Editorial

The winds of change
George T. Waters

Data Broadcasting

A high bit-rate data broadcasting system using the terrestrial FM radio network: SWIFT Eureka 1197 project
P. Scomazzon and R. Andersson (70 KB)

The SWIFT Eureka 1197 project aims to develop a multi-application data system using the FM radio network. This article presents a technical assessment of the various existing high bit-rate data broadcasting systems that are compatible both with the Radio Data System (RDS) and with the audio signals (monophonic or stereophonic) that are transmitted by FM radio networks.

The technical performance of each existing system is reviewed, along with the performance criteria of the system which has been adopted in the SWIFT project. Finally, three classes of application – professional, public and services for disabled people – are described.

TV Production

A new technique to maintain sound and picture synchronization
D.G. Kirby and M.R. Marks (100 KB)

It is becoming more common to see television programmes broadcast with the sound and pictures out of synchronization. Such timing errors can occur very easily today, due to video and audio signals being processed separately, for example by synchronizers and video effects units.

The BBC has been concerned with signal synchronization for some time and has explored various techniques to control it. The most promising approach uses delay codes, carried within the signals themselves, to indicate the amount of delay which each signal has experienced. These codes are updated whenever a signal is further delayed by equipment, and therefore they indicate the extent of the mistiming between sound and vision at any point in the production chain.

When required, typically at the point of recording or transmission, the accumulated delay values are read from the signals and used to apply a compensating delay to re-synchronize the sound and pictures.

EBU

The new role and structure of the EBU
G.T. Waters (48 KB)

In the face of major upheavals in the audiovisual world, the role of the EBU has been redefined. A new structure is already in place and its methods of functioning are in the process of being adapted to suit more accurately and efficiently the needs of Members.

This article gives the reasons for the changes and describes in broad terms the EBU's new structure and principal functions. It concludes by taking a brief look at the new structure of the technical sector and gives the terms of reference of its principal bodies.

EBU Technical Activities

Ten years of EBU participation in European collaborative projects
J.-P. Evain (41 KB)

For many years, initiatives have been taken to enhance coordination and collaboration between various European partners in Research and Development. RACE and its Accompanying Measures programme, ACTS, DVB and EUREKA are among the most important projects in terms of broadcasters' involvement. EBU Members have also taken part in COST, ESPRIT, DRIVE and TIDE projects.

A short description of some of these R & D programmes is given here, along with summary details of many of the projects in which Members of the EBU have played a leading or active role.

Digital Television

Digital broadcasting demonstrations by HD-SAT and dTTb at Montreux '95
A. Oliphant and L. Combarel (82 KB)

Two RACE projects on show at Montreux '95 – HD-SAT and dTTb – gave the first complete integrated demonstration of MPEG-2 digital television broadcasting – terrestrially, by cable and by satellite.

Visitors to the stand were able to watch four widescreen SDTV or one HDTV programme being broadcast in an 8 MHz UHF channel, in a single-frequency network. Another demonstration showed a very high-quality HDTV programme being broadcast via a satellite channel in the 20 GHz band, with a fallback operation which allowed graceful picture degradation if the HDTV signal could not be received satisfactorily due to heavy rainfall.

A third demonstration showed the terrestrial and satellite signals being broadcast, without loss of quality, over the Montreux cable television network.