SMATV NETWORKS READY FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL TV

This paper describes the architectures for the reception of Digital TV in SMATV systems as well as the RF performance of the typical SMATV c hannel. Based on theoretical analysis, simulation and measurements cam paigns performed within the DIGISMATV RACE Project, this paper present s the Reference Channel Model of SMATV systems which characterises the channel behaviour as the typical echoes performance in the coaxial di stribution network. This network characterisation has been a key tool for designing and testing equalisers to be used in the QAM IRD's inten ded for SMATV. The interactive possibilities of SMATV systems using lo w cost satellite terminals are also addressed in this paper. Thanks to the achievements of the DIGISMATV RACE project it can be concluded th at SMATV networks are compatible and ready for the new era of digital TV.