A Review of the Public Broadcast Service TV Distribution System and Plans for the National Public Radio System

Abstract

Nationwide Television Programming for the Public Broadcasting Service is now being carried by the largest integrated network of Earth Stations ever constructed by a single turn-key contractor. The 165 station network, including 5 remote origination transmit terminals, was completed significantly ahead of a schedule established two years before. Such an accomplishment required carefully orchestrated efforts between customer and contractor in the areas of system and equipment design and qualification, site selection and design, frequency coordination, equipment scheduling, on site construction, site installation and test effort mobilization. Unusual and unexpected constraints were often encountered, requiring resourceful and innovative solutions. Performance records since early 1978 when initial operations began indicate the reliability, availability and cost improvement goals of the system have been exceeded by a significant margin. A similar system for the National Public Radio, involving 205 stations (15 with transmit capability) is currently in the early stages of implementation.