Specialist Diploma in M&E

Coordination
Cable Television (CATV)
Lesson

By: Lim Ee Kiong

RCDD / NTS Specialist
 Course Outline
• 1 lessons
• Emphasis
– Principles, Installation and Inspection
– Industry Standards / Practices
– M&E Coordination
 Course Outline
• Introduction
• History of Telecommunications
• What is MATV / CATV
• Analog and Digital Technology
• CATV Components
• IDA COPIF and Space & Facilities
• Certificate of Compliance
 History of Broadcast TV
• Recap - What is Telecommunications?
– It is the transmission of information over
significant distances to communicate
• CATV originates from Broadcast TV and MATV
– Analog TV / AM / FM signals
– Unidirectional (Broadcast)
• Bi-directional Communications + Digital
Compression Technology
– A FORM OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
 Telecommunication in Singapore
1963 2000s 2012
Launch of ~1993 Rediffusion
Proliferation of
Broadcast Dialup ADSL and Ceased
TV Modem DOCSIS
1998
Singapore ONE
1949
2007 ~2010
Rediffusion
MIO TV FTTH

1923 Wireless@sg
FM Services

CATV Unlimited,
Era of POTL and Rollout always ON,
Broadcast MATV 1994-2000 Connection
 Telecommunication in Singapore
• Unidirectional Design from 1960s till 1990s
– Broadcast MATV
– Management of Airwaves
– VHF rated -> UHF rated
 Telecommunication in Singapore
• MATV to CATV
– 1994 – 2000 Island Wide Exercise
– 800,000 HDB households affected
– Existing MATV impossible to be upgraded for CATV
• bidirectional communications
– 5-42 MHz upstream / 55-1000 MHz downstream
– All newbuilds adopt new Specifications
– Existing Buildings has old + new
Free-to-air TV, Paid TV, VOD, Games
VoIP
Internet

Games
VoIP
Internet
 Some Definitions
• Master Antenna Television Systems or MATV
System
– A wired (cabled) system for the distribution of
television signals received by a common receiving
antenna installation from off-air broadcast to one
or more outlets in one or more buildings, which
may provide an output at one of its outlets for
distributing the same received television signals to
low-rise buildings or a group of terrace and/or
bungalows located in its neighbourhood (linking).
[CP39:1994]
 Some Definitions
• Cable TV (CATV) Systems
– A wide-area, wired (cabled) system of coaxial and
fibre optic cables interconnecting a large number
of networks installed in the buildings for
distributing broadcast as well as other television
and electronic signals from one or more CATV
programme originating sources. [CP39:1994]
 Some Definitions
• Broadband Coaxial Cable System (BCS)
– A wide-area, wired (cabled) system of coaxial,
interconnecting a large number of outlets installed in
the buildings.
– The system includes upstream bandwidth for
broadband interactive services (bi-directional) such as
cable-modem high-speed Internet access service, in
addition to conventional CATV network (uni-
directional) for subscriber CATV services [IDA
COPIF:2000]
• CATV and BCS is now considered to be same
• CATV can be seen as a very large MATV System
 The CCIR Channel Plan
• Managing the Airwaves or Frequency Planning
• Authority having Jurisdiction
– Media Development Authority
– Manages Satellite Communication Licenses
– Approval for all Transmitting Devices
• Walkie Talkies
• Wireless Access Points
• Microwave Transmitters
• To ensure inter-operability and minimise
interferences
 The CCIR Channel Plan
• Singapore and Malaysia adopts the CCIR
Channel Plan (European)
• Splits Frequency Spectrum into Bands
– Off-Air Terrestrial Broadcast Bands
• VHF I / FM / VHF III / UHF IV / UHF V
– CATV Bands
• VHF Midband / VHF Superband
 The CCIR Channel Plan
Band Freq Range Channel ID Remarks
VHF I 47 to 68 MHz C2 to C4
FM 88 to 108 MHz NA
VHF Midband 118 to 174 MHz S3 to S10 Reserved for Broadcast. But
can be used in CATV
VHF III 174 to 230 MHz C5 to C12
VHF Superband 230 to 446 MHz S11 to S38 Reserved for Broadcast. But
can be used in CATV
UHF IV 470 to 606 MHz C21 to C37
UHF V 606 to 862 MHz C38 to C69
 The CCIR Channel Plan
• Defines the Channel Bandwidth
– 7 MHz for VHF
– 8 MHz for UHF
• Why follow a Channel Plan?
– Specifications for Tuner Manufacturers
– PAL/Secam/NTSC, B-G, M standard etc
– IC Tuners no longer sweeps
– Technology Development has to be backward
compatible
 Analog TV
• Analog TV signal consist of
– Picture Carrier
– Colour Carrier
– Sound Carrier
• All information within the Channel Bandwidth
• All carriers have their specific place in the Channel Bandwidth
• Example C5
– Band Edge 174 MHz and 181 MHz (7 MHz)
– Picture Carrier 175.25 MHz
– Colour Carrier 179.68 MHz
– Sound Carrier 180.75 MHz
• Example C24
– Band Edge 494 MHz and 502 MHz (8 MHz)
– Picture Carrier 495.25 MHz
– Colour Carrier 499.68 MHz
– Sound Carrier 500.75 MHz
• Analog Content is same for both VHF and UHF band
– Different Guardbands
– 1.25 MHz and 0.25 MHz (VHF)
– 1.25 MHz both sides (UHF)
 Digital TV
• Digital TV signal has a different signal form
• All information remains within the Channel
Bandwidth
• Carriers are indiscernible
• Channel is Defined by the Centre Frequency
– No Longer by the Picture Carrier
• Extremely small Guardbands
– Maximise the Bandwidth
• Only distributed on UHF Band
– Why not on VHF Band?
The CCIR Channel Plan
ANALOG DIGITAL
Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy
MSCP Analogy
– 1st Storey Carpark
– Motorcycle Parking Lots
– 2nd Storey Carpark
UHF V
– 3rd and 4th Storey Carpark 32 lots (#C38 to #C69)
UHF IV 17 lots (#C21 to #C37)
• Bigger Lots (8 MHz)
VHF III 8 lots (#C5 to #C12)
FM Motorcycle Parking
VHF I 3 lot (#C2 – #C4)
 Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy
Example – Singapore’s Terrestrial Broadcast
• Malaysia TV1 is broadcast on Ch 3
• FM from Singapore/Malaysia/Indonesia
• MediaCorp 5 is broadcast on C5
• MediaCorp 8 is broadcast on C8
• Malaysia TV2 is broadcast on C10
• Suria is broadcast on C12
• Central is broadcast on C24
• Ch U is broadcast on C28
• Digital 5 is broadcast on C29
• Okto is broadcast on C30
• Ch NewsAsia is broadcast on C32
• High Definition 5 is broadcast on C38
Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy
1st Storey

C2 C3 C4

Motorcycle Parking

2nd Storey

C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12

Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy
Qn 1: What if 2 cars park
in same lot?
C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12

Qn 2: What if one car

don’t know how to
park properly?
C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12

Qn 3: What if both cars

don’t park in lots?
C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12
Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

• Analog Channels on C24, C26, C28, C30, C32

• In UHF, we have digital broadcasts.
• What is best analogy for Digital Broadcast?
– Higher passenger carrying capacity
– But must be able to fit in regular carpark lot
– MINIBUS
Channel Plan and Carpark Analogy

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

• SD Digital 5 – C29
• Starhub DTTV – C33, C34, C35
• HD Digital 5 – C38
 What’s in a Analog Channel?
4 adults and 2 suitcases
• Picture Carrier (Driver)
• Colour Carrier (Pax1)
• Sound Carrier (Pax 2, 3)
• Teletext (Suitcase 1, 2)
 What’s in a Digital Channel?
A lot more people and suitcases than a car
• Digital Compression allows squeezing more content
into the same analog Bandwidth
– C29 carries MC5, MC8 and CNA
– Upto 8 contents
• Multi-languages
• Programme Guide Info
x9 x5
• Radio / Music Channels
 TV Broadcast

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

• What is “Broadband”?
– Actually it has nothing to do with Internet Connection Speed….
– Refers to telecommunication that provides multiple channels
of data over a single communications medium
– Therefore CATV is a broadband network that is able to take
many many different content
• “Many cars can be parked at the same time”
 TV Broadcast

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

• What is “Broadcast”?
– Simultaneously sending the same information to multiple
recipients
– No feedback, “don’t care if you get it or not”
– LIVE, no buffering or resending of packets
• “The cars are always filled with people and
suitcases, AND always parked in the carpark”
 Watching TV and the MSCP Analogy

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

• Tuning of TV Sets, DVRs, Recorders, Set-Top-Boxes

• Service Provider STBs are pre-tuned
• Channel Surfing = scrolling through all the pre-tuned or
preset channels.
• Teletext and Dual Language
• Data over Cable?
– 5-42 MHz reserved for return path
– Cable Modems transmits upstream data on the RP, Receive
data through one of UHF channels
Break? Or Continue?
 Parts of an MATV System
• Antenna Subsystem
• Headend Processing Subsystem
• Main Distribution Subsystem
• Last Drop or Horizontal Subsystem
• BCS is subset of a MATV System
• Cable Ready MATV System
– BCS which is not yet connected to Starhub CATV
– Supported by Antenna System
– Else Dark
 Antenna Subsystem
• Yagi Uda Antenna
• Strategically placing
dipoles to receive
Broadcast through
resonance
• Signal received is
connected via Coaxial
Cables
• Use Outdoor Rated
Antenna Cables
• Consider Potential Safety
Hazard when installing
 Headend Subsystem
• Process the Antenna
Signals
• Filter unwanted stray
signals
• First stage amplification
• Low-Noise Performance
 Headend Subsystem
• Other Functions of Headend
– Channelised Amplifier (filter
and amplify)
– Convertor (change the
frequency)
– Modulator (modulates a
baseband signal)
– Satellite Receivers
– Digital Receivers
– Decryption
• Multiplexes signals into 1
coaxial cable.
• In CATV, the signals has been
processed by Cable Company
(Starhub)
 Main Distribution Subsystem
• Consist of Passive and Active Components
• Passive
– Cables
– Splitters
– Tap Off Units
– Connectors
– System Outlets
• Active
– Amplifiers
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Main Trunk Cables
• QR540 Cable
– Rigid Cable
– Aluminum Screen Fully RF
Welded
– Power Passing – 90VAC
15A
• Pin Connectors
– Centre Conductor too thick
for direct connectorisation
– High Pull Resistance
– High Screening
Effectiveness
Main Distribution Subsystem
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Distributors
• Splitters
• Directional Couplers
• Tap Off Units
• Line Type for Power
Passing
• Horizontal Type for Last
Drop
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Drop Cables
• RG6 Cable
– For conceal cabling
– Range of upto 50m
• RG11 Cable
– Impossible to conceal
– Range of upto 120m
• Connectors must be
360 compression type
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Compression Connectors
• One Use
• Impossible to remove, cut
the cable

Screw Type and Hex Crimp

Not allowed
 Main Distribution Subsystem
• Amplifier – To amplify
attenuated signals and
equalise it.
• Typical Gain of 38 dB
• Typical Outlet Level of
DS 50 dBmV
 Main Distribution Subsystem
• Attenuation
– Natural Phenomenon in all Copper Cables
– Varies with Frequency (Skin Effect)
– Higher the frequency the higher the attenuation
 Main Distribution Subsystem
• Higher Attenuation in High Frequencies will cause
a negative tilt in the signal spectrum

• Uneven Signal in a Broadband Network will cause

Intermodulation and Interferences
– Wavvy Lines or Bars on Analog Signal
– Affects BER in Digital Signal
• Signals must be kept relatively equal in strength
• Done using Equalisation, or Equalisers.
 Main Distribution Subsystem
• What are Equalisers?
• Circuits which has a frequency response
opposite to that of the Cable Phenomenon.
– High Loss on Low Frequencies, Low Loss on High
Frequencies
• Adjustable Equalisers or Fixed EQ
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Main Trunk Amplifier in MDF Main Trunk Amplifier + Power
Room Supply
Main Distribution Subsystem
Tap Off Unit Inside Riser
 Main Distribution Subsystem
Unit Horizontal Splitter Unit Outlet
 DB or Decibel
• Definition of dB - Decibels (dB) are often used
for ratios of voltage amplitudes using the
formula 20log10V2/V1.
• A very logical way to represent Gain,
Attenuation, Signal Level
 Attenuation in dB
Vin Passive Device Vout
Vout < Vin

• Attenuation in dB is simply

20log10(Vout/Vin)

• Express as a positive number as Log of fraction is

negative.
 Attenuation in dB
Example 1
• RG6 attenuation specification
– 5.25 dB @ 55 MHz
– 20.01 dB @ 862 MHz

Example 2
• Insertion Loss of Splitter is 3.5 dB
• EQ13 - 1 dB @ 862 MHz and 13 dB @ 55 MHz.
 Gain in dB
Vin Amplifier Vout
Vout > Vin

• Gain in dB is simply

20log10(Vout/Vin)

• Example
– Gain of Amplifier is 38 dB
– Directional Gain of Antenna is 18 dB
 Signal Levels in dB
20log10V2/V1

• If V1 is reference to a known value, then it becomes a unit of

measurement

• Let V1 be 1mV, then it becomes a signal level measured in dBmV.

Example : V1 = 1V

Then 20 log101V/1mV = 20 log101 / 1 x 10-3

= 20 log10103
= 3 x 20
= 60 dBmV
 Signal Levels in dB
• If V1 be 1μV, then it becomes a signal level
measured in dBμV.
• Similarly for Power Measurements
10 log10(P1/P2)
• If P2 is mW, then it is dBm

• Signal Level at every TV Outlet shall be

– min 0 dBmV (60 dBuV)
– max 20 dBmV (80 dBuV)
 Spaces and Facilities
• IDA COPIF is the governing CP for CATV
Systems
• Specifies the Space and Facilities to be
provided for CATV
• Key Space and Facilities Requirements
– MDF Room
– Telecom Risers
– Lead-in Pipes from Boundary into Premises
 MDF Room
• Entrance Facility for PTLs and TSLs
• For CATV, the MDF Room is the demarcation
point between Developer and PTL/TSL
– Developer Provides first Amplifier as Connection
Point
– Developer Builds all Main Distribution and
Horizontal Last Drop
 MDF Room
• Entrance Facility for PTLs
and TSLs
• For CATV, the MDF Room is
the demarcation point
between Developer and
PTL/TSL
– Developer Provides first
Amplifier as Connection Point
– Developer Builds all Main
Distribution and Horizontal
Last Drop
• SCV Connection at first
Amplifier

Connect to SCV
 MDF Room
• Square or Rectangular; Length to Width Ratio = 2 : 1 (where > 4 m2,
one side at least 2m).
• Located at Street Level or 1F; or with more than 1 basement,
topmost basement floor
• As close to Telecom Risers
• Well ventilated (AC from Central System for non-Residential)
• Dry and secured
• Standby Power or Standby Gen Connectivity
• Earth Bar/Rod – 1 number of clean earth with less than 1 ohm
 Telecom Risers
The Telecom Riser is
• for Telephone Operators and BCS only
• Serving Radius < 40m
• typically 800 x 600 mm floor area (refer to COPIF)
• vertically provided with cable tray or trunking
Type of System Upto 25 Storeys Upto 50 Storeys
Telecoms (non-BCS) 200mm tray 300mm tray
BCS 100mm tray 150mm tray

• Enlarge BCS Tray by 50mm if have separate BCS and MATV System
 Lead In Pipes and Cable Pathway
All spaces must be linked by approved Cable
Pathways (Tray/Trunking/uPVC Conduit)
• Lead In Pipes must be connected to MDF
Room
• All Telecom Risers must be connected to MDF
Room
• Recommend to link Multiple Telecom Risers
 Cable Readiness
1. Performance
o CATV Systems utilises high-end equipment and amplifier to
handle high channel loads and bi-directional applications.
o Typical MATV Systems are much simpler and can have varied
quality ranges.
2. Workmanship
o Installations and Commissioning should be performed by SCV
Qualified Contractors
3. Space and Facilities
o To ensure that building will have necessary space and facilities
to support BCS Services any time in the future.
 Cable Readiness
Constructing a BCS for a building
DOES NOT MEAN
• Premise will have Cable TV Service
• To have Cable TV Service – additional connecting cost
to developers
• Most of time BCS still distributing MATV Signals
o Cable Ready MATV System
• BUT the provision is there to switch from MATV to
CATV ‘anytime’
 How to be Cable Readiness?
1. Engage the right CATV Designer and Installer to
design and build the system
• Verify all Products have SCV approvals
2. Pre-Site Inspection Check (Documentations)
• Product Specifications
• Design Drawings / Electrical Single Line
• MDF and Riser Dimensions
• Cable Support Routing and Provisions
• Lead-In Pipe Provisions
 How to be Cable Readiness?
3. Site Inspection
• Cable Support Works
• 100% Verification of Signal Levels
• Other necessary checks

4. Pay Certification Fee / Wait for Cheque

Clearance
5. Get Certificate
How to be Cable Readiness?