CATV
Contribution Network
A contribution
network is a system that interconnects contribution sources
(media programs) to a content user (e.g. a television system). CATV
systems receive content from multiple sources through connections
that range from dedicated high-speed fiber optic connections to the
delivery of stored media. Content sources include program networks,
content aggregators and a variety of other government, education and
public sources.
CATV connection
types include satellite connections, leased lines, virtual networks,
microwave, mobile data and public data networks (e.g. Internet).
Satellite
communication is the use of orbiting satellites to relay communications
signals from one station to many others. A satellite communication link
includes a communication link that passes through several types of
systems. These connections include the transmission electronics and
antenna, uplink path, satellite reception and transmission equipment
(transponder), downlink path, and reception electronics and antenna.
Because satellite systems provide signal coverage to a wide geographic
area, the high cost of satellites can be shared by many broadcasting
companies.
Satellite content
distributors that provide television programming to CATV networks via
satellite lease some or all of the transponder capacity of the satellite.
Satellite content providers combine multiple programs (channels) for
distribution to broadcasters.
Leased lines are
telecommunication lines or links that have part or all of their
transmission capacity dedicated (reserved) for the exclusive use of a
single customer or company. Leased lines often come with a guaranteed
level of performance for connections between two points. Leased lines may
be used to guarantee the transfer of media at specific times.
Virtual private
networks are private communication path(s) that transfer data or
information through one or more data network that is dedicated between two
or more points. VPN connections allow data to safely and privately pass
over public networks (such as the Internet). The data traveling between
two points is usually encrypted for privacy. Virtual private networks
allow the cost of a public communication system to be shared by multiple
companies.
A microwave link
uses microwave frequencies (above 1 GHz) for line of sight radio
communications (20 to 30 miles) between two directional antennas. Each
microwave link transceiver usually offers a standard connection to
communication networks such as a T1/E1 or DS3 connection line. This use of
microwave links avoids the need to install cables between communication
equipment. Microwave links may be licensed (filed and protected by
government agencies) or may be unlicensed (through the use of low power
within unlicensed regulatory limits). Microwave links are commonly used by
CATV systems to connection remote devices or locations such as a mobile
news truck or a helicopter feed.
Mobile data is the
transmission of digital information through a wireless network where the
communication equipment can move or be located over a relatively wide
geographic area. The term mobile data is typically applied to the
combination of radio transmission devices and computing devices (e.g.
computers electronic assemblies) that can transmit data through a mobile
communication system (such as a wireless data system or cellular network).
In general, the additional of mobility for data communication results in
an increased cost for data transmission.
The Internet is a
public data network that interconnects private and government computers
together. The Internet transfers data from point to point by packets that
use Internet protocol (IP). Each transmitted packet in the Internet finds
its way through the network switching through nodes (computers). Each node
in the Internet forwards received packets to another location (another
node) that is closer to its destination. Each node contains routing tables
that provide packet forwarding information. The Internet can be
effectively used to privately transfer programs through the use of
encryption.
In additional to
gathering content through communication links, content may be gathered
through the use of stored media. Examples of stored media include magnetic
tapes (VHS or Beta) and optical disks (CD or DVDs).
When content is
delivered through the content network, its’ descriptive information
(metadata) is also delivered. The metadata information may be embedded
within the media file(s) or it may be sent as in separate data files. Some
of the descriptive data may include text that is used for closed
captioning compliance.
This figure shows a
contribution network that is used with a CATV system. This example shows
that programming that is gathered through a contribution network can come
from a variety of sources and that include satellite connections, leased
lines, virtual networks, microwave links, mobile data, public data
networks (e.g. Internet) and the use of stored media (tapes and DVDs).
CATV Contribution
Network Diagram
Cable Television - CATV Books
|
more
details
|
Introduction
to Cable Television (CATV)
This
book provides an overview of cable television system technology including
cable modems, digital television, HDTV, along with how cable systems are
converting from analog systems to digital networks so they can offer advanced
services such as ultra broadband, video on demand (VOD) and addressable
advertising.
$1 9.99
Printed, $16.99 eBook
|
Add this
CATV Dictionary tool to your web site
In order to add this CATV
dictionary tool to your web site and give your visitors
the way to lookup industry terms from more than 11,000 terms, acronyms, and definitions, just copy the HTML code below and put it into your web page where you want to provide access to your dictionary.
|
Telecom