GET READY FOR RF 2.0 It s no longer Black Art.

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1 GET READY FOR RF 2.0 It s no longer Black Art. BY DOUG ENGSTROM As an integrator for half of my career, I looked at the guys who worked in RF distribution systems as the practitioners of some black art. Black in terms of a lack of understanding of the business, and Art in terms of my lack of understanding of the science. That was my viewpoint in my integrator/crestron/amx years, not unusual for mainstream AV solutions professionals. RF was for cable guys, and I was a systems integrator. Ideas Change But things and ideas change. I found myself working with an integration-oriented company that also had a great interest in RF technology. As such, I was researching the design and application of digital TV technology long before the digital transition in So, the advent of new RF HDTV solutions may have been somewhat of a surprise to traditional AV integrators, but not as much for those with a toe in the water. Today, there are many RF solutions present at the InfoComm Expo and in the IQ database technology that didn t exist three years ago. This is what I call RF 2.0: a sudden rebirth of RF applications, driven by non-traditional technology manufacturers, designed and built by AV Integrators...not the cable guys. There are several factors leading to the near-instant growth in RF applications over the past three years: Innovation. Three years ago, modulating an HD digital channel was a science-fair project requiring several An in-house HDTV RF system can integrate different media sources. components costing about $40,000. Today, it s all done by one integrated HDTV modulator that generally costs less than $3000 per channel. Distribution. In many sites, the RF coax is already there. Now the coax network can be re-tasked to carry hundreds of HD programs over a single wire, able to travel over miles (not just feet) of cable to any number of displays with built-in HD media players (we call them tuners). Integration. The RF cable can carry not only analog and digital programming, it can carry TV control signals as well, saving the cost of running additional control wiring. Application and Motivation. Aside from price, applications are driving users to employ HDTV technology. Now that cable companies are encrypting all of their digital channels, sites are rebroadcasting the popular channels in open-access in-house HD channels. Rather than deploy a host of PCs to play a digital signage channel, RF can do it better using only one player. Sports facilities, TV stations, TV studios and worship centers are using RF as a low-cost distribution system for HD-SDI live broadcasts. For several years, HD displays have included a high-resolution media player, commonly known as a tuner. The act of tuning a digital off-air or cable channel is quite simple. The demodulator section tunes to a specific frequency (acting as a video switcher), and strips off the HD content stream from the RF wave that carries it. The stream is then sent to a high-resolution media player that displays the video on the screen. In that sense, an HDTV tuner is an IPTV device; it s just car- Doug Engstrom, Director of Tech Communication at Contemporary Research, is an industry veteran whose 41-year career includes 16 years as a dealer integrator, four as an independent Crestron rep and 21 years with AMX and Contemporary Research. He has authored a number of articles about systems integration, and has served as an InfoComm Academy Systems Design instructor. 68

ried as an RF wireless or wired connection instead of Ethernet. That s the simple, cost-effective side of HDTV: The video switchers and media players are free, built into the TVs.

A few years ago, that ability required integrating several discrete components, each sold at bleeding-edge technology costs.

First, the AV is ingested, converting digital or analog video, plus audio, into an essential digital stream.

A QAM processor formats the stream into a digital cable channel, combining the content with a frequency called the IF channel.

) Then, an upconverter mixes several frequencies with the IF to create channels 2-135 and, finally, an RF amplifier ups the signal to 29-45dBmV.

Not The Same All HDTV modulators are not the same; makes and models vary in encoding quality, input options, encoding options and access options. Encoding Quality.

2 ried as an RF wireless or wired connection instead of Ethernet. That s the simple, cost-effective side of HDTV: The video switchers and media players are free, built into the TVs. What was missing from the RF equation was a cost-effective HDTV modulator to distribute in-house media as HDTV channels. A few years ago, that ability required integrating several discrete components, each sold at bleeding-edge technology costs. Today, the component parts and roles are the same, but they are integrated into a single HDTV modulator. First, the AV is ingested, converting digital or analog video, plus audio, into an essential digital stream. Then an MPEG encoder formats the stream into a 1080i or 720p MPEG-2 Transport Stream that is compatible with the TV s media player. A QAM processor formats the stream into a digital cable channel, combining the content with a frequency called the IF channel. (By the way, QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation is pronounced QUAM as is quad, not QAAM as in clam. ) Then, an upconverter mixes several frequencies with the IF to create channels and, finally, an RF amplifier ups the signal to 29-45dBmV. The MPEG encoder and QAM processors are massive, high-power DSP or FPGA chips. The dramatic cost reduction in these components is the primary reason why HDTV modulators are less expensive now. Not The Same All HDTV modulators are not the same; makes and models vary in encoding quality, input options, encoding options and access options. Encoding Quality. A good commercial/broadcast encoder can handle full-bitrate Mbps HD video with advanced motion detection (more like motion prediction) keeping edges sharp with fast-paced action and data ticker text. Some low-cost encoders can t. If you evaluate a few units using good HD media, the differences in video quality will be obvious. Encoding Features. All HDTV modulators encode MPEG-2 ATSC transport streams for QAM cable broadcasting. Encoding options include AC-3 Dolby Digital audio, closed captioning and SAP audio. Channels can be displayed as virtual channels, which means that the channel number displayed doesn t have to be the same as the actual, physical TV channel. Most systems show the channels in a major-minor format, where the first is the primary channel while the second could be one of many programs contained in the channel. Channel IDs can be shown as a single entity, similar to cable channels that rank up to the 800s Drama belongs on the stage or the screen, not in your wireless microphones. The Venue and SM Series Digital Hybrid Wireless systems provide the transparent sound, rock-solid reliability and supersmall size you ve come to expect from Lectrosonics. Choose Lectrosonics and raise your wireless standards. Call or visit Made in the USA by a Bunch of Fanatics. and more. Video Input Formats. The most common is HD component/rgbhv (and, yes, those formats will be available for some time). There is no Analog Sunset for set-top boxes, including cable/satellite receivers and HDTV tuners.) VGA from PCs almost always requires a scaler in-between the PC and HDTV modulators; VGA is rarely in HD 1080i/720p format, and shrinking/positioning is required to compensate for TV overscanning. HD-SDI and HDMI are common October

Integrate control over RF. digital formats, though HDMI s HDCP makes it an unreliable input source. DisplayPort ports generally connect via a VGA adapter cable.

3 Integrate control over RF. digital formats, though HDMI s HDCP makes it an unreliable input source. DisplayPort ports generally connect via a VGA adapter cable. Composite video is less common, but often used for EAS video; some modulators can switch for emergency broadcasts. Most modulators can accept stereo or SP- DIF coax/optical audio, with AC-3 as an option. Applications The unique architecture HD RF opens up a number of applications for corporate, campus, worship and civic sites. The rapid growth of HD RF for these sites is due to several factors. First, in many cases, the RF network is already in place, saving integration cost. Hundreds of programs can be carried over RF, without impacting Ethernet operation. In new sites, RF can be run in the same structured architecture as Ethernet, using coax cable or RF-over-Cat5 technology. Second, RF supports a diverse mix of programming, including cable/satellite programs, digital signage, remote IPTV feeds and live broadcasts. Thus, local in-house programming can be mixed with commercial content. Finally, RF is economical, operating along national compatibility standards, and easily tuned in by TVs with built-in HDTV tuners. Unlike UTP and Ethernet distribution, the switcher/receiver is integrated into the displays. Key applications include: Re-Broadcasting Cable/Direct TV Channels. As more and more cable companies encrypt the bulk of their channels, the idea of simply distributing the full feed is not practical today. To access everything, you ll have to add a cable box at every viewing destination, requiring expensive control system revamping and subscription fees for cable boxes (and you have a similar tuner already in your systems and TVs). And cable boxes can t tune in-house content so you lose many benefits in RF integration. The solution is to first change the cable buying mindset. In most cases, your site rarely requires everything the cable or satellite box carries. Most commercial sites watch an average of eight programs. So don t rent the entire pipe, just the programs you watch. Renting a few cable boxes and re-modulating them as open-access channels easily pays for itself in subscription, rental and integration costs. Never let the cable company own your company s RF cable. If you have a lot of TVs at your site, you can save thousands by rebroadcasting the programs you want. Adding an In-House Signage Channel. If you re running a full-bore IP signage system where 1) Every destination is playing different programming), or 2) The far-flung destinations can only be reached over IP, then Ethernet is your best delivery truck. But if you plan to distribute just a few programs over a single facility, using HDTV over RF is a great way to go. Using RF for signage might sound unconventional, but the largest retail build-out, with well over 10,000 displays, is Best Buy. And that company uses HD RF. Same for Target, Wal- Mart, Sam s Club and others. They re not just showing video in their TV demo section: They are broadcasting digital signage, and receiving considerable income from the advertisers. This is not a new application; it s been in place for many years at the retail level. Distributing your signage as a channel is fairly simple. The key is that you ll have to convert the VGA output of the signage to a true 1080i/720p video, something PCs don t do well. In addition, if there is little safe area in the content, like having a CNN-style crawl at the bottom of the screen, the scaler can add a bit of black border so the image isn t cut off on the TVs. That s easily handled by a small external scaler or an HDTV modulator with an internal scaler. If you re already re-broadcasting channels, just add the new signage channel into the mix. If you need to add signage to an existing full cable feed, you ll need an integrator (or cable provider) who will filter out a specific cable channel and add your channel into that space. Broadcasting Live HD-SDI and HD Video as an In-House HDTV Channel. For years, local TV stations, content providers, sports venues and houses of worship have broadcast the video studio feed as an analog in-house TV channel. That allows studio execs, employees and visitors to easily view the live video from anywhere in the facility...just by tuning in. With far lower costs in SDI interfaces and HD-SDI modulators, it s easy to upgrade that channel to HD. Application requirements vary a bit according to the facility. Local TV broadcasters and content providers, such as WWE, TMZ and Home Shopping Network, distribute their live studio feed throughout the facility. Sports venues broadcast one or more live HD-SDI channels across the arena or stadium. Houses of worship will do the same from their mix/effect system, often 70

routing DVD, signage and cable/sat receivers to the modulator to handle other needs during the week. House of worship applications often have to keep in mind a key aspect of HDTV modulation: latency.

Thus, RF should not be used to distribute HD within the sanctuary or in areas where the audience can hear (or see) the time delay. Control. RF can also carry control data, and has for many years.

4 routing DVD, signage and cable/sat receivers to the modulator to handle other needs during the week. House of worship applications often have to keep in mind a key aspect of HDTV modulation: latency. The processing of HD video into an MPEG stream, then into a QAM channel typically takes between about ¼ second for 720p and a bit less than ½ second for 1080i (all that alternating-frame stuff). Thus, RF should not be used to distribute HD within the sanctuary or in areas where the audience can hear (or see) the time delay. Control. RF can also carry control data, and has for many years. That TV in your hotel room is likely under control from a LodgeNet or OnCommand RF control system, and it s how DirecTV can add and delete which TV channels you can access. Over the years, Philips, LG and Contemporary Research systems controlled TVs and sports venues nationwide. Today, Contemporary Research is the prime system for RF control. In a typical RF control environment, a control modulator accepts data from software or a control system and transmits the commands as a control channel that is distributed with all the other channels. A small controller assigned to each TV listens to the control channel, manages the TV via IR or RS232 commands, and passes the other channels to the TV s tuner. RF 2.0: Summary a sudden HD RF is fast rebirth of RF becoming a popular integration solution, a new HD applications, pipeline that offers unique advan- driven by tages to twistedpair and IP video non-traditional technology delivery designs. In brief, the three alternatives manufacturers, compare this way. designed and Routing RF is quite flexible because it can built by AV scale from one to Integrators HD programs (HD channels can not the carry two), and distribute from a cable guys. few to thousands of destination TVs/tuners over miles of coax, twisted pair and/or fiber wiring. One wire can carry all the channels, is easily branched and expanded, and the TV s tuner is the switcher. Integrated with an RF control system, RF theoretically is a 270x4000 virtual routing switcher. Origination, distribution and tuning operate on nonproprietary, nationalstandard technology. If the facility has existing coax, wiring for media and control is basically free. RF coax can be run with Cat5/6 wiring in new structured wiring buildouts, using coax or RF-over-Cat5 technology. Site managers can then balance ITPV programming over RF and IP networks to meet application requirements. Twisted-Pair systems have fixed limits on the number of inputs and destinations for routing. Each homerun twisted cable carries one program, optionally including data, audio and Ethernet. HDbaseT systems are limited to 300 feet each run; some systems can reach up to 2500 feet, depending on wiring, interfaces and resolution. New destinations require a new home run, if the router has spare outputs. Some systems support carrying control networking, some do not. The interfaces for transmission and reception are proprietary. In addition, long-run UTP systems may be obsolete when AVB Ethernet technology arrives. Ethernet is a promising delivery vehicle, especially for smaller streams. However, Ethernet does not have a concept of time, so streams can t be synced, there is no guarantee of lowlatency delivery and, as well, delays due to congestion and filled-up buffers cannot be managed. I look forward to (continued on page 100) Dependable Wireless Communication With the Most Options NEW! Tempest 900 Robust Communication for Highly Dynamic Productions. Based on an advanced RF circuitry that has been proven to work where other wireless intercoms have failed, Tempest is now offered in the 900MHz band for robust performance. Packed with the same flexibility, capabilities and communication power as the Tempest 2400, it is an ideal solution for large enclosed spaces like large sports stadiums and performance arenas. The new Tempest 900 is an all-digital system that is offered in 2- or 4-channels, operating in the license-free 900MHz frequency bands. Contact Clear-Com or a Clear-Com Authorized Reseller about Tempest for your next production. Available in U.S. and Canada Copyright Clear-Com, LLC. All rights reserved. Clear-Com and Clear-Com logo are registered trademarks of HM Electronics, Inc. Tempest and Tempest logo are registered trademarks of CoachComm, LLC.

5 HOUSE OF WORSHIP: TECHNOLOGY (continued from 29) different styles of worship, as well as different bands and people who are playing. With the Pro Tools software, the church can easily create and sell CDs and DVDs of Sunday services. Audio upgrades also included Shure wireless microphones for performers and the pastor. At 9:15 on Sunday morning, the church holds its traditional worship service. After the service, the FOH engineer selects the presets for the contemporary praise band. Technical Assistant David Youngstrom lowers the electric screen in the center of the stage, and all six projectors are switched on. Volunteers wheel the subs to the front of the stage from a storage closet and, in 15 minutes or less, the SIGNAGE church is ready for rocking contemporary Christian praise and worship. The new audio video systems open up a whole new world of possibilities, Youngstrom said. We can change the mood or setting visually, on any given cue at any given time. As the music changes, our view and mood can change, too. The music and video work together so it flows. The lighting and video take us on a visual journey, either within a single song or from one song to another. If a church is on the fence about shifting from traditional to contemporary services, there s no longer a need to choose. Sophisticated audiovideo technology permits even churches on a budget, with limited space, the opportunity to offer more wor- (continued from 18) privately owned hotels continue to purchase consumer grade TVs. One common reason for this preference is that, in this tight economy, they cannot justify the considerably higher cost of a hospitality model. Some plan to sell the hotel and do not care about what happens a year from now, reported Gonzalez. Unfortunately, many purchasers also simply lack the information required to make an informed decision. One of the biggest challenges in the systems sales process is to educate buyers why they should pay a premium for additional features and lower total cost-of-ownership. As an integrator, to secure the many advantages of commercial displays for you and your customers, you need to thoroughly understand and be able to clearly articulate the differences between grades of displays. Major manufacturers and commercial distributors such as Almo, Ingram Micro and Synnex are good sources of information, training and sales support. You can find information at or The extra time and effort required to help your customers make sound investments in display technology should pay off in more profitable sales and a better image. n ship choices to congregation members. FBC Trussville, a rapidly growing church in a fastgrowing Alabama community, wouldn t have it any other way. In our location in the Bible belt, churches are getting away from, Open your hymnal, go to a certain page and sing or read, Youngstrom said. [New people] coming to our church were coming from a contemporary church so, when they entered our facility, they migrated to our contemporary (continued from 22) vide poorly created IMAG. There is much to learn regarding cameras and their use for image magnification. We have to help HOW leaders understand that they are hindering the communication process and undermining their own authority when they choose to use the wrong communication technologies or when they use those communication technologies poorly. That is what I believe. I want to know what you RF 2.0 (continued from 71) advances in Audio Video Bridging (AVB) that help make IP a better pathway for improved HD delivery. Best Use and Trade- Offs RF media is compressed and has a latency of about ¼ to ½ second (or more with some systems). All TVs can play the same channel in very close sync. There are emerging standards for 1080p, but not in general use by content providers and TV tuners. Twisted-pair media is uncompressed, offers a wider services in The Venue. But The Venue was hosting contemporary services at the same time we held blended worship in the main sanctuary, and we always felt separated from each other. Now, we hold two services (traditional and contemporary) and we feel more like a family again. Even in the last three weeks since the systems were installed, we ve seen new people come in and, more significantly, seen them return for two Sundays in a row. n HOUSE OF WORSHIP: BUSINESS believe. Editor s Note: Due to a production error, the headline on the print edition of David Lee s September House of Worship: Business column was duplicated from the previous month. It should have read: What Economic Slowdown? There is still Good News in this segment. To see the correct version, go to com/publication/8d62e079 #/8d62e079/22. n range of resolutions, and has no perceptible latency. Note that, in HDMI systems, the lowest common EDID rules, which includes digital audio playback, as well. If one TV is 720p, all the other destinations must be fed at 720p. IPTV is a compressed media format and, because of factors named earlier, will vary unpredictably in latency and sync between destinations. Also, in most commercial sites, ITPV must compete with data needs for bandwidth. n 100

REGIONAL NETWORKS FOR BROADBAND CABLE TELEVISION OPERATIONS

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