Here is a project I am justifiably proud of. Our corporate engineering management had determined that we were to use a Harris Flexicoder as the core of our HDTV encoding, but outside of that we were to determine what we needed to best integrate it into our facility. Initially, I was not pleased with the choice in encoders as I had seen better performance from the Harmonic encoding systems. However, after getting my hands on more thorough documentation and working with the encoder package that included an integrated ‘Master Control’ module I quickly began to see the potential for the system. I added to our DTV budget, not just the elements needed to encode our studio signal digitally and pass through the network HD signal, but also to monitor and perform simple localized troubleshooting of problems we may (and probably would) encounter in the future.
Continue reading ‘HDTV Encoding Rack Design’
A few grainy images of the Andrew side-mounted antenna we ordered for the KHBS DTV transmitter in Poteau, Oklahoma (which serves the Fort Smith, Arkansas market).
Because there was simply no room on the existing tower to place a DTV antenna that would be even marginally effective, I was successful in convincing the company of the need to build the tower and locate the new antenna on it. Continue reading ‘Digital Tower Erection’
I’d love to take all the credit for this project, but who would believe me?!?! This required the experience and assistance of not only our station’s engineering department, but also the combined efforts of contracted electricians, transmitter installers, HVAC installers, a local construction company and tower riggers.
Continue reading ‘KHBS DTV Transmitter Installation’
Prior to installing the coming DTV transmitters there had to be a manner in which to get the HD signal to the transmitter. Since we would ultimately have two high-power DTV transmitter sites and they are a considerable distance from the studios, the only practical solution would be to encode the HD signal at the primary studio and then transport the HD bitstream up to each respective transmitter site. Continue reading ‘HDTV Infrastructure’
