Transitioning to ATSC 3 with InfinityLink Solutions

InfinityLink ATSC 3.0 Transition Solution over FiberArtel’s InfinityLink ATSC 3.0 Transition Solutions enable next-generation, over-the-air broadcast and content delivery for the new IP-based ATSC 3.0 standard while retaining legacy signal transport capabilities for ATSC 1.0. The InfinityLink ATSC 3.0 Transition Over Fiber and ATSC 3.0 Transition Over IP solutions include all necessary platform components and optical and/or electrical transceivers, ready for interconnection with either customer-furnished, single-mode fiber or a local, carrier-supplied IP GigE service.

Artel understands the complexity of ATSC 3.0 adoption and the impact this has on broadcasters. As TV stations and networks start the migration from ATSC 1.0 to 3.0,  Artel’s InfinityLink solutions make this migration as seamless as possible with flexible and future-proof solutions to manage the multifaceted challenges networks face providing a path to achieve greater efficiencies in signal transport over IP- and fiber-based networks. Below are some common questions and concerns about transitioning to ATSC 3.0 and how Artel’s InfinityLink ATSC 3.0 Transition Solutions provide the versatility necessary to manage the transition from ATSC 1.0 to 3.0 

Q. Our 20-year-old fiber optic studio to transmitter equipment is unsupported by the original manufacturer and we are on ‘borrowed time’. Will the Artel transition solutions give us an upgrade path to ATSC 3.0 when we go on-the-air with it?
A. YES, the ATSC 3.0 Transition over Fiber and the IP configurations were created to meet locally available connectivity. Broadcasters could upgrade to state-of-the-art hardware now, and have a path to the future of TV broadcasting with a full complement of signals to support ATSC 3.0 and keep their ATSC 1.0 transmitter on-the-air.

Q. Our station currently has dark fiber from studio to transmitter. Which version of the Artel ATSC 3.0 Transition solutions do I need?
A. The ATSC 3.0 Transition over Fiber solution is configured to work with either a third party leased fiber or an owned and maintained fiber. The Fiber version works with Single Mode fiber up to 40KM/25 miles. Options for longer distance are available.

Q. Can I use the Fiber solution with my current ATSC 1.0 system?
A. YES, the Fiber solution combines ASI with IP over the dark fiber through an optical multiplexer. The Fiber solution includes 4X-ASI from the transmitter to the studio for MPEG compressed ENG receivers at the tower, a symmetrical GigE Ethernet and various ASI, SMPTE-310, and bidirectional 3G/HD/SD-SDI circuits.

Q. We currently use a Local Loop carrier providing ASI connectivity, will that work?
A. NOT really. For ATSC 3.0, IP Ethernet connectivity is needed from studio to transmitter. We would recommend having your local provider provision a GigE connection from the studio to transmitter and use the ATSC 3.0 Transition over IP version.

Q. Which version of the Artel ATSC 3.0 Transition solution is best suited for the IP application?
A. The Artel ATSC 3.0 Transition over IP solution will provide both ASI for your current ATSC 1.0 transmitter and IP connectivity for the future ATSC 3.0 system. In the IP version, ASI is encapsulated to IP and carried over the GigE IP circuit for your ATSC 1.0 transmitter. IP for future ATSC 3.0 is aggregated with the encapsulated ASI in the provided Ethernet switch. The IP encapsulating module takes all the guess work out the ASI to IP conversion and supports two full-rate bi-directional ASI circuits.

Q. Can we integrate other IP traffic over the Ethernet circuit from the studio to transmitter link?
A. Absolutely. The Ethernet switch can support up to 8 separate VLAN priorities. Each of the 4 external RJ-45 ports can be assigned to a VLAN membership. Priority QoS can be assigned to the ATSC 3.0 or ATSC 1.0 traffic, and supports LANS such as engineering, corporate, or even Internet connectivity.

Q. Can we use an Internet connection provided by a residential cable or DSL provider?
A. NOT RECOMMENDED. Residential services cannot meet the QoS or security needed by the broadcaster. There are many local and national network providers that can address your specific needs, whether it be dark fiber where you could ‘light up’ their fiber or provide a turnkey network.

 

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