Iowa DTV Symposium - Technical Track

Is Circular Polarization Essential to the Success of Mobile TV?

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:00:00 CST

This presentation will compare horizontal, vertical and circular transmission polarization and present experimental results supporting circular polarization's superiority in mobile applications by providing significant margin improvement and ultimately reliable service.

Antennas for Mobile Television Broadcast

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:30:00 CST

The mobile channel in UHF and VHF broadcast is described and extended to include transmission in two polarizations. Transmitting antennas that provide dual-polarized emissions are analyzed and found to be successful in improving reception with polarization diversity and increasing channel capacity with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission.

ATSC M/H System Overview and Broadcast Station System Architecture

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 08:45:00 CST

This presentation will first look at the overall ATSC M/H system with focus on the physical, management and presentation layer activities. . The presenter will also look at RF transmission performance based on several years of first hand experience with the Harris-LG-Zenith MPH system which has been selected as the basis for the ATSC M/H standard. Recommendations for preparing a station for entry into the mobile services business will included.

The Bend Radius for Cable

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 16:30:00 CST

Sure, you've heard the standard rule "No tighter than ten times the diameter." For some data cables, you might hear "four times the diameter." But what actually happens when you bend a cable? this presentation shows exactly what changes inside a cable and, for specific coaxes and twisted pairs, what the effect is as you bend tighter and tighter. Also, it will show you what happens when you 'unbend' the cable. Does the performance come back? the results are a real eye-opener (no digital pun intended) and much of what you have been led to believe isn't completely true!

Transmission Characteristics of Passive Components Used in the 3Gbps Environment

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 15:45:00 CST

Transmission characteristics of passive components such as insertion loss, return loss, VSWR, and frequency response can severely limit overall cable distance at higher transmission speeds. This is especially true with 3Gbps transmission requirements for digital 1080p HD signals. This seminar will discuss the effects of passive components in a typical transmission path used in a broadcast facility.

Optimizing Betacam Videotape Playback for DTV

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 14:30:00 CST

The playback of older Betacam tape recordings for DTV highlights an original design conflict with Betacam VTRs. Older Betacam recorded material rebroadcast via MPEG2, may suffer from lost resolution and higher than normal encoded bitrate unless corrective action is taken.

Blu-ray™ Disc May Be Ready for Primetime, But Are Your Disc Production Skills?

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 13:45:00 CST

While many of us are excited by the new opportunities for interactivity and richer content made possible by Blu-ray Discs, best practices for commercial production are still emerging. This talk will provide producers with an overview on the many elements required for successful Blu-ray Disc production, including how to manage the fundamentals of programming, encoding, replication and verification to ensure that Discs play optimally on Blu-ray Disc players.

The Impact of Technology on Broadcasting

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 13:00:00 CST

Explores the explosion of new technologies by looking at the consumer and how changes in media consumption are manifested in the design of new facilities. The presentation proposes some key actions to undertake for every facility.

Facility Integration, What Worked and What Didn't

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 11:15:00 CST

Wisconsin Public Broadcasting successfully completed a clean sheet rebuild of its central casting facilities. Jim will share the highlights (and lowlights) of the project, and offer insights in how you can make a transition like this less stressful for your station.

How BXF is Helping WJCT Effectively Operate in a Fast Paced, Platform Agnostic, Content Delivery Business - Duane Smith

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:30:00 CST

WJCT implemented the BXF gateway to improve reliability and increase efficiency, which goes hand in hand with our strategic effort to have operations staff manage the multiplatform use of our content. Being a beta site for the BXF gateway brought many technical hurdles, operational challenges and changing of traditional roles within the entire organization.

How BXF is Helping WJCT Effectively Operate in a Fast Paced, Platform Agnostic, Content Delivery Business - Bob Culkeen

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:30:00 CST

What it Might be Like to Work in a File Based World

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 09:30:00 CST

When you can no longer 'see' the content, touch the media and must depend upon new forms of instruments to tell you if the images, sound and metadata will be what you expected - - you’ve officially evolved into the world of file based workflows. What will might take to navigate this new environment and what is on the horizon to assist the operator in this new digital media age will be explored by AZCAR’s Chief Technology Officer, Karl Paulsen.

Picture Quality Measurement Using an Adaptive Human Vision System Model

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 08:45:00 CST

An Introduction to Picture Quality Measurement Based on Human Vision System Models and Detailed Discussion of DMOS, PQR and PSNR Video Quality Measurements.

DTV Audio Myths and Realities

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 16:30:00 CST

This presentation describes a solution for easily and cost-effectively handling stereo and 5.1 surround audio including taming loud commercials. The transition to DTV can be eased tremendously by selecting the correct equipment to process the audio for compelling surround sound. This presentation will discuss how loudness problems can be managed to ensure viewer satisfaction and FCC compliance. We will review Dolby Digital (AC-3) and why metadata alone is NOT sufficient to properly handle loudness levels. ITU BS.1770, a new international loudness measurement standard will be introduced and explained. We will have a discussion of what makes a modern audio transmission processor designed for 5.1 critically different than legacy or even card-based systems and outline a multi-stage loudness solution for Ingest, Production, and Transmission. Some hidden surprises in the AC-3 system including 2-channel/5.1 channel switching issues and how to avoid them will be revealed. The distribution structures of several different networks will be presented along with advice on how local affiliates need to be prepared to handle these signals. Finally, we will discuss loud commercials, viewer complaints, and C.A.L.M. and summarize a logical approach for February 17th, 2009.

ATSC Update

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 15:45:00 CST

This presentation will update attendees on current activities within the ATSC, with special emphasis on the development of standards for mobile and handheld systems, non-real-time services, and potential next-generation services for fixed receivers. The current status of the DTV transition will also be reviewed.

An Arms Race to the Subscriber

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:15:00 CST

How New TV Delivery Technologies Continue to Leap frog Each Other in Reaching the Maximum Number of Eyeballs. This presentation looks at how each of these advances has influenced the competitive nature of TV delivery technologies and how changes that may be just years apart allow one delivery mechanism to constantly leap frog or fall behind another.

Leveraging Technology to Keep Production Costs Down

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 13:30:00 CST

Automated Production Control systems reduce production costs by providing a centralized GUI operating platform allowing one operator to control all production equipment, including the NRCS rundown. This technology provides system flexibility allowing the addition of new productions without adding staff, transitioning to HD while reducing staffing costs, and reducing common on-air mistakes.

Lunch with Keynote Speaker - 130 Days to the Finish Line: The DTV Transition, Consumer Education and What Happens on February 18

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 11:30:00 CST

Consumer Electronics Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro provides the latest update on DTV consumer education initiatives, the success of the DTV converter box program, and a road map for the next ten years of DTV.

Consumer Update - 10 Predictions for Digital TV/HDTV IN 2009 - Phillip Swann

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

This knowledgable panel provides a snapshot of last year’s consumer trends. Will the transition go smoothly? If not, then what? Will Blu-ray beat out digital downloads? Will people keep buying HDTVs after the transition? Can multicasting make a comeback. Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, looks into his crystal ball and offers his annual fearless forecast.

Consumer Update - HDTV: Where Are We and Where Are We Going - Megan Pollock

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

This knowledgable panel provides a snapshot of last year’s consumer trends. This presentation will explore the current types of content consumers view on their HD sets, how they receive this content and the future of HD content. We will also explore current trends around consumer HD purchases. Finally, we will take a long-term look at the future of HD technology.

Consumer Update - Maryann Baldwin

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

This knowledgable panel provides a snapshot of last year’s consumer trends.

Broadcast/Cable Summit - David Donovan

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 08:00:00 CST

The Broadcast/Cable summit is an opportunity for cable operators and broadcasters to examine the technical issues related to the digital transition and discuss how to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

Broadcast/Cable Summit - William Check

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 08:00:00 CST

Save That Tower! Exploring Hidden Risks and How To Overcome Them

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 11:45:00 CST

Your tower may have weathered many storms, but age combined with a "perfect storm" of other factors could mean your tower is closer to a catastrophic failure than you’ve imagined. Based on her research for Current, Technology Editor Anne Gabriel provides an insider’s guide to the events surrounding two recent pubcasting tower collapses, the broader implications and lessons learned for keeping your tower standing tall.

Examination of a Catastrophic Tower Failure and the Design, Fabrication, and Erection of the New Replacement Structure

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 11:00:00 CST

This paper will examine the factors that lead to the catastrophic collapse of Mountain Lake PBS's 400-foot tower on Lyons Mountain, outside Plattsburgh, New York. The paper will describe the nature of the original tower failure and the application of the new TIA/EIA standards for design and the application of the new construction standards to the design and erection of the new replacement tower. The paper will examine the planning and execution of the helicopter lifts used in the construction of the new tower as well as the logistics, planning, and execution of the design and fabrication process to accommodate the very short time frame available to manufacture and erect the tower. The paper will reference both past and current design standards, where appropriate.

ATSC Mobile/Handheld Standard

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 09:30:00 CST

This presentation gives brief review of original A-VSB proposal and how this has been built upon and extended to meet the service requirements ATSC M/H services. A-VSB is a technology proposal from Samsung and Rohde and Schwarz to bring extensibility to the 8-VSB physical layer. It was approved by ATSC BOD for review by ATSC RF Specialist group S9 in Dec. 2005. A-VSB provides tools to enable ATSC reception in dynamic multipath environments. It also provides robust streams with Turbo Coding to allow low SNR reception. A-VSB also includes a tool to achieve an ATSC Single Frequency Network (SFN). There has been rigorous lab and field testing performed under the guidance of ATSC. The results of this testing was encouraging enough to lead others to believe there may be a true potential for future ATSC Mobile and Handheld M/H services. The ATSC has hence released a RFP for potential technologies to enable an ATSC Mobile/ Handheld Standard. The initial A-VSB proposal from Samsung / R and S has been extended to meet the full requirements of ATSC M/H and was submitted in response to the ATSC M/H RFP.

Satellite Transmissions and the DVB-S and DVB-S2

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 08:45:00 CST

How to take advantage of new modulation and coding standards (DVB-S2) on your satellite links. Digital video formats and transmission standards are constantly changing and being modified to allow for new transmission and compression techniques. In a never ending effort to get more out of less, satellite communication standards have recently released a new satellite transmission standard called DVB-S2. This new standard allows the transmission of converged data, voice and video while also providing for new modulation and coding techniques that greatly reduce power and bandwidth. When DVB-S2 transport is coupled with new encoding techniques such as MPEG4/H.264, efficiencies are so dramatic that the same space segment needed to transmit an SD channel over satellite only 3 years ago, can now be used to transmit an HD channel over satellite. Our discussion today will focus on the coding and modulation advantages of DVB-S2 over satellite. We will explore what the new “LDPC” coding does and what real-life benefits DVB-S2 modulation offers to broadcasters. We will also discuss the ramifications of moving to a DVB-S2 platform, both from a space segment point of view and a hardware capitol cost point of view. Finally we will take a look at further ways to improve satellite usage through technologies such as Group-Delay and Amplitude Equalization.

Proper Wiring Techniques

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 15:45:00 CST

What do you know about wiring a facility? What have you forgotten? With all the new cables, formats, and signal types, maybe there are installation guidelines you’ve never heard! They’re all in here.

Audio Routing Technology for Television Broadcast Production

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 14:30:00 CST

Audio networking techniques applied to television production offer a variety of benefits both economical and technical. The how’s and why’s offer choices and challenges, with the final decision pitting today’s needs against tomorrow’s possibilities. There are a number of different methods and levels of complexity being offered from do-it-yourself, to complete turnkey solutions. Should your facility’s audio console become the house router? Is there a benefit from audio networking with only one control room? What other applications can be incorporated into your audio facilities? The transition from analog to digital audio offers more opportunities than just CD sound quality.

Multi-Channel Audio

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 13:45:00 CST

The paper will explore the effect HD broadcasting is having on the often neglected audio side of television. Particular reference will be made to the issues of field acquisition of 5.1 surround signals in a variety of market sectors, including news reporting, documentary and feature productions. In addition, studio origination of 5.1 audio will be examined. The challenges faced in manipulating these various kinds of 5.1 sound fields will be explored including questions of stereo and mono compatibility, and defining a satisfactory television sound signal that is acceptable to all viewers. Mention will be included of the significance of surround audio to the maintenance of market share.

Grid Storage for Digital Media

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 13:00:00 CST

As broadcasters and video professionals embrace a tapeless workflow, the need for high-performance networking and storage systems has come to the forefront. This presentation will discuss the limitations of traditional SAN and NAS architectures, and explore a new approach—grid storage—which removes bottlenecks, provides fast access to large media files and eases management burdens. The presenter will describe and explain what a grid storage (or clustered storage) system is and how it works, and also discuss why the attributes of a distributed grid storage system are ideally suited for the demands of working with large digital media files and how production and broadcast facilities can use such a system as an enterprise-wide storage platform.

Video Production Workflow in the IT Age

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 11:15:00 CST

As video production transitions to an IT model, the old rules are changing...for the better. There are many opportunities for redesigning your workflow to suit your facility and staff best. This paper examines two examples of how Chyron and the industry are using networked based interfaces and open standards to expand the horizons of how graphics is created, managed and played out. Effective asset management is one of the most important tools in today’s media rich environment. Full-blown enterprise-wide asset management systems, while costs effective in the long run, are often very costly and time consuming to implement up front. Open standard file formats and metadata can deliver many of the same benefits, without the expense. One example is the new XMP® embedded metadata standard developed by Adobe® and adopted by Chyron to help search for objects, reduce repetitive work and eliminate costly mistakes. XMP metadata is first generated when an image is created in the art department, and follows the object through the entire production chain. This data can be used to search or to eliminate costly mistakes. For instance, Chyron templates can be auto-populated by a player’s name, jersey number and team name embedded in a player’s head shot.Other examples will be given. Another example of the benefits of a networked IT based solutions, the user interface becomes untethered from the hardware and is free to be configured where and how it is needed. A single workstation can be created that controls multiple devices or a single device can be controlled from various workstations. These interfaces can be made as simple or powerful as needed. For instance, Chyron’s iSQ playout controller allows an operator to browse, create and playout graphics from the production switcher, the newsroom or anywhere in between. Examples will be given of workflows that use this flexible distributed control architecture in various ways.

HD News: Don't Fear the File!

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 10:30:00 CST

As the reader, you surely have noticed by now that this paper breaks no new ground. It exposes no stunning technological breakthroughs, and that is the point. The system characteristics described in these pages should be considered foundational principles for the development of any tapeless news production system in the era of high definition news. The concepts and ideas professed in this paper are also offered to serve as a checklist for those evaluating such systems.

NLE Workflow for Editing (XDCAM HD) with GVG, Avid, Apple, Harris

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 09:30:00 CST

In this presentation, you will learn how non-linear Optical Disc and Solid-State Media integrates with leading 3rd party NLE applications through the use of file-based and metadata workflow. Today’s broadcast and production industry is rapidly transitioning to an IT-centric environment. This trend has a direct and positive impact on speed and quality, and, as a result, cost. These technologies are hastening the disappearance of analog methods of workflow infrastructure and transmission. The critical combination of features needed to ease the transition includes flexible, compatible codecs and efficient data rates at the highest possible picture quality. In meeting these challenges, the topics covered in this presentation will include file-based workflow from acquisition, through ingest, editing, play-out and archiving, utilizing Sony’s XDCAM optical and solid state media working with leading 3rd party software applications.

Managing Business and Workflow of News in the HD Transition

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 08:45:00 CST

Examines how business and political considerations regarding digital and HD have shaped the available technology. Reviews how stations have accommodated shifting viewer expectations, budget challenges, and product availability. News operations have been forced by shifting viewer expectations, governmental requirements, and competitive pressures to accommodate a treadmill of technologies. All have faced moving to file-based newsgathering and production, mandated digital simulcasts, planning for HD production, and the inevitable full digital changeover. Popularity of flat panels with consumers has changed the question of local HD production from "if" to "when". Many stations are structuring their HD buildout in three phases – first HD from the studio and SD from the field, followed by field HD that is driven back to the station, and finally by full digitally-linked HD from the field.

HDTV Lens Dichotomy: Performance and Cost Disconnect?

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 16:30:00 CST

This paper outlines the very high technologies required to implement a credible HD lens and explains their persistently high costs. Performance specifications of HD lenses -- and the struggle to achieve them -- are discussed

Practical Tutorial on the Fundamentals of Testing for Usability and Quality of File Transfer Video

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 15:45:00 CST

This paper is a practical tutorial on the fundamental concerns of evaluating and testing files that have been transferred and stored on a server. Modern tools take once what was somewhat subjective QC evaluation and now utilize methods to make repeatable object measurements for compression algorithm correctness, all expected run time parameters, and checked for video gamut, video levels, audio levels and distortions.

Consumer Update - Phillip Swann

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:30:00 CST

A forecast of what will happen to Digital TV and HD in 2008. This presentation will explore the ways that HDTV owners get the content they view on their HD sets, and quantify the future market for HD content. The presentation will also explore consumers understanding of whether the content they are viewing from their television provider or on DVD or gaming systems is truly in high-definition. Although past CEA market research has shown that consumers are enthusiastically adopting new HDTV sets, to date there has been little data on how consumers are using their HD sets, including what types of content they are receiving and viewing. This presentation will explore the ways that HDTV owners get the content they view on their HD sets, and quantify the future market for HD content. The presentation will also explore consumers understanding of whether the content they are viewing from their television provider or on DVD or gaming systems is truly in high-definition. Next year is the final year before the nation switches to Digital TV? Is America ready? Or will 2008 be the year when the transition fails before it even starts. Plus, will high-def sales continue to soar? Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com and AKA "Swanni," offers his annual 10 predictions for the coming year.

Consumer Update - Maryann Baldwin

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:00:00 CST

Consumer Update - Joe Bates

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 13:30:00 CST

A forecast of what will happen to Digital TV and HD in 2008. This presentation will explore the ways that HDTV owners get the content they view on their HD sets, and quantify the future market for HD content. The presentation will also explore consumers understanding of whether the content they are viewing from their television provider or on DVD or gaming systems is truly in high-definition. Although past CEA market research has shown that consumers are enthusiastically adopting new HDTV sets, to date there has been little data on how consumers are using their HD sets, including what types of content they are receiving and viewing. This presentation will explore the ways that HDTV owners get the content they view on their HD sets, and quantify the future market for HD content. The presentation will also explore consumers understanding of whether the content they are viewing from their television provider or on DVD or gaming systems is truly in high-definition. HDTV: Consumers have the Set, but do they have the Content -- Attendees will learn: (1) How many consumers have HDTV sets? (2) Do consumers know if they are watching content in HD? (3) Are consumers aware of the availability of HD content? (4) Of consumers with HD-ready sets, how many are subscribing to HD content? (5) What factors drive the decision to subscribe or not to subscribe to HD content? (6) How much of the population currently accesses broadcast HD content via antenna? (7) Are HDTV reception households satisfied with the content? (8) What is the outlook for HD programming over the coming year?

Lunch with Keynote Speaker

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 11:30:00 CST

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO David K. Rehr will be discussing NAB's efforts to educate all Americans about the switch to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009. NAB has launched an aggressive public awareness campaign to ensure that no American is left unprepared for the transition to DTV. After Congress made February 17, 2009, the hard date to end analog broadcasting in early 2006, the National Association of Broadcasters made the digital television (DTV) transition its single highest priority. NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr will be discussing the highlights of NAB's aggressive public awareness campaign, including: media and public relations efforts, marketing initiatives, grassroots outreach, DTV Speakers Bureau and the DTV road show. He will also discuss the importance of state broadcaster associations' involvement in educating local communities and how television stations across the country are taking the lead on the DTV transition. In addition, Rehr will highlight the need for different coalitions to work together to ensure a smooth transition on February 17, 2009, so that no American is left unprepared for the transition to DTV.

DTV Standards Update - Chris Lennon

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 11:00:00 CST

An update of ATSC Standards, the SMPTE BXF Standard and the DTV Performance Measurement Standard. BXF (Broadcast eXchange Format) is currently one of the higher visibility projects within SMPTE. It holds the promise of standardizing communications among Automation, Traffic, and Content Distribution as its foundation. Beyond that, however, is the ability to dynamically link these systems (in terms of schedule and content metadata and movement). We will discuss the current state of BXF both within SMPTE as well as in the industry, and will look forward to the impacts it will have on broadcasters going forward.

DTV Standards Update - Jerry Whitaker

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 10:30:00 CST

An update of ATSC Standards, the SMPTE BXF Standard and the DTV Performance Measurement Standard. As the broadcast industry approaches the end of analog transmissions on February 17, 2009, proper implementation of key ATSC standards becomes more important than ever. This talk will provide an overview of PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol), with an emphasis on how stations can do it correctly. Along these lines, the role of PMCP (Programming Metadata Communications Protocol) in getting PSIP right will be outlined. With the backdrop of the end of analog broadcasting, ATSC has launched a number of new initiatives intended to take the broadcast industry into a new era of service to the public. Among the initiatives to be discussed are: (1) ATSC-M/H, an end-to-end standard for mobile and handheld DTV transmission. (2) ATSC NRT, a complete solution for non-real-time delivery of new services to consumers. (3) ATSC ITV, a field trial of the ACAP (Advanced Common Application Platform) standard for interactive television. All of these service are being designed to fit within the existing DTV system so that consumer receivers will continue to enjoy full functionality, including HDTV.

DTV Standards Update - Greg Best

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CST

An update of ATSC Standards, the SMPTE BXF Standard and the DTV Performance Measurement Standard. The IEEE RF standards working group activities are identified and an update is presented on each of the activities. The role of the IEEE standards activities in relationship to other standards development bodies is outlined.The DTV Transmission Emission Mask Compliance Recommended Practice is covered in some detail. Its objective and the history of the development of the measurement procedure are described. The basic steps of the measurement procedure and their benefits are detailed with practical examples. The status of the adoption of the Recommended Practice is summarized. Further work for the working group in the area of harmonic measurements is described. New additions to the IEEE standards committees are announced as well as specific projects in video and audio measurements are discussed. Finally, ideas for new projects for standards activities are sought in the area of DTV and/or HD Radio.

Iowa DTV Symposium 2007 Announcement

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 16:30:00 CST

Register now for the 2007 Iowa DTV Symposium - October 1,2,3. - For more information visit www.iptv.org/dtv - Featuring Keynote Address by NAB President and CEO David K.Rehr

SOLVING LIP-SYNC PROBLEMS IN A HYBRID ANALOG-DIGITAL TELEVISION PLANT

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 11:15:00 CST

This presentation will address the solutions implemented by Liberty Corporation, identify trouble spots and alternatives in typical Hybrid Analog-Digital Television Facilities and provide the status of efforts by Television Standards Organizations worldwide to address the issue and implement new standards.

DIALNORM FOR DUMMIES

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 10:30:00 CST

How can one tiny byte of DTV meta-data make our lives as broadcasters so complicated? Whenever we think we have it figured out, there is another wrinkle. We need to understand why we were given this "gift", how it works, and how to manage it.

VIDEO OVER THE NETWORK

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 09:30:00 CST

In this session, James Frantzreb will help professionals navigate the challenges of efficient AV network transport, reveal where bottlenecks and inefficiencies lie, and discuss cost-effective technologies that deliver high quality results. Specific points of discussion will focus on: * The three models for moving AV digital assets across IT networks; * Working with TCP and UDP - deciding which to use for AV transport; * QOS basics for AV/IT networks; * Understanding and improving TCP * performance in LANs and WANs; * WAN network types and characteristics; * MPLS fundamentals for AV transport; and * High-availability networking concepts.

HD AND TAPELESS

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 08:45:00 CST

Long-term, recurrent, econometric patterns associated with the roll-out of basic technologies have been measured from water-powered cotton mills in the eighteenth century to the latest in information and computer technology today. The turning point at the center of each of these patterns marks the key point at which the basic technology of the age has matured to become an almost invisible part of everyday life and the infrastructure of business operations. In recovery from the NASDAQ crash of 2000 Computer and Information Technology is now at this point. The Broadcast Industry is at a turning point of its own as it transitions from standard definition, tape-based acquisition to high definition file-based workflows. This paper examines the implications of this coincidence of turning points and describes Grass Valley's response to it in the form of its Infinity file-based, tapeless solutions.

VIDEO OVER IP

Thu, 5 Oct 2006 08:00:00 CST

Video over IP has unique challenges as compared to other IPT traffic. IP is used as the transport layer for distributing compressed video content. Both the compressed layer and the IP layer must be properly functioning for the end user to receive video, audio, and meta data. This presentation is a tutorial on understanding the fundamentals of terminology and how the IP layer can impact quality. Packet loss and network burstiness are common problems in Video IP networks. How to isolate the problems and determine corrective action will be the focus of this paper.

HOW BIG IS YOUR PIXEL

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 16:45:00 CST

RGB and VGA signals (and their cousins SVGA, XVGA etc.) are analog component delivery systems. They split the signal into component parts that are carried by multi-coax or multipair cables. The delivery time of each pixel component is critical for resolution and picture detail, called "timing" for coaxes, and "delay skew" for twisted pairs. This paper will show how far you can go in different variations of coax and twisted pair cables, how it is related to screen resolution and pixel size, and how you can calculate these distances yourself.

DEALING WITH HANC/VANC

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 15:30:00 CST

With the shift to digital video distribution and digital connections within television plants, the familiar methods of moving data using the VBI are being replaced with data in the digital video signal's Ancillary Data Space. This presentation will cover the structure of the Horizontal and Vertical data spaces (HANC and VANC) and the common kinds of data both current and planned for placement in this high-capacity data transport.

THE MULTI-FACETED WORLD OF VIDEO INTERFACING

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 14:30:00 CST

Once upon a time, television engineers only had to contend with composite 525 line interlaced NTSC analog video. Now broadcasters are faced with digital and analog interlaced and progressive scan component video. Plus Intraframe and interframe digital compression formats abound. Today, video production and broadcast transmission flourishes with a myriad of video technologies which challenge the most experienced broadcast engineers. This paper will provide a practical insight into video interfaces and will provide a practical "how to" guide for the quality optimization of the video broadcast plant. Issues addressed will include the understanding proper NTSC to Component Digital interfacing, practical SDI test and measurement techniques, digital video quality assessment and optimization of MPEG-2 encoding.

INTEGRATED/AUTOMATED MASTER CONTROL

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 13:45:00 CST

Wisconsin Public Broadcasting recently completed construction of a new Operations Center. This presentation will focus on the impact a new facility has on staff before, during and after the transition.

VIDEO COMPRESSION TECHNOLOGIES

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 13:00:00 CST

This presentation will discuss in detail the algorithms details, industrial requirements and studies carried out on a number of proposed compression schemes for high quality HD broadcast applications.

ADVANCED, HIGH PERFORMANCE VIDEO CODECS FOR TODAY'S NLE HD PRODUCTION/POST PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 11:15:00 CST

The recent advent of NLE systems and IP based file sharing of content has revolutionized the production / post production work area. NLE systems have now all but replaced the conventional "On-Line" edit suite, and a fraction of the cost, bring the advantages of format flexible editing with networked file system content sharing / storage. The move to high quality NLE HD editing has raised the need for higher quality field acquisition devices. Traditional CODECS, like HDCAM and DVCPRO HD, while working well are both sub-sampled and 8 bit, production however demands full resolution and 10 bit. Recent advances in CODEC technology have lead to great increases in efficiency and quality. Panasonic has shown a 4:2:2 10 bit 100Mb/s INTRA-Frame H.264 CODEC for its P-2 based HD equipment that rivals D-5 in quality. This CODEC when deployed in field production equipment will represent the first time such quality is possible in camera / field recording equipment.

LENSES FOR HDTV NEWSGATHERING

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 10:30:00 CST

Many broadcasters are poised to begin a transition to digital high definition news services. There are a variety of migration tracks from existing analog and digital standard definition news to full HDTV news operations. Capital budgets, infrastructural issues, and operational considerations all enter into the choice of a particular transition scenario. From budgetary, creative, and technical standpoints, lenses become a significant determining factor in that final choice. In the field, decisions might involve a decisive single step migration to full HDTV field acquisition, or a two step migration entailing an initial widescreen SDTV field acquisition (with upconversion to the HDTV format of choice) followed some time later by a switchover to full HDTV newsgathering. In the first instance, this paper will make the technical case of why the fiscal expedient of using an SD lens on an HD camcorder is not a sound decision. Equally, for the two-step scenario, it will be shown that an investment in an HD lens on a widescreen SD camcorder will ensure superior upconversion (as well as alleviating the cost of the downstream transition to full HD field acquisition). In the studio, it is generally assumed that the station must convert to full HDTV operation if only to definitively establish the station's HDTV "signature" in the marketplace. Decisions surrounding the HD studio origination will center about the choice of a full studio "hard" camera (and associated HD box lens), or a production portable HD camera. In the case of the latter, a related decision involves the choice of a studio box lens or an HD portable EFP/ENG lens. This paper will make the technical case why the latter is an unwise investment.

IT TECHNICAL/ARCHIVING STRATEGIES IN A FILE BASED ENVIRONMENT

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 09:35:00 CST

With the transition to file based work flows archiving strategies have changed. In this presentation Alan Popkin will discuss key decision points and various hybrid archive alternatives critical to creating your enterprise archive structure. This presentation is intended for Engineers, Production, Traffic and Programming.

DTV TRANSMITTER MEASUREMENTS

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 09:30:00 CST

This presentation is geared for the person who needs to understand DTV transmission system measurements from the STL to the final antenna. The items covered will focus on compliance with FCC requirements and industry standard practices including SMPTE 310 frequency, emission mask compliance, SNR, etc.

IT TECHNICAL/STORAGE MANAGEMENT SCHEMAS FOR A BROADCAST ENVIRONMENT

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 08:50:00 CST

Storage management in broadcast consists of four broad categories of products as it applies to on-air, production, and news environments. Specifically, the categories are: shared filesystem, HSM systems, disk extenders, and data movers. This presentation will clarify the differences and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

TOWER SAFETY AND RESCUE

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 08:45:00 CST

A climber suspended from his or her harness has a life expectancy of between fifteen and twenty two minutes, so having a rescue plan and training is extremely important on a tower project. This practical discussion of tower certification, fall protection, and rescue techniques covers an actual class in rescue and a demonstration of the proper equipment used for climbing, attachment, and rescue.

IT TECHNICAL/IT NEWSROOM SOLUTIONS AND ARCHETYPES

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 08:05:00 CST

Receive an education on the advancements achieved in the development and employment of "tried-and-true" open-architecture, open standards solutions for news.

TOWER EFFECTS FROM REMOVING YOUR ANALOG EQUIPMENT

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 08:00:00 CST

The sunset of analog TV is fast approaching and existing broadcast towers have already been analyzed and upgraded to support both analog and digital antennas and transmission lines. But what happens when there is no longer analog broadcasting? What happens to the structural integrity of the tower if the analog equipment is removed? What happens if the digital equipment is relocated on the tower? This paper will answer these questions.

ADVANCED VSB

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:00:00 CST

In this presentation an introduction to A-VSB and its tools SRS, Turbo Coding, and Single Frequency Network will be discussed along with what these could possibly mean for ATSC DTV terrestrial broadcasting going forward.

ATSC UPDATE

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 15:15:00 CST

This presentation will provide an overview of current activities within the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), and what they mean to the television industry. Work currently underway covers a wide range of applications, from transmission enhancements to interactive television.

WASHINGTON UPDATE

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 13:30:00 CST

Once again, this year has seen a great deal of Congressional and legal activity affecting broadcast television and digital content distribution, such as broadcast flag, HD radio, "analog hole," DTV Tuner mandate and other legislation, as well as a number of copy protection cases following the Supreme Court's epic Grokster decision.

LUNCH WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Sailing Into The Storm - Mapping Our Course to a Safe Port

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 11:30:00 CST

Once upon a time millions came together in families, and as an audience, at a common time to share the insight and the wonder of the stories that we could deliver into their homes. They repaid us with their attention and with their support. Now the digital age has broken the connection to time and place. It has opened up the possibility of endless choice and for many platforms known and yet to be discovered. It has broken the whole idea of an audience, or a communal sharing, into millions of individuals who want things their way. It has broken the centrality of 3,000 years of media where one spoke to many. We are sailing into a storm. So what we do now? How do we hold our audience? How do we fulfill our mission as public broadcasters? How do we pay our bills when the underpinnings of everything we could rely on are eroding? What do we have to offer that will recommit our audience to us? I will do my best to answer these frightening questions. I cannot give you the specifics but I will do my best to provide you with a map and a course. To find the map and the course, we have to go high up above the chaos of the hurricane of the digital revolution to where we can see the pattern of the storm. When we can see the pattern, I hope that we can then make sense of our predicament. To see what is really going on, we have to first go back a long way and we have to go high. Then we will come back to sea level. So, I will first take us back in time to understand why the digital era has ironically launched a great return to the most traditional and the most human way of communicating. My purpose is to show you a model based, not on a consultant's dream, but on the observation of how humans are designed by nature to interact and communicate with each other. Then I will take us into the present where we will see how some new organizations are using these ancient and human of principles to build exceptionally successful enterprises that are shattering the traditional alternatives. Finally I will get us back to sea level where I will suggest both a safe port and a course for a successful voyage.

CONSUMER TRENDS

Tue, 3 Oct 2006 10:00:00 CST

A close-up look at consumers' purchases and usage of HDTV sets and other DTV appliances. Plus, predictions of the DTV world in the coming year.