Channel distribution in SD/HD
The highest quality of STN services is provided for all of our customers and is ensured by latest achievements in broadcasting technology.
How does it work?
Each signal that enters STN's facility is immediately digitalized using high quality 12-bit A to D video converters and 24-bit A to D audio converters. The entire signal processing where required is done exclusively in the digital domain to maintain the highest possible quality and prevent any kind of degradation. All signals are automatically synchronized to our master sync and clock generator. These units contain a high stability, temperature controlled oscillator. Both the SPG and the master clock sections are referenced to high stability time and frequency standards present in the Global Position System (GPS).
STN's compression system is based on the latest series of SD/HD MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoders with integrated multi-pass processing, which provides world-class encoding performance for statistical multiplexing. STN has also implemented the new generation of system multiplexers which meet the needs of DTH satellite, contribution and distribution system infrastructures. These robust devices are particularly suitable for mission critical applications. Combined with powerful stream processing with statistical multiplexing and complete 1:1 redundancy this constitutes the flexible heart of our MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC SD and HD based broadcast system.
Each transmission chain is protected by spare/redundant units to ensure error-free no-single-point-of-failure operation. These range from DVB-S / DVB-S2 modulators, satellite upconverters with extreme low phase noise of the oscillators, low spurious emissions all of which guarantee an excellent signal quality and HPA's with integrated linearizers built in which improve the amplifier's linearity. We use high quality receive/transmit antennas with beacon receivers to constantly track each satellite thus maintaining the power at constant levels.
STN has also deployed a highly adapted monitoring package for our multi-channel environment. It provides detailed monitoring across the whole transmission process, from the origin of each individual signal to the final encoding for transmission and off-air monitoring. The system presents streaming video and audio metering from across the installation, with detailed telemetry information. Besides the detailed signal path STN's monitoring encompasses all-channel monitoring system with advanced signal probing both on the video and audio levels and on-screen alarms, with display of XDS metadata and closed captioning. For more comprehensive confidence monitoring STN uses analyzers for in-depth video analysis (waveform, vector, gamut, picture, timing, and data analyzer) and in-depth audio analysis (oscilloscope, phasemeter, surround sound metering, ITU loudness, spectrum analyser with both an FFT-analyser and a 1/3 octave analyser) and in-depth MPEG transport stream monitoring (TR 101 290, PSI/SI/PSIP/ARIB SI analysis and repetition rate graphing, PCR analysis with graphical results, bit rate testing, service logging). The whole system works as monitoring-by-exception which ensures that the attention of the operator is immediately drawn to a fault, without distraction from correctly functioning channels. This improves productivity and helps reduce the Mean Time to Repair and drastically speeds up response times.
STN's well established fibre infrastructure can reach everywhere and everywhen. STN is connected to two independent fibre routes which provide flexibility, accessibility and can also serve as full redundancy to ensure constant signal availability.
STN has multiple points-of-presence around the world.
STN is connected directly to the internet backbone protected by a redundant link and has its own IP address range which ensures complete independence from any ISP. Routers, firewalls and IPS sensors offer intelligent threat defence and secure communications services that stop possible attacks before they can impact any business continuity. Harnessing the power of IP, STN can securely and reliably move and share entire programmes without boundaries.