Editorial

EUROVISION: 40 years of network development, four decades of service to broadcasters
George T. Waters

Eurovision

The implementation of satellite technology in the Eurovision network
W. Potter (335 KB)

An essential feature of the Eurovision system, enabling the network to retain its lead in the provision of television distribution services across Europe, has been the implementation of satellite technology in support of the long-established network of terrestrial relays.

This article retraces the history of satellite operations within Eurovision, from the first experiments with the Orbital Test Satellite in the 1970s, to the establishment of transmit/receive earth stations at broadcasters' premises in all the major centres of Europe – East and West.

Against a backdrop of engineering, the author explains that there is much more to satellite transmission than G/T and rain-fades; tact, diplomacy, a keen awareness of European politics, and above all patience are essential attributes contributing to the successful installation of earth stations at the places where broadcasters need them most.

Eurovision voice conferencing using VSAT technology
B.G. Flowers (189 KB)

If Eurovision can be likened to a Tower of Babel, then it is probably during the news and technical coordination conferences that this comparison is most justified. For forty years, these conferences have sought to offer users the maximum of freedom to express their views and state their requirements, as if they were all siting round a table together, although in reality they are dispersed throughout the Eurovision network, linked via an ingenious 4-wire telephone-quality conference system.

With the advent of satellites and their exploitation for television transmission, and with the growing needs of the conference participants as the network extends into Eastern Europe, the search has begun for a new technical basis for the Eurovision conference facilities, also using satellite technology. The article explains some of the factors to be considered in the choice of a system.

Introduction of a computerised planning system in Eurovision operations – Presentation of the "TPP" system
W. Lloyd (368 KB)

At the end of 1993 a computer system was introduced in Eurovision Network planning operations. This system replaced a paper-based methodology in existence since the advent of Eurovision and which was no longer capable of handling increases in workloads due to an upward trend in both the volume of transmissions and the underlying complexity of network operations. The system employs fourth-generation software products and high-performance graphical workstations.

Eurovision Network Management System – the ENMS
D.R. Miles (129 KB)

A characteristic of Eurovision operations, as the network has expanded and evolved over the past 40 years, has been the sustaining influence of a club spirit, founded on the exchange not only of programme material but also of mutual support, technical assistance and a certain degree of altruism. Although only recently identified as a potential target for improvements, the Eurovision Network Management System has always existed, albeit heavily disguised as an ability to adapt to circumstances, and it has always been dependent on the expert knowledge and the professional skills of the people who have made Eurovision work.

The article explores some of the concepts being considered for a more formal approach to Eurovision network management, adapted to the specific operational and commercial requirements of today – yet remaining respectful of the long-standing Eurovision tradition of solidarity and collaboration.

Bringing Eurovision Network Services to market
C. Stoffel (248 KB)

Under the new banner "Eurovision Network Services", the EBU is making available to all users of the television medium a full range of television transmission, technical coordination and programme coordination services which have been of major benefit to EBU members for the past 40 years.

This article presents Eurovision Network Services, and sets them in the context of European television broadcasting.

Euroradio

The Euroradio Control Centre in Geneva
R. Cutliffe (168 KB)

While Eurovision celebrates its 40th anniversary, Euroradio, set up in 1989, has been consolidating its presence, notably by the installation at EBU Headquarters in Geneva of a control centre dedicated to the international exchange of high-quality digital sound-programme material.

With many hundreds of transmissions already safely carried across the world, a busy exchange schedule for the future, and now with dedicated technical facilities and satellite channels, Euroradio is set to justify the aspirations of the radio-programme community.

Digital Audio Broadcasting

The RAI plans for DAB field tests
M. Cominetti (250 KB)

The article briefly describes the plans for DAB field tests conducted in the Aosta Valley test-bed. The tests will assess the system performance, characterise the RF channel and evaluate the coverage of a single frequency network (SFN) including three transmitters on VHF channel 12.

These experiments, involving both mobile and fixed reception, are part of the activity of a RAI DAB Working Group aimed at identifying and studying the technical and operational aspects for the introduction of T-DAB services in Italy.

Digital Radio Broadcasting in Canada – A strategic approach to DRB implementation
G. Chouinard, F. Conway, W.A. Stacey and J.R. Trenholm (368 KB)

While digital sound broadcasting tends to be regarded as a European interest, much valuable work is being done in other countries, and in Canada in particular.

The present article presents the wide-ranging collaborative study programme under way in Canada.

The results will be of interest in Europe, too, since the studies include detailed consideration of the 1500 MHz band, which has so far received relatively little attention elsewhere, at least in comparison to the research effort deployed at frequencies near 200 MHz.