Digital TV Signals

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Overview As analog TV transmission shuts down throughout the world, corresponding frequency spectrum is released for the use of not only digital TV but also other services in a more openly regulated environment. Similarly the unoccupied white spaces in the TV spectrum are increasingly being used for a wide range of applications. This requires a more sophisticated approach for spectrum planning and control, to avoid interference with digital TV receivers. This new approach highly benefits from the availability of robust spectrum analysis and monitoring tools that identify the digital TV channels in use and measure the signal quality in those channels. Feature based identification using pilot tones embedded in digital TV signals is not always reliable or easy, as it can be difficult to see the features in a signal which is distorted by noise and wireless propagation effects. The solution presented here applies advanced signal processing techniques to overcome these problems. It automatically scans digital TV broadcast over the air, employs protected smart techniques to be able to detect both strong and weak digital TV signals, and identifies channels in use as well as the signal type and quality in a very short time. In addition to its robustness and efficiency in signal measurement and monitoring applications, the solution can be used by digital TV tuners for the fast and reliable scanning of available channels. Advantages ·Detection accuracy of the invention matches the limits recommended by communication regulators ·Advanced signal processing lets the system suppress the leakages between the FFT bins. Hence, the solution increases the strength of the frequency pilots in the corresponding FFT bins. It also reduces the need to use more FFT bins to increase the resolution. ·Application is elegant and simple through connecting a receiver to a personal computer which captures signal activity in digital TV channels over the air, and installing a software to process the captured data and to identify the channels in use and the signal properties. The system can also be deployed in a custom built hardware box. · Reduces the probability of false alarms, which are a common headache, especially in TV white space applications, since the regulators impose the use of very low sensing thresholds. · Realtime automatic solution that requires no manual intervention. Development Stage Prototype tested and proven in the unique Irish regulatory test environment. Principal Inventor(s) Dr Baris Ozgul www.ctvr.ie PATENT: European Patent Application 10154155.5 TCD Ref BO02-225-01