The world’s first DVB-S2X 256APSK satellite transmission has been successfully completed by Japan-based Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV) with Newtec technology.

The trial campaign saw Nippon TV transmit 5MHz bandwidth with a 256APSK carrier from a Satellite News Gathering (SNG) truck to the Superbird-B2 satellite. The transmission was successfully received at the headquarters of Nippon TV in Minato, Tokyo.  The test follows Nippon TV’s interest in the new DVB-S2X modulation standard for its next-generation video network over Japan. Considering the benefit of the 5% Roll Off (RO) technology that saves satellite bandwidth, Nippon TV wanted to establish the feasibility of using this higher modulation and the associated challenges. Putting the DVB-S2X 256APSK to the test, the team used Newtec’s MDM6100 Broadcast Satellite Modem and 5MHZ bandwidth on a JSAT transponder. This is the same amount of bandwidth required for Nippon TV’s next-generation video network. 25Mbps was transmitted from the SNG using a 1.4m antenna, which was received on a 5m dish at the TV station.

“Knowing that DVB-S2X can reduce satellite bandwidth with its 5 per cent roll off technology, we wanted to test DVB-S2X 256APSK modulation on an actual satellite because it requires higher quality and link margin, which could have been a challenge for us. Following the trial, I am confident of the Superbird-B2 satellite’s ability to accommodate this modulation,” said Tetsuo Makino, Director of Engineering Technical Strategy Group at Nippon TV.

“The new DVB extension, called DVB-S2X, with improved efficiency, will enable the satellite industry to increase profitability and allow for business growth throughout all applications, from high-speed IP to broadcast,” said Dirk Breynaert, Newtec’s CTO and Co-founder.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Standards