Antenna and RF system designer and manufacturer Radio Frequency Systems is helping U.S. broadcasters future proof their transmission system as part of the spectrum repack, and ahead of ATSC 3.0 standards, with its patented Variable Polarization Technology (VPT).
With VPT, the ratio of vertical to horizontal polarization can be changed after the antenna has been installed. It’s no longer hardwired into the design and doesn’t need to be the same for all broadcasters transmitting with the same antenna. That means they don’t need to lock themselves into the restrictions of a fixed polarization system if transmission requirements change, according to RFS.
“The U.S. market is experiencing huge changes and there’s no doubt that the future is going to depend on new hardware being installed,” said RFS Broadcast CTO Nick Wymant. “Understandably, broadcasters are eager to futureproof their investments. Variable Polarization Technology has been designed to take the headache out of this for stations, not only by making an immediate tangible impact as the FCC spectrum repack continues, but also for the future as ATSC3.0 adoption becomes commonplace.”
RFS has installed several VPT-powered elliptical antennas, including at 1 World Trade Center in Manhattan. VPT systems are also increasingly being used across North America, South America, and the Asia/Pacific regions with demand being driven by broadcasters looking to prepare for the next-generation of TV and new transmission applications around the world, according to the company.
The benefits of RFS’ VPT-powered systems are:
1) Essential for shared antenna situations: Allows each broadcaster to set their own polarization ratio. This brings superior signal penetration and coverage, while also enabling broadcasters to reduce infrastructure ownership costs.
2) Simplifies the evolution to ATSC3.0 standards: Polarization changes can be made with minor adjustments at the transmitter level in the station. This will make it quick and easy for broadcasters to shift from horizontal to the elliptical polarization needed for mobile devices under ATSC3.0 when they are ready – and without extra cost or upgrades.
3) Advanced transmission: VPT-powered antennas can transmit advanced ATSC3.0 modes such as MIMO and MISO, increasing the volume of data that can be sent to a receiving device.
RFS’ VPT technology will be shown at NAB 2018 in Central Hall booth #1913.
March 28, 2018
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