With the increase in digital television content and the expansion of services, in order to enhance the system's processing and switching capabilities, more and more digital television front-end devices are adopting IP-based switching for service processing, constructing an integrated, switching-based IP digital television front-end.
Beijing Oneband Communication Technology Co., Ltd., as a leading system integrator in the industry, utilizes advanced domestic and international equipment and technology (including renowned brands such as Harmonic from the USA and AppearTV from Norway) in the design of the next-generation digital television front-end system. We provide a fully IP-based equipment platform, offering a complete series of advanced digital television front-end systems for cable operators.
For future business demands, with the development of technologies such as ETTH, FTTH, EPON+EOC, and DOCSIS 3.0, the Ethernet bandwidth at the user access end is gradually increasing. The fully IP platform system we provide can be directly used for future IPTV systems and also supports the DVB-C + IPTV operating mode.
For the overall system solution, we have adopted a fully IP-based approach. Based on project configuration and equipment processing capabilities, we have selected the world-leading modular equipment SC-2000 from AppearTV in Norway to handle the overall stream processing.
The SC-2000 is a highly integrated device, where each SC-2000 can achieve different functions by inserting various modules. The internal switching of the SC-2000 is entirely IP-based and provides various open interfaces such as ASI and IP.
The front-end input signal is demodulated and decrypted, then outputIPsignal for core switching;
SC-2000then throughIPThe input card connects to the core switch for the input of theIPClear flow retrieval, reuse processing, and scrambling processing;
At the same timeSC-2000By insertionQAMThe output card can be used internally to complete the processing of the finished program stream.QAMModulation Output.
Below is a basic description of the SC-2000.
The SC2000 is a high-density modular device, designed in a 4U format, with 16 module slots on the backplane. The SC2000 features advanced stream processing capabilities, a high-performance processing backplane, and allows for easy local and remote management via WebUI. It supports interfaces such as DVB-S/S2, DVB-T, DVB-C, DVB-ASI, DVB-QAM, and IP/Ethernet. It is compatible with MPEG-2 & H.264 streams and SD & HD content.
According to the specific requirements of this project, we have configured the SC-2000 device with 2 IP input cards, 1 ASI input card, 1 scrambling card, and 2 QAM output cards. Below, we provide detailed descriptions and explanations of each component.
Due to the powerful internal switching capabilities of the SC-2000, streams can flow freely within the device and be accessed at will, breaking through our traditional understanding.
1)ASI Input
ASI Input Card
The system provides 42 ASI inputs, accommodating satellite receivers, self-operated program encoders, local programs in Henan Province, stock data, data broadcasting, and EPG insertion.
2)IP Input and Multiplexing
IP Input Card
The IP input provides 2 electrical ports and 1 optical port, where 1 electrical port and 1 optical port are used for data transmission, while the other electrical port serves as a management port. It automatically senses 10/100/1000Mbit Ethernet connections. The electrical port and optical port used for data transmission share the same IP address but cannot be used simultaneously. All interfaces automatically complete IP connections (to use the other interface while one IP interface is in operation, the working IP interface must be disconnected first).
At the same time, each IP input card has a maximum processing capacity of 850M. Since the bandwidth of 32 multi-program TS streams reaches nearly 1000M, two IP input cards are configured to connect to the core switch to handle the reception and multiplexing of the QAM signals received in the early stage and the encoded output.
3)Scrambling
Scrambling Card
A single scrambling module can support up to 250 Services and/or 850Mbit/s, and has been integrated with major CA vendors, occupying 1 slot position;
For the scrambling of each stream, it can be directly invoked within the host's internal switch.
4)QAM Modulation Output
QAM Output Module
A single module can support a maximum of 16 QAM frequency point outputs (250 Services), with 4 outputs in a group of adjacent frequencies; it also supports program adjustment for each frequency point, with excellent RF indicators, occupying 1 slot;
The program streams processed through internal switching can be easily dragged into the QAM output card for QAM modulation output. Additionally, the QAM output card supports multiplexing functionality, providing powerful features to meet various user needs.
In this system, we require the output of 32 QAM frequency points, which can be achieved by configuring 2 QAM output cards.
5)Volume Equalization Modulation
Based on the aforementioned functional modules, AppearTV's unique technological advantage is reflected in its volume equalization modulation module.
It is well known that each TV channel has its own definitions for volume parameters, and the volume levels differ when a channel is playing a drama versus an advertisement. This variation affects the viewing experience for users. During our project implementation and technical communication efforts, we have also heard many operators express concerns about this issue.
In response, AppearTV has launched its unique dynamic volume balancing card, which can support dynamic modulation of volume for up to 250 services with a single card. Users can set a volume modulation range, and when the volume of a particular program exceeds the set range, the device can automatically detect and adjust the volume by increasing or decreasing it, thereby achieving volume balance between different programs.
Alternatively, users can set the maximum volume for each service to a constant value to achieve volume balancing.
Two flexible options for users to choose from.
Data Exchange
It is recommended to use a gigabit Ethernet switch from a well-known manufacturer for the equipment room's switching section. This type of switch has strong processing capabilities and can flexibly route and switch IP services between different connected devices.
Configuring a Gigabit IP switch provides the system with a more flexible networking approach and additional IP interfaces, facilitating the integration of more IP services in the future.