Challenges in a Digital, Server-Based Broadcasting Environment

DIRECTV, Inc., initiated operations at its all-digital Castle Rock Broadcast Center (CRBC) in Colorado on June 17, 1994. The broadcast center contains a 512 × 12 SMPTE 259M serial digital router, controls more than 300 digital VTRs, and transmits nearly 200 channels via the DIRECTV geosynchronous direct broadcast satellites. This paper describes the issues and challenges facing DIRECTV in evolving the CRBC and its other facilities toward a “server-based” architecture. Tentative conclusions may change as requirements change and technology matures. It is also intended to provide a basis for industry discussion of key issues.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1997-03

Content type

Information

DOI

10.5594/J15791