Digital Broadcasting Systems

Subject description

During the course, students learn about the theory of transmission of broadcast signals, the frequency bands used for radio broadcasting and the characteristics of propagation in them. This is followed by a discussion of procedures in broadcasting with the basics of source decoding and decoding of content, channel coding to ensure signal protection, multiplexing and the use of modulation procedures. In this context, students learn the technical basics of analogue and digital radio, analogue and various other forms of digital television, including IPTV systems and streaming video platforms. Methods and standards for ensuring interactivity in broadcasting systems, different ways of distributing radio and television signals and broadcasting infrastructure are presented. In conclusion, the principle of planning DVB-T and DAB+ networks and the regulation of the radio spectrum are shown.

The subject is taught in programs

Objectives and competences

The course is aimed at learning about systems and technologies for the distribution of radio and television signals. The course deals with the basic principles of radio and television broadcasting systems. Students learn more about digital broadcasting technologies and approaches for reliable broadcasting. Students get familiar with all three broadcasting platforms; terrestrial, satellite, and cable and terrestrial, with systematic explanation of the entire signal path; from source encoding in production houses, multiplexing, channel encoding, modulations, and functional interpretation of reception on receivers. In addition, students learn about the technologies and architectures of IPTV networks and the technologies of interactive services in broadcasting systems. The subject also deals with the basic principles of radio frequency spectrum regulation.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and practical laboratory work.

Expected study results

After successful completion of the course students should be able to:

Describe the reasons for the technology specifics of individual broadcasting systems
Calculate the net and gross bitrate of individual multiplexes based on the selected modulation parameters
To plan or choose modulation parameters according to broadcast requirements of different number of TV services in different qualities
Understand the specifics of planning of broadcasting networks and radio frequency spectrum regulation
Understand the methods and technologies of IPTV networks and streaming services
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of individual methods of broadcasting AV content from the source to the end user

Basic sources and literature

H. Benoit, „Digital television: satellite, cable, terrestrial, IPTV, mobile TV in the DVB framework“, Amsterdam [etc.]; Boulder: Elsevier, 2008, [Na spletu], Dostopno na: http://www.netlibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=219249
E.P.J. Tozer (ed), „Broadcast engineer’s reference book“, Burlington: Routledge, 2004
R. Blair, „Digital Techniques in Broadcasting Transmission“, Focal Press, 1999
W. Fischer, „Digital Video and Audio Broadcasting Technology“, Springer, 2010
K. Pečnik, Ž. Juvan, in M. Pogačnik, „Multimedijski sistemi: učbenik“, 1. izd. Ljubljana: Založba FE, 2023