Globo TV's HDTV Experimental Transmission

• Published in: 140th SMPTE Technical Conference and Exhibit pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: de Castro, Paulo H. C. V., Faria e Silva, Ana Eliza, da Costa, Luisenrique P. N.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: SMPTE 01.10.1998
• ISBN: 9781614829294; 1614829292
• DOI: 10.5594/M00274

During the World Soccer Cup, Globo TV Network accomplished the first intercontinental live digital TV transmission in High Definition, using the ATSC format. A total of forty five matches were transmitted via satellite directly from France to São Paulo, in Brazil, where a digital 8-VSB UHF transmitter put them on the air. - The main objective of this experiment was to demonstrate to the Brazilian authorities involved in broadcasting policy planning and television professionals the advantages of digital television, especially in high definition. - The matches were produced at the stadiums by the Japanese NHK and a European consortium led by France 2. At the International Broadcasting Center (IBC), in Paris, the received signals were digitized, compressed in the ATSC format and transmitted to a satellite whose downlink spot beam covered Brazil. - In São Paulo, the signal was received on a pass-through station and, after demodulation, fed a digital transmitter set for channel 19, which covered most of the city's area. Several viewing sites were prepared in the downtown area. Each room was equipped with the appropriate reception equipment and some monitors and projectors for exhibition.