sports in 4K are looking strongly at 5G,” said Shen. “Existing customers are beginning to notice performance degradation using 4G, especially in mission critical situations.” 

It is a sentiment echoed by Waters. “Our existing 4G users are looking to upgrade and future-proof themselves. While 5G doesn’t give all advantages now, potentially it will as more 5G is rolled out. Plus, sports producers want to use 5G instead of satellite.”

5G offers greater reliability than satellite with 5G at over 95% vs. traditional satellite at 90%, according to Shen. “News is great at adopting new technologies,” added Pisarski. “The day after any MNO makes an announcement, we get calls asking ‘can we use it?’ from our news users.”

There’s another consideration for high-profile events: a private 5G stand-alone non-public network (SNPN). “Millimeter wave is very wide spectrum, so cell phone operators can easily dedicate service to a private network on an ad hoc basis,” said Shen. “We did that for an 8K project.”

Waters adds that private networks are the easiest to set up. “There’s no cable runs, giving you very short setup time.” 

It should be noted that MNO-based SNPNs are not the only type of private network—and most are in test and trail phases, according to Pisarski. “A real private network means somebody with their own hardware on a frequency they have access to.”

Pisarski is referring to CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service), spectrum from 3.5 GHz-3.7 GHz the FCC set aside for private 5G networks. This spectrum, along with SIM cards, can be leased from third parties that are licensed (priority access license or “PAT”) or used unlicensed (general authorized access or “GAA”), which is subject to the most interference. “All that’s needed is a popup antenna and a few computers to run the network,” he said.

5G for Distribution
This is where the phrase “5G Broadcast” comes into play, and it’s not the best term to describe how 5G can be used for distribution. Does “5G” mean the technology or the device? 

As MNOs’ 5G are unicast networks, there’s a difference between “a connected device” that sporadically sends requests for data needing to be downloaded and a significant number of connected devices that are all streaming content at the same time. The more devices simultaneously connected to a 5G cell downloading data, the less bandwidth each device gets, as they all have to share that unicast data capacity. 

Enter “5G Broadcast” from DTT broadcasters to 5G devices with an ATSC 3.0 (aka “NextGen TV”) receiver chip. 

“Today, the number of commercial smartphones with an ATSC 3.0 chip is 0%,” said Mark Aitken, senior vice president of advanced technology at Sinclair Broadcast Group and president of ONE Media. “But ATSC 3.0 will find its way into billions of devices that require data of some sort: cars, phones, smart cities and more.” Aitken is a true believer in what ATSC 3.0 can bring to quality of life.

Aitken does, however, have a Mark One Android smartphone evaluation sample with an ATSC 3.0 receiver chip, giving him the ability to watch stations broadcasting ATSC 3.0. “We wanted a chip that could live in a mobile device, with its operation and power needs,” he said. “We wanted efficient web app coding, for it to draw less power and run on lower level devices.”

Watching an ATSC 3.0 station is as simple as tapping on an app. Sinclair has their own open source app, another is the NextGen Broadcast App. In addition to live TV, stations provide frequently updated weather, news or other content. 

ATSC 3.0 receiver apps are simple. “It’s A/344 of the ATSC 3.0 standard,” says Aitken. “It’s nothing more than a uniform ATSC 3.0 browser with HTML5.” According to the standard, “A Broadcaster Application is used herein to refer to the functionality embodied in a collection of files comprised of an HTML5 document, known as the Entry Page and other HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, image and multimedia resources referenced directly or indirectly by that document, all provided by a broadcaster in an ATSC 3.0 service.”

According to Aitkin, “Sinclair’s app has the same features as TV sets with ATSC 3.0 tuners, except it’s been adapted to the small screen with gesture swipes and wipes for navigation. This is really about a more ideal user experience. There’s less friction to the nature of access to services available...there is a quality aspect to the user experience.” 

Broadcasters as ‘Pseudo’ 5G MNOs?
Graziano Casale, senior sales manager for transmitters at Rohde & Schwarz agrees with Aitken that it’s all about a better quality of experience for the consumer. 

“ATSC 3.0 plays into the 5G ecosystem and vice versa,” he said. “The main benefit is that [MNO] 5G broadcast technology is in the same chip already in the device, while ATSC requires an additional chip.” 

Casale is referring to “5G Broadcast/Multicast,” which R&S and Qualcomm demonstrated at IBC 2022, but is not yet commercially available. It uses UHF spectrum to broadcast to 5G smartphones. While there’s potential for revenue, it comes at a cost.

ATSC 3.0’s 6 MHz does not comply with those in the current 3GPP 5G specification, the lowest being 3 MHz—that’s half your spectrum. 

Simply, 5G Terrestrial Broadcast shares the DTT spectrum to provide other services. You could sell that 3 MHz of spectrum to an MNO to deliver media from your transmitter using the 5G chipset already present in smartphones. Of course, that leaves you with 3 MHz for actual television, which today could be a 720p signal. But in the 3.0 future, 3 MHz should deliver more. 

There must be a reason for manufacturers and MNOs to want a 3.0 chip in 5G smartphones and other mobile devices. There will need to be more work done on 3GPP and a reason for MNOs to lease your spectrum. 

When it comes to 5G for broadcasters, it just depends on what you want to do and when you’ll be able to do it.

In my last column I took a look at the future of ATSC 3.0 broadcasting. This month I’ll talk about resources to learn more about ATSC 3.0 and revisit 5G broadcast. 

Early in the development of the standard, I wrote about how ATSC 3.0 works by explaining how guard intervals protect data from multipath, describing tools for calculating the tradeoffs between robustness and data capacity, exploring layered division multiplexing, and discussing the basics of OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing). 

Rather than repeat myself, I’ll share some websites and tutorials for more detailed, up-to-date and practical knowledge about ATSC 3.0. 

On the Web
The Pearl NextGen TV “Host Station Manual”  describes how to begin broadcasting ATSC 3.0, from program delivery to transmission. This guide has been used to successfully launch many of the ATSC 3.0 stations on the air today. The Pearl TV website also includes webinars on launching ATSC 3.0 that are available on request to broadcasters. 

For more in-depth technical information, SBE offers on-demand tutorials for SBE members. Members may also want to consider certification as an ATSC3 specialist. 

The ATSC 3.0 standard is very complex. If you want to understand the intricate details on how ATSC 3.0 works, dig into the ATSC 3.0 Technical Documents on the ATSC website for standards and recommended practices. 

ATSC 3.0 Recommended Practices lists documents dealing with ATSC 3.0 Field Tests (A/326), Guidelines for the Physical Layer (A/327) and more. The Physical Layer Guidelines (A/327) provides an excellent overview of how the ATSC 3.0 signal is generated and the trade-offs between different physical layer parameters. 

Visit the ATSC Implementation Guide: Emissions Testing Process for a checklist for ensuring ATSC 3.0 transmissions are functional and steps for dealing with receiver interoperability issues. 

With Your Transmitter
After learning how ATSC 3.0 signals are generated and about the different options for modulation and coding, you may want to do some experiments to see how they work. 

Experimenting with an on-air ATSC 3.0 station broadcasting the signals from multiple stations will likely be frowned upon. The solution is to set up your own ATSC 3.0 lab. This can be done using the Dektec DTU-315 USB-3 all-standard, all-band modulator or similar devices as I described in previous columns but there is a lower cost option for experimenters, albeit with some major compromises. 

Ron Economos, aka “drmpeg” researched the ATSC 3.0 standards and documents and built an ATSC 3.0 transmitter with a software-defined radio. I know it works because I was able to generate an ATSC 3.0 signal with his GNU Radio software and my Ettus B200 SDR and receive it on my HDHomerun ATSC 3.0 tuner. If the Ettus B200 is not available or too expensive, Chinese clones are available on aliexpress.com for under $600 and claim compatibility. Other lower-cost SDRs may also work with modification of the GNU Radio Companion flow graph.

 Ron’s github site has the software and some test streams. The software includes an option to add a second PLP using LDM. I had no problem getting that to work. As configured, the SDR will transmit on 429 MHz, or cable Channel 58. It can be changed to any frequency in the B200’s range. View the signal with the HDHomerun ATSC 3.0 receiver and the “hdhomerun_config” and “hdhomerun_config_gui”  programs. Step-by-step details on how I installed it on my Fedora 36 Linux laptop are in the winter edition (2022–2023) of the IEEE Broadcast Technology magazine. 

In the version I tested in December 2022, the software does not transmit LLS, which provides the signaling necessary for a receiver to recognize the signal, and it uses ATSC 1.0-formatted transport stream packets. It won’t work on TV receivers looking for the LLS and IP packets. The HDHomerun won’t find the signal in a channel scan but can be manually tuned.

If you have access to an MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 encoder that can add the basic ATSC 1.0 PMT and PID information, you can create your own ATSC 1.0 transport stream files. There should be a way to generate a compatible transport stream multiplex in software with gstreamer or ffmpeg but I haven’t found any examples on how to add the PMT and PID tables. 

At some point, after I add a Morse code IDer or figure out how to create a program stream with my ham call sign on it, I may hook this up to my outdoor discone antenna and see what the coverage looks like with a few milliwatts of ATSC 3.0. 

I’m especially interested in seeing how well the LDM robust layer works. While the SDR transmitter is based on the A/322 standard, using it with a full-power or Class A TV station probably isn’t legal, at least in the spirit of the law, as it won’t be compatible with existing ATSC 3.0 receiver designs. LPTV stations may have more flexibility in this area. Take a close look at the FCC rules and don’t forget the signal will have to meet FCC emission mask requirements. 

If you want to learn more about ATSC 3.0 inner workings, adding LLS and IP input capability (at least STL-TP input) to the program would be a great contribution.

ATSC 3.0 and 5G
In my last column I mentioned work being done by Rohde and Schwarz and Qualcomm on broadcasting content using 5G (3GPP) standards on UHF TV stations.  

I was overly optimistic about the ability of a TV station to transmit both an ATSC 3.0 A/322-compatible signal and a 5G broadcast signal on the same channel at the same time. Rohde and Schwarz has been participating in 5G broadcast demos at events such as IBC and Mobile World Congress so I asked them about this. 

The company said none of their tests have involved such a combination and while it is possible in a test bed configuration, such a combination is not currently supported by 5G broadcast and is not likely to be in the near future. These are two distinct and different physical layers. 

Qualcomm has been working to include 5G broadcast in its latest RF modem chips. The Qualcomm vision is outlined on its website, which had this comment on the 3GPP Release 16 enhanced TV standard: “It can be deployed in existing UHF spectrum (i.e., 470 to 698 MHz) that broadcasters already own or have access to, and its design allows the reuse of existing cellular modem building blocks.” More support for standalone 5G enhanced broadcast is planned for 3GPP Release 17 and 18 standards. 

If a system isn’t available that allows use of a channel for both ATSC 3.0 and 5G standalone broadcast, then at a minimum the FCC would have to eliminate the requirement for compliance with ATSC A/322 and any simulcast requirements before it could begin in the United States. It may be possible for LPTV stations to transmit 5G broadcast signals but depending on the characteristics of the signal, that might require a waiver. 

Over the next few years, if 5G broadcast is deployed on UHF TV stations it will be interesting to see its impact on free over-the-air TV and today’s TV broadcast system.

I welcome your comments, questions, and observations on the future of broadcast TV. Email me at dlung@transmitter.com. 

AMSTERDAM—At IBC 2022, Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the R&STH1, the first of what the company is calling a new generation of transmitters. 

The R&STH1 features an innovative design throughout the transmitter that supports the broadcast network operators in delivering traditional and new services in the streaming era, the company reported. 

The R&STH1 is a liquid-cooled high power transmitter, with software-defined operation and the ability to work across all bands of UHF transmission, the company said. 

It is based on a design philosophy to support the three critical challenges and opportunities for broadcast network operators: to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint; to increase operational efficiency and resilience; and to unlock new broadcast applications, thereby creating new revenue opportunities for the operator.

“The R&STH1 delivers sustainable broadcasting in the connected world,” said Manfred Reitmeier, vice president of broadcast and amplifier systems at Rohde & Schwarz. “Consumers still watch linear television – two or three hours a day on average – and broadcasting is the best way to deliver it. What we have done with our revolutionary R&STH1 transmitter is to enable broadcast network operators to continue serving that key market with much greater cost-efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and higher resilience, and a much lower environmental impact.”

“At the same time, we have enabled broadcasters to seize the advantages of new services,” he added. “As well as taking the advantages of linear multicast to mobile devices, this opens up new and valuable opportunities in the Internet of Things and in booming markets like the automotive industry.” 

The improved power amplifier design delivers a dramatic increase in energy efficiency, representing a 15% reduction in power consumption over even the most efficient of current designs, with a consequent reduction in carbon emissions. The sophisticated liquid cooling concept, allowing more than 90% of all heat generated to be dispersed to the outside atmosphere, further reduces the energy requirements and total cost of ownership of an installation, the company said. 

Internally, the design eliminates all single points of failure making the transmitter highly resilient, and enables self-repairing and remote monitoring, reducing the cost of routine maintenance, another significant saving in cost as well as boosting reliability. 

The R&STH1 is also ideally placed to deliver new services which are best handled by broadcast rather than mobile streaming, the company said. 

5G Broadcast is a powerful solution for content to large numbers of concurrent users on mobile devices, either on a wide area basis or as a pop-up service, for example around sporting events or music festivals. 5G Broadcast is also the route to deliver timely data to IoT applications: for example, updated mapping and traffic information to autonomous cars.

Rohde & Schwarz will be demonstrating the R&STH1 transmitter at Booth 7.B21 during the IBC Show2022 in Amsterdam between Sept. 9 to 12. It is available for immediate delivery. 

AMSTERDAM—Rohde & Schwarz is teaming up with Qualcomm to demonstrate a full end-to-end live streaming demonstration showcasing Broadcast/Multicast capabilities over 5G. During the show live content will be transmitted using a 5G Broadcast signal over-the-air giving visitors a taste of an advanced live mobile experience. The demonstration will offer insight into how network operators and broadcasters can leverage 5G Broadcast/Multicast to create new and innovative services across a wide range of business segments, while benefitting from high spectral efficiency and reduced costs, Rohde said.

The two companies also partnered on the 5G Broadcast/Multicast service demo at the NAB Show in April. 

The live 5G Broadcast streaming demonstration is formed by Rohde & Schwarz’s end-to-end 3GPP compliant solution, comprising a 5G Broadcast RAN enabled with R&S TLU9 transmitter and the Broadcast/Multicast Core Network powered by the Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC2.0). During IBC 2022, a live signal will be transmitted over-the-air from the Rohde & Schwarz booth, using Kathrein antenna systems to a smartphone form-factor test device from Qualcomm Technologies. The workflow will also leverage a filter provided by Spinner.

Built on the 3GPP Rel-16 feature-set, the 5G Broadcast solution operates in a Receive-Only Mode (ROM), Free-To-Air (FTA) and without the need for a SIM card (SIM-free reception). Rohde & Schwarz will show the 5G broadcast dedicated mode in action, with a standalone transmitter, operating within the UHF band. 

Manfred Reitmeier, VP broadcast and amplifier systems at Rohde & Schwarz, commented: “5G Broadcast technology has the potential to transform the way content services are delivered without compromising existing mobile cellular services. We are excited to show IBC visitors what is possible today with the current technology and give them a taste of a real world 5G Broadcast scenario. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies as we work to drive the technology forward and show partners and customers exactly what they can achieve.” 

“We are delighted to bring this collaboration with the Rohde & Schwarz team to IBC 2022 and show how the delivery of digital TV content over 3GPP standardized technology can look without the need for additional chipsets," said Lorenzo Casaccia, VP of technical standards & intellectual property at Qualcomm Europe, Inc. “Together with our new 5G R&D technology demonstration we have repeatedly proven that 5G Broadcast is here today and can be experienced first-hand.” 

The demo can be viewed at the Rohde & Schwarz booth (Stand 7.B21) at the RAI Amsterdam during the 2022 IBC Show, Sept. 9-13.

MUNICH— Dan Wroth has been appointed product manager at Pixel Power, a Rohde & Schwarz company. He will be responsible for its Gallium and StreamMaster portfolio of products.

With a career spanning over 25 years, the company said Wroth brings “expertise of the playout domain, along with in-depth know-how of the wider media and broadcast industry. He will draw on his experience to build on the success of these Rohde & Schwarz playout solutions in meeting customers’ needs now, while adapting to their future requirements as they negotiate a changing media landscape.”

James Gilbert, director of product and solution management and media at Rohde & Schwarz welcomed Wroth to the team saying, “He will be a great asset to us as we continue to meet customers’ shifting needs, futureproofing their investments and ensuring we deliver the flexibility and agility that are vital to any successful media organization today.”

Previously, Wroth held the roles of product owner and product manager at Grass Valley, was a product specialist at Snell Advanced Media (SAM) and served as lead support engineer for all transmission operations at Ascent Media. He has worked with the R&S and Pixel Power teams in the past as a customer and partner.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz will spotlight integrated end-to-end media workflows and software-upgradable transmitters during IBC 2022 in Amsterdam at the RAI, Sept. 9-12.

The company will conduct multiple live demos of its platform-agnostic studio production, playout and transcoding capabilities to underscore its support for customers with a clear migration path from SDI through IP and the cloud, it said.

The company with Pixel Power, which R&S acquired in 2018, will demonstrate its studio production, post-production, delivery and distribution solutions with the agility to adapt to changing market dynamics, it said.

Pixel Power will feature playout, branding and automation workflows on the show floor via the AWS public cloud and also demo its on-premise solution. A portfolio for playout and transmission suites with integrated, software-defined, virtualizable PRISMON monitoring and multiviewing is now available in one system, the company said.

Rohde & Schwarz also will partner with Qualcomm Technologies to illustrate how the companies are advancing 5G Broadcast/Multicast with a full end-to-end live streaming demonstration during the show. The demo will deliver content to smartphone devices and highlight advanced live Broadcast/Multicast capabilities over 5G, it said.

R&S will present its software-upgradable TV transmitters along with new 5G Broadcast technologies and also will unveil a new transmitter, it said.

See Rohde & Schwarz at stand 7.B21.

More information is available on the company’s website 

LAS VEGAS—Rohde & Schwarz has announced that it will demonstrate multiple end-to-end workflows for broadcasters, highlighting clear migration paths from SDI to IP to the cloud at 2022 NAB Show between April 23 to 27 in Las Vegas. 

The company will be showing platform agnostic studio production, playout and transcoding capabilities, that delivers all the robustness that broadcasters and production companies expect from traditional broadcast workflows with added flexibility and scalability that the cloud offers, Rohde & Schwarz announced. 

In partnership with Qualcomm, Rohde & Schwarz is also showcasing 5G Broadcast with a full end-to-end live streaming demonstration at the show. The demonstration will deliver content to smartphone devices and highlight Broadcast/Multicast capabilities over 5G. Content will be re-transmitted using a 5G Broadcast signal over-the-air, giving show attendees a first-hand look at an advanced live mobile experience. 

“Broadcasters and content providers need solutions that support their growth strategies and allow their businesses to adapt to our rapidly shifting market,” explained Jörg Fries, vice president broadcast, amplifier and media solutions at Rohde & Schwarz. “Whatever technology they migrate to, the 24/7 capability and uncompromising quality that lies at the heart of the media and entertainment businesses must never be disrupted. Rohde & Schwarz understands this fundamental business need and we continue to deliver the rock-solid reliability that our brand is known for, combined with the futureproofing and agility of cloud and innovations like that of 5G Broadcast.” 

As part of its commitment to helping customers make their journey from SDI to IP to cloud in ways that meet their specific needs, Rohde & Schwarz will also be offering a comprehensive range of solutions that deliver on-premise and/or virtualizable workflows. 

Other key highlights of the companies plans during the 2022 NAB Show include: 

• Rohde & Schwarz and Pixel Power will together be presenting integrated workflow solutions, from ingest to playout, that include broadcast-wide monitoring, multiviewing and storage.  
• Studio Production – R&S will highlight its live, multi-camera for ingest, transcoding and studio playout functionality for studio production using existing and software solutions for storage that synchronizes content from the facility with the cloud storage. Within a single workflow, studio content being ingested could be passed straight to master control for scheduled or immediate playout. Monitoring and Multiviewing from the cloud, using SRT, brings multiviewer mosaics and monitoring content back to the studio.  
• Post Production – R&S CLIPSTER, which has for many years been the gold standard solution for mastering and distribution of feature films and episodic TV, sees a new competitive CLIPSTER MKII release. The new CLIPSTER platform brings greater functionality to a wider audience at a more competitive price. R&S also recently launched its dedicated post production storage solution, SpycerNode SC, bringing high performance computing power, speed, and reliability to post production workflows. 
• Delivery – Using AWS, directly from the show floor, Pixel Power will present Playout, Branding and Automation workflows via the public cloud as well as demonstrating an on-premise solution. With integrated, software defined, virtualizable monitoring and multiviewing, a powerful portfolio for playout and transmission suites is now available within one system. Fully embedded graphics and branding come with 30 years heritage and experience and offers workflow solutions for a range of sophisticated in-channel and cross channel branding and promotion as well as playout.  
• Distribution – Television & radio transmitters have been at the heart of R&S broadcast technology for more than 70 years. R&S presents its leading-edge software-upgradable TV transmitters as well as the new 5G Broadcast and ATSC3.0 technologies that redefine the future of content delivery on the move. Rohde & Schwarz transmitters fully support ATSC 3.0 core features, including multiple physical layer pipes (PLP), multiple subframes and single frequency network (SFN) capabilities for optimal spectrum utilization. They also support ATSC 3.0 layered division multiplexing (LDM), helping network operators maximize coverage in different reception scenarios, including fixed and mobile reception. 
• 5G Broadcast – To bring a live 5G Broadcast demonstration together, Rohde & Schwarz will use its end-to-end 3GPP compliant solution that comprises a 5G Broadcast enabled R&S TLU9 transmitter, supported by a Spinner filter, and the Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC2.0) acting as a core network. The 5G Broadcast solution is built on the 3GPP Rel-16 feature-set, operating in a Receive-Only Mode (ROM), Free-To-Air (FTA) and without the need for a SIM card (SIM-free reception). The 5G Broadcast dedicated mode will be demonstrated with a standalone transmitter while operating within the UHF band. 

TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2022 NAB Show?

CIARÁN DORAN: The continued move toward software applications that can be virtualized, sometimes in the cloud, is an area that Rohde & Schwarz is watching closely, working on and delivering to those customers for whom it makes sense.

The pandemic forced our industry to work in smarter and more flexible ways, with a pressing need to enable production, playout and creative staff to work from any location. Now that customers (and their employees) have had a taste of freedom they want more—it is not just that they want to be able to work remotely, (often the opposite); it is the fact that they now see the benefits of changing workflows to create content or playout/deliver that content to viewers in smarter, more efficient ways.

TVT: What will be your most important product news?

DORAN: As part of a wider strategy to deliver an end-to-end, cloud-based and hybrid ecosystem, we are developing a fully modularized video server software that will run on any cloud platform and allow studio-based production teams to handle tasks such as ingest, transcoding and quality control (QC) workflows in the cloud, along with monitoring and multiviewing on premise or in the cloud, too. The software modules are standards-based, support a range of signal formats from SDI to SMPTE ST 2110, as well as streaming formats like NDI and SRT processing.

Providing cloud capability through our video server and storage platforms means Rohde & Schwarz can meet the rising demand for remote production and deliver truly collaborative workflows that allow creative staff to work from any location without compromise.

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

DORAN: The major hesitancies around moving to cloud revolve around the need for rock solid robustness and security, which customers are used to and can rely on with traditional hardware on premise workflows. We are giving them this security and reliability along with the flexibility and scalability that the cloud offers.

We acknowledge that any change process is challenging for the operators, which is why we make all our solutions available through a familiar user interface (UI)—the same interface whether the solution is on premise or in the cloud. This gives operators confidence that their shows can be seamlessly produced today and tomorrow. The cloud-ready software modules will give customers all the flexibility, scalability and reliability that they are familiar with from existing on-premise products such as the multi-codec media server, R&S®VENICE. We are also providing a user experience that customers will be familiar with from SDI environments as they move into the world of streaming.

TVT: How has the pandemic affected your company's business over the past two years and how will it impact how you exhibit at this year's show?

DORAN: The disruptive OTT and VOD companies, who adapted rapidly to the new reality, delivered a shock to mainstream broadcasters who now need to catch up. Humans often need a wake-up call before they’ll adopt change, even if they already knew it was the right thing to do. For our business, the broadcasters and the end consumers, that’s a good thing. We’re busy helping both traditional broadcasters and the OTT and VOD companies develop those changes needed to deliver more content to consumers faster and more efficiently.

With almost no face-to-face interactions with customers and industry colleagues for two years, we all had to adapt to keep engagement going. We are used to that now and while tradeshows will still have a role to play, it will be different, with more networking and relationship building as the focus. We expect smaller events in 2022 versus 2019 with fewer but the more important customers and exhibitors in attendance. Gone are the days of the gravy train to Vegas and Amsterdam—highly focussed buyer-meets-seller networking events is what they will/should become.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies will jointly showcase 5G Broadcast with an end-to-end streaming demonstration at Mobile World Congress 2022, Feb. 28-March 3, in Barcelona.

“5G Broadcast opens up an exciting new world for the mobile communication ecosystem, bringing with it unrivalled user experience, new revenue opportunities and innovative service models,” said Manfred Reitmeier, vice president broadcasting and amplifier systems at Rohde & Schwarz. 

The live demo will deliver content to smartphone devices and showcase broadcast/multicast capabilities over 5G. Content from Cellnex Telecom will be retransmitted using a 5G Broadcast signal over the air. It will include Canal 24h, a news channel from Spanish public broadcaster Radio Televisión Española; the main RTVE channel La1; and the Radio Nacional de España regional radio channel Radio 4. Spanish manufacturer Cires21 will provide the encoders to encode the content.

With 5G Broadcast, network operators and broadcasters can deliver new consumer experiences across a range of business areas, while enabling high spectral efficiency and reduced costs, it said.

For the demonstration, Rohde & Schwarz will provide its R&S TLU9 transmitter, supported by a Spinner filter and the Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC2.0) acting as a core network. A live signal will be transmitted out of the Rohde & Schwarz booth inside the Fira Gran Via over-the-air using sectorized antenna systems from Cellnex. A smartphone form-factor test device from Qualcomm Technologies will receive the 5G Broadcast transmission, the company said.

The 5G Broadcast solution is built on the 3GPP Rel-16 feature-set, operating in a Receive-Only Mode (ROM), Free-To-Air (FTA) and without the need for a SIM card (SIM-free reception). The 5G Broadcast dedicated mode will be demonstrated with a standalone broadcast High Power High Tower (HPHT) infrastructure while operating within the UHF band, it said. 

“Having the right network will be key to develop 5G Broadcast services,” said Ramon Salat, commercial broadcast director of Cellnex Spain. “Cellnex has the right combination of high and low towers to provide a good coverage for population and territory.”  

More information is available on the Rohde & Schwarz website.

See the 5G Broadcast demo at Mobile World Congress booth 5A80.

MUNICH, Germany—The global media services provider Red Bee Media has installed the Prismon multiviewer system from Rohde & Schwarz. It replaced older SDI systems in its playout facilities in the UK, with a highly flexible, distributed, IP-connected multiviewer network. 

From its broadcast facilities in London and Salford, Red Bee provides playout and disaster recovery facilities for more than one hundred channels in a variety of management and monitoring configurations. 

“Multiviewers are mission critical to our playout centers,” said Robert Luggar, head of broadcast media solutions and platforms at Red Bee. “We need to monitor around 450 streams, so we need scale and flexibility. Today those streams are SDI, but Rohde & Schwarz demonstrated that the Prismon configuration could handle that, but more important could easily be switched to IP in the future.” 

To ensure that each operator can monitor the right signals, Red Bee requires a readily reconfigured multiviewer system, a requirement that led it to choose Prismon from Rohde & Schwarz, the companies reported. 

Prismon is a software-defined multiviewer running on COTS hardware, and capable of handling signal formats up to 4k Ultra HD, both for displays and for individual streams within mosaics. 

Red Bee selected the SDM (Scalable Distributed Multiviewer) and the MCC (Multiviewer Control Centre) options. SDM, unique to Rohde & Schwarz, enables any input to any output, and allows Prismon to share resources across a network, for instance to create a view with multiple Ultra HD signals, beyond the decoding capacity of a single system. MCC provides a single point of control for a network of multiviewers. This gives instant reconfiguration of multiple displays, either in response to the intuitive user interface or on command from a system-level automation system, Rohde & Schwarz reported.

Andreas Loges, vice president media technologies at Rohde & Schwarz, commented “we competed fiercely for this contract against a number of other vendors. We won because we could deliver a drop-in solution, a direct replacement for the life-expired multiviewer, and because our software-defined approach is inherently a hybrid platform, supporting SDI and IP signals, in both SMPTE ST 2022-6 and ST 2110.”

“Broadcasters around the world are facing the same challenge,” Loges added. “Existing multiviewers are reaching the ends of their lives and were built solely around SDI. Because of this hybrid capability, and the power of SDM, Prismon is well positioned for many more large-scale playout centers.” 

The contract was awarded in December 2020 and, despite the challenges of social distancing and staff protection, it was installed, commissioned and put into use in May 2021.

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz today announced new functionality for its R&S Prismon multiviewers with the addition of Multiview Control Center (MCC).

With MCC a network of multiviewers can be controlled from a single point. MCC’s automation support enables instant reconfiguration of multiple displays, the company said.

Prismon, a software-defined multiviewer architecture, is designed for IP-based studio production and playout systems. It supports UHD streams for displays and for streams within mosaics.

Its scalable, distributed multiviewer functionality enables any-input-to-any-output connectivity through IP proxy networks. Prismon can share resources across a network, giving users the ability to view multiple Ultra HD inputs—beyond the decoding capacity of a single system, Rohde & Schwarz said.

The new MCC single-point control functionality also encompasses associated decoders and encoders, which together with its automation support makes it simple to change studios and control rooms when on-air personalities frequently change, such as in news and sports programming, it said.

MCC has already been deployed by a playout specialist in Europe, the company said.

“Prismon is already a popular choice for multiviewers in major installations, because of the flexibility and cost efficiency it brings,” said Andreas Loges, vice president Media Technologies at Rohde & Schwarz. “Following conversations with our users, it became clear that they sought the ability to use that flexibility to allow facilities to be reconfigured quickly, accurately and easily. MCC is a direct result of those discussions.” 

Available as an option for Prismon, MCC is subject to a separate license. Version 1.0 of MCC was released in April. Version 1.1 is expected this month.

More information is available by sending an email request to the company.

MUNICH—Broadcast media tech provider Rohde & Schwarz announced expanded features for its R&S Venice media server platform for live studio production that include support for 4K Ultra HD signals, using either 12G or 2SI formats.

“With Venice, we set out to offer a platform for excellence in mission-critical broadcast applications like playout,” commented Andreas Loges, vice president of Media Technologies at Rohde & Schwarz. “Central to that is the ability to be flexible, to meet the workflows our users demand and to provide a seamless opportunity to handle Ultra HD signals as they are required.” 

The Venice media platform, which is designed to manage complex signal processing and storage requirements, provides scheduled recording, clip transforms and playouts, across a network of processors and both Rohde & Schwarz storage and third-party qualified storage subsystems. 

The platform can now be configured for multiple HD and Ultra HD signals. Units can work together as a single resource from a single user interface.

High bandwidth of Ultra HD signals demand special handling, beyond the traditional 3G environment, the company noted in making the announcement. Ultra HD infrastructures today are typically built around either 12G—a single, very high-bandwidth connection that has some technical limitations—or 2SI, which spreads the signal pixel-by-pixel across four conventional SDI cables.

By supporting both 12G and 2SI, the vendor notes that the system can now fit comfortably into any environment. In addition, each Venice processor is software defined so that a channel can easily switch between an Ultra HD signal and HD signals. 

Transform Channel Assignment and Record Scheduler are already available for all Venice installations. Support for 12G and 2SI is available to order.

For more information, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com.  

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz is releasing a new version (version 6.9.1) of its R&S Clipster mastering system that extends support for Dolby Atmos multichannel surround sound production technology and the latest IMF (ST2067-X) delivery standards.

The new software upgrade is specifically targeted at producers of home entertainment content. It is designed to ensure media content can be mastered and delivered via the widest range of IMF-compliant streaming service providers, says Rohde & Schwarz.

Clipster users can now add all variants of Dolby Atmos files to their edit timeline and can edit them like any other file. IMF packages that feature Dolby Atmos can be created to ensure delivery of quality content, as well as perform real-time QC, including for the immersive audio tracks prior to and after creation of the deliverable.

The latest IMF standards are now supported by Clipster, as is legacy content created using previous IMF standards. These revised IMF standards simplify distribution and archival of IMF content packages by removing previous constraints regarding the required types and number of assets referenced by the Composition Playlists.

For more information, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com.  

MUNICH—Rohde & Schwarz has appointed Jörg Fries as vice president, Broadcast, Amplifier & Media Solutions. Fries' work with Rohde & Schwarz has spanned 25 years, most recently in the wireless multimedia market.

In a press statement, the company said his appointment to head Rohde & Schwarz’s Broadcast and Media Division “supports the strategic shift in its approach towards its core markets and reinforces the company’s intention of becoming more disruptive in production, delivery and distribution workflow management and software-centric products and systems.”

“We are experiencing exciting dynamics in our industry driven by the rapidly changing consumer behavior,” said Fries. “Innovative technology will be one of the key success factors for the ultimate leaders in the media industry.

“One significant trend is the rise of remote production based on a flexible, software-centric approach. At Rohde & Schwarz, we work closely with key customers to bring value through technology innovation–increasing production efficiency in remote architectures, standardizing new workflows and establishing new technologies to enable a seamless transition to remote production.”

A dramatic new transmission tower that stands above Istanbul, Turkey, includes 100 liquid-cooled Rohde & Schwarz FM transmitters.

The manufacturer said it was picked to provide FM infrastructure at the striking Camlica Tower by transmission service provider Kule Verici Tesisleri Isletim Ve Teknolojileri A.S. “after many other companies claimed the transmission challenge was impossible to achieve.”

R&S quoted the project management as citing transmitter efficiency and a small footprint as one of the reasons for choosing its model.

The visually striking TV/radio tower, about 1,200 feet high, is on a hill overlooking the city. According to news reports the structure replaces numerous older transmission towers, and features restaurants, observation decks looking out over the Bosporus Strait, and exhibits. It is expected to be a major tourist attraction.

See more photos of the structure.

HANOI, Vietnam—The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority has deployed Rohde & Schwarz’s AI-based RF test system for DTV compliance.

The test system combines the R&S BTC Broadcast Test Center and RFSpark RF automation to enable test labs and TV and set-top box manufacturers to conduct compliance testing in a cost-effective manner, the company said. Rohde & Schwarz worked closely with local system integrator Spark Systems on the deployment.

“Since Rohde & Schwarz and VNTA set up the first digital TV receiver compliance test lab in Hanoi in 2015, we have been actively involved in the development of new test systems for QCVN.63 compliance test in Vietnam,” said Eric Li, regional manager for Rohde & Schwarz in Singapore. 

“Thanks to the recent development in Computer Vision (CV) technology and big data analysis on images processing, we are able to collaborate with Spark Systems to bring this AI-based RF test system to test labs and TV/STB manufacturers in Vietnam.”

The RFSpark AutoTester picture quality engine can achieve great accuracy with less than 0.1dB deviation compared to a human tester for most DVB-T2 test cases. The automation also ensures consistent results when conducting repeat tests.

The testing automation supports a range of regional and country test specifications, such as Nordig, D-Book, RED, China DTMB and the specifications of ASEAN nations.

Together, the R&S BTC and RFSpark AutoTester form a complete system offering two working modes: full automation powered by an AI video engine and semi-automation combining the instrument’s auto configuration with the subjective decisions of human testers. In full automation mode, the system can complete a full round of testing in as little as 25% of the time otherwise needed when working continuously around the clock, the company said.

More information is available on the Rohde & Schwarz website.

THE CUSTOMER

Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) is a Swiss broadcasting company, created in 2011 through the merger of radio broadcaster, Schweizer Radio DRS, and television broadcaster, Schweizer Fernsehen. Immediately, this new business unit of Swiss national broadcaster, SSG SSR, became the largest electronic media house in German-speaking Switzerland. About 2,150 employees work for SRF in four main studios in Basel, Bern and Zürich.

tpc Switzerland ag is responsible for all production systems and technologies throughout television, radio and multimedia operations at SRF. It is a subsidiary of SRG SSR and Switzerland's leading broadcast service provider, with expertise in planning, creating and managing audiovisual projects. In addition to its role with SRG SSR, tpc's 1,000 highly trained professionals serve external clients. Its own state-of-the-art studios, post-production and mobile resources provide the foundation for quality broadcast solutions that combine innovation with the best in technology. Where necessary, tpc works with external partners to provide clients with the optimum package of services they need.

NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART PRODUCTION CENTER FOR SRF

A revolutionary News and Sports Centre for SRF is the most ambitious project that SRF and tpc have embarked on for decades. The facility—located in the Leutschenbach district of Zürich—is being built specifically to leverage an IP workflow for significantly streamlined and simplified operational processes. Its cornerstones are digital first and mobile first with a tight focus on video and audio quality. The project sees a change away from program-oriented organization to a story and content-oriented focus. Within the new structure, journalists will be organized as expert teams and not on program structures.

A key strategic goal of the new building is to have a higher efficiency and flexibility in all directions. But it also means a big technical change. Through re-inventing workflows, tpc will bring together many production islands that grew over years into one big new technical concept.

File based and live workflows are growing together, national and regional operating teams work as one integrated unit. There exists just one audio/video/metadata backbone throughout the complete production process from ingest to playout based on full implementation of the SMPTE ST 2110 uncompressed IP standard.

tpc and SRF’s goal is for their workflow to become format agnostic, future proof and efficient. This brings a big change for the employees. There are new organizations, new working hours, new tools and systems and new workflows.

THE MULTIVIEWER CHALLENGE

From day one, tpc set out with the ambition of creating a new and radically different production solution. Included in this approach was its multiviewer system needs: from the earliest stages, tpc sought a fully virtualized multiviewer architecture.

“With a completely virtualized platform we get the flexibility that we always wanted from a multiviewer system,” explains Andreas Lattmann, chief technology officer, Planning & Projects at tpc. “Hardware agnostic, integrated in the network and capable to display whatever and wherever needed.”

Within tpc’s new facility, there exists a master switching room, central ingest, many studios and galleries with different multiviewer needs, as well as a new playout and post-production system. “Within this environment, the demands for multiviewing are very high and mission critical,” explains Lattmann. “Everybody in the building has different needs to see what’s going on and where. With Rohde & Schwarz’s PRISMON Multiviewer system we now have the chance to fulfill all these requirements and keep the flexibility to change whenever needed.

“With the inherent flexibility of a virtualized multiviewer system we can support the operational teams as well as the journalists by showing them the specific sources and destinations that are required for their work and nothing less or more. Dynamic setups and the sheer number of signals that can be handled by PRISMON helps us in supporting the efficiency of everyone.”

A SOFTWARE/IP-BASED SYSTEM SOLUTION

Within the news and sports production center, there is still hardware required, but not special-built-for-purpose. Instead tpc is using standard COTS servers to render the multiviewer signal and the servers are directly integrated within its ST 2110 backbone. With this implementation, tpc achieves the full flexibility that an IP environment enables.

The project required extensive planning, which saw tpc and Rohde & Schwarz working together closely. “Based on many tests and a proof of concept, we figured out that the crucial issues, such as picture quality, latency and functionality are fulfilled within a virtualized system such as PRISMON,” explains Lattmann.

The two companies continue to work together on the deployment of PRISMON Multiviewers, aiming to exploit all of the advantages the new virtualized system offers.

“Due to the fact that the product is still quite leading edge, there are enhancements and developments being integrated within PRISMON as an ongoing process. There are new functionalities and releases that enhance the use of the system,” Andreas Lattmann explains.

This is one of the primary benefits of a software-based, virtualizable platform, such that it can be updated as and when the deployment requires, features are developed or as new standards become available.

THIRD PARTY INTEGRATION BASED ON ST 2110
  
Within the new center, PRISMON Multiviewer is integrated alongside technology from Nevion. tpc is using Nevion’s VideoIPath as the orchestration solution for its real-time network. It is the system that enables signal management, bandwidth management, redundancy, address handling and much more. ST 2110-based, VideoIPath is the brain of the complete IP System and also for the multiviewing.

“ST 2110 is the future standard for live audio/video and ancillary data handling in a professional environment. It is an open standard and helps us in migrating to a full COTS-based, IT product-based infrastructure and fulfilling all of our real-time needs such as being predictable, stable, synchronised, scalable, format agnostic and future proof,” Lattmann states. “With this once in a lifetime chance to build a completely new infrastructure with a greenfield approach, it is important to build this with state of the art concepts. So, we committed very early to this standard, became [a] member of SMPTE including its standards group, AIMS and AMWA. Based on these decisions we needed partners that supported the same standards: Rohde & Schwarz is doing this with its PRISMON Multiviewer.”

So, how does IP-based operation enhance workflow efficiency within the new center? Thanks to tpc’s end-to-end approach as opposed to its previous island-based approach, all signals are available throughout the production infrastructure. With an overall monitoring system, tpc has enhanced the reaction time if there are any failures in the system. With the PRISMON Multiviewer system tpc can ensure that the signals are available in the expected quality at whatever point in the process.

THE RESULTS

Now that the PRISMON Multiviewer system is installed and operational, Lattmann is able to assess the results of the project.

“We are happy with the installation of the (PRISMON) application on COTS servers with the support of Rohde & Schwarz technicians,” he explained. “All open points are well addressed and professionally managed by Rohde & Schwarz.

“Since the application is installed on COTS Servers and a VM platform, we are able to expand or shrink the system’s dimensions based on our needs, quickly and easily. A central License-Management Facility allows us to adapt the system to any workplace that needs specific features. The measurement function within PRISMON Multiviewer helps us in a dramatic reduction of expensive measurement equipment for many workplaces.

“It is very helpful that PRISMON is based on standardized interfaces. This makes our goal (and perhaps that of any broadcaster) of integrating a best-of-breed solution based on third-party control systems easy,” Lattmann concludes.

Hannes Strobel is the vice president of Media Technologies at Rohde & Schwarz.

LONDON—The International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) has honored Manfred Reitmeier, vice president of Transmitter and Amplifier Systems at Rohde & Schwarz, with its Technology Leader of the Year 2019 Award, the company announced.

Granted to the person who is at the forefront of disruption and innovation in the broadcast and media industry and who through inspired leadership has helped deliver groundbreaking technology and business benefits, the award was presented Dec. 4 to Reitmeier at the IABM Annual International Business Conference & Awards in London.

Joining Rohde & Schwarz in 1989, Reitmeier is credited with building a team of gifted technologists and product designers and creating a product roadmap for the company’s transmission portfolio. Before taking on his current role with the company, Reitmeier held a variety of positions, including director of R&D Software, senior director of Transmitter Systems and senior director of Product Management Transmitter Systems.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment at the company is leading the effort to make 5G Broadcast for mobile TV a reality, the company said. Years ago, Reitmeier and his team set out to intelligently link the strengths of broadcasting with the capabilities of mobile networks.

“Quality of experience for the user is a major consideration in the evolution of 5G Broadcast for mobile TV,” said Manfred Reitmeier. “As a sports-loving commuter, it nearly drives me crazy when I can’t watch a Champion’s League match live on the train.”

Reitmeier recognized that his vision for 5G Broadcast would require that his team collaborate internally with others at Rohde & Schwarz and externally with like-minded groups. In June 2017, the company joined the 5G Today research project as a partner.

Under the leadership of Germany’s Institute for Broadcast Technology (IRT) and with the cooperation of Rohde & Schwarz and antenna manufacturer Kathrein, 5G Today is working on the evaluation of broad-area TV transmission. Other 5G Today members include mobile operator Telefonica O2 and the Bavarian Broadcasting Corp.

In December 2018, Rohde & Schwarz turned on a high-power, high-tower (HPHT) transmitter for 5G Broadcast at the BR Wendelstein transmitter station in the Bavarian Alps. The transmitter, an R&S THU9evo high-power transmitter has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 kilowatts and covers an area in excess of 37.5 miles (60 km) in FeMBMS (Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) broadcast mode.

Dubbing the deployment “a real breakthrough,” Reitmeier reflected on his career at Rohde & Schwarz. “Rohde & Schwarz has provided me with a platform to achieve all my goals and dreams as a broadcast technologist. Together with some truly inspirational colleagues, we have made, and continue to make, a real difference to broadcasters and consumers worldwide. And with 5G Broadcast, the best is still to come.”

(Editor’s note: High-power, high-tower is relative to the existing transmission infrastructure in Europe.)

MUNICH—5G broadcast technology got a test run in Brazil during September’s Rock in Rio festival, organized by the Grupo Globo TV network and Rohde & Schwarz.

The Rock in Rio festival was broadcasted in an experimental UHF channel using 5G broadcast technology, with Rohde & Schwarz providing its R&S TMU9evo transmitter and R&S BSCC network component to aid in the field trial.

This project was similar to the 5G Today trial that has been going on in Bavaria, Germany, since December 2018, also supported by Rohde & Schwarz. The goal was to validate the operability and market opportunities for 5G broadcast technology in Brazil and worldwide.

New product specialists join from broadcasters to enrich customer understanding

Cambridge, 7 October 2019: Underlining the importance of its solutions business, Pixel Power has added two new product specialists to the team. Tanya Schurawel and Toria Farrell both come direct from broadcasters, and will use their unique insights to help customers develop optimised solutions for automated production, graphics and playout.

Tanya Schurawel joins from Univision in the US, where she was most recently technical supervisor, animator and designer. With her strong technical and creative background, Tanya – who will be based in Florida– will engage with customers during the pre-sales period, ensuring their complex requirements are identified and satisfactorily met with Pixel Power’s virtualizable, modular systems.

Toria Farrell was previously a transmission controller at Red Bee Media/Ericsson. Toria began her career at the BBC as an EPG scheduler, and her career has seen her act as network director and playout director. Toria was a key member of the transmission launch team for the BT Sport launch in 2013, and became a senior playout director in 2015. She has worked within many client transmission areas from uktv and ITV to Channel 4, BT Sport and BBC World News. Based in the Pixel Power headquarters in Cambridge, she will work with customers to define software and virtualized playout solutions which enhance their businesses.

“As playout moves from large hardware installations to the almost infinite capabilities of software-defined, virtualizable solutions, broadcasters need to look at their operations and workflows afresh,” said James Gilbert, CEO of Pixel Power. “Vendors have an important role here, in translating a broadcaster’s business needs into innovative, practical and affordable technologies and workflows.

“Tanya and Toria, because of their extensive and current experience in broadcast and online transmission, are great assets in these discussions,” Gilbert added. “I’m delighted they have joined the Pixel Power team, helping us – and our customers – go from strength to strength.”

###

About Pixel Power, a Rohde & Schwarz Company
Pixel Power develops software-defined, virtualizable, solutions for broadcast playout, automation, master control, graphics & branding used in linear television channels, OTT and VOD. Our award-winning branding and promotions systems, graphics-enabled master control switchers and sophisticated switchable graphics production systems allow producers to deliver dynamic live and pre-recorded content for any SD, HD, 4k, mobile, online or interactive application.

Pixel Power has 30 years’ experience of engineering prowess and dedication to customer support that has made it the industry’s first choice in graphics, branding and playout. With more than 2500 installations worldwide, customers including market-leading broadcasters such as BBC, Ericsson, ITV, SWR, WDR, TV2 Norway, Danmarks Radio, TV5 Monde, CBC, Disney, Discovery, ESPN, ViaSat and Sky.

Recently acquired by Rohde & Schwarz GmbH, Pixel Power corporate headquarters are in Cambridge UK with regional offices in Grass Valley California and Dubai UAE.

Pixel Power can be contacted online at www.pixelpower.com.


Pixel Power Contact:
Name: Ciaran Doran
Title: Exec VP
Email: cdoran@pixelpower.com
Tel: +44 7775 581301

PR Contact:
Name: Jennie Marwick-Evans
Company: Manor Marketing
Email: jennie@manormarketing.tv
Tel: +44 7748 636171

IBC2019, 13-17 September, Stand 7.A05:Pixel Power has today announced it will be adding uncompressed IP playout capability, based on the SMPTE ST 2110 family of standards, to its already well established StreamMaster playout technology. The development comes as a natural progression of incorporating new standards within its software defined technology platforms: StreamMaster Media Processing and Gallium Workflow Orchestration. Like all StreamMaster and Gallium functionality, SMTPE ST 2110 will be supported as software solutions whether on-premise or virtualized in a data centre.

“While we believe SMPTE ST 2110 is certainly the right long term direction, there is still mileage in standards such as ST 2022-6, since broadcasters like the similarity to existing SDI architectures,” said James Gilbert, CEO, Pixel Power. “Our new generation of playout and delivery products, including automation, graphics and branding are based on the StreamMaster Media Processing technology platform that can be easily updated using only software. The flexibility of IP-based, software defined playout and automation platforms are really showing their worth – that’s why we are currently deploying them with major national broadcasters around the globe.”

The SMPTE ST 2110 Professional Media Over Managed IP Networks suite of standards is a major contributing factor in the movement towards one common IP-based connectivity protocol for the professional media industries. The foundation for the SMPTE ST 2110 standards is Video Services Forum (VSF) Technical Recommendation for Transport of Uncompressed Elementary Stream Media Over IP (TR-03). The SMPTE ST 2110 standards suite specifies the carriage, synchronization and description of separate elementary essence streams over IP for realtime production, playout, and other professional media applications.

Pixel Power has a history of breaking new ground and was responsible thirty years ago for taking broadcasters into the world of PC-based graphics systems as they rapidly grew their channel count. As a first to market with live virtualized playout in the cloud in 2015, Pixel Power also took the first steps in showing broadcasters the power and convenience of workflows based on IP transport streams and application virtualization. At IBC2019, Pixel Power will show how broadcasters can benefit from moving to fully software defined solutions for production, playout, automation, branding and graphics.

Pixel Power can be found at IBC2019 (Amsterdam, 13 – 17 September) in its regular position in Hall 7, Stand 7.A05.

###

About Pixel Power
Pixel Power provides innovative graphics production and integrated playout delivery systems for broadcasters, outside broadcast truck companies, playout facilities, post production houses, venues and sports complexes. Our award-winning branding and promotions systems, graphics-enabled master control switchers and sophisticated switchable graphics production systems allow producers to deliver dynamic live and pre-recorded content for any SD, HD, 4k, mobile, online or interactive application.

Pixel Power has 30 years’ experience of engineering prowess and dedication to customer support that has made it the industry’s first choice in graphics, branding and playout. With more than 2500 installations worldwide, customers including market-leading broadcasters such as Al Jazeera, BBC, CBC, Disney, Discovery, Ericsson, ESPN, Sky, ViaSat and WDR.

With corporate headquarters in Cambridge, UK, and with regional offices in Grass Valley, California and Dubai, UAE, Pixel Power has a global organisation and is supported by a well-trained and focussed distributor network.

Pixel Power can be contacted online at www.pixelpower.com.

Pixel Power contact:
Name: Ciaran Doran
Title: Exec VP
Email: cdoran@pixelpower.com
Tel: +44 7775 581301

PR Contact:
Name: Jennie Marwick-Evans
Company: Manor Marketing
Email: jennie@manormarketing.tv
Tel: +44 7748 636171

AMSTERDAM—Rohde & Schwarz will introduce a new compact 2U version of its R&S SpycerNode media storage system at the 2019 IBC Show. The company said the small capacity system represents Rohde’s “competitively priced entry point” into a storage market that increasingly embraces High Power Computing based on high speed Ethernet connectivity rather than Fibre Channel. Rohde & Schwarz said it will also introduce several new JBOD capacity extension units, which provide affordable storage capacity expansion for their other SpycerNode models.

The company will also launch R&S SpycerPAM, a production asset management system, which allows workgroup editing and seamless integration of various editing and mastering platforms including Adobe Premier, Avid Media Composer and Apple Final Cut Pro.

The company used the announcement to tout its support for Ethernet connectivity to eventually replace Fibre Channel, a 25-year old technology that is seeing only modest growth.

“The Fibre Channel standard was completed in 1994 and it has served the media industry well, but in essence there are only around nine manufacturers developing Fibre Channel technology,” said Oliver Gappa, sales director of broadcast and media for Europe for Rohde. “Compare this to high-speed Ethernet, where there are over 500 companies, such as Juniper, Arista and Cisco introducing new products every year and the future is clear.

“Today, if you look at Fibre Channel relative to high-speed Ethernet, there is no comparison,” Gappa continued. “The future is Ethernet and yet some media storage manufacturers continue to promote Fibre Channel, which presents real risks for their customers.“

Gappa‘s remarks are backed up by industry data. On the one hand, the Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA) reports that the Fibre Channel market saw a return to modest growth in 2018. In comparison, the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) reports strong growth in Ethernet switch connectivity. In 2018, port shipments for 100Gb Ethernet switches rose 154.6% year over year to 3.5 million, while 25Gb ports saw even higher growth rates with port shipments up 251.0% to 2.6 million and 40Gb port shipments rose too, growing 12.6% year over year to 1.3 million.

Rohde & Schwarz will be in Stand 7.B21 at the 2019 IBC Show at the RAI Amsterdam, Sept. 13-17.

MUNICH—China will be taking a look at what 5G broadcasts will look like through a field trial taking place in Beijing and run by the Academy of Broadcasting Science and the China Broadcasting Network Co. Ltd. Assisting with the trial will be Rohde & Schwarz, which will provide transmitters and core network components.

This new trial will be based on the 5G Today project that R&S is also a part of in Germany. Set to go on air in August before the 2019 Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition, this is a step toward 5G broadcasting that China hopes to have in place for commercial deployment by the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and then for further national expansion by 2025.

The Beijing Trial network will contain three stations operating in a single-frequency network and a FeMBMS (Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) and High Tower High Power concept. R&S transmitters with 1kW output power will work at a central frequency of 754 MHz with 5 MHz bandwidth (later on 10 MHz). A software defined radio receiver developed by Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, Germany, and a Kathrein signal analyzer are part of the trial package. This end-to-end implementation will help with tests for field strength propagation, network coverage, mobility reception, application possibilities and interworking with LTE unicast network.

According to R&S’ press release, the 5G trial is expected to have significant impact on chipset and handset manufacturers market, and that it can be a “driving force on a commercial end-to-end realization of the future broadcasting technology.”

BIRTV 2019 will take place from Aug. 20-24, where R&S is expected to demonstrate some of the 5G broadcast technology.

“Best of Show Up Close” is a series about nominees and winners in the annual Future Best of Show at NAB award program.

We spoke with Dr. Alexander Hackmann, product owner digital products with Rohde & Schwarz, about the Best of Show winner R&S PRISMON.cloud.

TVT:Cornelius Heinemann recently took over as R&S' new CEO, what are some things customers can expect with this new leadership?

Dr. Alexander Hackmann: The strategic orientation of Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast & Media is mainly based on two areas of core competence. With its unique expertise in broadcast equipment and high-efficiency power amplifiers, the company offers an industry-leading line of high-quality transmitter and amplifier products. Rohde & Schwarz also has comprehensive expertise in software-based signal processing, which it uses to develop market-leading solutions that are pioneering the transition to IT-based workflows in the media industry. Cornelius Heinemann will mainly further expand the business with the transition to digital products, like the shortly introduced R&S PRISMON.cloud Monitoring as a Service solution.

TVT:Tell us about the R&S PRISMON.cloud, what does it offer broadcasters?

AH: Constantly changing consumer behavior means broadcasters and OTT service providers have to adapt to new transmission paths. Permanent error monitoring and the resulting quality assurance, especially of audio and video data, are the key to high customer satisfaction. R&S PRISMON.cloud is a cloud-based A/V OTT monitoring solution that broadcasters and content providers can deploy quickly and without dedicated hardware. An intuitive analysis dashboard displays the latest quality of service (QoS) data to respond to errors in real time. A flexible and scalable pricing model allows users to reduce investment costs (CAPEX) by ordering their individual monitoring services based on current requirements.

TVT:What is it about PRISMON.cloud that separates it from similar offerings?

AH: There are several UPSs:

• Flexible up and downscaling of monitoring resources
• Subscription based sales model (three and 12 months) via webshop generates CAPEX savings
• OTT and SMPTE 2110 end-to-end monitoring
• Always up to date since this model allows our software engineering team to continuously develop R&S PRISMON.cloud and keep users up to date with regular updates—even on mobile phones and tablets.

TVT:What does it cost? Is it shipping?

AH: It starts from the Silver package with one sensor and Live view and live status, but no analytics for three months for €750. The most expensive package is the Gold.Sensor with one sensor for 12 months including live view, live status and analytics for €3,750. You can order it on our homepage directly. After payment process you can set up an account.

TVT:What else should we know about PRISMON.cloud or R&S in general?

AH: In live media delivery solutions, the consumer delivery path will inevitably include live production, management, distribution or contribution links. By combining virtual R&S PRISMON.cloud probes with physical R&S PRISMON on-premise probe, much improved all IP end-to-end QoS data can be made available. Consequently, errors such as video or audio degradation, switching errors or poor CDN performance can all be detected by combining both tools, giving our customers a higher level of transparency and control over their whole delivery chain.

Another focus at Rohde & Schwarz at the moment is 5G Broadcast. As a part of the Bavarian research project “5G TODAY,” Rohde & Schwarz is investigating large-scale TV broadcasts in the FeMBMS mode over a HPHT 5G Broadcast field trial near Munich. Using high power high tower (HPHT) transmitters will allow broadcasters to distribute video over 5G networks with all the advantages of classic broadcasting like high-quality levels as known from HDTV broadcasting, low-latency live content as well as enormous spectrum efficiency and wide coverage. In this way broadcasters can bring in their valuable assets for efficient distribution of high-quality video into the future 5G ecosystem. Also content providers can profit from 5G Broadcast, because it offers a better Quality of Service and higher Quality of Experience when it comes to their customers.

AMSTERDAM—Rohde & Schwarz’s IBC booth this year plans to introduce attendees to a number of new products that cover varying sectors of the broadcast industry, including 5G broadcast, studio production, content mastering, storage and distribution.

A new 5G broadcast core system will be part of the demonstration, which enables R&S terrestrial transmitters to deliver LTE/5G broadcast content. The company will also offer updates on the 5G Today trial taking place in Bavaria, Germany, for which it is a participant.

R&S is also bringing its PKU100 family of satellite solid-state Ku-band uplink amplifiers, including the new addition of a 750 W outdoor variant. R&S will demonstrate the new models live operation wrapped around the latest T&M equipment.

Following its stop at the 2019 NAB Show, the R&S PRISMON.cloud monitoring-as-a-service platform will be on-hand at IBC, which now provides monitoring of SMPTE 2110 on-premise streams in the dashboard, incident notification via email and an REST API for integration of status data in network management systems. The entire R&S PRISMON monitoring and IP multiviewer family is set to benefit from increased capacities for SDI/ASI-I/Os, enhanced configuration for PTP and support for extended color spaces with SMPTE ST 2110-based input signals.

Other R&S products will showcase a number of new updates. The SpycerNode media storage system now comes in a compact 2U height unit version and new JBOD capacity extension units. The SpycerPAM is a production asset management system that allows for workgroup editing and integration of various editing and mastering platforms.

A new version of CLIPSTER DCI/IMF mastering system includes a Dolby Vision iCMU to facilitate media conversion from high peak luminance HDR to low peak luminance HDR or SDR on live output through SDI or HDMI, as well as support for Dolby Atmos Home workflows.

In addition, the Venice studio production platform now supports NMOS IS04/IS05 and configuration via web service, while the RelayCaster has new software updates for greater reliability of contributing and distributing live content via unmanaged IP networks, and the ability to provide link redundancy with the use of two separate internet connections.

R&S will showcase all of these technologies at booth 7.B21 during IBC 2019, which runs from Sept. 13-17 in Amsterdam.

LAS VEGAS—Rohde & Schwarz’s Tuesday evening news conference during the 2019 NAB Show brought with it the news that Jürgen Nies will be retiring from his position as executive vice president and head of the broadcast and media division. After 30 years with R&S, Nies will officially depart on July 1, though he will remain with the company as a consultant.

Cornelius Heinemann, vice president transmitter and amplifying systems, has been tapped to fill Nies’ role. TVT’s sister publication TVB Europe spoke with Heinemann about his new position.

“I am really thankful and happy about this opportunity to take over the broadcast and media division at an all-time high. We are in good shape for the future,” Heinemann said.