New Publications are available for High definition television
http://dl-live.theiet.org
New Publications are available now online for this publication.
Please follow the links to view the publication.Study of automatic exposure algorithm based on HD IP camera
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp.2010.0766
The proposed automatic exposure algorithm calculated the image's average brightness based on the uniform partion with weight, then controlled shutter and gain by a gradual approximation with different adjusting step-size and achieved a wide range control of automatic exposure based on high definition ip camera. For high definition ip camera's different scene,the results based on TI's davinci platform shows that the proposed algorithm reached good auto exposure effect in normal lit ,back lit and excessive front lit. At the same time, algorithm's complexity is reduced and its efficiency is improved.Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA based video input and output interface design
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp.2009.1899
In this paper, based on the Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA, a video input and output interface circuitry including a video input daughter-card, a simple de-interlacing module, a YCrCb to RGB color space conversion module and a video output interface are designed. This System constitutes a basic infrastructure for our HD video post processing processor which is under development.Video Compression Systems: From first principles to concatenated codecs
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/books/te/pbte053e
<p xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">This book gives an overview on many practical aspects of video compression systems used in broadcast TV, IPTV, telecommunication and many other video applications. Although the book concentrates on MPEG real-time video compression systems, many aspects are equally applicable to off-line and/or non-MPEG video compression applications.</p>A passive, multi-static radar system
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_20070497
In this paper, a passive multi-static radar system that utilizes broadcast high definition television (HDTV) transmissions is described, and results collected from a deployment in Washington DC are presented. (4 pages)On-demand uncompressed HDTV transmission over a GMPLS controlled service-aware all-optical network
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_20070184
An intelligent optical network needs to address the heterogeneous requirements that new services like on-demand, uncompressed HDTV transmission impose, jointly considering management, control and transport planes. Such a transmission was assessed over a GMPLS network. (2 pages)RFID for airport security and efficiency
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_20050274
The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags can aid the detection and identification of possible threats in a diverse range of applications from passenger check-in at airports to the detection of intruders. This paper investigates an automatic tracking system to improve airport efficiency and security by means of a cellular network of passive RFID receivers, combined with far-field active RFID tags which may be issued within boarding cards or as security badges. This paper will present findings on the system protocols, the expected performance of the tracking of individuals within the indoor environment, and discuss solutions to anticipated problems encountered by the implementation of such a system. The work described in this paper forms part of a larger integrated project, involving several consortium members, funded under the EU FP-6 programme. The main aim of the project is to improve airport efficiency and security through the active tracking of passengers and staff using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags combined with advanced high definition digital CCTV. The system aims to facilitate real-time location of individual passengers within the airport, the analysis of both mass traffic & individual behaviours, and where appropriate, the semi-automatic control of CCTV based vision systems to observe and record suspicious or unauthorised activity. (9 pages)Tutorial on HD - "variations on a theme"
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_20040569
This paper provides a brief tutorial on high definition television (HDTV). The terminology used in high definition TV is explained, together with a consideration of the factors that determine the overall picture quality. The current issues in production quality, the delivery channel, and consumer displays are explored. The tutorial also takes a brief look upwards to the world of Hollywood, D-cinema, and E-cinema and then down to the emerging "prosumer" camcorders and formats.The BBC and HD [high-definition television]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_20040576
This paper is a powerpoint presentation on the advances in high definition television (HDTV) technology and how these impact on the BBC broadcasting operations.`I'm a broadcaster - get me out of here' [media technology]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_20040568
This paper examines some examples which reveal cyclic patterns in the emergence of new media technology. These are digital compression technology, digital terrestrial systems, and HDTV formats. Broadcasting engineers may want to investigate more deeply how successfully we can model the processes involved in innovation and success in the media. Through it all, we need to remember two `absolutes' - no new technology can make up for content or programmes people don't want, and there are no simple laws of physics for predicting the future.The Life and Times of A.D. Blumlein
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/books/ht/pbht024e
<p xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">Despite his accidental death in June 1942 at the age of 38, Alan Dower Blumlein was unquestionably one of the century s most creative engineers and filed some 140 patents. He was the driving force and inspiration behind a vast number of fundamental innovations in the fields of radar, electronics and sound recording, amongst which he held perhaps the landmark patent enabling stereo sound. Surprisingly, until 1999 there had been no biographies of this remarkable man. The IEE is proud to rectify this by publication of this scholarly treatment of Blumlein's life, which includes a foreword by his eldest son.</p>Teamworking in post
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19980947
The video industry thrives on its ability to interchange information quickly and efficiently. We have long since mastered the vagaries of PAL and NTSC. Component analogue was a natural evolution which led the way to digital coding culminating in ITU-R 601. But now we face a new set of challenges. Video compression is commonplace, both 16×9 and 4×3 aspect ratios co-exist. Multiple new digital high definition formats are competing for air-time in the USA. Our ever closer working relationship with the computer industry has brought with it a plethora of different file formats together with square pixels and progressive scanning techniques. Digitisation also brings with it the ability for interchange with allied disciplines in film, print and the World Wide Web. Re-purposing is no longer just an attractive option, it is becoming increasingly essential in our never ending quest for maximum efficiency. This paper explores several of the key issues with regard to the interchange of data between systems and goes on to describe the choices made by Quantel in the development of a new high performance network for interchange of audio, video and metadata. (5 pages)CINENET - cinema films and live events via satellite and cable networks
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19970865
Following the introduction of digital TV, further advances in digital signal processing technology, displays, and high speed digital transmission are providing the practical means for evolution towards high definition (HD) audio-visual services. The CINENET project is developing an end-to-end system employing HD techniques for real-time distribution of “electronic cinema” via satellite and cable networks. It is a multi-national project participating in the ACTS programme of the European Union. Satellites offer an ideal medium for digital HD distribution by virtue of their wide bandwidth capabilities, high transmission quality and wide-area coverage. High quality, highly reliable reception is available directly at user sites by means of small, low cost antennas. Feeding cable networks from satellites also allows access to their large customer base via interworking, using common MPEG-2 transport streams, and via new cable transmission techniques for HD channels. The services offered will complement existing cinema technology by providing additional material such as live events (e.g. sport, concerts and cultural). In areas devoid of cinemas, the system is a means of introducing the whole range of services including films. (6 pages)DVCPRO - not just another tape format but a catalyst for change
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19970623
DVCPRO, is a new lightweight and low cost digital tape format that has been introduced to the video industry by Panasonic and a number of other manufacturers. This tape format offers digital component recording quality, and digital quality CD sound. It is based around compact cassettes which enable small and efficient products to be manufactured. Careful analysis of all the possible compromises, for example compression artefacts and techniques, data rates, subjective performance, robustness, and multi-generation capability, have produced an optimum system for standard and high definition TV use. (7 pages)The world's first practical implementation of an optical network as a TV broadcast center backbone network
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971559
Described here is the wavelength-division and time-division hybrid multiplexed (WD/TD) optical network which has been practically implemented in the Fuji Television's new broadcast center. The network has a maximum throughput exceeding 70 Gb/s and is used to distribute about 150 digital NTSC video signals as well as 15 HDTV signals.An experimental 8-VSB demodulator
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971324
A hardware realization of a Grand Alliance 8-VSB demodulator featuring a flexible DSP controlled adaptive channel equalizer and channel- and signal quality measuring facilities is presented. The instrument might be tuned to all US UHF-channels and delivers an MPEG transport stream in three different formats. First field tests were carried out successfully in Washington and Las Vegas.Internet TV: guiding the future of broadcasting?
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971267
This paper proposes that Internet technology today will have far reaching effects on HDTV and other digital broadcast technologies of the future. The paper begins by highlighting the enthusiasm with which North American broadcasters have embraced Internet video streaming products. The value of this technology lies not with its low-quality image resolution, but with a characteristic common to all digital broadcasts-the potential for interactivity. To capitalize on this advantage, software companies are coming out with new and better searching tools that allow users to receive news on demand, when and where they want it. The authors believe that these technologies are laying the groundwork for the introduction of this value-added service to broadcasters who will offer higher quality digital services in the years to come.The TV on the wall - has its time come?
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971334
For many decades television engineers have dreamt of “the TV on the wall”. The display engineer has always answered, “maybe in about ten years time”. However now, for the first time, there is more than one technology offering a real possibility that the large, thin, flat television display will become a reality. There are three flat panel technologies to consider; active matrix liquid crystal, plasma addressed liquid crystal and plasma display panels. Television receivers utilising each of these approaches are promised for the consumer market in the near future albeit at a high price and in small quantities. The viability of HDTV is considered by some to be crucially dependent on the development of such displays and their promise for this high resolution application is considered. The paper reviews the key features of the three approaches and compares and contrasts their particular advantages and disadvantages for television applications. Finally, an attempt is made to answer the question posed by the title of the paper.Development of optical video/audio signal distribution network of Fuji television's new broadcast center
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971274
Fuji Television's new broadcast center facilities have recently been installed and are now fully operational. The broadcast center employs a newly developed optical video/audio signal distribution network. This paper describes the system structure and performance of the optical network. A wavelength-division and time division hybrid multiplexed (WD/TD) optical network has been used in the broadcast center. This type of optical network is attractive for a broadcast center application, because of its large capacity, multiple format handling, and flexible operation capabilities. The optical network utilizes 16-channel wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology and 16-channel time division multiplexing (TDM) technology for 143 Mb/s NTSC composite video signals (TDM high-way speed: 2.29 Gb/s). By using these technologies, the optical network distributes about 150 digital NTSC composite video signal combined with audio signals, together with about 15 HDTV signals (1.5 Gb/s), to 20 studios and control rooms. This new system of operation has drastically reduced the operator work load in the signal distribution center.DVB specification for high definition television
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971343
The paper describes the progression towards HDTV agreed by the consortium of over 200 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators and regulatory bodies in the DVB project. The reasons for selecting the chosen options are discussed in terms of the commercial requirements and the technical considerations. The DVB HDTV specifications are encapsulated in the `Implementation Guidelines for the use of MPEG-2 Systems, Video and Audio in Satellite, Cable and Terrestrial Broadcasting Applications' which have been submitted to ETSI for publication as revision 2 of ETR 154. Preference is given in these guidelines to the use of the 1080 line by 1920 pixel HDTV common image format endorsed by the ITU and DAVIC.Digital television implementation solutions
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971263
The first UHF transmitter for “The Model Station Project” has been installed in the US. This has provided equipment manufacturers and suppliers an opportunity to deal with some of the real challenges of deploying a digital broadcast television service. This project was formed for the purpose of designing, installing and operating the first full digital HDTV station in the US. In a similar US context, involvement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology supported “HDTV Broadcast Technology Research Collaborative” has allowed an understanding of many technology gaps that must be closed. This paper discusses some of the new technology opportunities and choices being made as a result of the increased awareness such activities make available to broadcasters and manufacturers.Controlling a high definition broadcast television studio using distributed software objects
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971260
Under an Advanced Technology Program (ATP) from the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST), a joint venture of nine companies involving: Advanced Modular Systems, Comark, David Sarnoff Research Center, IBM, MCL, NBC, Phillips, Sun Microsystems and Thompson Consumer Electronics will develop technology to allow economical commercialization of HDTV broadcast equipment, enabling the creation of a new high definition broadcast television (HDBT) industry. A key artefact of this new technology is that we will change the view of the broadcast studio from being a web of directly connected mechanical devices to a community of computers and peripherals that are linked together by a high speed wide area network. Within this network, the job of managing all studio operations becomes one of simply controlling these networked resources. This concept leads naturally to the creation of a “virtual” studio where individuals can control the entire broadcast process from geographically independent locations. In this paper we provide a methodology for how studio components can be controlled remotely, and the benefits that are realized from this process.525-line progressive scan signal digital interface standard and equipment
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971258
The 525-line progressive scan system (525P) is used as the input signal for EDTV-II in Japan, which is an NTSC-compatible letterbox transmission scheme. This signal is also used for the SDTV (standard-definition television) signal format in the US. Two 525P signal interface formats, 4:2:2P and 4:2:0P, have been standardised by SMPTE in the US, ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses, previously BTA) in Japan and ITU-R. The reasons for proposing these interfaces, as well as their advantages, are discussed in this paper.An overview of the NIST HDTV broadcast technology program
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19971259
Sarnoff Corporation (formally the David Sarnoff Research Center) is leading a joint venture consisting of Comark, NBC, IBM, MCI, Sun Microsystems, Thomson, Philips and Advanced Modular Solutions to develop a high definition compressed digital studio. This paper provides an overview of the NIST high definition television (HDTV) broadcast technology joint venture.HDTV compression in the studio
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960857
High definition television systems were first shown at IBC in the early eighties but have since had only limited impact in specialist areas due to the size, weight and consequential cost of high definition processing, storage and transmission. The tremendous development of integrated circuit technology in the 90s together with the maturing of compression algorithms has meant that the above limitations can now be overcome. This paper focuses on the specification of a high definition television compression system for use in general broadcast applications. The system should be suitable for acquisition of high definition pictures as well as for production of high definition programmes within the studio.High definition TV broadcast formats
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960100
When HDTV systems started developing in the early 1980s, fully-digital coding and modulation systems were too sophisticated to implement as consumer technology, and furthermore such systems were in a relatively early state of development. Thus systems were developed, based largely on analogue signal transmission ideas, where the signal transmitted was basically an analogue representation of the video signal. Such systems are forced to allocate the available transmission bandwidth equally across the picture, maintaining a uniform sample density, since the samples are transmitted in an analogue form in a conventional raster. However, such systems do offer a significant degree of freedom in selecting how the image is filtered prior to sampling, and how the samples are arranged. Two such systems, MUSE and HD-MAC, were devised; at present these remain the only fully-developed HDTV broadcast formats. This paper describes these systems. (5 pages)The historical development of television systems
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960099
This paper shows how the various criteria for the successful introduction of an advanced television system have been established. The idea that television was evolving towards HDTV is no longer uppermost in everybody's mind. Does the viewer want quality or multiple choices is the current question to be answered. The general view is that although viewers can perceive improved picture quality it does not rate high in the purchasing decision making process. Viewers were originally satisfied with 405 line monochrome and it is said that we do not need to provide a quality level greater than VHS. This is a dangerous statement as the new digital home recorders and optical video discs are likely to provide a higher quality picture than the broadcast standard. That is why it is dangerous to assume that the broadcaster or distributor can continue to get away with quality levels of digital signals that are supposedly equal to VHS. The long awaited flat screen display be it plasma, LCD or even a projection system is nearing commercial reality. Providing the choice of advanced television systems can do justice to these new displays in terms of perceived resolution the days of the real home cinema experience will be here. Are we going to continue to evolve our standards towards this goal whilst the cathode ray tube is the limiting factor or are we going to choose an advanced system that is future proof and provides a period of stability that all can see? The viewer, who is often left out of the debate, will need to see a clear unambiguous future before he puts his hand in his pocket `en masse' to take up the latest advanced television systems. (5 pages)Statistical analysis of picture quality for the digital television broadcasting
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960830
We have introduced “criticality” as a quantitative measure of the difficulty in digitally coding pictures for the purpose of analyzing picture quality statistically. Because picture quality in digital coding depends greatly on picture characteristics such as spatial details and motion, it is not easy to confirm how well a system performs from only a subjective assessment test, in which a limited number of test sequences are used. A definition of criticality is proposed and results of criticality measurement for SDTV and HDTV broadcast television programs are reported. Also proposed is a method to obtain the statistical distribution of picture quality for television programs in digital broadcasting. By measuring the frequency of occurrence of criticality and relating it to subjective picture quality, it becomes possible to obtain the statistical quality distribution of television programs in digital broadcasting.EUREKA ADTT project presents its end results at IBC '96
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960856
ADTT (Advanced Digital Television Technologies) project, which started in June 94 will come to an end on 31 December 1996. The ADTT project is a EUREKA cooperative research project. Its objective is to maintain a high level of knowledge and technology in the field of advanced digital TV technologies without aiming at a defined introduction date of an HDTV service. 41 partners from 10 European countries are participating in this project. Its main goal was to set up a demonstrator of a complete DVB/MPEG2 compliant HD broadcasting chain. At the end of 1995, and in addition to this main goal, ADTT has started three sub-projects in the area of nonbroadcasting applications: (1) cinema oriented electronic production; (2) electronic theatre networks; (3) enhanced and high definition video communication.Development of 1/2-in. cassette HDTV VTR incorporating image compression technology
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960859
High definition television (HDTV) broadcasting is available 13-14 hours a day in Japan. The need to develop a practical VTR with high picture quality, small size and low cost has become more pressing as a key device indispensable for ENG, editing and broadcasting equipment. Comparing present HDTV VTRs (1-in. digital VTR and UNIHI VTR) with current conventional definition television VTRs used in broadcasting, there is much room for improvement in terms of cost (equipment cost and tape cost), function and performance, mobility (size, weight and power consumption) and maintenance during practical use. To solve these problems at an early stage, we have developed an HDTV VTR using a 1/2-in. tape cassette by making effective use of a current CDTV digital VTR and applying bit rate reduction technology.High definition TV developments in Japan
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960107
The present status of HDTV developments in Japan is described. In Japan the accelerated domestic penetration of HDTV has started because of the increased duration of HDTV broadcasting and the rapid reduction in the price of TV receivers. High quality standards converters have already been developed which convert HDTV signals between the 1125/60 and 1250/50 standards. There is no practical limitation for the exchange of programs produced based on the different standards. (6 pages)Evaluation of COFDM for ATV transmission over 6 MHz channels
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960803
A prototype 6 MHz coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (COFDM-6) transmission system for ATV terrestrial broadcasting was evaluated at the Communications Research Centre (CRC). This paper provides the laboratory test results of the COFDM-6 modem. The results of a field trial are also presented.Widescreen production at 360 Mbits
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960104
The Independent Television (ITV) Association defined and undertook the construction of a mobile widescreen production unit on behalf of the United Kingdom's principal commercial television network. The aim of the unit was to give the ITV companies the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the techniques required to produce enhanced quality widescreen programmes. Some other broadcasters or facility companies were either in the process of constructing or had completed mobile widescreen production facilities, based on a variety of technologies and standards. These included an enhanced resolution clean PAL system and digital components with luminance sampled at 13.5 MHz. The decision was taken to construct a component production facility using equipment that internally sampled the luminance signal at 18 MHz. Such a system would deliver the highest possible quality 625 line picture for widescreen production. However, the final decision could not be taken without exploratory discussions with several equipment manufacturers. The author outlines the principal advantages of a component standard based on 18 MHz sampling, as these were deemed strong enough to merit the construction of a higher cost experimental facility. (10 pages)Advanced TV in the USA
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960106
The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is the forum which has proposed the new television standards for North America. The ATSC is convened by the US National Association of Broadcasters, and has members from all organisations concerned with television broadcasting in the North American continent. Besides recommending new technical standards for studio production, considerable efforts have been applied to the transmission aspects of new and advanced TV systems, particularly because of the lack of available spectrum for terrestrial broadcasting. The ATSC has now formally submitted its digital television standard to the FCC for ratification. The ATSC TV standard uses MPEG-2 Main Profile for video bit rate reduction, AC-3 for audio bit rate reduction, MPEG-2 Transport Stream specification, 8-level VSB for RF emission, and 16-level VSB for cable TV transmissions. The plans for introducing ATV in the USA are based on supplementary analogue NTSC television services broadcast at VHF, with HDTV programmes simulcast at UHF. (5 pages)Advances in widescreen television receivers
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960836
The article provides a general assessment of the widescreen market, including developments that can support the future growth of widescreen TV. Widescreen TV was proposed in the 1980s as a revolutionary step in TV receivers transition from PAL, NTSC, or SECAM to HDTV. In Europe widescreen TV supporting the D2MAC/HDMAC transmission standard was developed, followed later by PALplus. The first products on the market were 36 inch TVs. A wide range of receivers are now available from 16 to 42 inches.A 2/3-inch two-million pixel CCD camera for HDTV
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960858
We have developed a high-performance 2/3-inch two-million pixel CCD camera for HDTV (high definition television). Its sensitivity is as high and it has as good an S/N ratio as existing one-inch HDTV cameras. It is also the compact, light-weight and power-efficient, with operating convenience and mobility equivalent to those of popular cameras used for CDTV (conventional television) systems. In addition, it can produce high-grade CDTV programs with the help of a built-in converter. Special effort was made to ensure that the new camera would be available at the lowest possible price through the use of components of CDTV cameras. This camera is expected to play a major role in the television of the future.Digital HDTV using MPEG 2
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19960102
When HD-Divine first demonstrated a digital TV-system it was a terrestrial 27 Mbit/s HDTV-system. Since the ISO-standard MPEG 2 was agreed we have been working on a new version of a baseband unit including coding and multiplexing. The video algorithm utilises features of MPEG 2 with Divine-specific optimised motion estimation, decision criteria and regulation to achieve high picture quality. The audio coding follows the MPEG 1-layer 2 specification with flexibility in number of channels and quality. (2 pages)Progress in plasma display panels for HDTV
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19960860
This paper reports the current state of plasma display panel (PDP) work in Japan. This technology is now coming to the market as large, flat panel displays which will have a significant impact on the way in which television pictures are viewed in a domestic environment. It also presents some of the results obtained during the six months spent working at NHK's Science and Technical Research Laboratories in Tokyo, during which time the author was largely concerned with the pixel arrangements of such displays. The DC-PDP technology used in the NHK prototype Hi-Vision display, which will enter volume production through their industrial partner, Matsushita, is explained and contrasted with the AC-PDP technology being used by Fujitsu, and the published plans of these and other manufacturers are discussed.A migration path from multi-program MPEG-2 to HDTV
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950939
Technically it is now possible to produce HDTV encoders and decoders conforming to the MPEG-2 high definition profiles. However, reducing the cost of this equipment for both the broadcaster and consumer remains a challenging issue. Moreover, the widespread adoption of MPEG-2 based systems over the next few years will make the introduction of HDTV even more difficult. Broadcasters for example will be reluctant to invest in new HDTV equipment, unless they can see a return on their investment. This however will not be possible if the viewers do not purchase HDTV decoders in large volumes. Will consumers in the future be prepared to purchase yet another set-top box on top of their existing MPEG-2 MP@ML decoder? The answer to this question depends on the cost of the system and the perceived benefits of the HDTV system over standard definition TV to the consumer. This paper explores ways of reducing the cost of encoding systems by making use of installed MPEG-2 MP@ML equipment and illustrates a method of utilising low-cost MP@ML technology to make an affordable HDTV decoder with the integrated circuits probably costing no more than four times the cost of the components for a standard definition decoder.Development of high compression HDTV digital codec
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950121
A new digital codec is described, which can transmit 1125/60 HDTV signals at a bit-rate of 15 to 45 Mbps in order to cover a wide range of applications such as SNG, distribution or contribution. To achieve satisfactory picture quality at such low bit rates, including high quality stereo sounds, a data channel, a forward error correction code, and new advanced coding techniques are introduced into a conventional motion compensated interframe and intrafield adaptive DCT coding scheme. By using these key techniques, this system provides a significantly better coding performance than MPEG-2. In order to verify the transmission performance over an actual transmission link, field trials were carried out between Japan and the USA, which demonstrates that this codec is suitable for practical use in a wide range of HDTV applications.Wavelet-based compression of digital HDTV for studio recording
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950672
A novel intraframe source coding algorithm suitable for the recording of digital high definition television signals is presented. A multi-layered, hierarchical description of the source signal is obtained by means of a quad-tree, half-band wavelet transform. This transform decomposes the input signal into a collection of spectrally non-overlapping subbands. Individual subbands are quantised and entropy coded by using a novel predictive arithmetic coding technique. The algorithm is tuned to achieve bit-rate reduction ratios in the range 8:1-4:1 which is most useful for recording applications. Results obtained from simulating the coding algorithm, show noticeable improvement over the current state-of-the-art international standard algorithm for still picture encoding both in terms of subjective quality and of measured mean-square error.Digital TV: a perspective
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19950069
The breakthrough of digital technologies into the TV domain achieved through the work of MPEG2, on an international scale, and the DVB, on a European scale, had been fully anticipated by EUTELSAT. The Organization was therefore in a position to actively participate in the elaboration of the DVB-S specification and adopt approaches which are adapted to the particularities of the EUTELSAT space segment and allow for an early and smooth introduction of digital TV services. In the field of HDTV, EUTELSAT, by means of the FLASH-TV project, has promoted the development of the first fully operational digital HDTV contribution system. (7 pages)Terrestrial transmission of DTVB signals - the European specification
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950934
Considering the developments of the collaborative R&D projects dTTb, HD-DIVINE and <sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">H</sup>DTV<sub xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">T</sub> this paper describes the specification for a European, terrestrial DTVB system, which has been drafted under the umbrella of the European DVB project. This system has been designed to meet the user requirements established by the terrestrial commercial module (TCM) of DVB concerning flexibility, concerning suitability for fixed and portable reception and concerning SFN operation. An OFDM system with concatenated error correcting coding and an optional two level hierarchy for channel coding/modulation has been specified. This system is suitable for digital multi-programme transmission in existing UHF spectrum allocation while providing sufficient protection against co-channel and adjacent-channel interferences emanating from existing PAL/SECAM services. It shows a high degree of commonality with the DVB-systems for satellite and cable by using the same standards for audio and video coding as well as for transport multiplex according to the MPEG-2, an identical outer coding (RS) scheme and a similar inner coding scheme.Spatial prediction in scalable video coding
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950960
Spatial scalability allows the transmission of images at different levels of resolution in a single bit stream, offering potential spectrum savings with respect to simulcast transmission. The authors consider a two-layer MPEG-2 system which uses spatial scalability to transmit a conventional television signal as a base layer, and an HDTV signal as an enhancement layer or alternatively a conventional television signal as the enhancement and a SIF interlaced signal as the base layer. The issue of interlaced to interlaced conversion, and its effect on the overall performance are studied. The usefulness of the base layer signal in the prediction of the upper layer signal is discussed. Finally, the performance of spatial scalability is compared with a simulcast approach for different bit rates at the lower layer, while keeping the overall bit rate constant.To and from the wide screen: aspect ratio conversion
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19951009
The 16:9 aspect ratio is a key feature of all proposed new and enhanced television systems; it will rapidly become the standard for television displays. More and more programme material is being made in this wide screen format and there is an increasing need for programme producers and broadcasters to work with both conventional and wide screen material. It would be quite intolerable if programme material were prevented from being used in a particular programme or channel because it had the `wrong' aspect ratio. This paper briefly reviews the requirements for an aspect ratio converter equipment and describes some of the technical features of a currently available unit.High bit rate data transmission within buildings for wireless digital cameras
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950925
Radio-based transmission of high bit rate data within buildings opens up many possibilities for new applications. Wherever a terminal or data transmission equipment require rapid installation, relocation or portability a wireless solution may be the preferable or only option. One such application is a wireless digital camera. The mobility of traditional television cameras is often restricted by cabling requirements. Existing indoor wireless technology can provide data rates up to a few Mbps. For HDTV cameras, however, bit rates of 68 Mbps and greater for compressed digital video will be required. At such high bit rates, multipath is a major problem for radio-based data transmission within buildings. The technique proposed in the present paper to overcome the limitations of the indoor radio channel for high bit rate data transmission is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, or OFDM. A simulation model of an ODFM-based system has been developed. The model includes an OFDM transmitter, a channel model and an OFDM receiver. Indoor radiowave propagation measurements carried out by the authors have been used to derive accurate channel modes for the OFDM simulation. Typical bit error results are presented demonstrating the feasibility of the OFDM technique for wireless digital cameras.Rain fade compensation for spacecraft antennas
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19950002
Various atmospheric conditions cause attenuation in the signal received from broadcast satellites. The total attenuation consists of losses due to cloud, atmospheric scintillation, oxygen absorption, water vapour and rain. The rain attenuation is usually the most important one of these and at 22 GHz can produce fade-margins of up to 20 dB with considerable and comparatively rapid geographical and temporal variation. It is, therefore, important to try to compensate for fading due to atmospheric effects to achieve a better power flux density over the satellite coverage area. The paper discusses the practical implementation of such compensation for the Italian high definition TV transmission. The data base and algorithms used to obtain atmospheric attenuation information were reported by Paraboni et al. (1994). (6 pages)Active atmospheric fade compensation for spacecraft antennas
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950457
Various atmospheric conditions cause attenuation in the signal received from broadcast satellites. The total attenuation consists of losses due to cloud, atmospheric scintillation, oxygen absorption, water vapour and rain. The rain attenuation is usually the most important one of these and at 22 GHz can produce fade margins of up to 20 dB with considerable and comparatively rapid geographical and temporal variation. It is, therefore, important to try to compensate for fading due to atmospheric effects to achieve a better power flux density over the satellite coverage area. The practical implementation of such compensation for the Italian high definition TV transmission is described. (5 pages)MPEG coding of TV and HDTV for an integrated satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcast system
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19940769
In the German collaborative project “hierarchical digital television transmission-<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">H</sup>DTV<sub xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">T</sub>” an integrated broadcast system for TV and HDTV over satellite, cable and terrestrial channels is going to be developed. Compatible TV/HDTV transmission for portable reception of TV and fixed reception of HDTV as well as “graceful degradation” lead to the choice of scalable source coding. Combined with the hierarchical approach of channel coding and modulation, bit rates of about 6 Mbit/s for TV and of about 24 Mbit/s for HDTV are available in a terrestrial 8 MHz channel. After a review of the system the results of subjective tests are presented.Audio for high definition television in North America
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19940740
The United States is in the final stages of a process to formulate a new standard for the broadcast of digital high definition television. The video coding and data transport are based on the emerging international MPEG-2 standard. The audio coding is based on the AC-3 audio coding system developed in the United States.The coding of image sequences by wavelets, wavelet packets and other subband coding schemes
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19940772
For the terrestrial broadcasting of high-definition television (HDTV) in North America the discrete cosine transform (DCT), Huffman (lossless) coding and motion detection, estimation and compensation have been used to compress raw HDTV rates of 1.0-1.2 Gbps. Compressed and compacted video bit rates range from 12.59 Mbps to 13.60 Mbps for 16QAM transmission, and from 17.47 to 18.88 for 32QAM transmission. MPEG source coding schemes, are used in a proposed HDTV system and in the Grand Alliance proposal. They share features in common with other source coding schemes which have been employed. It seems likely that compression and compaction to an HDTV video bit rate below 10 Mbps should be attainable. The methods discussed in the paper provide hope for realizing this goal.