The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has approved a new recommended practice: A/111, “Design of Synchronized Multiple Transmitter Networks.”
The document provides guidance on the design of specialized transmission facilities that utilize multiple transmitters to cover a station’s service area. Single Frequency Networks (SFNs) and Multiple Frequency Networks (MFNs) can be used to address specific signal coverage issues, including those relating to difficult terrain.
As described in A/111, these networks can be implemented using Digital On-Channel Repeaters (DOCRs), Distributed Transmission (DTx) systems, or Distributed Translators (DTxRs). A/111 focuses on the design aspects of SFNs.
Merrill Weiss, who led the ATSC effort to develop the new Recommended Practice, said A/111 is required reading for anyone interested in the design of Single Frequency Networks.
Benefits of the SFNs described in A/111 inlcude:
- More uniform signal levels throughout the area being served
- Reduced interference
- Fewer terrain limitations
- More reliable indoor reception
A/111 was developed in the ATSC Specialist Group on Transmission (T3/S9). The document is a companion publication to ATSC Standard A/110, which describes the means to synchronize the emissions of multiple DTV transmitters. This capability is necessary to making a Distributed Transmission system practical.
A Recommended Practice is a document that typically provides guidelines for operation and performance. The ATSC has adopted a variety of recommended practices for different industry segments in the DTV field.
A copy of the approved standard is available from the ATSC.
For more information, visit www.atsc.org.
