In support of Brazil's digital TV (DTV) switchover Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), has designed, installed and commissioned a range of broadcast solutions for Brazil's most prominent broadcasters. RFS provided both end-to-end broadcast systems, as well as individual broadcast system components, such as combiners, switch-frames and antenna systems, to help fast-track the transition.
Brazil's first free-to-air digital transmissions went to air in São Paulo on 2 December, 2007, with analogue switch off scheduled for June, 2016. Leading Brazilian broadcasters have all established DTV services in São Paulo, and are in the preliminary stages of implementing DTV services in Brazil’s other centres.
According to RFS Brazil Broadcast Manager, José Roberto Elias, local broadcasters and technology providers have been faced with a number of design and deployment challenges—in particular, keeping analogue broadcasts on-air while deploying new DTV services, and keeping new deployment costs to a minimum.
"With much of Brazil's existing broadcast infrastructure over 20 years old, it can be a challenge to incorporate new DTV equipment into existing installations," Elias said. "Here, RFS is working with Brazilian broadcasters, assisting them in devising solutions for the upgrade or replacement of existing broadcast systems. This may comprise antenna/feeder re-use, modification, or replacement with an entirely new antenna/feeder assembly—or a mix of any of these options."
