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Synchrony™ MNA

ATSC Distributed Transmission and Mobile Network Adapter


The Harris® Synchrony™ MNA provides a variety of functions to enable ATSC broadcasters an efficient means of expanding their main channel and mobile digital broadcast services. It enables the creation of distributed transmission systems (DTS) in which multiple transmitters operate on the same frequency to improve coverage. Additionally, as a key component of the Harris MPH™ ATSC Mobile DTV solution, Synchrony MNA seamlessly brings together main channel HD and SD, mobile audio/video streams and supporting content data, into a complete service multiplex.

A single unit can be configured as a DTS adapter, mobile multiplexer or both. The broadcast studio requires only one Synchrony MNA to address several vital concerns for broadcasters—expanding digital coverage to reach new markets, filling coverage gaps created by digital coverage patterns and taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by mobile video and datacasting.

Features

  • Operates as a distributed transmission systems (DTS) adapter, mobile network adapter or both
  • For mobile systems, serves as the ingest and control point for encoded main video, encoded mobile video, datacast services, electronic service guide and GPS timing
  • For DTS, provides centralized control of DTS functionality, including generation of network timing and synchronization/delay adjustment of the networked transmitters
  • Dedicated FPGA-based hardware that can be readily updated for standards changes and enhanced features. Avoids having a PC in a mission critical transmission path
  • Redundancy features for high availability on-air performance
  • SMPTE 310M and ASI (selectable) for ATSC transport input and output
  • Generates basic signaling tables, including fast information channel (FIC) and transmission parameters channel (TPC)
  • Smooth transmission of ATSC A/153 signaling and announcement tables is aided by seamless integration with the Roundbox mobile data server
  • Signaling/ESG data carousel retains the most recent set of generated data tables. Should the signaling generator fail, the carousel uses the stored data to assure uninterrupted operation

Product Details

Distributed transmission systems (DTS)
Distributed transmission systems (DTS) are one of the solutions recommended to ATSC broadcasters to address the coverage gaps and variations resulting from their digital conversion.

Timing and Synchronization
Serving as the core of DTS implementation, Synchrony MNA precisely manages the timing and synchronization of the modulated signal in each transmitter to minimize interference zones where coverage overlaps. It inserts GPS timing information into the data stream delivered to the transmitters from the studio and centralizes control of the transmitters DTS functions.

DTV, Mobile and DTS Standards
Synchrony MNA operates with full compliance in DTV (ATSC standard A/53), mobile (ATSC standard A/153), and DTS (ATSC standard A/110b). Approval of the A/153 ATSC Mobile DTV Standard is a key development providing broadcasters with new broadcast and broadband revenue streams. The Synchrony MNA preprocesses mobile video for generation of the mobile signal and multiplexes mobile data into the ATSC transport stream.

Flexibility and Upgradeability
Flexibility and upgradeability are key considerations for broadcasters as they evaluate solutions for expanding into new digital broadcast and service models.

Quality and Reliability
Harris quality ensures the highest level of reliability to keep all services on the air.

Images/Diagrams

Back Module

SynchronyMNARear.jpg

Specifications

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

Inputs
Transport Stream2 BNC, 75 ohms, configurable as DVB-ASI (DVB-ASI standard EN 50083-9:2002) or SMPTE 310M (SMPTE 310M-2004) for ATSC transport input
Ethernet2x8-pin modular RJ-45 10/100 management network interface 
1x8-pin modular RJ-45 10/100/1000 MH stream/data interface
1 PPS Reference Input1 BNC, 50 ohms
10 Mhz Reference Input1 BNC, 50 ohms
GPS Antenna Input1 SMA, 50 ohms
Craft Port1 RS-232, DB-9F
Alarms4 relay contacts via DB-9F
AC Power Input1x90 to 265 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz auto-ranging

Outputs
Transport Stream2 BNC, 75 ohms, configurable as DVB-ASI (DVB-ASI standard EN 50083-9:2002) or SMPTE 310M (SMPTE 310M-2004)
Monitor1 BNC, 75 ohms, configurable as DVB-ASI (DVB-ASI standard EN 50083-9:2002) or SMPTE 310M (SMPTE 310M-2004)
1 PPS Reference Output1 BNC, 50 ohms

Environmental32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C), 10 to 90% humidity, non-condensing

Altitude0 to 9,842 ft (3000 m) RoHS

Physical19 in. EIA rack standard, 1RU high, 11 in. (28 cm) depth

Acoustic Noise-<60 dBA

Monitoring and Control
Browser-based user GUI
Front-panel controls
Alarm-driven contacts

Redundancy
Dual A/153 output streams
Power or equipment failure bypasses MH systems, and the A/53 stream is directed to the output
User bypass of MH system

ATSC MH Signaling Parameters
Signaling tables and component descriptors supported internally via Synchrony MNA or externally third-party device
Transmission parameter channel supported internally via Synchrony MNA
All other signaling supported externally from third-party device

DTS Mode
Operations and maintenance packet structure per A/110b including:
     - Synchronization time stamp (STS)
     - Maximum delay (MD)
     - Offset delay (OD)
Pilot frequency stability of ±0.5 Hz of nominal
Operational support for 2 groups each with up to 32 transmitters per group

Sales Contacts
  • North America +1 800 231 9673
  • Caribbean and Latin America +1 786 437 1960
  • Europe and Africa +44 118 964 8200
  • Middle East and South Asia  +971 4 433 8250
  • Asia, Pacific Rim +852 2776 0628