Newtec demonstrates UltraHD broadcasts with DVB-S2X
The new protocol, published in February, defines extensions to the existing DVB-S2 protocol to give 50% more efficiency in professional applications and up to 20% for direct to the home (DTH) TV broadcasts.
The demonstration with Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT at the CommunicAsia show in Singapore has the 4K UltraHD feed uplinked via MEASAT’s teleport in Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur, and delivered live via MEASAT-3 satellite in C-Band, using Newtec’s upgraded DVB-S2X modulation equipment
The standard extensions are implemented as a software upgrade to the existing FPGA-based products and provides a standard mechanism to bond carriers together, creating one big transmission pipe for multiple 4K programs over existing transponders.
The extensions also provide finer granularity of modulation and FEC options combined with sharper roll-offs and enhanced signal to noise ratio down to -10dB. Channel bonding of up to 3 satellite channels will support higher aggregate data rates and allow for additional statistical multiplexing gain for high data rate services such as UltraHD. The mandatory implementation of Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) in receivers offers the possibility of increasing the spectral efficiency for UHD services, while guaranteeing service continuity during heavy rain by simulcasting highly protected SD components. A finer granularity of modulation and FEC options also allow for improved operational flexibility.
“This demonstrates not only that satellite networks are ready for 4K UHDTV but also that DVB-S2X is ready to help satellite operators and broadcasters cut costs or deliver more content within the same capacity. It is no longer a question of whether the new DVB-S2X standard will be used in broadcast contribution and distribution networks, but rather a question of when,” said Steven Soenens, VP Product and Market Management at Newtec.
Newtec’s M6100 Broadcast Satellite Modulators will be used for the demonstration as well as Newtec’s demodulators. Video processing capabilities at both ends of the link were provided by Ericsson through its AVP 2000 Contribution Encoders and RX8200 Advanced Modular Receivers.
The encoders were used last year for a live broadcast of UltraHD at IBC 2103 using the current DVB-S2 protocol over an Intelsat satellite and working with BT Media, Ericsson and Sony.
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