Translators for ATSC 3.0

There are over 3000 TV translators presently licensed in the US. Translators, by definition, rebroadcast the signals of one or more originating stations on a different channel. As the ATSC 3.0 transition rolls on, these translator stations are faced with the need to retransmit the programs and advanced services that may be available from originating stations that have converted to 3.0. An ATSC 1.0 translator is comparatively a simple product – it typically consists of an 8-VSB receiver/demodulator, then an 8-VSB modulator/exciter, often with the ability to modify the PSIP information to be appropriate for the translator. An ATSC 3.0 translator brings a much higher level of complexity. Many of the functions of a broadcast gateway/scheduler must be included with the 3.0 translator, as it provides parameter information and baseband signal formatting for the exciter.  While some translators use off-air RF input from an antenna, others use some terrestrial links (fiber, microwave, etc.) to deliver the program signals to the translator. These sources bring additional variations to the equipment required. Beyond that, a translator may choose to rebroadcast the program signals from multiple originating stations, so some multiplexing and signal grooming may be needed. Furthermore, a translator station may wish to continue to broadcast in the ATSC 1.0 format, while its originating station converts to ATSC 3.0, which creates other challenges. And there remains the issue of modifying the signaling information to be appropriate for the translator’s broadcast. This paper will examine these different operating situations and explain what is needed to afford the broadcaster the ability to take advantage of ATSC 3.0’s capabilities, while providing the required services to their viewers.  

David Neff | Anywave Communication Technologies, Inc. | Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States
Ted Karam | Anywave Communication Technologies, Inc. | Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States
Yingying Fan | Anywave Communication Technologies, Inc. | Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States