MicroFlex for Comux UK

During the last twelve months, Arshad Rasul from Blue Octagon a services provider, has been working as technical consultant to Comux UK. Comux UK was awarded the licence to provide the broadcast infrastructure and multiplex for delivering Local TV in the United Kingdom by OFCOM (the office of communications). OFCOM is the Independent regulator and competition authority for the communications industries within the United Kingdom.

The Local TV network is another first for the UK Broadcast sector. The team has been busy designing, building and commissioning the new infrastructure and Network Operations Centre (NOC) and getting Local TV services launched. One of the requirements during commissioning and testing of the networks facilities was to have a portable SDI signal analyser that could be used both at the Comux NOC, and very importantly, out in the field at the various Local TV Licensees facilities.

In the Comux model, we offer a hand off point at the remote studios into which the Local TV Licensee feeds their SDI programme video feed. From this point on, Comux take responsibility for the signal through the J2K i/P contribution links to the NOC, Multiplexing, onward distribution to the DTT Transmitters, and transmission to the viewer.

Comux do not want to have to make second or third visits to a remote location if it can be avoided, as time is precious and expensive. The ideal is to get it right first time.

The MicroFlex was chosen specifically because it was compact, self contained, and gave the engineers a highest degree of confidence in the measurement of the quality of the SDI signals at any point where checks had to be made. The unit switches on and fires up instantly, so there is no need to wait for the processor to operate. There is certainly convenience with regard to the EYE feature which is included in the measurement package as there is no additional hardware that needs to be attached to the main unit.

The MicroFlex is invaluable and helps Comux to locate and rectify any issues swiftly, and achieve a high degree of confidence in the SDI signal infrastructure that is central to the success of their operation.

The award winning MicroFlex, designed for real life operational, install and front line maintenance situations and has been hugely successful worldwide and is used widely by American Telecoms giant. The MicroFlex is a small powerful hand held instrument available with up to six option modules enabling the choice of operation to suit the users need, saving the costly purchase of unnecessary functionality. Each module option performs absolute measurement with patented cursors capability. Option modules include 3G, HD, SD SDI and HD and SD SDI operation with or without EYE pattern capability, HD and SD SDI operation with test signal generation included and finally SD SDI plus Composite operation for those who need backward compatibility, something designed in from the start. A carry case with pouch for option modules is included.

Author Arshad Rasul C.Eng. F.I.E.T. Managing Director at Blue Octagon Ltd. Arshad is a Chartered Engineer, heads up Blue Octagon, has assisted UK Parliamentary select committees and is a member of the Comux Board. [arshad@blueoctagon.co.uk]

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