Communications between Analog Component Production Centers

Chris J. Dalton, Andrew T. Malcher

The introduction of component analog and digital equipment has created a demand for the transfer of component signals between production areas and centers. Existing plants usually offer a single-wire composite link for transfer. A multiplexed analog component (MAC) format offers an alternative mode of component transfer without composite decoding errors. The ITV Association Technical Laboratory has developed a wideband system based on the SMPTE S-MAC proposals but using a standard synchronizing waveform as carrier, in addition to an ENG development offering the best utilization of existing narrowband, 5-MHz links. This article describes the systems, and reports on operational experience gained with ENG equipment within the U.K., as well as on progress towards standardization in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Print ISSN
Published
1988-08
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J03981