Modern Cable Television Technology
Video, Voice, and Data Communications
- 1st Edition - December 1, 1998
- Latest edition
- Authors: Walter Ciciora, James Farmer, David Large
- Language: English
NEW EDITION NOW AVAILABLE! ISBN 1-55860-828-1Based on a tutorial workshop, this book overviews the technical details involved in a cable system. A complete descriptive refere… Read more
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NEW EDITION NOW AVAILABLE! ISBN 1-55860-828-1Based on a tutorial workshop, this book overviews the technical details involved in a cable system. A complete descriptive reference of a cable television system. This book is the most up-to-date and comprehensive reference available on cable television technologies. It covers issues not addressed in any other book such as modern headend design, reliability calculations, modern architecture, and equipment interface.
* Summarizes key standards including DOCSIS, DVS, NRSS, DSWG, EIA-542, and IS-23* Explains digital cable, analog cable, data on cable, telephone on cable, and headend practices* Features distribution systems, from drops through fiber optics and covering everything from basic principles to network architectures* Includes coverage of digital video compression, digital modulation techniques, subjective video quality expectations, and consumer electronic equipment interface issues
Telecommunication engineers and professional interested in TV architecture
FORWARD
PREFACE
PART 1: Once Over Lightly
Chapter 1 Introduction to Cable Television1.1 Introduction1.2 Historical Perspective1.3 Spectrum Reuse1.4 Cable Network Design1.5 Signal Quality 1.6 Cable System Trade-Offs1.7 Hybrid Fiber-Coax
- 1.7.1 The Hybrid Fiber-Coax Architecture1.7.2 Distribution Plant Improvements
- 1.8.1 Trapping Systems1.8.2 Scrambling and Addressability1.8.3 RF Synchronization Suppression Systems1.8.4 Baseband Scrambling1.8.5 Off-Premises Systems
- 1.9.1 Signal Splitting at the Customer's Premises1.9.2 Consumer Electronics Compatibility
PART 2: The Signals
Chapter 2 Analog Television
2.1 Introduction2.2 Baseband Monochrome Video and Monaural Audio
- 2.2.1 Television Briefly2.2.2 Scanning2.2.3 Synchronization2.2.4 Spectrum of Scanned Images2.2.5 Television Audio
- 2.3.1 A Phenomenological Approach to Amplitude Modulation2.3.2 A Mathematical Approach to Amplitude Modulation2.3.3 Double Sideband Modulation2.3.4 Synchronous Detection2.3.5 Envelope Detection2.3.6 Single Sidband Modulation2.3.7 Vestigial Sideband Modulation2.3.8 Video Bandwidth2.3.9 Frequency Modulation
- 2.4.1 Color Television2.4.2 Stereo Sound2.4.3 Ancillary Signals
- 2.5.1 CableLabs Updates Early Testing2.5.2 The W Curve and DPU
Chapter 3 Digitally Compressed Television
3.1 Introduction3.2 Digitization of Video
- 3.2.1 Digital Signals3.2.2 Digital Television
- 3.3.1 Video Redundancies3.3.2 Source Coding and Channel Coding3.3.3 The Discrete Cosine Transform3.3.4 Compression3.3.5 Intraframe and Interframe Coding3.3.6 Motion Estimation and Compensation3.3.7 B Frames and Groups of Pictures3.3.8 Digital Artifacts3.3.9 Digital Audio3.3.10 JPEG, MPEG-1, and MPEG-23.3.11 Other Approaches to Compression
- 3.4.1 Packetization and the PES3.4.2 Time Division Multiplexing and the Transport Stream Packet3.4.3 Statistical Multiplexing3.4.4 Challenges
- 3.7.1 Signal Quality3.7.2 Picture Quality
Chapter 4 Cable Data Transport
4.1 Introduction4.1 Modulation Methods
- 4.1.1 Spectral Efficiency4.1.2 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)4.1.3 Baseband Spectrum of a Data Signal4.1.4 Introduction to Bit Error Rate4.1.5 ASK and PSK4.1.6 Biphase Shift Keying (BPSK)4.1.7 Some Fundamental Principles of Data Communications4.1.8 Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK)4.1.9 Higher-Order QAM Modulation4.1.10 8- and 16-VSB Modulation4.1.11 Peak-to-Average Ratio4.1.12 Measuring the Level of a Digitally Modulated Signal4.1.13 Bit Error Rate Versus Carrier-to-Noise Ratio
- 4.2.1 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)4.2.2 Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)4.2.3 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)4.2.4 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
- 4.3.1 The Concept of Protocols4.3.2 The OSI Seven-Layer Reference Model4.3.3 MAC Layer Issues of Interest in Cable Modem Applications4.3.4 Connection-Oriented and Connectionless Service
- 4.4.1 DOCSIS Reference Model4.4.2 Downstream RF Characteristics4.4.3 Upstream RF Characteristics4.4.4 Data Link Layer-MAC4.4.5 Security Sublayer (SSI)4.4.6 Data Link Later-LLC and Higher Layers
Chapter 5 Cable Telephony
5.1 Introduction5.2 Modern Telephone System Architecture
- 5.2.1 The Local Exchange5.2.2 Switch Architecture5.2.3 Digital Loop Carrier5.2.4 Backup Powering5.2.5 POTS Through CLASS5.2.6 The Subscriber Loop
- 5.3.1 Sampling of the Voice Signal5.3.2 Analog-to-Digital Conversion5.3.3 Time Division Multiplexing in Telephone Systems5.3.4 Asynchronous Digital Hierarchy5.3.5 North Americal Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
- 5.4.1 The Home Interfaces5.4.2 Powering the NID5.4.3 Headend Telephony Equipment5.4.4 Channel Sharing5.4.5 A Sample HFC Telephony Marshaling Protocol5.4.6 Implication of Diverse Routing5.4.7 Alternative Transmission Methods
PART 3: Headends
Chapter 6 Signal Reception
6.1 Introduction6.2 Off-Air Reception
- 6.2.1 Antennas for Reception of Off-Air Signals6.2.2 Propagation of Off-Air Signals
- 6.3.1 Antennas for Reception of Satellite Signals6.3.2 Earth Station Geometry6.3.3 Earth Station Performance Computations6.3.4 Satellite Frequency Plans and Interference Issues6.3.5 Earth Station Design Example
- 6.4.1 FM Terrestrial Microwave6.4.2 Direct Feed from Television Stations6.4.3 Local Origination
Chapter 7 Headend Signal Processing
7.1 Introduction7.2 Signal Processors
- 7.2.1 Input Section7.2.2 IF Section7.2.3 Output Section7.2.4 Local Oscillators7.2.5 Processor Frequency Response
- 7.3.1 Video Switch and AGC7.3.2 Sound Subcarrier Trap7.3.3 DC Restoration and Peak White Clip7.3.4 Modulation Process7.3.5 IF Processing7.3.6 Aural Modulation7.3.7 Vestigial Sideband Filtering
- 7.4.1 Phase Locked Circuitry for Processor or Mululator
- 7.5.1 RF Input Section 7.5.2 IF Processing Section7.5.3 Visual Carrier Demodulation7.5.4 Video Output7.5.5 Aural Carrier Demodulation7.5.6 Nyquist Slope Filter7.5.7 Synchronous Versus Envelope Detection
- 7.6.1 BTSC Stereo Generation and Application7.6.2 The NICAM Stereo System7.6.3 The IRD Two-Carrier Stereo System
- 7.8.1 Video Loop-Through7.8.2 Audio Wiring7.8.3 Controlling Hum in Video
Chapter 8 Headend Operation
8.1 Introcuction8.2 Cable Television Band Plan
- 8.2.1 Concept of Image Response and Historical Background8.2.2 Introduction to the Modern Cable Television Band Plan8.2.3 The EIA-542 Band Plan
- 8.3.1 Downstream RF Management8.3.2 Upstream RF Management
- 8.4.1 Fiber Distribution
- 8.5.1 Visual Modulation Definition8.5.2 Aural Modulation8.5.3 Measuring Picture and Sound Carrier Levels
PART 4: Broadband Distribution Systems
Chapter 9 Coaxial RF Technology
9.1 Introduction9.2 Coaxial Cable
- 9.2.1 Definition9.2.2 Characteristic Impedance9.2.3 Attenuation as a Function of Frequency9.2.4 Attenuation as a Function of Temperature9.2.5 Attenuation as a Function of Characteristic Impedance9.2.6 Wavelength9.2.7 Theoretical Size Limitation9.2.8 Precision of Match: Structural Return Loss9.2.9 Precision of Match: Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)9.2.10 Practical Factors in Cable Selection9.2.11 Shielding Effectiveness in Drop Cables
- 9.3.1 Broadband Random Noise9.3.2 Amplifier Noise9.3.3 Distortion9.3.4 Group Delay Variation and Amplifier Stability9.3.5 Hum Modulation9.3.6 Frequency Response Variation and Impedance Match9.3.7 Practical Amplifier Design Choices9.3.8 Amplifier Operating Dynamics9.3.9 Amplifier Technology Choices
- 9.4.1 Directional Couplers9.4.2 Splitters9.4.3 Taps
Chapter 10 Coaxial Distribution System Design
10.1 Introduction10.2 Carrier-to-Nose Ratio10.3 Carrier to Distortion10.4 Noise-Distortion Trade-Off10.5 System Powering
- 10.5.1 Switching Transient Effects
- 10.8.1 Simple Passive Architectures10.8.2 Adding Amplification-The Trade-Offs10.8.3 Integrated In-Home Wiring Systems
Chapter 11 Linear Fiber-Optic Signal Transportation
11.1 Introduction11.2 Optical Basics
- 11.2.1 Velocity of Propagation and Wavelength11.2.2 Reflection and Refraction11.2.3 Light Absorption11.2.4 Scattering Loss and Rayleigh Scattering11.2.5 Wavelength Dispersion
- 11.4.1 Structure11.4.2 Attenuation11.4.3 Chromatic (Wavelength) Dispersion11.4.4 Polarization Mode Dispersion11.4.5 Attenuation in Bent Fibers11.4.6 Stimulated Brillouin Scattering11.4.7 Self-Phase Modulation
- 11.5.1 Connectors11.5.2 Signal Splitters11.5.3 Wavelength Division Multiplexers11.5.4 Attenuators
- 11.6.1 General Characteristics11.6.2 Directly Modulated Fabry-Perot Laser Diodes11.6.3 Directly Modulated Distributed Feedback (DFB) Laser Diodes11.6.4 Externally Modulated Continuous Wave Sources
- 11.9.1 Double Rayleigh Backscattering: Interferometric Intensity Noise11.9.2 Phase Noise Contribution to Link Performance
- 11.10.1 Noise Performance11.10.2 Small Signal Distortions11.10.3 Clipping Distortion
Chapter 12 Other Supertrunking Alternatives
12.1 Introduction12.2 Coaxial Supertrunks12.3 Broadband Amplitude Modulated Microwave Links (AMLs)
- 12.3.1 U.S. Regulation of Microwave Transmission12.3.2 General Operational Principles12.3.3 Path Design12.3.4 Performance Calculation
Chapter 13 End-to-End Performance
13.1 Introduction13.2 Quality Standards and Requirements13.3 Performance Allocations Among Sections of the Cable System13.4 Noise and Distortion Allocations in the Cable System
- 13.4.1 Carrier to Noise13.4.2 CTB and CSO
- 13.5.1 Carrier-to-Noise Ratio13.5.2 Intermodulation Products from Discrete Carriers13.5.3 Composite Intermodulation Noise (CIN)13.5.4 Laser Transmitter Clipping Distortion13.5.5 Hum Modulation13.5.6 Microreflections13.5.7 Group Delay and In-Band Response Variations13.5.8 Local Oscillator and Other Interfering Signals from Receivers13.5.9 Antenna-Conducted Ingress from Receivers13.5.10 Signal Levels and Stability
Chapter 14 Upstream Issues
14.1 Introduction14.2 The Two-Way Node14.3 Downstream and Upstream Frequency Partitioning14.4 Group Delay of Diplex Filters
- 14.4.1 Upstream Group Delay
- 14.6.1 Measurement of Return Signal Levels14.6.2 Long Loop Automatic Level Control14.6.3 Thermal Gain Control14.6.4 Return Signal Levels and the Tap
- 14.7.1 Data- or Video-Grade Classification14.7.2 Discrete Carrier Testing and Classification14.7.3 Noise Power Ratio Testing and Classification
- 14.8.1 Fabry-Perot Lasers14.8.2 Distributed Feedback Lasers14.8.3 Return Path Combining at the Headend
- 14.9.1 Plant Unavailability Analysis Based on Undesired Signals14.9.2 Discrete Interfering Signal Probability (DIST)14.9.3 Plant Unavailability Analysis Based on Threshold Boundaries
- 14.11.1 Effect of Laser Clipping-Frequency Domain View14.11.2 Effect of Laser Clipping-Time Domain View14.11.3 Amplifier Characteristics
- 14.13.1 Option 1: Drop Filters14.13.2 Option 2: Return Attenuation14.13.3 Option 3: Move Diplexers and Attenuator to Midspan14.13.4 Option 4: Frequency Hopping14.13.5 Option 5: Error Correction
- 14.14.1 Few Return Services, F-P Laser14.14.2 Many Return Services, DFB Laser
PART 5: System Architecture
Chapter 15 Service-Related Architecture Requirements
15.1 Introduction15.2 Performance Parameters
- 15.2.1 Information Capacity15.2.2 Network Reliability and Availability15.2.3 Signal-Processing Equipment Distribution
- 15.3.1 Broadcast Video Services15.3.2 Narrowcast Video Services15.3.3 On-Demand and Interactive Video Services15.3.4 Packet Data Services-Internet Access15.3.5 Voice-Grade Telephony Services15.3.6 Utility Monitoring and Control Services
Chapter 16 Architectural Elements and Examples
16.1 Introduction16.2 Architectural Elements
- 16.2.1 Terminal Equipment16.2.2 Coaxial Distribution Network16.2.3 Fiber Node16.2.4 Fiber Interconnects16.2.5 Switched Video Headend Structures
- 16.3.1 Cable Area Network (CAN)16.3.2 Evolutionary Star Networks16.3.3 Double Star Networks16.3.4 Star/FTTC Hybrid16.3.5 Hybrid Sheath/Shared/Repeating Digital Ring16.3.6 Ring/Ring/Star with WDM16.3.7 Ring/Mesh/Star Regional Architecture16.3.8 Hybrid Ring/Star
Chapter 17 Network Reliability and Availability
17.1 Introduction17.2 History and Benchmarking
- 17.2.1 Telephony17.2.2 Cable Television17.2.3 Cable Television Versus Telephony Reliability and Availability Definitions
- 17.6.1 Logical Subdivision of the Network for Analysis17.6.2 Assigning Network Components to Subdivisions17.6.3 Determining Component Failure Rates17.6.4 Estimating MTTR17.6.5 Special Considerations Within Headends and Hubs17.6.6 Special Consideration for Two-Way Systems17.6.7 Calculation of Failure Rates and Availability
- 17.7.1 Architecture17.7.2 Video Services Performance17.7.3 Wired Telephony Services Performance17.7.4 Effect of Improved Powering on Telephony Performance
PART 6: Customer Interface Issues
Chapter 18 Program Denial Technologies
18.1 Introduction18.2 Non-Set Top Resident Program Denial
- 18.2.1 Negative Traps18.2.2 Positive Traps18.2.3 Interdiction18.2.4 Broadband Descrambling
- 18.3.1 Sync Suppression Scrambling18.3.2 Scrambling by Video Inversion18.3.3 Phase Modulation of the Picture Carrier18.3.4 Audio Scrambling
- 18.4.1 Line Dicing18.4.2 Line Rotation18.4.3 Line Shuffling18.4.4 Time Jitter
- 18.5.1 Set Top Terminal Classification18.5.2 Elements of a Modern Set Top Terminal
Chapter 19 Consumer Electronics Interface
19.1 Introduction19.2 The Nature of the Interface
- 19.2.1 Cable Services19.2.2 Relevant Cable Set Top Terminal Features19.2.3 Relevant Consumer Electronics Characteristics and Features19.2.4 Consumer Frustration
- 19.3.1 Basic Cable and Trapped Premium Service Connection19.3.2 A Simple Start19.3.3 Two Set Top Terminal Case19.3.4 Minimal Scrambled Channel Usage19.3.5 Improved Simple Connection19.3.6 Problematic Connection Example 19.3.7 Improvements
- 19.4.1 The Importance of Compatibility19.4.2 The Participants and Their Priorities19.4.3 The Subscriber/Consumer19.4.4 The Service Provider19.4.5 The Service Provider Equipment Manufacturer19.4.6 The Consumer Electronics Industry19.4.7 The Two Extremes19.4.8 The Origins of the Problem19.4.9 Other "Cable-Ready" Issues
- 19.5.1 Remote Control19.5.2 Timer19.5.3 Picture-in-Picture
- 19.6.1 Universal Remotes19.6.2 Electronic Program Guides19.6.3 The TV Integrating Device
- 19.8.1 Compatibility Definitions19.8.2 The 1992 Cable Act's Definition of Compatibility19.8.3 The 1996 Telecommunications Act
- 19.9.1 The Need for Standard19.9.2 Mandatory Standards19.9.3 Official Voluntary Standards19.9.4 De Facto Standards
Chapter 20 Equipment Compatibility
20.1 Introduction
- 20.1.1 Broadcast Versus Broadband Receivers
- 20.3.1 Estimate of Exposure20.3.2 Estimate of Susceptibility
- 20.4.1 Reradiation of Cable Signals20.4.2 Local Oscillator Leakage and Backfeed20.4.3 A/B Switch Isolation20.4.4 DPU Backfeed20.4.5 VCR Through-Loss20.4.6 Adjacent Channel Rejection20.4.7 Image Rejection20.4.8 Tuner Overload Performance
Appendix A Channel Allocation
Appendix B Video Waveforms
Glossary
Index
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: December 1, 1998
- Language: English
WC
Walter Ciciora
Dr. Ciciora is a Fellow of the IEEE, the SMPTE, and SCTE and serves on the Montreux Television Symposium Executive committee. He is a consultant in Cable, Consumer Electronics, and Telecommunications. He was VP of Technology at Time Warner from 1982 to 1993 after being with Zenith since 1965.
Affiliations and expertise
ConsultantJF
James Farmer
James Farmer is the Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Quality at ANTEC. A respected industry expert and communicator, Jim is widely published and is active in the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), the Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), among others.
Affiliations and expertise
Wave7 OpticsDL
David Large
David Large is a Principal in the consulting firm Media Connections Group. He is a Fellow Member of the SCTE, a Senior Member of the IEEE, a member of the NCTA Engineering Committee and a member of the NCTA/EIA Joint Engineering Committee.
Affiliations and expertise
Altrio Communications