SIMULCAST TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL PROGRAMS TO SHARED ANTENNA RECEIVING SYSTEMS

摘要

Within a desired service area, multiple transmitters (TX) at separated located sites simultaneously broadcast the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters (TX) propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Obstructions in the service area, e.g. mountains, buildings, trees, etc., may block reception from one or more of the transmitters (TX) at certain sites. However, at most receiving sites, the receiving antenna can receive a clear line-of-sight transmission from at least one and often two or more of the transmitters. Each broadcast channel carries a multiplexed digital data stream containing packets of information for a plurality of programs, e.g. TV programs. A shared antenna system, typically including multiple receiving antennae (31) aimed at a plurality of the transmitters (TX), supplies received signals to terminals (100) in a plurality of living units (75). The shared system includes processing circuitry (33) to supply an optimal signal from the receiving antennae to the terminals (100).