Press Release
TXA National Engineering Manager Christopher Welch explained, “We initially met with Magna Systems product Specialist Lucas Bohm and Enensys engineers to discuss our unique “Parent” VHF high power transmission site DVB-T modulator requirements. Most of our VHF Parent sites operate in DVB-T Multi Frequency Network (MFN) mode and feed our UHF Child retransmission sites operating in Single Frequency Network (SFN) mode. We thus wanted a solution which could reference clock synchronise from the input ASI Transport Stream (i.e. Data Derived) and also remain bit-synchnronous to maintain operation of our SFN Child retransmission sites. A solution was developed by Enensys in co-operation with TXA engineering enabling a trial unit to be provided via Magna Systems and Engineering for testing in Sydney. The performance of the evaluation unit met TXA’s stringent criteria and therefore twelve units were purchased (Phase 1) to replace a number of our legacy modulators which were end of life in our first generation VHF DTV transmitters (circa 2001).
For Phase Two we required Enensys to carry out some additional bespoke development to further enhance the product. Due to our good working relationship with Lucas and Magna, none of requests for further enhancements were too much trouble and any issues were dealt with swiftly. As the first set of development was completed we also requested a priority ASI TS input switching option for main and back-up to be included in our NetMod units. This now means our backup units can revert back to the main input when it comes back online subject to some user settable criterion, a very helpful option.”
As a result of the successful collaboration with Magna Systems and Enensys, TXA went on to purchase another fifteen NetMod – T/H RF units all of which include an IF option for their national modulator upgrade.
Christopher Welch concluded, “The Enensys’ NetMod modulator is a great product that is versatile and functional for our application. In our view the Enensys NetMod is the ideal product for Data Derived synchronisation solution compatible for SFN child site operation. It has been a pleasure working with Enensys and Magna Systems and Engineering in developing a product to meet TXAs technical specifications, needs and requirements.”