Functional Block Diagram - Blonder Tongue Laboratories Inc.

Broadband 

Specification Guide 

Everything You Need to Know to 

Specify a Broadband/RF System 

2008 

Version 5.25 • $25.95 U.S.A. 

One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 

800-523-6049 • Fax: 732-679-4353 

www.blondertongue.com

Broadband Specification Guide 

Forward 

This Broadband Specification Guide has been designed to break down a broadband system into simple 

building blocks to be used when specifying an RF System for schools, prisons, sports complexes, or any 

type of facility. 

Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. has been in the business of manufacturing equipment for broadband 

systems for over the last 50 years. We have taken that knowledge and experience to formulate this 

Broadband Specification Guide especially for Specifiers, Architects and Engineers. You’ll find we use 

plain English descriptions, simple to use diagrams and specification libraries to fit your broadband design 

needs. 

Suggestions or feedback? Simply e-mail us at feedback@blondertongue.com with the subject line of 

“Broadband Specification Guide.” 

Caution 

The information presented in this manual is intended to be a helpful guide for the design of RF 

systems. It is not intended to be applicable or suited to every circumstance which might arise during the 

construction phases of RF systems. 

The information and drawings contained in the manual are the exclusive property of Blonder Tongue 

Laboratories, Inc, and may be reproduced, copied, or published by any means, for the purposes of 

specifying, designing, or selling Blonder Tongue products. All credits to be given to Blonder Tongue, and 

stock and model numbers of the products are not to be changed. 

No warranty or liability is implied, nor expressed and this manual should not be construed to be a replacement for sound 

judgment and experience as applied to actual field circumstances. 

©2008 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. 

Not responsible for typographical errors. 

2 

2


Table of Contents 

How To Use This Guide..............................................................................................................................................4 

Functional System Descriptions and Diagrams 

Analog VHF Off-Air Reception....................................................................................................................................6 

Analog UHF Off-Air Reception...................................................................................................................................8 

Digital Off-Air Reception (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing................................................................................10 

Digital Off-Air Reception (8VSB) - Digital Viewing (8VSB).......................................................................................12 

Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM)......................................................................................14 

Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing....................................................................................................16 

Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM).........................................................................................18 

Local Origination ......................................................................................................................................................20 

Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - IP Distribution......................................................................................................22 

Digital QAM Channel Generation............................................................................................................................24 

EBS/ITFS (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing.........................................................................................................26 

Cable TV Feed...........................................................................................................................................................28 

Cherry Picking From a Cable TV Feed......................................................................................................................30 

Preventing Reception of Undesired Programming on Cable TV Feed...................................................................34 

Inserting a Local Origination Into a Cable TV Feed.................................................................................................36 

Inserting a Local Origination Above a Cable TV Feed.............................................................................................38 

Sub-Channel Return.................................................................................................................................................40 

Signal From DBS (DishNetwork) Satellite.............................................................................................................44 

Coaxial Distribution..................................................................................................................................................46 

Hybrid Fiber and Coax Distribution.........................................................................................................................52 

High Speed Broadband Internet..............................................................................................................................54 

Remote Power Reset................................................................................................................................................56 

Equipment Specification Library.............................................................................................................................58 

CATV Terms & Definitions.......................................................................................................................................80 

Frequency Charts (CATV, CATV QAM, Off-Air)........................................................................................................96 

Additional Reading and Web Listings..................................................................................................................103 

CD ROM & Specifier Files......................................................................................................................................103 

3


How To Use This Guide 

This publication has been designed to serve as a guide on how to provide signal to televisions in 

commercial/industrial/educational environments. This includes: 

• What are the different types of programming sources? 

• How to put together the proper equipment to prepare the different programming sources 

for distribution? 

• How to design the RF distribution networks to get the created signals to the desired TVs? 

The first section is a plain English, functional description of the different sub-systems that can be 

incorporated into the project. Each system is broken down into three distinct sections: “Functionality”, 

“In Depth Description”, and “Functional Block Diagram”. 

The Functionality section is a plain English, functional description of the different sub-systems that can be 

incorporated in to the project. This is designed to give you the most basic idea of what the system will do for 

the facility, and can be used to highlight the different uses of technology. 

The In Depth Description builds on the information introduced in the Functionality section, but goes in to 

deeper detail. An operational description is given for each item needed to make the system work. As with 

any type of technical systems there are sometimes special considerations that must be considered when 

designing the system, those considerations will be brought forth in this section. 

The Functional Block Diagram section is a graphic representation of how the components interface with each 

other. Next to the graphical representation of each component, there is a listing of all the possible items that 

can perform that function. If the designer picks one component from each group, the system will have all of 

the components required to operate properly, provided that all of the components are properly installed. 

The second section of this publication is the specification library. Every product that is referenced in the 

functional block diagrams can be found in the specification library. These are the specifications that should be 

used to assemble the bid package for any of the subsystems that have been designed. The specifications are 

sorted by model number for ease of look-up. 

4 

4


Safety Instructions 

Safety Instructions 

You should always follow these instructions to help ensure against injury to yourself and 

damage to your equipment. 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

➧ 

Read all safety and operating instructions before you operate the unit. 

Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference. 

Heed all warnings on the unit and in the safety and operating instructions. 

Follow all installation, operating, and use instructions. 

Unplug the unit from the AC power outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior 

of the unit. 

Do not use accessories or attachments not recommended by Blonder Tongue, as they may cause hazards, 

and will void the warranty. 

Do not operate the unit in high-humidity areas, or expose it to water or moisture. 

Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious 

personal injury and damage to the unit. Install the unit only in a mounting rack designed for 19” rackmounted 

equipment. 

Do not block or cover slots and openings in the unit. These are provided for ventilation and protection 

from overheating. Never place the unit near or over a radiator or heat register. Do not place the unit in an 

enclosure such as a cabinet without proper ventilation. Do not mount equipment in the rack space directly 

above or below the unit. 

Operate the unit using only the type of power source indicated on the marking label. Unplug the unit power 

cord by gripping the plug, not the cord. 

The unit is equipped with a three-wire ground-type plug. This plug will fit only into a ground-type power 

outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the outlet. Do 

not defeat the safety purpose of the ground-type plug. 

Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or 

against them. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they 

exit from the unit. 

Be sure that the outdoor components of the antenna system are grounded in accordance with local, federal, and 

National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Pay special attention to NEC Sections 810 and 820. 

See the example shown in the following diagram: 

Satellite Dish 

Ground Clamp 

Coaxial Cable 

from Satellite Dish 

Antenna Discharge Unit 

(NEC Section 810-20) 

Electric Service 

Equipment 

Ground Clamps 

Grounding Conductors 

(NEC Section 810-21) 

Power Service 

Grounding 

Electrode System 

(NEC Art. 250, Part H) 

5


Analog VHF Off-Air Reception 

Functionality 

This system will allow you to distribute a local analog broadcast (standard definition) TV channel that is 

available in the market. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a 

hybrid fiber/coaxial distribution network within the facility. 

There is almost no where in the continental United States that is incapable of receiving off-air broadcast signals. 

Since these signals are free to the receiving party, they are often a good basis to start a coaxial distribution 

plant. 

In Depth Description 

The TV broadcast may be from a location some distance away from the property/ reception site. The site must 

have an antenna mounted on the outside of the building to receive these signals. If there is not adequate 

reception to hand off to the processor, a pre-amplifier may need to be employed. Since the necessity of a 

pre-amp can not be determined until a site survey is performed, it is advisable to specify a pre-amplifier, “as 

required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires a separate 

power supply to be mounted inside the building to power the unit. You must make sure that a power supply 

is also specified, and that it is the correct power supply for the pre-amplifier. 

The processor is the piece of electronics that cleans and amplifies the signal that has been received. This 

unit can convert the received channel to another channel for output onto the system, for example received 

VHF channel 3 output VHF channel 7. It is common practice to convert desired local UHF channels to nonbroadcast 

VHF channels in the market. This is done to minimize losses in the distribution and make it easier 

to construct and manage. 

When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level 

so that the signals do not damage each other. If you pick one product from each category on the next page, 

you will have all of the components to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the 

specifications can be looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

The Federal government has set February 17, 2009 as the digital cut-off date. This means the current 

simulcasting of both analog and digital HDTV/SDTV broadcasts will end and only digital broadcasts will 

be available over the air. 

6


Functional Block Diagram 

CAUTION: Valid Until February 17, 2009 Digital Transition Deadline. 

Analog VHF Off-Air Reception 

A 

A 

(ANTENNA) 

- BTY-5-LB # 4866 (CH 2-6 FM SINGLE CH) 

- BTY-10-HB # 4867 (CH 7-13 SINGLE CH) 

- BTY-LP-LB # 4872 (CH 2-6 LOW BAND) 

- BTY-LP-HB # 4871 (CH 7-13 HIGH BAND) 

- BTY-LP-BB # 4874 (CH 2-13 BROADBAND) 

B 

= 

~ 

~ 

B 

(PRE-AMPLIFIER/POWER SUPPLY) 

- CMA-b / PS-1526 # 4706/ 1526 (SINGLE CH) 

- CMA-LB / PS-1536 # 4448-LB/1536 (2-6 LOW BAND) 

- CMA-HB / PS-1536 # 4448-HB/1536 (7-13 HIGH BAND) 

- CMA-BB / PS-1536 # 4448-BB/1536 (2-13 BROADBAND) 

= 

#__ 

C 

C 

(PROCESSOR) 

- AP-40-550B # 59802 (AGILE 40 dBmV) (OFF CH Ex 2-3) 

- W/OPT 14 # 59144 (ON CHANNEL LOCK) (ON CH Ex 2-2) 

#__ 

D 

E 

D 

E 

(COMBINER) 

- OC-8D COMBINER # 5957 


- OC-24E COMBINER # 5794 


(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES INC. 

OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857 

DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/16/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021605C 

7 7


Analog UHF Off-Air Reception 


This system will allow you to distribute a local analog broadcast (standard definition) TV channel that is 

available in the market. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a 

hybrid fiber/coaxial distribution network within the facility. 

There is almost no where in the continental United States that is incapable of receiving off-air broadcast signals. 

Since these signals are free to the receiving party, they are often a good basis to start a coaxial distribution 

plant. 


The TV broadcast may be from a location some distance away from the property/ reception site. The site 

must have an antenna mounted on the outside of the building to receive these signals. If there is not adequate 

reception to hand off to the processor, a pre-amplifier may need to be employed. Since the necessity 

of a pre-amp can not be determined until a site survey is performed, it is advisable to specify a pre-amplifier, 

“as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires 

a separate power supply to be mounted inside the building to power the unit. You must make sure that a 

power supply is also specified, and that it is the correct power supply for the pre-amplifier. 

The processor is the piece of electronics that cleans and amplifies the signal that has been received. This 

unit can convert the received channel to another channel for output onto the system, for example received 

UHF channel 33 output VHF channel 7. It is common practice to convert desired local UHF channels to nonbroadcast 

VHF channels in the market. This is done to minimize losses in the distribution and make it easier 

to construct and manage. 

When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level 

so that the signals do not damage each other. If you pick one product from each category on the next page, 

you will have all of the components to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the 






8



CAUTION: Valid Until February 17, 2009 Digital Transition Deadline. 

Analog UHF Off-Air Reception 

A 

A 

(ANTENNA) 

- BTY-10-U # 4873 (SINGLE CH) 

- BTY-UHF-BB # 4875 (BROADBAND) 

B 

B 

(BANDPASS FILTER) 

- BPF-u # 4805 (SINGLE CH) 

** NOT NECESSARY WITH SCMA-Ub SINGLE CHANNEL PRE-AMP 

C 

= 

~ 

~ 

C 

(PRE-AMPLIFIER/POWER SUPPLY) 

- SCMA-Ub/ PS-1526 # 4426/ 1526 (SINGLE CH) 

- CMA-Uc/ PS-1526 # 1264/ 1526 (BROADBAND) 

= 

#__ 

D 

(PROCESSOR) 

- SAIP-60-860 # 5876B (AGILE INPUT UHF/VHF) 

- AP-40-550B #59802 (AGILE UHF/VHF) 

D 

#__ 

E 

E 

F 

(COMBINER) 





F 

G 

G 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/14/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405D 

9 9


Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Analog Viewing 


This system will allow you to receive the local, digital (8VSB) off-air broadcast programming that is available 

in the market and distribute it through the facility in a format that can be viewed by the existing analog 

televisions. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This 

application assumes that all of the televisions in the system have analog tuners and therefore cannot receive 

the digital channel directly. 

In Depth Discussion 

Antennas are selected based on the frequency/channel that is to be received, not the content, all off-air/ 

broadcast antennas will receive both analog and digital signals, however receiving the new digital off-air 

channel may require a new antenna because of the new channel frequency assignment of the digital channel. 

The requirement for a pre-amp or not cannot be determined until a site survey is performed. It’s advisable 

to specify one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, 

and requires a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for the 

preamplifier being used must be specified separately. The AQD Digital Demodulator is the system component 

that receives the off-air digital channel and tunes to a particular program (within the channel) if multiple 

programs are transmitted. The digital demodulator provides analog, baseband audio and video outputs to 

connect an analog modulator. This modulator then creates the new channel that will be viewed by the existing 

analog televisions. It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or CATV channels to minimize 

distribution losses and make it easier to construct and manage the system. When the new channel is combined 

with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with 

each other. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the 

necessary components for a working system. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be 

looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 





10



11 11


Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (8VSB) 


This system will allow you to receive the local, digital (8VSB) off-air broadcast programming that is available 

in the market and distribute it through the facility in it’s original digital format. This signal can now be handed 

off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid fiber/coax distribution network within the facility. 

A digital television with an 8VSB tuner is required to display this channel. The main component difference 

between a digital and standard analog channel in the headend is the channel processor. Because of signal 

format differences, the digital signal requires a digital channel processor that is specifically designed for digital 

off-air broadcasts. It is important to note that standard analog channel processors will not work on digital 

channels and standard television sets will not receive digitally transmitted programs. 





Since the necessity of a pre-amp cannot be determined until a site survey is performed, it is advisable to specify 

one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, and requires 

a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for the preamplifier 

being used must be specified separately. The digital processor is the system component that filters and 

amplifies to condition the particular channel being received. The processor can convert the received channel 

to another channel for output onto the system. It is common practice to convert desired local UHF channels 

to non-broadcast VHF channels in the market. This is done to minimize losses, and make it easier to construct 

and manage the distribution network. When the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility 

it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. Digitally modulated 

carriers (ATSC, 8VSB, QAM) should have an output signal level that is about 10 dB less than it’s equivalent 

analog channel. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all 

the necessary components for a working system. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can 

be looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 





12



13 13


Digital Off-Air (8VSB) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) 


It is common for digital televisions to only lock to digital CATV QAM signals when the digital television is set 

or tuned to the “CATV” mode. This creates difficulties for systems/facilities transmitting standard ATSC digital 

off-air or broadcast 8VSB signals. This solution solves this problem by converting an entire 8VSB digital off-air 

channel to a digital QAM signal. This new QAM channel will be available in the CATV band permitting the 

current generation of digital televisions that are integrated with QAM tuners to easily tune and display the 

television picture. This eliminates the problem of having to reprogram the television every time the customer 

wants to switch between digital CATV and digital off-air channels. 





The requirement for a pre-amp or not cannot be determined until a site survey is performed. It’s advisable 

to specify one “as required by site survey”. The pre-amplifier is mounted outside on the antenna mast, 

and requires a separate power supply that is mounted in the building. The appropriate power supply for 

the preamplifier being used must be specified separately. The AQT, ATSC to QAM Transcoder, is the system 

component that receives the off-air digital (8VSB) channel and changes the modulation scheme. The ATSC to 

QAM Transcoder is a modular unit that receives either an 8VSB (Digital Off-air) or QAM (Digital CATV) signal, 

and transcodes it to any CATV QAM channel. The transcoding enables televisions with QAM digital tuners to 

seamlessly view the 8VSB Off-air digital signals on cable television frequency assignments without having to 

change the television tuner input from ‘CATV’ mode to ‘Off- Air’ mode. The input digital signal is stripped of 

it’s original digital modulation (8VSB or QAM), leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, 

clean QAM carrier and reinserts the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. If the original channel 

was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, if the original channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear. 

Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary 

components for a working system. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up 

in the specification library at the end of this publication. 

14



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLONDER-TONGUE 

 

 

 

15 15


Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing 


Any facility that wants to utilize a digital cable television feed as a source for their analog televisions will need 

to convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions. This system will allow you to receive a 

digital (QAM) channel from the local cable company and distribute it to conventional analog televisions in the 

facility. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This application 

assumes that all the TV’s in the system are analog and therefore cannot receive the digital channel directly. 


The method to utilizing a digital CATV signal is to employ an AQD Digital Demodulator and modulator in series. 

The AQD is an agile device that can be set up to receive a digital CATV channel input signal. Its function is to 

extract the audio and video information from the digital carrier and provide separate analog audio and video 

output signals. These separate audio and video feeds, also called baseband audio and video, are then applied 

to a modulator. It is the job of the modulator to take the audio and video and make them in to a cable TV 

channel that can be viewed by the existing analog televisions. This channel can then be combined with other 

channels that have been created at the property. It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or 

CATV channels to minimize distribution losses and make it easier to construct and manage the system. When 

the new channel is combined with other channels in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that 

the signals do not interfere with each other. The keys to success in this system are making sure that the AQD 

demodulators have enough input signal to function correctly and making sure that the modulator is adjusted 

correctly for proper output level. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will insure 

you will have all the necessary components for a working system. Once all of the products are identified, the 


16



17 17


Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - Digital Viewing (QAM) 


This system is the digital version of a traditional ‘Cherry Picker’ system. The system will allow you to select a 

few desired digital channels from the local Cable Television Company, and ignore the undesired channels. These 

desired digital channels can then be redistributed through the existing hybrid fiber / coaxial network within the 

facility. This is extremely valuable if a large facility only has a 450 MHz distribution network, and the MSO’s digital 

offering starts at 650 MHz, there is no room for the digital tier without a costly network upgrade. The AQT can 

receive the desired high frequency QAM channels and transcode them to available channels within the existing 

450 MHz network, delivering the desired CATV QAM channels, while preventing a costly network upgrade. If the 

original CATV QAM channel was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, requiring an authorized set-top for viewing. 

If the original CATV QAM channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear, and can be viewed on any television 

with a QAM digital tuner set to “CATV” mode. 


The ATSC to QAM Transcoder (AQT) is a modular unit that receives the QAM (Digital CATV) signal and 

transcodes it to another CATV QAM channel. The AQT can be used to ‘Cherry Pick’ selected digital channels 

from the existing CATV QAM digital lineup and process it for redistribution. If the original CATV QAM channel 

was encrypted, it will remain encrypted, requiring an authorized set-top for viewing. If the original CATV QAM 

channel was in the clear, it will remain in the clear, and can be viewed on any television with a QAM digital 

tuner set to “CATV” mode. This system will allow the facilities operator to insert the selected CATV QAM carriers 

in to a bandwidth limited private CATV network. The input digital signal is stripped of it’s original QAM digital 

modulation, leaving just the basic data stream. The AQT then creates a new, clean QAM carrier and reinserts 

the original data stream on to this new QAM carrier. Selecting one product from each category on the following 

page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. Once all of the products are 

identified, the specifications can be looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 

18



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLONDER-TONGUE 

 

 

 

19 19


Local Origination 


This system will allow you to create virtually any channel desired from a multitude of sources, and distribute it 

through the facility. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid 

fiber/coaxial distribution network within the facility. 


Local origination is a term used to describe any channel that is generated within the facility. For this publication 

we are going to limit the definition to; character generators, computers with audio/video output cards, DVD 

players, VCRs, security cameras and studio cameras. These are all devices that provide a baseband audio and 

video output that can be handed off to a modulator. 

It is the job of the modulator to take the audio and video and make them into a cable TV channel. 

This channel can then be combined with other locally generated channels or a cable TV feed. 

This combining should be done with professional quality equipment to prevent them from interfering with 

each other. If you pick one product from each category on the next page, you will have all of the components 

to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the 

specification library at the end of this publication. 

20




A 

#__ 

E 

A 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-45-550 # 59404 

- AM-60-860 /OPT. 5 # 59415A/ 5905 (AGILE 860 MHz STEREO) 

- MAVM-861 # 7992B (FIXED CHANNEL) 

- MICM-45C # 7797C (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL) 

- MICM-45S # 7797S (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL - STEREO) 

- AMM-806 # 7763 (MODULAR - AGILE) 

- AMCM-860 # 7766B (MODULAR-AGILE) 

B 

C 

D 

B 

C 

D 

(COMBINER) 





(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

E 

(MODULAR RACK CHASSIS) 

- MIRC-4D # 7711 (4 SLOT CHASSIS + POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-12V # 7715 (12 SLOT CHASSIS) 

- MIPS-12 # 7722C (POWER SUPPLY) 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405E 

21 21


Digital CATV (QAM) Reception - IP Distribution 


Any facility that wants to utilize a digital cable television feed as a source for their analog televisions and 

computers will need to convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions and in to an IP stream 

for their computers. This system will allow you to receive a digital (QAM) channel from the local cable company 

and distribute it to: analog televisions with IP set top boxes and PCs running IPClientViewer software. The 

signals are delivered via a traditional closed Ethernet distribution network, either LAN or WAN. This application 

assumes that there are no coaxial or hybrid fiber/coaxial networks in the facility, and that the only available 

distribution network is Ethernet. 


The method to utilizing a digital CATV signal as a source for an Ethernet network is to employ an AQD Digital 

Demodulator and an IPME-2 Internet Protocol (IP) Encoder in series. The AQD Digital Demodulator is the system 

component that receives the CATV digital channel and tunes to a particular program (within the channel), if 

multiple programs are transmitted. The AQD Digital Demodulator provides analog, NTSC baseband audio 

and video outputs to connect to the IPME-2 IP Encoder. The IPME-2 is the system component that receives 

the NTSC analog, baseband audio and video signals from the Digital Demodulator and encodes them to an 

MPEG-2 transport stream for distribution over a properly setup LAN or WAN. This stream has ‘real time’ video 

quality of 30 frames per second, full screen resolution of up to 720x480, and stereo audio. It is very important 

to note that the managed switches supporting the LAN or WAN MUST have the following items enabled: IGMP 

Snooping Querier, IGMP Snooping, and IP Multicast. These switch features are vital to the proper operation of 

Video over IP, and must be present in the managed switches for a proper user experience. Once the signals are 

on the IP network, they can be utilized by either: analog televisions via industry standard IP set top boxes or 

PCs running IPClientViewer software. Selecting one product from each category on the following page will 

insure you will have all the necessary components for a working system. Once all of the products are identified, 

the specifications can be looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 

22



23 23


Digital QAM Channel Generation 


This system will allow you to generate a digital television channel using QAM modulation from a 

MPEG-2 ASI (Asynchronous Serial Interface) digital transport stream. ASI outputs are typically available on video 

servers and digital satellite receivers. This application assumes that all the TV’s in the system are capable of 

receiving QAM television channels either directly with an HDTV ready TV with an integrated 8VSB/QAM tuner 

or through the use of set-top converter boxes. 


The QAM Modulator is the basic unit of digital cable transmission. The AQM is designed to accept a DVB based 

MPEG-2 ASI (Asynchronous Serial Interface) digital transport stream and modulate it into a QAM (Quadrature 

Amplitude Modulation) signal. The AQM also integrates a super low noise upconverter in the compact modular 

unit. The built in advanced bit stuffing circuitry ensures that Null Packets are inserted into the ASI transport 

stream if needed to ensure the correct baud rate is transmitted. Unit programming is easily accomplished 

through the front panel navigation buttons and LCD menuing system. 

When the new QAM signal is combined with other analog channels in the system the level should be 

attenuated so that it is 6—10 dB below the adjacent analog signals, (typically 6 dB for 256 & above and 10 dB 

for 64 QAM). It is always recommended to set the unit output level at the +40 dBmV and externally attenuate 

for optimal noise performance. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in 

the specification library at the end of this publication. 

24



Digital QAM Channel Generation 

A 

Video Server 

-or- 

Satellite Receiver 

ASI 



DRAWN ENGINEER 

DWG NO. 

02/07/08 KK BSG020708 

25


EBS/ITFS (QAM) Reception - Analog Viewing 


Any facility that wants to utilize a digital EBS/ITFS feed as a source for their analog televisions will need to 

convert the digital signals back to analog for the analog televisions. This system will allow you to receive the 

digital EBS/ITFS (QAM) channel transmission and distribute it to the conventional analog televisions in the 

facility. The output signal can be delivered via a traditional coaxial or HFC distribution network. This application 

assumes that all the TV’s in the system are analog and therefore cannot receive the digital channel directly. 


The method to utilizing a digital EBS/ITFS signal is to employ an AQD Digital Demodulator and modulator in 

series. The AQD is an agile device that can be set up to receive a digital EBS/ITFS channel input signal from an 

EBS/ITFS downconverter. Its function is to extract the audio and video information from the digital carrier and 

provide separate analog audio and video output signals. These separate audio and video feeds, also called 

baseband audio and video, are then applied to an analog modulator. It is the job of the modulator to take 

the audio and video and make them in to a NTSC cable TV channel that can be viewed by the existing analog 

televisions. This channel can then be combined with other channels that have been created at the property. 

It is common practice to re-modulate onto unused VHF or CATV channels to minimize distribution losses and 

make it easier to construct and manage the system. When the new channel is combined with other channels 

in the facility it must be done at the correct level so that the signals do not interfere with each other. The keys 

to success in this system are making sure that the AQD demodulators have enough input signal to function 

correctly and making sure that the modulator is adjusted correctly for proper output level. Selecting one 

product from each category on the following page will insure you will have all the necessary components for a 

working system. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the specification 

library at the end of this publication. 

26



27 27


Cable TV Feed 


This system will allow you to distribute the local cable TV company’s signal through the facility. This signal can 

now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid fiber/coaxial distribution network 

within the facility. 


The most basic of sources for programming is a feed from the local cable TV company. In order to distribute 

their signal through out the building, there will need to be some sort of signal amplification. It is important 

that the amplifier be of the correct size in order to pass all of the cable TV companies signals properly. If 

a local cable TV feed is going to be used, the specifier should contact the local cable TV company and ask, 

“what is the highest frequency that your system passes?” The answer should be a three-digit number 

ending with the unit of measure mega-hertz (MHz). The amplifier that is specified should be rated at a higher 

frequency. 

All of the passive devices that are used to split and tap off the signal in the system must be of a very high RFI 

shielding. When a building system ties in to a cable TV systems feed, that building is subject to the same FCC 

rules that the cable TV company is. If they have a system that is poorly constructed and leaking signal, the 

cable TV company has the right to disconnect the building until the problems are fixed. 

Often these problems stem from poor construction practices, low quality connectors, splitters or taps. For 

more information, please refer to “Coaxial Distribution” in this section of the guide. If you pick one 

product from each category on the following pages, you will have all the components to ensure a working 

design. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the specification library 

at the end of this publication. 

28



Cable TV Feed 

CATV INPUT 

A 

TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 

SEE COAXIAL DISTRIBUTION 

IN THIS SECTION 

A 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- RMDA 86A-30 # 5200-83 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

- RMDA-86A-30 #520083 

- RMDA-86A-30P #5200P83 



DRAWN 

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29 29


Cherry Picking From a Cable TV Feed 


This system will allow you to select a few desired channels from the local cable TV company and ignore all of 

the other undesired channels. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network 

or a hybrid fiber / coaxial distribution network within the facility. 


There are two different sets of electronics that can be employed to create the desired channel line up. The 

first method is to employ a channel processor. Channel processors come in several different versions, but all 

do basically the same thing, they take one channel on the input, and convert it into another on the output. If 

the channel line up is known well in advance, fixed processors can be used to minimize cost. The downside of 

fixed processors is that if the local cable TV company changes it’s channel line up, another processor would 

need to be purchased. 

Agile processors are able to change both the input, and the output channel on the fly to be able to 

accommodate any changes that might be necessary. The keys to success in this system are making sure that 

the processors have enough input signal to function correctly and making sure that the output levels are all set 

correctly so the channels do not interfere with each other. 

The second method is to employ a demodulator and modulator in series. The demodulator is an agile device 

that can be set up to receive a TV channel input signal. Its function is to extract the audio and video information 

from the RF carriers and provide separate audio and video output signals. These separate audio and video 

feeds, also called baseband audio and video, are then applied to a modulator. It is the job of the modulator to 

take the audio and video and make them in to a cable TV channel. This channel can then be combined with 

other channels that have been created at the property. The keys to success in this system are making sure 

that the demodulators have enough input signal to function correctly and making sure that the modulator is 

adjusted correctly for proper modulation and output levels. 

If you pick one product from each category on the following pages, you will have all of the components to 

ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the 


30


Functional Block Diagrams 

Cherry Picking from a Cable TV Feed 

FROM CATV COMPANY 

A 

E 

A 

F 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

#__ 

B 

B 

(PROCESSOR) 

- AP-60-550B W/OPT 17 # 59817/59177 (AGILE) 

- SAIP-60-860 # 5876B (AGILE IN/FIXED OUT) 

#__ 

C 

D 

(COMBINER) 





C 

D 

E 

(TAP/DIRECTIONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-** # 1940-** (ONE PORT - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-2A-** # 1942-** (TWO PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-4A-** # 1944-** (FOUR PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-8A-** # 1948-** (EIGHT PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

F 



DRAWN 

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31 

31




Cherry Picking from a Cable TV Feed 

Using Demod/Remod No Stereo 

A 

B 

A 

G 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

C 

B 

(TAP/DIRECITONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-** # 1940-** (ONE PORT - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-2A-** # 1942-** (TWO PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-4A-** # 1944-** (FOUR PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

- SRT-8A-** # 1948-** (EIGHT PORTS - **=TAP VALUE) 

H 

D 

C 

(DEMODULATOR) 

- AD-1B # 5932 (AGILE) 

- MIDM-806C # 7740C (MODULAR - AGILE) 

#__ 

D 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-45-550 # 59404 


- MICM-45C # 7797C (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL) 

- MICM-45S # 7797S (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL - STEREO) 

- AMM-806 # 7763 (MODULAR - AGILE) 

- AMCM-860 # 7766B (MODULAR-AGILE) 

E 

F 

E 

F 

(COMBINER) 





G 

H 

(MODULAR - RACK CHASSIS) 

- MIRC-4D # 7711 (CHASSIS + POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-12V # 7715 (CHASSIS) 

- MIPS-12 # 7722C (POWER SUPPLY FOR #7715) 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

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DWG NO. 

AC-021405H 

32

AQT 

ATSC-TO-QAM TRANSCODER 


D 

I 

G 

I 

T 

A 

L 

The Right Product... 

The Right Solution 

C 

O 

L 

L 

E 

C 

T 

I 

O 

N 

8VSB OR QAM 

QAM 

Industry Leader For almost 60 Years! 

For more information, call or visit our website at 

800.523.6049 • www.blonder tongue.com


Preventing Reception of Undesired Programming on Cable TV Feed 


This system will allow you to block undesired channels from your local cable TV company. Cable channels 

determined to contain distracting, offensive or otherwise inappropriate programming material can be 

prevented from being received throughout the facility’s distribution network. 


The TV Channel Blocker (TVCB -PC) is user programmable that can block up to 40 channels between 2 and 

86 (54-600 MHz). Channel blocking is accomplished by a method known as “interdiction”, which utilizes 

interfering signals to provide dynamic channel jamming. 

The TVCB is designed for input levels normally encountered on CATV drops, which is why it is installed ahead 

of the distribution amplifier. The TVCB features a lockable enclosure to prevent unauthorized program changes 

and unit bypassing. 

The amplifier should be selected to meet the desired system channel capacity and gain requirements. 

All passives (not shown – see Coaxial Distribution pages in this guide) must be rated for CATV applications 

having high RFI shielding specifications and 5-1000 MHz frequency bandwidth. If you pick one product from 

each category on the following pages, you will have all of the components to ensure a working design. Once 

all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the specification library at the end of 

this publication. 

34



Preventing Reception of Undesired 

Programming on Cable TV Feed 

CATV INPUT 

A 

A 

(TV CHANNEL BLOCKER) 

- TVCB-PC # 9110 

- TVCB-ACC # 9136 

= 

~ 

B 

(TV CHANNEL BLOCKER POWER SUPPLY) 

- TVCB-PP # 9126 

B 

= 

C 


A 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- RMDA 86A-30 # 5200-83 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405S 

35


Inserting a Local Origination Into a Cable TV Feed 


This system will allow you to eliminate unwanted channels that are being provided by the local cable TV 

company, and replace them with channels made within the facility. This signal can now be handed off to a 

traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid fiber / coaxial distribution network within the facility. 


This system is a variation on two other systems that were mentioned earlier: Local Origination, and Cable TV 

Feed. This hybrid system replaces a channel on the existing cable TV line up with one that was generated locally. 

The key to success in this system is correctly making space for the new channel in the cable TV line-up. Once 

the channel to be eliminated has been identified, a channel elimination filter and modulator must be specified. 

The channel elimination filter makes room for the new channel by completely removing the old channel. The 

new channel is created by the modulator that accepts audio and video input and makes a cable TV channel. 

The channel elimination filter and modulator must be the same channel in order for the system to work. The 

channel elimination filter must be a very high quality filter so that it does not harm the channels next to it. 

Points to pay attention to are a high quality channel elimination filter to completely remove the existing 

channel, and making sure that when the new channel is combined with the existing cable TV feed, it is done 

at the correct level so that neither signal damages the other. If you pick one product from each category on 

the next page, you will have all of the components to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are 


36



Inserting a Local Origination Into a Cable TV Feed 


A 

(SINGLE CHANNEL ELIMINATION FILTER) 

- CEF-750 (CH 2-38, 98, 99) # 4446 

A 

#__ 

B 

C 

#__ 

B 

F 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P #5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

E 

D 

C 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-45-550 # 59404 

- AM-60-860 /OPT. 5 # 59415A/5905 (AGILE 860 MHz STEREO) 


- MICM-45C #7797C (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL) 

- MICM-45S #7797S (MODULAR FIXED CHANNEL - STEREO) 

- AMM-806 #7763 (MODULAR - AGILE) 

- AMCM-860 #7766B (MODULAR-AGILE) 

F 

D 

(COMBINER) 





G 

SUB 

E 

(COMBINER - ALL CHANNELS GET COMBINED AT SAME LEVEL) 

- SXRS-2 # 1922 (COMBINES BOTH INPUTS WITH SAME LEVELS) 

- SRT-** 1940-** (CATV FEED AND LOCAL SOURCE ARE 

DIFFERENT LEVELS; TAP VALUE IS DIFFERENCE AND 

TAP PORT CONNECTS TO HIGHER LEVEL SOURCE) 

G 

(DIPLEXER) 

- DSV-42 #4376 

H 


- MIRC-4D #7711 (4 SLOT CHASSIS + POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-12V #7715 (12 SLOT CHASSIS) 

- MIPS-12 #7722C (POWER SUPPLY) 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

01/03/08 KK 

DWG NO. 

KK 060417B 

37 37


Inserting a Local Origination Above a Cable TV Feed 


This system will allow you to augment the channel line up that is being provided by the local cable TV company, 

and add channels made within the facility. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution 

network or a hybrid fiber/coaxial distribution network within the facility. 


This system is a variation on a system that was mentioned earlier; “Inserting a Local Origination In To 

A Cable TV Feed”. This hybrid system replaces a channel on the existing cable TV line up with one that was 

generated locally. The key to success in this system is correctly making space for the new channel above the 

existing cable TV line-up. Once the band of channels to be eliminated has been identified, a low pass filter and 

modulator must be specified. 

The low pass filter makes room for the new channel by completely removing any signals above the unit’s 

specified cross over point. The new channel is created by the modulator, which accepts audio and video 

inputs and makes a cable TV channel. The low pass filter cross over point must be a lower frequency than the 

modulator for the system to work. The low pass filter must be a very high quality filter so that it does not harm 

the channels below the cross over point. 

The keys to the success of this system are: a high quality low pass filter to completely remove the desired 

band, and making sure that when the new channel is combined with the existing cable TV feed, it is done at 

the correct levels so that neither signal damages the others. If you pick one product from each category on 



38



Inserting a Local Origination Above a Cable TV Feed 


A 

A 

(LOW PASS FILTER) ** NOT BY BLONDER TONGUE 

- EAGLE COMTRONICS 800-448-7474 

http://www.eaglefilters.com 

- MICROWAVE FILTER 800-448-1666 

http://www.microwavefilter.com 

- PCI TECHNOLOGIES 800-565-7488 

http://www.pci.com 

B 

C 

#__ 

G 

B 

F 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

E 

D 

C 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-60-860 /OPT. 5 # 59415A / 5905 (AGILE 860 MHz STEREO) 


**THE FOLLOWING MUST BE USED WITH “G” 





F 

D 

(COMBINER) 





E 

(COMBINER - ALL CHANNELS GET COMBINED AT SAME LEVEL) 

- SXRS-2 # 1922 (COMBINES BOTH INPUTS WITH SAME LEVELS) 

- SRT-** 1940-** (CATV FEED AND LOCAL SOURCE ARE DIFFERENT 

LEVELS; TAP VALUE IS DIFFERENCE AND TAP PORT CONNECTS 

TO HIGHER LEVEL SOURCE) 

G 

(MODULAR RACK CHASSIS & POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-4D # 7711 (4 SLOT CHASSIS & POWER SUPPLY) 


- MIPS-12C # 7722C (12 UNIT POWER SUPPLY) 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

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39 39


Sub-Channel Return 


The sub-channel return allows signals (VCR, DVD, Studio Cameras, Security Cameras, Character Generators, 

Computer Outputs) generated anywhere in the facility to be included in the channel line up at that facility. 

The sub-channel return system is a type of system that takes advantage of the two-way transmission 

capability inherent to coaxial cable. When the proper electronics are installed, an audio and video signal 

can be generated anywhere within the coaxial network and redistributed to all televisions connected to 

the network. 


There are three key ingredients in the sub-channel return system that must be in place in order for the system 

to work. The first is the sub-channel modulator. This device takes an audio and video from any standard 

source (Camera, DVD Player, VCR Player, and Computer Video Card), and transmits them back to the 

headend (the source point of all the signals in the coaxial distribution network). Once the signal leaves the 

sub-channel modulator, its next stop is a diplexer. 

The diplexer’s job is to create a two way street within the coaxial network so that the signal you have just 

created can travel back to the headend. The next stop for the signal is another diplexer at the headend; this 

one is there to break the two signal paths apart. It is very important that there are two diplexers in the system 

so that the signal can be combined and then taken back apart. At the headend, there needs to be a piece of 

electronics to catch the signal that was generated in the field, and turn it around to go back out to the coaxial 

distribution network. There are many different units that can perform this task; the main concern is to make 

sure that there is an available space for the new channel. If you pick one product from each category on 



40



Sub-Channel Return Using Processors 

#T-_ 

A 

(PROCESSOR) 

- AP-60-550B/OPT. 17 # 59817/59177 (AGILE 60 dBmV) 

A 

#__ 

B 

(COMBINER) 





B 

54-1000 MHz DC-42 MHz 

C 

COMBINED 


D 

C 

(DIPLEX FILTER) 

- DSV-42 DIPLEXER # 4376 

#T-_ 

TO LOCAL 

TELEVISION 

54-1000 MHz 

DC-42 MHz 

D 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-60-550/OPT. 4 # 59416/5904 (AGILE 60 dBmV) 

- MAVM-861-T** # S7992B (FIXED CH. 40 dBmV) 

- MAVM-60-861-T** # S7977B (FIXED CH. 60 dBmV) 

C 

COMBINED 

TO/FROM ANY OUTLET 



DRAWN 

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41 41



A 

F 

Sub-Channel Return Using Demod/Remod 

OR 

B-2 

F 

A 

B-1 

(SUB BAND CONVERTER) 

- MSBC #7727 

(DEMODULATOR) 

- AD-1B OPT. 17 #5932/59257 (AGILE) 

B-1 

#T-_ 

B-2 

(DEMODULATOR) 

- MIDM-806C #770C (MODULAR-AGILE) 

C 

C 

#__ 

C 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-45-550 # 59404 





D 

54-1000 MHz 

D 

DC-42 MHz 

(COMBINER) 





E 

COMBINED 


G 

E 

(DIPLEX FILTER) 

- DSV-42 DIPLEXER # 4376 

TO LOCAL 

TELEVISION 

#T-_ 

F 


- MIRC-4D #7711 (CHASSIS + POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-12V #7715 (CHASSIS) 

- MIPS-12 #7722C (POWER SUPPLY) 

54-1000 MHz 

DC-42 MHz 

E 

COMBINED 

TO/FROM ANY OUTLET 

G 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-60-550 OPT. 4 # 59416 4 (AGILE 60 dBmV) 

- MAVM-861-T** # S7992B (FIXED CH. 40 dBmV) 

- MAVM-60-861-T** # S7977B (FIXED CH. 60 dBmV) 



DRAWN 

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42


IPME-2 

Baseband A/V-to-IP Encoder 

E 

N 

C 



O 

D 

E 

Baseband Audio/Video 

(NTSC or PAL) 

R 

C 

O 

L 

L 

E 

C 

T 

I 

O 

N 

M P E G - 2 E n c o d i n g 

IP 

(10BaseT/100BaseTX) — IGMP Snooping 

IGMP Querier 

IP Multicasting (PIM) 



800.523.6049 • www.blonder tongue.com


Signal From DBS (DishNetwork ) Satellite 


This system will allow you to receive any channel that is available via the small dish satellite and distribute it 

through the facility. This signal can now be handed off to a traditional coaxial distribution network or a hybrid 

fiber/coaxial distribution network within the facility. 

In the early 1990’s the advent of the high power, direct broadcast satellite marked a turning point for reception 

of satellite signals. Prior to DBS, very large satellite antennas (10 + feet), or dishes, were required to receive and 

amplify programming. The average commercial grade DBS is no more that 3 feet across, and can be mounted 

virtually anywhere. The reception and processing of DBS satellite signals in theory is no different than the off 

air models presented earlier, there are only differences in the electronics employed to do the job. 


The start of the system is the dish itself. There are many different types of DBS satellite dishes and mounts on 

the market, each intended for a different purpose. It is critical to the system operation that the satellite dish 

and LNBf are matched for proper operation. The correct units are based upon the desired programming to be 

received. The site must have a dish mounted on the outside of the building to receive these signals. If there 

is not adequate reception to hand off to the satellite receiver, an in-line amplifier may need to be employed. 

Since the necessity of an in-line amplifier can not be determined until a site survey is performed, it is advisable 

to specify the in-line amplifier, “as required by site survey”. 

The satellite receiver is the piece of electronics that accepts the signal from the satellite dish, and provides a 

baseband audio and video that can be presented to a modulator. It is the job of the modulator to take the 

audio and video and make them in to a cable TV channel. 

This channel can then be combined with other locally generated channels or a cable TV feed. This combining 

should be done with professional quality equipment and at the correct level to prevent the channels from 

interfering with each other. If you pick one product from each category on the next page, you will have all of 

the components to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be 

looked up in the specification library at the end of this publication. 

44

= 

= 

~ 



Signal From DBS (DishNetwork) Satellite 

A 

A 

B 

(DISH/LNB) 

- Ku 1.0 UNV # 6459W 

-LNBF-DUAL R # 6455R 

(POWER INSERTER) 

- LPI-3300 # 6417 

C 

B 

V 

H 

C 

(POWER SUPPLY) 

- LPI-188PS # 6430 

D 

T 

D 

(MULTISWITCH) 

- SMS-3400 # 6403 

- SMR-1600 # 6467 

E 

(RECEIVER) 

- CDSR-6198A # 6198A (DISH NETWORK) 

E 

F 

(MODULATOR) 

- AM-45-550 # 59404 

- AM-60-860/OPT. 5 # 59415A / 5905 (AGILE 860 MHz STEREO) 






G 

K 

F 

#__ 

H 

J 

G 

H 

J 

(COMBINER) 





(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

K 

(MODULAR RACK CHASSIS & POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-4D # 7711 

- MIRC-12V # 7715 

- MIPS-12 # 7722C 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405L 

45 45


Coaxial Distribution 


This type of distribution system is the link between the central signal source (Headend) and the televisions that are 

scattered throughout the facility. This network relies entirely on traditional coaxial cable to distribute the desired signals. 


Trunk and Branch: This type of distribution network is the most common architecture deployed today. 

The basic premise is that there is a system of “Trunks”, or large distribution lines carrying high signal levels 

away from the headend, running through out the facility. As this large cable runs through the facility, at many 

locations, there needs to be “Branches”, or smaller lines carrying signals to individual TVs. These smaller lines are often 

called “drops” and are created by “tapping” into the “Trunk” line with a mechanical device known as a tap, or directional 

coupler. Amplification may be needed in order to provide signal though out the entire facility. Considerations should be 

made in order to have power available outside of the “Headend” in either remote closets, or by injecting power in to the 

coaxial network itself. 

Home Run: This type of distribution network is usually only deployed in smaller facilities. The basic idea is that all of the 

TVs have their signal directly run to them from one central point, or “Home Run”. This direct, point to point wiring can 

not be used in large facilities because of the signal loss inherent to copper based cables. At the headend, there must 

be enough RF output ports available for each “Home Run”, as well as AC power to power any amplifiers that might be 

required. 

Star: This type of distribution network is most often deployed by the data and telephone industries, but can also be 

applied to some facilities for coaxial distribution. The “Star” architecture is a hybrid of the “Trunk and Branch” and “Home 

Run”. Starting at the headend, large “Trunk” lines are run out in to the facility to several different points. From these 

distribution points smaller cables, “Drops”, are then “Home Run” out to the individual TVs. Considerations should be 

made in order to have power available outside of the “Headend” in either remote closets, or by injecting power in to the 

coaxial network itself. 

Cable Types: Special consideration must be given to the cable types employed in any architecture to ensure that the 

proper cable for the application is selected. All of the cables used in the distribution networks described above MUST be 

CATV rated as defined by National Electric Code, Article 820. There are two factors that must be looked at to determine 

the correct cable; the location within the facility, and the location within the network. 

When referring to the location within the facility, we are looking at the physical location in the facility where the cable is 

going to be installed. The National Electric Code in Article 820 dictates the correct ratings for coaxial cables based upon 

the location that the cables are going to be installed. The ratings are: 

CATVP 

CATVR 

CATV 

CATVX 

CATVU 

Plenum 

Riser 

General Commercial 

External - No more than 50’ in to the building 

Underground 

The chart above is for reference purposes only, the specifier/designer must become familiar with the National 

Electric Code, and design to their guidelines. When referring to the location within the network, we are 

talking about the use of the cable. Is the cable a “Trunk”? Is the cable a “Drop”? Is the cable a “Home Run”? 

The most common “Trunk” cables are RG-11 and .500 hard line, these larger cables are designed to carry 

signals over long distances. All “Drop” cables should be RG-6 or larger depending on the length of the “Drop”. 

Any coaxial run over 250’ should be RG-11 in order to facilitate the design of the network. The only use for RG-59 cable is 

to connect a VCR to a TV, or connect the TV to the wall plate in a room. 

46



Trunk and Branch Coaxial Distribution 

C 

FROM CATV INPUT OR OUTPUT 

OF HEADEND 

B 

A 

TRUNK CABLE 

RG-11 or RG6 

D 

A 

B 

C 

D 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- RMDA 86A-30 # 5200-83 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

(TWO WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-2 # 1922 

(THREE WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-3 # 1923 

(FOUR WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-4 # 1924 

E 

E 

(EIGHT WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-8 # 1928 

TRUNK CABLE 

RG-11 or RG6 

F 

F 

G 

(SINGLE PORT TAP OR DIRECTIONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-** # 1940-** (SINGLE PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

(TWO PORT TAP OR DIRECTIONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-2A-** # 1942-** (TWO PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

G 

H 

(FOUR PORT TAP OR DIRECTIONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-4A-** # 1944-** (FOUR PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

H 

I 

(EIGHT PORT TAP OR DIRECTIONAL COUPLER) 

- SRT-8A-** # 1948-** (EIGHT PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

I 

J 

J 

K 

(TERMINATOR) 

- BTF-TP # 4670 

(WALL PLATE) 

- V-1GF-FT # 3187 

- TF-GF-FT # 4691 

DROP CABLE 

RG-6 200' MAX. 

WALL PLATE 

K 

RG-59 50' MAX 

TELEVISION 

** PASSIVE COMPONENTS (SPLITTERS AND TAPS) ARE LOCATED THROUGHOUT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 

AS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SIGNAL TO ALL OUTLETS. 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405M 

47 47



FROM CATV INPUT 

OR OUTPUT 

OF HEADEND 

B 

Home Run Coaxial Distribution 

A 

A 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- RMDA 86A-30 # 5200-83 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

C1 

B 

C 

(TWO WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-2 # 1922 

DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS - USED INTERCHANGEABLY TO 

SUPPLY SUFFICIENT SIGNAL TO ONE OR MULTIPLE OUTLETS 

C2 

C3 

C4 

D 

C1 

C2 

C3 


- SRT-** # 1940-** (SINGLE PORT - 

** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 


- SRT-2A-** # 1942-** (TWO PORT - 



- SRT-4A-** # 1944-** (FOUR PORT - 


D 

C4 


- SRT-8A-** # 1948-** (EIGHT PORT - 


(TERMINATOR) 

- BTF-TP # 4670 

E 

(WALL PLATE) 

- V-1GF-FT # 3187 

- TF-GF-FT # 4691 

DROP CABLE 

RG-6 200' MAX. 

WALL PLATE 

E 

RG-59 50' MAX 

TELEVISION 

** ALL COMPONENTS LOCATED IN HEADEND. SPLITTERS AND TAPS USED AS NEEDED 

TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SIGNAL TO ALL OUTLETS. 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405N 

48 48



Star Coaxial Distribution 


OR OUTPUT 

OF HEADEND 

B 

A 

A 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA 550-30P # 5500P53 

- RMDA 750-30P # 5500P73 

- RMDA 860-30P # 5500P83 

- RMDA 860-43P # 5500P84 

- RMDA 86A-30 # 5200-83 

- BIDA 55A-30P # 5800P53 

- BIDA 75A-30P # 5800P73 

- BIDA 86A-30P # 5800P83 

- BIDA 55A-43P # 5800P54 

- BIDA 75A-43P # 5800P74 

- BIDA 86A-43P # 5800P84 

- BIDA 100A-30 # 5800-13 

IDF 

B 

C 

(THREE WAY SPLITTER) 

- SXRS-3 # 1923 

DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS - USED INTERCHANGEABLY TO 

SUPPLY SUFFICIENT SIGNAL TO ONE OR MULTIPLE OUTLETS 

C1 

C2 

C3 


- SRT-** # 1940-** (SINGLE PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 


- SRT-2A-** # 1942-** (TWO PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 


- SRT-4A-** # 1944-** (FOUR PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

C4 


- SRT-8A-** # 1948-** (EIGHT PORT - ** INDICATES TAP VALUE) 

IDF 

C1 

D 

E 

(TERMINATOR) 

- BTF-TP # 4670 

(WALL PLATE) 

- V-IGF-FT # 3137 

- TF-GF-FT # 4691 

C2 

C3 

C4 

D 

WALL PLATE 

E 

RG-59 50' MAX 

DROP CABLE 

RG-6 200' MAX. 

TELEVISION 

IDF 

** SPLITTERS LOCATED IN HEADEND AND INTERMEDIATE CLOSETS (IDF). TAPS LOCATED IN 

INTERMEDIATE CLOSETS AS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SIGNAL TO ALL OUTLETS. 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405O 

49 49



IDF Star Distribution 

128 DROPS (MAX) 

860 MHZ (TWO-WAY) 

A 

(AMPLIFIER) 

- RMDA-86A-30 5200 83 

B 

(FOUR WAY SPLITTER) 

SXRS-4 # 1924 

C 

(DISTRIBUTION FRAME SPLITTER) 

- DFCS-24 # 5798 

- DFCS-32 # 5799 

A 

B 

D 

(WALL PLATE) 

- V-IGF-FT # 3187 

- TF-GF-FT # 4691 

C 

DROP CABLE 

RG-6 

0’ TO 135’ 

DROP CABLE 

RG-11 

135’ TO 300’ 

D 

D 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

021405.1.B 

50

HDE-ASI 

HD/SD/NTSC-to-ASI Encoder 


E 

N 

C 

O 



D 

E 

R 

1xHD(1080i) 

1xHD(720p) + 2xSD(480i)/NTSC 

4xSD(480i)/NTSC 

C 

O 

L 

L 

E 

C 

T 

ASI 

H D / S D M P E G - 2 E n c o d i n g 

D o l b y A C - 3 A u d i o E n c o d i n g 

I 

O 

N 



800.523.6049 • www.blonder tongue.com 

51


Hybrid Fiber and Coax Distribution 


This type of distribution system is the link between the source (Headend) and the televisions that are 

scattered throughout the facility. This network relies on a combination of single mode fiber optic cable and 

traditional coaxial cable to distribute the desired signals. 


This network provides a degree of future proofing, due to the virtually unlimited capacity of the single mode 

fiber optic cable. The architecture starts out exactly the same as the “Star” architecture described under 

coaxial distribution with a minor change. The signal that is going to be distributed through out the facility is 

given to a fiber optic transmitter for conversion to light. 

The transmitter must be correctly sized in order to overcome the loss of the splitter network and the fiber 

network, and still provide enough signal to the fiber optic receivers. The optical output is then given to an optical 

splitter network to provide enough outputs for the network. These outputs are connected to single mode 

fiber optic cables, instead of coaxial trunk lines, and are run out in to the facility to several different points. This 

system should be employed when the distance from the “Headend” to the distribution points is very large. 

One of the strengths of fiber optics is that it is not as susceptible to loss over distance as coaxial cable. 

At these points the signal is converted from fiber optics to coaxial cable, now the distribution can continue 

in any of the coaxial architectures listed above: “Trunk and Branch”, “Home Run”, or “Star”. 

Considerations should be made in order to have power available at the point where the fiber optic cable 

terminates because the fiber optic receivers are AC powered. If you pick one product from each category on 



52



Hybrid Fiber and Coax Distribution 

FROM OUTPUT 

OF HEADEND 

A 

B 

D 

SINGLE MODE 

FIBER 1310 NM 

A 

B 

(FIBER OPTIC TRANSMITTER) 

- FIBT-S3A-816A # 7403A-6 

- FIBT-S3A-818A # 7403A-8 

- FIBT-S3A-810A # 7404A-10 

- FIBT-S3A-812A # 7404A-12 

- FIBT-S3A-814A # 7404A-14 

(MODULAR) 

- MIBT-S3A-816 # 7410-6 

- MIBT-S3A-818 # 7410-8 

- MIBT-S3A-810 # 7410-10 

- MIBT-S3A-812 # 7410-12 

- MIBT-S3A-814 # 7410-14 

(FIBER OPTIC COUPLER) 

- FOC-102U-XX # 7450-X (1 X 2 RACK MOUNTED) 




- FOC-23-16-U # 7486U(1X6 RACK MOUNTED) 

SINGLE MODE 

FIBER 1310 NM 

C 

C 

(FIBER OPTIC RECEIVER) 

- FRDA-S4A-860-43PA # 7400-P84-A (135 CHANNELS, SURFACE MOUNTED) 

- FRRA-S4A-860-43PA # 7411-P84-A (135 CHANNELS, RACK MOUNTED) 

- FOCN-S4S-201 #7420-1 (135 CHANNELS, SURFACE MOUNT) 

D 

(MODULAR RACK CHASSIS AND POWER SUPPLY) 

- MIRC-4D # 7711 (4 SLOT CHASSIS & POWER SUPPLY) 


- MIPS-12C # 7722C (12 UNIT POWER SUPPLY) 

TO COAX DISTRIBUTION 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

01/03/08 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-100903P 

53 53


High Speed Broadband Internet 


There are many different methods to provide broadband Internet access. The MegaPort system allows an 

operator to deliver high speed Internet access over a new or existing two-way coaxial cable network. Ideal 

applications include multiple-dwelling communities, educational institutions and hospitality (hotel/motel) 

environments. 


The MegaPort system consists of two major components. The MegaPort Gateway (MPG) is a broadband 

Ethernet Router or Bridge that essentially converts an Ethernet based Internet connection to RF for transmission 

over the two-way broadband coaxial cable network. A single Gateway can provide service to 64 outlets. System 

capacity can be easily expanded by adding additional Gateway units or purchasing a software license to upgrade 

the subscriber capability up to 250 outlets. 

A MegaPort Outlet (MPO) acts as a cable modem and is used to convert the RF data signal back to Ethernet to 

deliver data at the computer location. The MPO takes a unique approach with its infrastructure based design that 

facilitates permanent installation. Each MPO is MAC addressed that allows for easy remote software activation 

and deactivation. In addition, installing multiple MPOs allows the ability to offer “home networking” for functions 

like file transfer and printer sharing. All this is accomplished without interference to existing TV channels or other 

interactive services. 

The MegaPort system is compatible with practically any two-way coaxial cable network. There are several MPO 

types that are available for various applications, of which the most common standard units are listed on the 

next page. If you pick one product from each category on the next page, you will have all of the components 

to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are identified, the specifications can be looked up in the 


54



High Speed Broadband Internet 


OR OUTPUT 

OF HEADEND 

RF Port 

---> 

Local 

Access 

Port 

A 

---> 

Ethernet 

WAN 

Port 

---> 

E 

A 

B 

(MegaPort Gateway) 

- MPG-1100 # 2681 

(MegaPort Outlet) 

- MPO-ESM-70 # 2677 (Ethernet Surface Mount, 64-76 MHz DS) 

- MPO-ESM-52 # 2673 (Ethernet Surface Mount, 48-56 MHz DS) 

Out 

F 

C 

(WALL PLATE) 

- V-1GF-FT # 3187 

- TF-GF-FT # 4691 

In 

D 

Tap 

D 

(Directional Coupler) 

- SRT-# # 1940-# (1 Tap Port - 9 dB Min.) 

- SRT-2A-# # 1942-# (2 Tap Ports - 8 dB Min.) 



To/From 

Distribution System 

E 

F 

(Single Channel Elimination Filter) 

CEF-750 (Ch A-8, SPI) # 4446 

(50 MHz High-Pass Filter) 

MP-EZHP # 2691 

B 

WALL PLATE 

C 

RG-59 50' MAX 

TELEVISION 

COMPUTER 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

07/31/06 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405T 

55 55


Remote Power Reset 


This system will allow you to remotely power-up or shutdown equipment. In the event of an equipment 

malfunction that requires a “cold boot” to reset it, this system can cycle the AC power on and off via a telephone 

modem or Ethernet connection. 


The remote power reset (RPR) unit has eight AC outlets on its rear panel that are independently addressed 

to control one or more components. In addition to manual resets the RPR can be set for a scheduled reset 

through the use of it's internal real time clock. Standard AC outlet strips can be plugged in to provide multiple 

receptacles off a single RPR. The RPR has a total maximum current draw of 12 amps. The RPR uses a standard 

internal Internet Explorer® web browser interface to access the unit. Many advanced functions are available 

for example, current sensing, alarms and SNMP communication. If you pick one product from each category 

on the next page, you will have all of the components to ensure a working design. Once all of the products are 


56



Remote Power Reset 

A 

B 

Ethernet 

C 

A 

B 

(Any Device) 

- Any device that you want to power cycle remotely via 

an Ethernet connection 

C 

(Remote Power Reset) 

- RPR-8 #3921 



DRAWN 

ENGINEER 

01/03/08 WNW 

DWG NO. 

AC-021405R 

57 57


Equipment Specifications Library 

Model Page # Model Page # Model Page # 

AD-1B..............................................59 

AD-1B OPT 17.................................59 

AM-45-550.....................................59 

AM-60-550 OPT 4..........................60 

AM-60-860 OPT 5..........................60 

AMCM-860.....................................61 

AMM-806.......................................61 

AP-40-550B.....................................62 

AP-40-550B OPT 14.......................62 

AP-60-550B.....................................63 

AP-60-550B OPT 17.......................63 

AQD ...............................................64 

AQD-PCM/QTRC ...........................64 

AQD-RCS.........................................65 

AQM ..............................................65 

AQT..................................................66 

AQT-PCM/QTRC.............................66 

AQT-RCS..........................................67 

BIDA-55A-30P.................................67 

BIDA-75A-30P.................................68 

BIDA-86A-30P.................................68 

BIDA-55A-43P.................................69 

BIDA-75A-43P.................................69 

BIDA-86A-43P.................................70 

BIDA-100A-30.................................70 

BPF-U...............................................71 

BTY-5-LB..........................................71 

BTY-10-HB.......................................71 

BTY-10-U.........................................72 

BTY-LP-BB........................................72 

BTY-LP-HB........................................73 

BTY-LP-LB........................................73 

BTY-UHF-BB....................................73 

CDSR-6198A...................................74 

CEF-750 ..........................................74 

CMA-B.............................................75 

CMA-BB...........................................75 

CMA-HB..........................................75 

CMA-LB...........................................76 

CMA-Uc...........................................76 

DFCS-24...........................................76 

DFCS-32...........................................77 

DHDP-V ..........................................77 

DSV-42.............................................78 

FIBT-S3A-XXXX ...............................78 

FOC-23-16-U...................................79 

FOC-102U-XX..................................79 

FOC-104U-XX..................................79 

FOC-108U-XX..................................80 

FOC-116U-XX..................................80 

FOCN-S4S-201................................80 

FRDA-S4A-860-43PA......................81 

FRRA-S4A-860-43PA......................81 

IPME-CH..........................................82 

IPME-2.............................................82 

KU 1.0 UNV.....................................83 

LNBF-Dual-R....................................83 

LPI-188PS........................................83 

LPI 3300..........................................84 

MAVM-60-861-TX..........................84 

MAVM-861-XX...............................85 

MAVM-861-TX...............................85 

MIBT-S3A-XXX.................................86 

MICM-45C......................................86 

MICM-45S.......................................87 

MIDM-806C....................................87 

MIRC-4D .........................................88 

MIRC-12V/MIPS-12C......................88 

MPG-1100......................................88 

MPO-ESM-52..................................89 

MPO-ESM-70..................................89 

MSBC...............................................89 

OC-8D..............................................90 

OC-12D............................................90 

OC-24E............................................90 

OC-32E............................................91 

PS-1526...........................................91 

PS-1536...........................................91 

RMDA-550-30P..............................92 

RMDA-750-30P..............................92 

RMDA-860-30P..............................93 

RMDA-860-43P..............................93 

RMDA-86A-30 ...............................94 

RPR-8...............................................94 

SAIP-60-860....................................95 

SCMA-Ub........................................95 

SMR-1600.......................................95 

SMS-3400........................................96 

SRT...................................................96 

SRT-2A.............................................96 

SRT-4A.............................................97 

SRT-8A.............................................97 

SXRS-2.............................................97 

SXRS-3.............................................98 

SXRS-4.............................................98 

SXRS-8.............................................99 

TF-GF-FT..........................................99 

TVCB-PC........................................100 

V-1GF-FT.......................................100 

58



AD-1B 

The demodulator shall be a frequency agile, audio/video demodulator equipped with a Nyquist filter to ensure stable and accurate demodulation. The demodulator 

shall demodulate NTSC, HRC or IRC cable TV channels to a 1 volt peak to peak video, and a 500 mV RMS audio. The input channel shall be field settable via front 

panel DIP switches. The demodulator shall have front panel controls for video response and input channel selection. There shall be a AGC circuit on the RF input 

to compensate for input level variations. The demodulator shall be BTSC compatible via 4.5 MHz audio sub-carrier and broadband multiplex audio output. The 

demodulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AD-1 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 54 to 88, 108 to 806 MHz d) 4.5 MHz Sub-carrier Output Level: 35 dBmV 

b) Input Level: 20 dBmV Maximum e) Tuning Increment: 250 kHz 

c) Video Output Level : 1 V p-p f) Impedance: 75 Ω 

AD-1B OPT 17 

The demodulator shall be a frequency agile, audio/video demodulator equipped with a Nyquist filter to ensure stable and accurate demodulation. The demodulator 

shall demodulate NTSC, HRC or IRC cable TV channels to a 1 volt peak to peak video, and a 500 mV RMS audio. The input channel shall be field settable via front 

panel DIP switches. The demodulator shall have front panel controls for video response and input channel selection. There shall be a AGC circuit on the RF input 

to compensate for input level variations. The demodulator shall be BTSC compatible via 4.5 MHz audio sub-carrier and broadband multiplex audio output. The 

demodulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AD-1 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: d) 4.5 MHz Sub-carrier Output Level: 35 dBmV 

7 to 49, 54 to 88, 108 to 806 MHz e) Tuning Increment: 250 kHz 

b) Input Level: 20 dBmV Maximum f) Impedance: 75 Ω 

c) Video Output Level : 1 V p-p 

AM-45-550 

The modulator shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne audio/video modulator equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The modulator 

shall modulate a 0.7-2.5 volt peak to peak, sync negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels 2 to 78. The modulator shall have a 

composite IF loop-thru, and front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The modulator shall be BTSC compatible via 

field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AM-45-550 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 54 to 550 MHz e) C/N In Channel: 63 dB 

b) Output Level: 45 dBmV Minimum f) Output Return Loss: 12 dB Minimum 

c) Output Level Control: 10 dB g) Broadband Noise: -77 dBc 

d) Spurious Outputs: -60 dBc 

AM-60-550 OPT 4 

The modulator shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne audio/video modulator equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The modulator 

shall modulate a 0.7-2.5 volt peak to peak, sync negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels T7 to T14, or 2 to 78. The modulator 

shall have a composite IF loop-thru, and front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The modulator shall be BTSC 

compatible via field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AM-60-550 OPT 4 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 7 to 49 MHz or 54 to 550 MHz e) C/N In Channel: 63 dB 




AM-60-860 OPT 5 

The modulator shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne audio/video modulator equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input, and BTSC stereo 

encoder. The modulator shall modulate a 1 volt peak to peak, sync negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels 2 to 135 by 

changing front panel push button switches. The modulator shall have a composite IF loop-thru, and front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to 

visual ratio and output level. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AM-60-860 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 





59



AMCM-860 

The modulator shall be a frequency agile heterodyne audio/video modulator. It shall have a modular die cast chassis for superior RFI protection and heat dissipation. 

The modulator shall modulate a nominal 1.0 volt peak to peak, negative sync video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to a CATV channel from 2 to 135 by 

changing the front panel channel selector. The modulator shall have front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The 

modulator shall be BTSC compatible via field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AMCM-860 and shall meet or exceed 

the following specifications: 





AMM-806 

The modulator shall be a frequency agile heterodyne audio/video modulator. It shall have a modular die cast chassis for superior RFI protection and heat dissipation. 

The modulator shall modulate a nominal 1.0 volt peak to peak, negative sync video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to a CATV channel from 2 to 125 by 

changing field settable DIP switches. The modulator shall have front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The 

modulator shall be BTSC compatible via field-defeatable audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AMM-806 and shall meet or exceed 






AP-40-550B 

The processor shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne processor, equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The processor shall also have 

an externally accessible IF loop. The processor shall have dual SAW filters to assure proper adjacent channel rejection and delayed AGC circuitry to automatically 

compensate for input signal variations. The processor shall be capable of moving any input channel, (54 to 806 MHz), to any output channel, (50-550 MHz). The 

processor shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AP-40-550B and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 54 to 88, 108 to 806 MHz 

b) Output Frequency Range: 50 to 550 MHz 

c) Input Level Range: -18 to +30 dBmV 

d) Output Level: 40 dBmV Minimum 

e) Output Level Adjust: 10 dB 

AP-40-550B OPT 14 

f) Return Loss: 

The processor shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne processor equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The processor shall also have 

an externally accessible IF loop. The processor shall be quipped to perform on-channel processing with out visible distortions due to the presence of strong local 

broadcast signals. The processor shall have dual SAW filters to assure proper adjacent channel rejection and delayed AGC circuitry to automatically compensate for 

input signal variations. The processor shall be capable of moving any input channel, (54 to 806 MHz), to any output channel, (50-550 MHz). The processor shall be 

equal to Blonder Tongue AP-40-550B OPT 14 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 54 to 88 MHz, 108 to 806 MHz 





AP-60-550B 

(1) Input: 12 dB Minimum 

(2) Output: 14 dB Minimum 

g) Broadband Noise: -76 dBc 

h) Spurious Outputs: -60 dBc 

i) Aural Visual Carrier Adjustment Range: 0 to –10 dB 

The processor shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne processor, equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The processor shall also have 

an externally accessible IF loop. The processor shall have dual SAW filters to assure proper adjacent channel rejection and delayed AGC circuitry to automatically 

compensate for input signal variations. The processor shall be capable of moving any input channel, (54 to 806 MHz), to any output channel, (50-550 MHz). The 

processor shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AP-60-550B and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 54 to 88, 108 

to 806 MHz 

b) Output Frequency Range: 50 

to 550 MHz 

c) Input Level Range: -18 to 

+30 dBmV 








i) Aural / Visual Carrier Adjustment Range: 0 to –10 dB 







60



AP-60-550B OPT 17 

The processor shall be a frequency agile, solid state heterodyne processor equipped with Emergency Alert System alternate IF input. The processor shall also have 

an externally accessible IF loop. The processor shall have a field selectable block upconverter to be able to accept sub-band input channels. The processor shall have 

dual SAW filters to assure proper adjacent channel rejection and delayed AGC circuitry to automatically compensate for input signal variations. The processor shall be 

capable of moving any input channel, to any output channel, as defined in the specifications below. The processor shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AP-60-550A OPT 

17 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 7 to 49 MHz, 

54 to 88 MHz, 108 to 806 MHz 




AQD 

The HDTV (ATSC/QAM) demodulator shall have a 3RU modular design to permit up to eight units to be inserted in a chassis with a common power and control unit. 

The demodulator shall output a NTSC composite video via an F connector and audio via left/right RCA connectors. The HDTV demodulator shall be capable of decoding 

all 18 ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) standard formats including 8VSB, annex B QAM 64 and QAM 256. The HDTV demodulator will have its video 

displayed in 480i (NTSC) in 4:3 or 16:9 formats with closed captioning decoding supported as well. The HDTV demodulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AQD and 

shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Tuning Range: 

i) 8VSB 

(1) VHF 2-13: 54-216 

(2) UHF 14-69: 470-806 

(3) CATV: 2-135 

ii) QAM 

(1) CATV: 2-135 

b) Operating Input Range: 

-20 dbmV to +20 dBmV 

c) Data Rate: 

i) 8VSB Mode: 19.392 Mbps 

ii) QAM 64 Annex B: 

26.9 Mbps, Auto Detection 

iii) QAM 256 Annex B: 

38.8 Mbps, Auto Detection 

AQD-PCM/QTRC 

The rack chassis and power supply / control module shall provide eight modular slots for mounting and powering AQD (ATSC/QAM) demodulators. The rack chassis 

shall be UL Listed and occupy 3RU’s in a 19 inch rack. The power and control unit shall have a 2 line by 16 character liquid crystal display (LCD) to allow interaction with 

easy to follow user menu functions for simple programming. The rack chassis and its power and control module shall be equal to Blonder Tongue QTRC and AQD-PCM. 

They shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Power Requirements Input: 115 VAC 50/60 Hz 

b) Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50º C 

c) Chassis Size (W x H x D): 19 X 5.25 x 12.0 in. 

AQD-RCS 








The AQD-RCS (Remote Configuration Server) shall be an optional unit and have a modular design to interface with the PCM (Power & Control Module) and occupying 

one slot of the Rack Chassis. The RCS will feature a graphical web browser based interface to permit remote computer control of the entire AQD headend. The unit 

shall have a programmable static IP address and function with standard browsers such as Microsoft ® Internet Explorer ® 6.0 or later and not require any software to 

be loaded onto an operators computer. The RCS shall be equal to the Blonder Tongue AQD-RCS or exceed the following specifications: 

a) IP Addressing: Fixed Static IP 

b) User Name & Password: Software Settable 

c) Administrator & View Modes 

d) Module Dimensions (W x H x D): 

11.31 x 5.25 x 1.5 in. 

e) Chassis Dimensions: 19 x 5.25 x 12 in. 

f) Mounting: Standard 3 EIA Unit Height 

5.25 x 19 in. 

g) Power Requirement: 5 VDC, 200 mA 

h) Operating Temperature: 0º to +50º C 

d) Video Output: NTSC Composite Video 

i) Output Level: 1 V p-p 

ii) Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (Pan and Scan) 

iii) Closed Captioning: EIA-608 

iv) Format: 480i 

e) Audio Output: Analog 

i) Output Level: 1 Vrms 

ii) Audio Control: Adjustable in 2 dB steps 

f) Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.5 x 5.25 x 10.63 in. 

i) Storage Temperature: -20º to +70º C 

j) Humidity: 0 to 95% RH 

k) RJ-45 Ethernet Connector 

l) RJ-11 RS-232 Serial Data Connector 

m) 12-pin Power Connector 

n) Ethernet Link LED 

o) Ethernet Receive LED 

p) Ethernet Transmit LED 

61


AQM 

The QAM modulator shall have a 2RU modular design to permit up to six units to be inserted in a chassis with a common power supply. The modulator shall provide 

modulation modes of 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024 QAM. It shall have an integrated frequency agile upconverter capable of CATV output channels 2 to 135. 

The QAM modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue AQM and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input: ASI (per EN 50083-9) 

b) Symbol Rate: Variable, up to 10 Mbaud 

c) FEC Encoder: 

Complies with ITU-T J.83 Standards, 

Annex A (DVB) & Annex B 

d) MER: 40 dB 

e) RF Output: CATV 2 to 135 (54-864 MHz) 

f) Output Level: 

+40 dBmV (average measurement) 

g) Output Level Control: 10 dB 

h) Amplitude Flatness: ± 0.25 dB (over 6 MHz) 

i) Phase Noise: @ 10 kHz Offset: -98 dBc 

AQT 

The ATSC/QAM to QAM transcoder shall have a 3RU modular chassis design permitting up to eight units to be mounted along with a common power supply and 

control unit. The transcoder modules shall be compatible with both off-air 8VSB and CATV QAM channel inputs. The ATSC/AQM transcoder shall be equal to Blonder 

Tongue AQT and shall meet the following specifications: 

a) Demod Mode 

a. ATSC: 8VSB or 16VSB 

b. ITUA: 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 QAM 

c. ITUB: 64, 256 QAM 

b) 8 VSB Input Range: 

a. VHF/UHF, 54-806 MHz 

b. Level 

i. -28 dBmV Min. 8VSB 

ii. 

c) QAM Input Range 

a. 54-861 MHz 

b. Level 

AQT-PCM/QTRC 

The rack chassis and power supply/control module shall be UL Listed and provide eight modular slots for mounting and powering AQT (ATSC/QAM) transcoders. The 

rack chassis shall occupy 3 RU’s in a 19 inch rack. The power and control unit shall have a backlit Liquid Crystal Display with 5 navigation/enter push buttons. The rack 

chassis and its power supply/control module shall be equal to Blonder Tongue QTRC and AQT-PCM. They shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Power Requirement: 100 to 265 VAC 50/60 Hz, 107 W 

b) Operating Temperature: 0 to 50º C 

c) Chassis Size (W x H x D): 19 x 5.25 x 12 in. 

AQT-RCS 

-25 dBmV Min. 16VSB 

i. -20 dBmV Min. QAM64 

ii. -15 dBmV Min. QAM256 


j) Spurious Output (54-1000 MHz): - 60 dBc 

k) Broadband Noise: 

-77 dBc (@ 40 dBmV out, 4 MHz BW) 

l) Controls: LCD display with 5 interactive navigation/enter push buttons 

m) Connectors: 

ASI input (BNC 75 Ω), RF output (F) 

n) Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50º C 

o) Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.3 x 3.5 x 7.5 in. 

The AQT-RCS (Remote Configuration Server) shall be an optional unit and have a modular design to interface with the PCM (Power & Control Module) and occupying 

one slot of the Rack Chassis. The RCS will feature a graphical web browser based interface to permit remote computer control of the entire AQT headend. The unit 

shall have a programmable static IP address and function with standard browsers such as Microsoft ® Internet Explorer ® 6.0 or later and not require any software to 

be loaded onto an operators computer. The RCS shall be equal to the Blonder Tongue AQD-RCS or exceed the following specifications: 

a) IP Addressing: Fixed Static IP 

b) User Name & Password: Software Settable 

c) Administrator & View Modes 

d) Module Dimensions (W x H x D): 

11.31 x 5.25 x 1.5 in. 

e) Chassis Dimensions: 19 x 5.25 x 12 in. 

f) Mounting: Standard 3 EIA Unit Height 

5.25 x 19 in. 

g) Power Requirement: 5 VDC, 200 mA 

d) QAM Output 

a. 54-860 MHz (CATV 2-135) 

b. Variable Bandwidth 

c. +40 dBmV Output level (average meas.) 

d. 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 Modulation modes 

e. -95 dBc Phase Noise @ 10 kHz 

e) Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.5 x 5.25 x 10.63 in. 

h) Operating Temperature: 0º to +50º C 

i) Storage Temperature: -20º to +70º C 

j) Humidity: 0 to 95% RH 

k) RJ-45 Ethernet Connector 

l) RJ-11 RS-232 Serial Data Connector 

m) 12-pin Power Connector 

n) Ethernet Link LED 

o) Ethernet Receive LED 

p) Ethernet Transmit LED 

62



BIDA-55A-30P 

The distribution amplifiers shall be housed in a heavy 100% shielded enclosure and employ power doubling hybrid circuitry for forward path amplification. The amplifier 

shall contain an integrated, amplified return path that is field defeatable. The amplifiers shall have mounting tabs for securing to any flat surface, and be powered be an 

external UL listed power transformer. The amplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BIDA-55A-30P, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Forward Passband: 49 to 550 MHz 

b) Reverse Passband: 5 to 36 MHz 

c) Flatness: ±0.50 dB or better 

d) Gain: 32 dB 

e) Manual Gain Control Range: 10 dB 

f) Manual Slope Control Range: 8 dB 

g) Test Ports: 

(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 

h) Return Loss: 



BIDA-75A-30P 











(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 




BIDA-86A-30P 

i) Terminal Impedance: 75 Ω 

j) Noise Figure: 7.0 dB Maximum 

k) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

l) Number of Channels: 77 

m) Output Level: 

(1) LowestChannel: 36 dBmV 

(2) Highest Channel: 44 dBmV 

n) Composite Triple Beat Distortion -71 dB 

o) Cross Modulation: -74 dB 

p) Transformer AC input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz 

q) Operating Temperature: -20° C to 60° C 











(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 









(1) Lowest Channel: 36 dBmV 

















63



BIDA-55A-43P 

The distribution amplifiers shall be housed in a heavy 100% shielded enclosure and employ power doubling hybrid circuitry for forward path amplification. The 

amplifier shall contain an integrated, amplified return path that is field defeatable. The amplifiers shall have mounting tabs for securing to any flat surface, and be 

powered be an external UL listed power transformer. The amplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BIDA-55A-43P, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 








(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 




BIDA-75A-43P 











(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 




BIDA-86A-43P 

















c) Flatness: ± 0.70 dB or better 





(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 


























64



BIDA-100A-30 


shall contain an integrated, amplified return path that is field defeatable. The amplifiers shall have mounting tabs for securing to any flat surface, and be powered 

be an external UL listed power transformer. The amplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BIDA-100A-43P, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 








(1) Input: -30 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -30 ±2 dB 




BPF-U 

UHF bandpass filters shall be constructed in a die-cast housing allowing installation on an antenna mast, or flat wall mounting. All connectors on the bandpass filter 

shall be type F. The UHF bandpass filters shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BPF-U and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Impedance: 75 Ω 

b) Flatness: ±0.2 dB 

c) Insertion Loss: 1.8 dB Maximum 

d) Alternate Channel Response: 

(1) Upper (+9 MHz): -17 dB Minimum 

(2) Lower (-9 MHz): -17 dB Minimum 

BTY-5-LB 

Single Channel Low Band VHF antennas shall be of the Yagi design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 9.2 dBi. The antenna boom shall be 

constructed of 6063-T6 aluminum with 5/6 elements constructed of 6063-T52 aluminum. The element ends shall be sealed against entry of moisture and weather 

protected with an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-5-LB and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Voltage Standing Wave Ratio: 1.67:1 

c) Gain Over Isotropic: 9.2 dBi 

d) Front-To-Back Radio: 17 dB Minimum 

BTY-10-HB 

Single Channel High Band VHF antennas shall be of the Yagi design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 13.2 dBi. The antenna boom shall be 

constructed of 6063-T6 aluminum with 10 elements constructed of 6063-T52 aluminum. The element ends shall be sealed against entry of moisture and weather 

protected with an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-10-HB and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Impedance: 75 Ω e) Survival Wind Load: 125 mph 

b) Voltage Standing Wave Ratio: 1.33:1 f) 3 dB Horizontal Beamwidth: 51 Degrees 

c) Gain Over Isotropic: 13.2 dBi g) Bandwidth: 8 MHz 

d) Front-To-Back Radio: 17 dB Minimum h) Channels: 7 to 13 

BTY-10-U 












e) Survival Wind Load: 125 mph 

f) 3 dB Horizontal Beamwidth: 63 Degrees 

g) Bandwidth: 8 MHz (23 MHz, FM) 

h) Channels: 2 to 6, FM 

Single Channel UHF antennas shall be of the Yagi design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 12.2 dBi or greater. The antenna boom shall be 


protected with an anti-corrosion finish. The UHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-10-U and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Impedance: 75 Ω e) 3 dB Horizontal Beamwidth: 46 Degrees 

b) Gain Over Isotropic: 12.2 dBi Minimum f) Channels: 14 to 69 

c) Front-To-Back Radio: 14 dB Minimum 

d) Survival Wind Load: 125 mph 

65



BTY-LP-BB 

Broadband VHF antennas shall be of the log periodic design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 8.2 dBi. The antenna boom shall be constructed 

of 6063-T6 aluminum with 12 elements constructed of 6063-T52 aluminum. The element ends shall be sealed against entry of moisture and weather protected with 

an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-LP-BB and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Gain Over Isotropic: 8.2 dBi g) Bandwidth: 54-88 and 174-216 MHz 


BTY-LP-HB 

Highband VHF antennas shall be of the Log Periodic design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 13.2 dBi or greater at channel 7 and 12.2 dBi 

or greater at channel 13. The antenna boom shall be constructed of 6063-T6 aluminum with 10 elements constructed of 6063-T52 aluminum. The element ends shall 

be sealed against entry of moisture and weather protected with an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antenna shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-LP-HB and shall meet 

or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Gain Over Isotropic: 

(1) 13.2 dBi at channel 7 

(2) 12.2 dBi at channel 13 

BTY-LP-LB 

Lowband VHF antennas shall be of the log periodic design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 9.0 dBi. The antenna boom shall be constructed 

of 6063-T6 aluminum with 8 elements constructed of 6063-T52 aluminum. The element ends shall be sealed against entry of moisture and weather protected with 

an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-LP-LB and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Gain Over Isotropic: 9.0 dBi 


BTY-UHF-BB 

Broadband UHF antennas shall be of the log periodic design with a flat frequency response. Gain over isotropic shall be 10.2 dBi. The antenna boom shall be 


protected with an anti-corrosion finish. The VHF antennas shall be equal to Blonder Tongue BTY-UHF-BB and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Gain Over Isotropic: 10.2 dBi g) Bandwidth: 470-890 MHz 


CDSR-6198A 



f) 3 dB Horizontal Beamwidth: 50.5 Degrees 

g) Bandwidth: 174-216 MHz 


f) 3 dB Horizontal Beamwidth: 57 Degrees 

g) Bandwidth: 54-88 MHz 

The satellite receiver shall be a commercial rack mounted unit to receive programming from DISH Network. The unit shall be capable of receiving MPEG-2 and DVB 

signals, providing NTSC compliant decompression for NTSC video and audio. The receiver shall have front panel push button switches for channel selection, and shall 

have security card access via an additional front plate. The dish NETWORK satellite receiver shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CDSR-6198A and shall meet or exceed 


a) Input Frequency Range: 950 to 1450 MHz f) Audio Output Level: 

b) Impedance: 75 Ω (1) Left and Right in to 600 Ω: 0 dBm Minimum 

c) Input Level: -70 to –30 dBm (2) Mono in to 10 kΩ: 1 V p-p 

d) Video Output Level: 1 V p-p g) Audio Signal to Noise Ratio: 80 dB Minimum 

e) Weight Video Signal to Noise Ratio: 55 dB Minimum 

66



CEF-750 

The channel elimination filter shall be a professional quality rack mounted (1RU) product with a pass band of 50-750 MHz. The filter shall be designed to remove one 

6 MHz wide television channel with an attenuation of greater than 52 dB on the visual and aural carriers with negligible loss to adjacent channel carriers. The channel 

elimination filter shall be available on channels 2 through CATV 38 (54-312 MHz). The channel elimination filter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CEF-750, and shall 

meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range 

(1) Channel Elimination: 54-312 MHz 

(2) Passband: 50-750 MHz 

b) Insertion Loss: 3 dB Max 

c) Channel Suppression: 52 dB 

d) Adjacent Channel Insertion Loss 

2 to 23: 3.0 dB 

24 to 38: 4.0 dB 

CMA-B 

VHF single channel preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be housed 

in a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20 dB backmatched test port. The VHF single channel preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CMA-b 

with power supply PS-1526 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 54-216 MHz 

b) Bandwidth: 

(1) 6 MHz, Channels 2-6 and 7-13 

(2) 20 MHz, FM 

c) Gain: 

(1) 29 dB, Channels 2-6 

(2) 24 dB, FM 

(3) 26 dB, Channels 7-13 

CMA-BB 

VHF broadband preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be housed 

in a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20dB backmatched test port. The VHF broadband preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CMA-BB with 

power supply PS-1536 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Gain: 26 dB 

c) Input Capability: -7 to +25 dBmV per channel 

CMA-HB 

VHF high band preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be housed in 

a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20 dB backmatched test port. The VHF high band preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CMA-HB with 





CMA-LB 

e) Impedance: 75 Ω 

f) Return Loss: 10 dB Min. 

g) Dimensions (W x H x D): 

19.0 x 1.75 x 10.25 in. 

d) Input Capability: -10 to +26 dBmV per channel 

e) Noise Figure: 

(1) 3.5 dB Maximum Channels 2-6 

(2) 2.0 dB Maximum FM 

(3) 2.5 dB Maximum Channels 7-13 

d) Noise Figure: 5 dB Maximum 

e) Input Return Loss: 11 dB Minimum 

f) Output Return Loss: 8 dB Minimum 

VHF low band preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be housed in 

a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20 dB backmatched test port. The VHF broadband preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CMA-LB with 



b) Gain: 26 








67



CMA-Uc 

UHF broadband preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be housed 

in a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20 dB backmatched test port. The UHF broadband preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue CMA-Uc 

with power supply PS-1526 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 





DFCS-24 

The distribution frame cable splitter shall have a 19 inch, 1RU rack mountable chassis and provide twenty four (24) output ports for drop cable connections. The 

splitter shall have a -20 dB test point for testing the input signal without interruption of service. The splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue DFCS-24, and shall meet 



b) Impedance: 75 Ω 

c) Input Test Port: -20 dB 

d) Return Loss: 



DFCS-32 

The distribution frame cable splitter shall have a 19 inch, 1RU rack mountable chassis and provide thirty two (32) output ports for drop cable connections. The splitter 

shall have a -20 dB test point for testing the input signal without interruption of service. The splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue DFCS-32, and shall meet or 

exceed the following specifications: 



c) Input Test Port: -20 dB 




DHDP-V 

e) Isolation 

(1) Adjacent Ports: 25 dB 

(2) Non-Adjacent Ports: >40 dB 

f) Insertion Loss: 20 dB Maximum 

e) Isolation 

(1) Adjacent Ports: 25 dB 



The HDTV off-air processor shall be a two-unit system consisting of a Downconverter unit which acts as the input section and an Upconverter unit which acts as the 

output section. Both units are housed in a modular die-cast chassis requiring two positions or slots in a compatible modular rack chassis. 

The Downconverter unit shall accept any 8VSB signal from 54-860 MHz. Channel entry shall be done by a 2 digit front panel BCD switch. (i.e.: - VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69 

& unused spectrum 806-860 MHz). The Downconverter shall output an IF signal which is then fed to the Upconverter unit. 

The Upconverter unit shall take the IF signal and process it to any channel from 54-860 MHz. Channel entry shall be the same as the downconverter (i.e.: - CATV, STD, 

IRC & HRC as well as Broadcast VHF & UHF). The HDTV channel processor shall be equal to Blonder Tongue DHDP-V and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 

(8VSB - downconverter) 

(1) VHF 2-13: 54-216 

(2) UHF 14-69: 470-806 

(3) UHF Extended: 806-860 

b) Operating Input Range: 

-10 dbmV to +20 dBmV 

c) Input Level Range: 

(1) (AGC Controlled) -20 dBmV to +25 dBmV 

(2) Adj. Ch. Rejection: 

(Ref. to +30 dBmV IF output) 

(3) Adj. Aural and Below: >65 dB 

(4) Adj. Visual and Above: >65 dB 

d) Output Frequency: 44.00 MHz IF 

e) Phase Noise: @ 10 KHz Offset -85 dBc/Hz 

f) Output Frequency Range: 

54-860 MHz (upconverter) 

g) Channels: 

(1) CATV- STD, IRC, HRC 

(2) Broadcast; VHF, UHF 

h) Output Frequency Tolerance: ±5 KHz 

i) Output Level: 

(1) Analog: +45 dBmV 

(IF Input +35 dBmV) 

(2) Digital: +40 dBmV 

(IF Input +30dBmV) 

j) Output Level Adj. Range: 10 dB 

k) Spurious Output 50-1000 MHz: -60 dB 

l) C/N Ratio IN Channel: 

(1) Digital: -60 dB 

(6 MHz BW +40 dBmV Output) 

(2) Analog: -65 dB 

(4 MHz BW +45 dBmV Output) 

m) Broadband Noise: -76 dBc 

68



DSV-42 

The sub-band diplexers shall be manufactured in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. Sub-band diplexers shall be employed for 

isolating and separating VHF/UHF/CATV signals (50 to 1000 MHz) from sub-channel signals (DC to 42 MHz). They shall permit two-way transmission of RF signals on a 

single coaxial cable. The sub-band diplexers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue DSV-42 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Passband: 

(1) Combined: DC-42 and 50-1000 MHz 

(2) High: 50-1000 MHz 

(3) Low: DC-42 MHz 

d) Insertion Loss: 0.5 dB 

e) Return Loss: 14 dB Minimum 

FIBT-S3A-XXXX 

To ensure link fidelity, both the transmitter and receiver shall be provided by the same manufacturer. The fiber transmitter shall transmit 110 channels downstream 

on 9/125 mm or 10/125 mm single mode fiber. Transmitter shall be a rack mount unit with an internal power supply, and shall have a tri-color status indicator LED on 

the RF input. The transmitters shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FIBT-S3A-XXXX Series and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Operating Wavelength: 1310 nm 

b) Bandwidth: 45 to 860 MHz 

c) Input Impedance: 75 Ω 

d) Back Reflection: -50 dB Maximum 

e) Optical Output Power: 6-14 dBm 

(Output power dependant on model used) 

f) RF Input Level (110 Ch. Load): +18 dBmV 

g) CNR (0 dBm In, 110 Ch Load): 54 dB 

FOC-23-16-U 

Where optical splitting or coupling is required by the network design, a rack-mount coupler shall be used. The coupler shall be for single mode fiber and employ FC/APC 

connectors to enable broadband communications. The six port optical coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOC-23-16-U and shall meet or exceed the following 

specifications: 

a) Number of Inputs: 1 

b) Number of Outputs: 6 

c) Wavelength: 1310 or 1550 nm 


e) Optical Connectors: FC/APC (only) 

FOC-102U-XX 

Where optical splitting or coupling is required by the network design, a rack-mount coupler shall be used. The coupler shall be for single mode fiber and employ either FC/ 

APC or SC/APC connectors to enable broadband communications. The two port optical coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOC-102U-XX and shall meet or exceed 



b) Number of Outputs: 2 b) Gain: 26 dB 


c) 


Input Capability: -7 to +28 dBmV per channel 

e) Optical Connectors: Specify - FA (FC/APC) or SA (SC/APC) 

FOC-104U-XX 


f) Isolation: 

(1) DC-42 MHz: 

(a) 50-860 MHz: 55 dB Minimum 

(b) 860-1000 MHz: 45 dB Minimum 

(2) 50-1000 MHz: 

(a) DC-42 MHz: 45 dB Minimum 

g) Power Passing Capability: 500 mA 

h) CTB (110 Ch Load): -69 dB Minimum 

i) CSO (110 Ch Load): -63 dB Minimum 

j) Optical Output Connector: FC/APC 

k) RF Input Connector: F 

l) RF Input Adjustment Range: 4dB 

m) Optical Output: FC/APC Standard, 

SC/APC Optional 

n) RF Input Indicator: Tri-color LED 




Where optical splitting or coupling is required by the network design, a rack-mount coupler shall be used. The coupler shall be for single mode fiber and employ either 

FC/APC or SC/APC connectors to enable broadband communications. The four port optical coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOC-104U-XX and shall meet or exceed 







69



FOC-108U-XX 


FC/APC or SC/APC connectors to enable broadband communications. The two port optical coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOC-108U-XX and shall meet or 







FOC-116U-XX 


FC/APC or SC/APC connectors to enable broadband communications. The two port optical coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOC-116U-XX and shall meet or 







FOCN-S4S-201 

To ensure link fidelity, both the transmitter and receiver shall be provided by the same manufacturer. The fiber receiver shall receive 110 channels downstream on 

9/125 mm or 10/125 mm single mode fiber. The receiver shall be a wall mounted unit powered by a UL listed 12 VDC external power supply (BT Stock # 7415). The 

receiver shall be powered either directly through its 12 VDC connector or remotely from its RF output connector using a power inserter (included in #7415). The 

receiver shall also include a tri-colored LED indicator for optical level input status. The receiver shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FOCN-S4S-201 series and shall meet 


a) Output Impedance: 75 Ω 

b) Band Width: 54-870 MHz 

c) Optical Input: -8.0 to +2.0 dBm 

d) Max Channel Load: 110 

e) Operating Wavelength: 

1310 or 1550 nm, Field Selectable 

f) CNR of link: 

>54 dB (1 dBm input, 110 Ch, Load) 

g) Optical Connector: SC/APC 

h) RF Output & Test Port: F 

i) Output Test Port Level: -20 dB 

FRDA-S4A-860-43PA 

To ensure link fidelity, both the transmitter and receiver shall be provided by the same manufacturer. The fiber receiver shall receive 110 channels 

downstream on 9/125 mm or 10/125 mm single mode fiber. Receiver shall be a wall mount unit with an UL listed, external power supply. The receiver 

shall have a tri-color status indicator LED on the optical input. The receiver will have internally accessible plug-in attenuator to prevent overdriving 

of the hybrid amplifiers. The receiver shall be equal to Blonder Tongue FRDA-S4A-860 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 







f) CNR of link: 53 dB 

(1 dBm input, 110 Ch, Load) 

g) Optical Connector: FC/APC 

Standard, SC/APC Optional 

j) Optical Input Indicator: Tri-color LED 

k) RF Output: 28 dBmV @ -1 dBm input 

l) Return Loss: 16 dB Minimum 


i) Output Test Port Level: -30 ±2 dB 

j) Gain Control Range: 10 dB 

k) Slope Control Range: 8 dB 

l) Optical Input Indicator: Tri-color LED 

m) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

n) RF Gain: 43 dB 

o) Return Loss: 16 dB Minimum 

70



FRRA-S4A-860-43PA 

To ensure link fidelity, both the transmitter and receiver shall be provided by the same manufacturer. The fiber receiver shall receive 110 channels downstream on 

9/125 mm or 10/125 mm single mode fiber. Receiver shall be a rack mount unit with an internal power supply. The receiver shall have a tri-color status indicator LED 

on the optical input. The receiver shall have the provision to use an external FAM attenuator to prevent overdriving of the hybrid amplifiers. The receiver shall be equal 

to Blonder Tongue FRRA-S4A-860 Series and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 







f) CNR of link: 53 dB 

(1 dBm input, 110 Ch, Load) 

g) Optical Connector: FC/APC Standard, 

SC/APC Optional 

IPME-CH 


i) Output Test Port Level: -30 ±2 dB 

j) Gain Control Range: 10 dB 

k) Slope Control Range: 8 dB 

l) Optical Input Indicator: Tri-color LED 

m) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

n) RF Gain: 43 dB 

o) Return Loss: 16 dB Minimum 

The rack chassis and power supply shall provide three modular slots for mounting and powering IPME-2 video encoders. The rack chassis shall occupy 1RU in a 19 inch 

rack. The rack chassis power supply shall be equal to Blonder Tongue IPME-CH and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Power Requirements: 

Input: 115 VAC 50/60 Hz 

Output: 3.3 VDC 

b) Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50° C 

c) Chassis Size: (W x H x D): 19 X 1.75 x 8.25 in. 

IPME-2 

The IPTV video encoder shall be housed in a compact modular package for easy integration with existing or new systems. Three IPTV encoders when installed in their 

IPME-CH rack chassis shall occupy only 1RU in a 19 inch rack. The IPTV video encoder shall be equal to Blonder Tongue IPME-2 and shall meet or exceed the following 


a) Compression: MPEG-2 Standards Compliant, RFC-1889 & RFC-2250 g) Front Panel Connectors: 

b) Ethernet: 10BaseT Ethernet or 100 BaseTX Fast Ethernet (Auto-sensing) RJ-45 Ethernet 10/100 

c) Bandwidth Control: RS-232 Serial Connector 

Minimum: 30 FPS @ 1.5 Mbits/s, 325 x 240 resolution h) Rear Panel Connectors: 

Recommended: 30 FPS @ 3.8 Mbits/s, 720 x 480 resolution 

Video Input: F 

Maximum: 30 FPS @ 7.5 Mbits/s, 720 x 480 resolution 

Audio (L/R): RCA 

d) Streaming Modes: Multicast or Unicast Power: 6 Pin +3.3 VDC 

e) Multicast Sessions: Unlimited number of client viewing sessions Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50° C 

f) Video Input/Output Formats: NTSC and PAL 

KU 1.0 UNV 

The 1 meter off-set feed satellite antenna shall have a stamped single piece 18 gauge galvanized steel reflector. The antenna shall include a universal AZ/EL mount that 

can either be wall or roof mounted. The satellite dish shall be equal to Blonder Tongue KU 1.0 UNV and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Size: 1 Meter 

b) Frequency Range: 10.95-12.75 GHz 

c) Gain @ 12.1 GHz: 40.5 dBi (typical) 

d) 3 dB beamwidth: 1.8 degrees 

LNBF-Dual-R 

The dual low noise block downconverters shall convert KU-band frequencies in to L-Band frequencies. The low noise block downconverters shall be capable of 

providing two independent outputs. The feed tube mounting shall be rectangular style. The dual low noise block downconverters shall be equal to Blonder Tongue 

LNBf-Dual-R and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 12.2 to 12.7 GHz 


c) F/D Ratio: 0.59 

d) Flatness (Over Any 25 MHz): 0.5 dB 

e) Operating Temperature: -35 to +65° C 

71



LPI-188PS 

The indoor power supply for powering multiswitches or LNBs shall be housed in an wall mountable case with four mounting screws. The power supply shall insert 

+18VDC on to one coaxial cable. The power supplies shall be equal to Blonder Tongue LPI-188PS, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Output Voltage: +18 VDC 

c) Current: 800 mA 

d) Output Connector: “F” 

LPI 3300 

The indoor dual power inserter shall provide 13 and 18 volt outputs for LNBF powering from an 18 VDC power source. All connectors shall be F type. The power 

inserter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue LPI 3300, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 950-2150 e) Connectors: “F” 

b) Impedance: 75 Ω f) Inserting Current: 800 mA 

c) Output Voltage: 13/18 VDC 

d) Insertion Loss (950-2150): 0.8 dB 

MAVM-60-861-TX 

The modulator shall be channelized agile channel, solid state heterodyne audio/video modulator. The modulator shall modulate a 0.7-2.8 volt peak to peak sync 

negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels T7 to T11 by changing field changeable output filter modules. The modulator shall 

have front panel controls for video and audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and RF output level. The modulator shall be BTSC compatible via field-defeatable 

audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MAVM-60-861-TX and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 7-37 MHz e) C/N In Channel: 65 dB 




MAVM-861-XX 


negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels 2 to 135 by changing field changeable output filter modules. The modulator shall 


audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MAVM-861-XX and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 





MAVM-861-TX 


negative video source and a 140 mV RMS audio source to output CATV channels T7 to T11 by changing field changeable output filter modules. The modulator shall 


audio pre-emphasis. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MAVM-861-TX and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 





MIBT-S3A-XXX 

To ensure link fidelity, both the transmitter and receiver shall be provided by the same manufacturer. The fiber transmitter shall transmit 110 channels downstream 

on 9/125 mm or 10/125 mm single mode fiber. The transmitter shall have a modular chassis requiring 2 slots in a MIRC-12 rack chassis. It shall have a tri-color LED 

status indicator for the RF input. The transmitters shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MIBT-S3A-XXX Series and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Operating Wavelength: 1310 nm 


c) Input Impedance: 75 Ω 

d) Back Reflection: -50 dB Maximum 

e) Optical Output Power: 6-14 dBm 

(Output power dependant on model used) 

f) RF Input Level (110 Ch. Load): +18 dBmV 

g) CNR (0 dBm In, 110 Ch Load): 54 dB 

h) CTB (110 Ch Load): -69 dB Minimum 

i) CSO (110 Ch Load): -63 dB Minimum 

j) Optical Output Connector: FC/APC 

k) RF Input Connector: F 

l) RF Input Adjustment Range: 4dB 

m) Optical Output: FC/APC Standard, SC/APC Optional 

n) RF Input Indicator: Tri-color LED 

72



MICM-45C 

The modulator shall be a channelized audio/video modulator. It shall have a modular die cast chassis for superior RFI protection and heat dissipation. The modulator 

shall modulate a nominal 1.0 volt peak to peak, negative sync video source and 140 mV RMS audio source to a CATV channel from 2 to 135. The modulator shall 

have front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MICM-45C and 

shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Output Level Control: 10 dB f) Output Return Loss: 12 dB Minimum 

c) Output Level: 45 dBmV Minimum g) Broadband Noise: -90 dBc 


MICM-45S 

The modulator shall be a channelized stereo audio/video modulator. It shall have a modular die cast chassis for superior RFI protection and heat dissipation. The 

modulator shall modulate a nominal 1.0 volt peak to peak, negative sync video source and left and right line level stereo audio source to a CATV channel from 2 to 

135. The modulator shall have front panel controls for video, audio modulation levels, aural to visual ratio and output level. The modulator shall be equal to Blonder 

Tongue MICM-45S and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 54 to 860 MHz 

b) Output Level: 45 dBmV Minimum 

c) Output Level Control: 10 dB 


e) C/N In Channel: 60 dB 

MIDM-806C 

The demodulator shall be frequency agile, modular in style and built in a die cast chassis. The demodulator shall demodulate NTSC, HRC or IRC cable TV channels to 

1 volt peak to peak video and audio signals. The channel tuning shall be via front panel up-down push button channel switches and 2 digit LED display. It shall have 

a front panel channel mode switch to select off-air or CATV channels. There shall be RF AGC circuitry to compensate for input level variations. The demodulator shall 

be equal to Blonder Tongue MIDM 806C and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 54 to 88, 108 to 806 MHz 

b) Input Level: +2 to 12 dBmV (CATV input) 

c) Video Output Level : 1 V p-p 

d) Audio Output Level: 1 V p-p 

e) Input Impedance: 75 Ω 

MIRC-4D 

The rack chassis and UL Listed power supply shall provide four modular slots for mounting and powering compatible UL Recognized components. The rack chassis shall 

use 1RU of 19 inch rack space. The rack chassis shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MIRC-4D, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


Input: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz 

Output: 5 VDC &12 VDC @ 1.8 A 


c) Size (W x H x D): 19 X 1.75 x 8.25 in. 

MIRC-12V/MIPS-12C 



h) Stereo Separation: 25 dB @1KHz 

The rack chassis and UL Listed power supply shall provide 12 modular slots for mounting and powering compatible UL Recognized components. The rack chassis shall 

use 2RU of a 19 inch rack space. The rack chassis and power supply shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MIRC-12 and MIPS-12C, and shall meet or exceed the following 



Input: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz 

Output: 5 VDC @ 5.5 A, 12 VDC @ 4.0 A 


c) Size (W x H x D): 19 x 3.5 x 7.5 in. 

73



MPG-1100 

A high-speed broadband Internet access solution over coaxial cable shall be equal to Blonder Tongue’s MPG-1100 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) 10/100 BaseT Ethernet Port 

g) Symbol Rate: 1 to 4 Msym/sec 

WAN/LAN Interface 

h) Bandwidth: 1.15 to 6.9 MHz 

b) Remote or Local provisioning and control 

i) Spurious: -60 dBc 

c) Frequency Range D/S: 40 to 80 MHz 

j) Receive Range: -10 to +15 dBmV 

d) Frequency Range U/S: 5 to 32 MHz 

e) Output Level: +50 dBmV 

f) Modulation Type: QAM 64 

MPO-ESM-XX 

A high-speed broadband Internet access solution over coaxial cable shall be equal to Blonder Tongue’s MPO-ESM-XX Series and shall meet or exceed the 

following specifications: 

a) MAC Address Identifier 

b) In/Out Coaxial Female F Connector 

c) 10BaseT RJ-45 Receptacle 

d) Transmission Level: +48 dBmV Max. 

e) Modulation Type: QPSK 

f) Symbol Rate: 1.5 to 3 Msym/sec 

g) Bandwidth: 1.875 to 3.75 MHz 

MSBC 

The sub band block converter shall be housed in a modular die cast chassis. It shall accept sub band input channels T7-T13 and convert them to VHF highband 

channels 7 to 13. The sub band converter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue MSBC and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 5.75-47.75 MHz 

b) Output Frequency Range: 174-216 MHz 

c) Output Level: 45 dBmV Minimum 

d) Recommended Input Level: 0 to +20 dBmV 

e) Conversion Gain: 3 dB 

OC-8D 

The channel combiner shall have eight (8) input ports for combining signal sources in the headend. The combiner shall be internally constructed of -120 dB radiation 

proof passives. The combiner shall have a -20 dB test point for testing of signals without interruption or service. The combiner shall be equal to Blonder Tongue OC-8d, 

and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Output Test Port: -20 dB 




e) Isolation 

(1) Adjacent Ports: 25 dB Minimum 

(2) Non-Adjacent Ports: 50 dB Minimum 

OC-12D 

h) Receive Range: -10 to +40 dBmV 

i) Frequency Range D/S: 

a. MPO-ESM-52 — 48 to 56 MHz 

b. MPO-ESM-70 — 64 to 76 MHz 

j) Frequency Range U/S: 5 to 32 MHz 

f) Flatness: 1.5 dB PV 

g) Input Return Loss: 15 dB 

h) Output Return Loss: 17 dB 

The channel combiner shall have twelve (12) input ports for combining signal sources in the headend. The combiner shall be internally constructed of -120 dB 

radiation proof passives. The combiner shall have a -20 dB test point for testing of signals without interruption or service. The combiner shall be equal to Blonder 

Tongue OC-12d, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Output Test Port: -20 ±2 dB 





g) Slope: 1.50 dB 

h) Flatness: ±0.20 dB Relative to Slope 

e) Isolation 




74



OC-24E 

The channel combiner shall have twenty four (24) input ports for combining signal sources in the headend. The combiner shall have a -20 dB test point for testing of 

signals without interruption or service. The combiner shall be equal to Blonder Tongue OC-24E, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Output Test Port: -20 




OC-32E 

The channel combiner shall have thirty two (32) input ports for combining signal sources in the headend. The combiner shall have a -20 dB test point for testing of 

signals without interruption or service. The combiner shall be equal to Blonder Tongue OC-32E, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Output Test Port: -20 




PS-1526 

e) Isolation 




e) Isolation 




The indoor power supply for powering pre-amplifiers shall be a combination of power supply and power inserter. The unit shall be capable of wall mounting and 

contain an auxiliary AC outlet. The power supply shall insert –21 VDC on to one coaxial cable, and shall have a fused input to protect the connected electronics. The 

power supplies shall be equal to Blonder Tongue PS-1526, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Insertion Loss: 

(1) 10 to 300 MHz: 0.3 dB Maximum 


b) Return Loss: 

(1) 10 to 300 MHz: 26 dB Minimum 

(2) 470 to 806 MHz: 22 dB Minimum 

c) Impedance: 75 Ω 

d) Output Voltage: -21 VDC 

e) Current at 105 VAC: 40 mA 

f) Isolation 



g) Insertion Loss: 20 dB Maximum 

PS-1536 

The indoor power supply for powering pre-amplifiers shall be a combination of power supply and power inserter. The unit shall be capable of wall mounting and 

contain an auxiliary AC outlet. The power supply shall insert –21 VDC on to two coaxial cables, and shall have a fused input to protect the connected electronics. The 

power supplies shall be equal to Blonder Tongue PS-1536, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Insertion Loss: 



b) Return Loss: 20 dB Minimum 

c) Isolation: 35 dB Minimum 

RMDA-550-30P 

d) Impedance: 75 Ω 

e) Output Voltage: -21 VDC 

f) Current at 105 VAC: 100 mA 

The headend launch amplifiers shall be housed in an industry standard 19” EIA rack mountable enclosure. The amplifiers shall employ power doubling hybrid circuitry 

for forward path amplification and be UL listed. The amplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue RMDA-550-30P, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Gain: 33 dB 

d) Manual Gain Control Range: 15 dB 

e) Manual Slope Control Range: 10 dB 

f) Test Ports: 

(1) Input: -20 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -20 ±2 dB 

g) Return Loss: 



75



RMDA-750-30P 









(1) Input: -20 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -20 ±2 dB 




h) Impedance: 75 Ω 

RMDA-860-30P 









(1) Input: -20 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -20 ±2 dB 




h) Impedance: 75 Ω 

RMDA-860-43P 








RMDA-86A-30 

i) Noise Figure: 7.0 dB Maximum 

j) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

k) Number of Channels: 110 

l) Output Level: 



m) Composite Triple Beat Distortion -66 dB 

n) Cross Modulation: -67 dB 

o) Transformer AC input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz 

p) Operating Temperature: -20° C to 60° C 

i) Noise Figure: 8.5 dB Maximum 

j) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

k) Number of Channels: 129 

l) Output Level: 



m) Composite Triple Beat Distortion: -61 dB 

n) Cross Modulation: -59 dB 

o) Transformer AC input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz 

p) Operating Temperature: -20° C to 60° C 

The distribution amplifiers shall be housed in an industry standard 19” EIA rack mountable enclosure. The amplifiers shall employ push pull hybrid circuitry for both 

forward and return path amplification. The amplifier shall be field selectable for either active or passive reverse path operation. The amplifier shall have optional 

plug-in equalizer and attenuator capability for input signal conditioning. The unit shall be powered via an external UL listed 26 VAC power supply. The amplifiers shall 

be equal to Blonder Tongue RMDA-86A-30, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Return Passband: 5 to 40 MHz 

c) Flatness: ±1.00 dB (Fwd), ±0.5 dB (Rev) 

d) Gain: 32 dB (Fwd), 22 dB (Rev) 

e) Manual Gain Control Range: 

10 dB (Fwd), 18 dB (Rev) 

f) Manual Slope Control Range: 8 dB (Fwd) 

g) Impedance: 75 Ω 

h) Noise Figure: 8.5 dB Maximum (Fwd), 6.0 dB (Rev) 


(1) Input: -20 ±2 dB 

(2) Output: -20 ±2 dB 




i) Hum Modulation: -70 dB 

j) Number of Channels (Fwd): 129 

k) Output Level (Fwd): 



l) Composite Triple Beat Distortion: -58 dB 

m) Cross Modulation: -58 dB 

n) Transformer AC input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz 

o) Operating Temperature: -20° C to 60° C 

76



RPR-8 

The remote power reset unit shall be housed in a 1RU chassis and provide two independently switched AC receptacles. Switching can be done either manually or on 

a scheduled basis. The remote power reset unit shall be equal to Blonder Tongue RPR-8, and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Operating Voltage: 120 VAC 

b) Current Capacity: 15 A (total) 

c) Control Interface: Ethernet (RJ45) Depending on Model 

d) Number of Controlled Outlets: 8 

e) Control: Via Standard Explorer Browser 

f) Sensing Features: Total Current, Ambient, Temperature 

SAIP-60-860 

The processor shall be a frequency agile input, channelized agile output, solid state heterodyne processor that is equipped with alternate IF input via an external IF 

loop. The processor shall be used to process all inputs to VHF or CATV channels. The processor shall have dual SAW filters to assure proper adjacent channel rejection 

and delayed AGC circuitry to automatically compensate for input signal variations. The processor shall be capable of moving any input channel, to any output VHF or 

CATV channel. The processor shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SAIP-60-860 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Input Frequency Range: 54 to 88, 108 to 806 MHz 

b) Output Frequency Range: 5 to 860 MHz (VHF or CATV) 

c) Output Level: 60 dBmV Minimum 

d) Output Level Adjust: 15 dB 

e) Return Loss: 



SCMA-Ub 

The single channel, UHF preamplifiers shall be two piece construction to allow optimum placement of the amplifier in relation to the antenna. The amplifier shall be 

housed in a rugged, mast mount, die-cast housing and have a -20 dB backmatched test port. The single channel, UHF preamplifiers shall be equal to Blonder Tongue 

SCMA-Ub with power supply PS-1526 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Gain: 24 dB Minimum 

c) Input Capability: -10.5 to +35 dBmV per channel 

d) Noise Figure: 2.5 dB Maximum 

SMR-1600 

The indoor, 16 port satellite multiswitch shall be constructed in a rack mounted housing to ensure proper mounting in headend applications. The multiswitches should 

have dedicated +13V and +18V input ports, and sixteen output ports. All connectors shall be type F. The 16 port satellite multiswitch shall be equal to Blonder Tongue 

SMR-1600 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Isolation: 20 dB Minimum 

c) Insertion Loss: 4 dB Maximum 

SMS-3400 

f) Broadband Noise: -95 dBc 

g) Spurious Outputs: -60 dBc 

h) Aural / Visual Carrier Adjustment Range: 0 to –10 dB 

The indoor, four port satellite multiswitch shall be constructed in a die-cast housing to ensure high RFI shielding. The multiswitches should have dedicated +13V and 

+18V input ports, and four dedicate output ports. The multiswitch shall have a separate port for terrestrial input to diplex the local off air or CATV signals. All connectors 

shall be type F. The indoor, four port satellite multiswitch shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SMS-3400 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 

a) Frequency Range: 47 to 806, 950 to 2150 MHz 

b) Isolation: 

(1) Input to Output: 25 dB Minimum 

(2) Output to Output: 25 dB Minimum 

c) Insertion Loss: 

(1) 47 to 806 MHz: 16 dB Maximum 

(2) 950 to 2150 MHz: 5 dB Maximum 

77



SRT 

The indoor, one port directional coupler shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The couplers should be of 

a ‘T’ style construction and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. The indoor, one 

port directional coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SRT and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Isolation Output to Tap: 18 dB Minimum across all tap values 

c) Tap Values Required: 30, 27, 24, 20, 16, 12, 9, 6, 4 dB 

d) RFI Shielding: 120 dB Minimum 

SRT-2A 

The indoor, two port directional coupler shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The couplers should be of 

a ‘L’ style construction and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. The indoor, two 

port directional coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SRT-2A and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Isolation: 

(1) Output to Tap: 22 dB Minimum across all tap values 

(2) Tap to Tap: 22 dB Minimum 

c) Tap Values Required: 32, 29, 26, 23, 20, 17, 14, 11, 8, 4 dB 


SRT-4A 

The indoor, four port directional coupler shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The couplers should be of 

a ‘L’ style construction and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. The indoor, one 

port directional coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SRT-4A and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Isolation: 



c) Tap Values Required: 35, 32, 29, 26, 23, 20, 17, 14, 11, 8 dB 


SRT-8A 

The indoor, eight port directional coupler shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The couplers 

should be of a ‘L’ style construction and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. 

The indoor, eight port directional coupler shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SRT-8A and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 


b) Isolation: 



c) Tap Values Required: 35, 32, 29, 26, 23, 20, 17, 14, 11 dB 


SXRS-2 

The indoor, two-way splitter shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The splitter should have an 

in-line connector orientation, and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. 

The indoor, two-way splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SXRS-2 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 



c) Return Loss: 16 dB Minimum 

d) Insertion Loss: 4.2 dB Maximum 

e) RFI Shielding: 120 dB Minimum 

SXRS-3 

The indoor, three-way splitter shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The splitter should have an 


The indoor, three-way splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SXRS-3 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 




d) Insertion Loss: 6.8 dB Maximum 


78



SXRS-4 

The indoor, four-way splitter shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The splitter should have an 


The indoor, four-way splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SXRS-4 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 




d) Insertion Loss: 8 dB Maximum 


SXRS-8 

The indoor, eight-way splitter shall be constructed in a die-cast housing with a soldered back plate to ensure high RFI shielding. The splitter should have an ‘L-style’ 

connector orientation, and the connectors on the unit shall be type F. The RFI shielding shall be at least 120 dB to prevent signal ingress or egress. The indoor, eightway 

splitter shall be equal to Blonder Tongue SXRS-8 and shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 




d) Insertion Loss: 12 dB Maximum 


TF-GF-FT 

The wall plate shall be designed to fit all standard single-gang electrical boxes. It shall have a “G/F” style feed thru connector mounted in the center of a steel cover 

plate. The cover plate shall be painted a textured ivory. The wall plate shall have high RFI shielding characteristics for CATV applications. The wall plate shall be equal 

to Blonder Tongue TF-GF-FT. 

TVCB-PC 

The TV channel blocker shall provide 40 channel blocking capability from channel 2 to 86 (54-600 MHz) with a passband up to 860 MHz. The blocker shall have push 

button controls and an LED display for setting the channels to be blocked. The blocker’s enclosure shall provide tamper protection on the RF connections and have 

provisions for locking to prevent unauthorized access. The channel blocker shall be equal to Blonder Tongue TVCB-PC and shall meet or exceed the following specifications. 

a) Bandwidth: 54 to 860 MHz 

b) Nominal Gain: 1.5 dB 

c) Flatness: ±1.5 dB 

d) Return Loss: 16 dB 

e) Output Level (when input is 9 dBmV @54 MHz; 

15 dBmV @ 600 MHz): 

(1) 54 MHz: 10 dBmV 

(2) 600 MHz: 16 dBmV 

(3) 750 MHz: 17 dBmV 

(4) 860 MHz: 18 dBmV 

f) Distortions (@ 77 Channel Loading): 

(1) CTB: -60 dBc 

(2) CSO: -60 dBc 

(3) Spurious: -60 dBc 

(4) C/N: 59 dB 

V-1GF-FT 

g) Return Path Bandwidth: 5 to 40 MHz 

h) Return Path Gain: - 2 dB 

i) Number of Jamming 

Oscillators: 8 (54 - 600 MHz ) 

j) RF Leakage: Complies with FCC Part 76, Sub part K 

k) Power Requirements Voltage: 37-95 VAC 

l) Current Consumption @ 60 VAC IN: 200 mA 

m) Operating Temperature 

Range: -40° to +60° C 

n) Relative Humidity: 5-100 % 

o) Housing - Dimensions: 

9.5 x 4.0 x 10.0 in., (L x H x W) 

p) Connectors: “F” Type, Female 

The wall plate shall be designed to fit all standard electrical boxes. It shall have a “G/F” feed thru connector mounted on a steel back plate for mechanical 

strength. The wall plate shall have a duplex style plastic ivory filler plate and requires a standard duplex cover plate to finish it off. The wall plate shall have 

high RFI shielding characteristics for CATV applications. The wall plate shall be equal to Blonder Tongue V-1GF-FT. 

79


CATV Terms & Definitions 

8VSB 

8VSB is the 8-level vestigial sideband modulation method adopted for 

terrestrial broadcast by the ATSC digital television standard in the United 

States, Canada, and other countries. The 6 MHz channel used for ATSC 

broadcasts carries 19.39 Mbit/s of usable data. 

Absorption 

In an optical fiber, loss of optical power resulting from conversion of that 

power into heat. 

Absorption Losses 

Losses caused by impurities, principally transition metals and neighboring 

elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), and also by water as well as intrinsic 

material absorption. 

AC Hum Modulation (See Hum Modulation) 

Acceptance Angle 

Half the vertex angle of that cone within which optical power may be 

coupled into bound modes of an optical waveguide. 

Acceptance Cone 

A cone whose included angle is equal to twice the acceptance angle. 

Active 

Containing, or connected to and using, a source of energy. 

Aerial Cable 

Cable suspended in the air on poles or other overhead structures. 

Usually implies the use of a "messenger strand" to which the cable is 

lashed for support. 

Alternating Current (AC) 

An electric current which continually varies in amount, and reverses its 

direction periodically. The plot of current vs. time is usually a sine wave. 

AML (Amplitude Modulated Link) 

A registered trademark for microwave equipment that is manufactured 

by Hughes Communications Products Co. 

Ampere 

Unit of electric current, or rate of flow of electricity. One coulomb per 

second. One volt impressed across a resistance of one ohm causes a 

current of one ampere to flow. 

Amplification 

The act of increasing the amplitude or strength of a signal. 

Amplifier 

A device that accepts a signal at it’s input and presents that same signal, 

without appreciable distortion, but at higher level amplitude, at its 

output. CATV amplifiers pass and amplify a relatively wide spectrum. 

Amplifier Spacing 

The spacing in transmission loss, expressed in decibels, between 

cascaded, or serially connected, amplifiers. Also sometimes used to 

denote the linear cable distance between amplifiers in a system. 

Amplitude Modulation 

A process whereby the amplitude of a single frequency carrier is varied in 

accordance with the instantaneous values of a modulating wave. 

Analog Signal 

A signal which is continually variable and not expressed by discrete states 

of amplitude, frequency, or phase. 

Angle of Incidence 

The angle between an incident ray and the normal to a reflecting or 

refracting surface. 

Angstrom (A) 

10-11 meters. Its use as a unit of optical wavelength has largely been 

supplanted in recent years by the nanometer (10-9 meter). 

Anti-reflection Coating 

A single or multiple layer of thin dielectric coating that reduces the 

reflectivity of an optical surface. 

Antenna Gain 

The ratio, expressed in decibels, of the signal level received or transmitted 

by an antenna, to the signal level received or transmitted by an isotropic 

antenna at that same location which is subject to the same power level. 

APD (See Avalanche Photodiode) 

Armored Cable 

A cable having one or two layers of steel tapes or steel wires spirally 

applied to the sheath to provide mechanical protection. 

Asynchronous 

Not synchronous. 

Attenuation 

The decrease in signal strength along a conductor, cable, or optical fiber. 

In an optical fiber acting as a waveguide, it is caused by absorption and 

scattering. This parameter is usually measured in decibels per kilometer. 

Attenuation-limited Operation 

The condition prevailing when the received signal amplitude rather than 

distortion limits performance. 

Attenuator 

A device or network for reducing the amplitude of a signal without 

introducing distortion. May be fixed or variable, with the loss introduced 

expressed in decibels. Often called a pad. 

80



AGC 

Abbreviation for Automatic Gain Control. Units with this feature maintain 

a constant output level when the input signal level varies within a 

specified AGC range. 

Agile (Frequency Agile) 

The capability to change channels quickly and easily, usually by setting 

switches, i.e. agile modulator, agile processor. 

Amplifier 

Device used to increase strength of TV signals. 

Attenuation 

Reduction of signal strength. 

Attenuator 

Device used to receive radiated electro-magnetic signals such as radio 

or TV. 

Atmosphere 

The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth, composed of 78% nitrogen, 

21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, plus some carbon dioxide and water vapor. The 

atmosphere is divided into several layers, as follows: 

Troposphere: 0-10 miles 

Stratosphere: 10-50 miles 

Ionosphere: 50-370 miles 

Exosphere: 370 + miles 

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) 

A feature of some amplifiers and radio receivers which provides a 

substantially constant output even though the signal input varies over 

wide limits. 

Automatic Level Control (ALC) 

See Automatic gain control. 

Automatic Slope Control (ASC) 

A circuit that controls the slope of an amplifier automatically. See Slope. 

Avalanche Effect 

The cumulative multiplication of carriers in a semiconductor caused by 

an electric field across the barrier region strong enough so that electrons 

collide with valence electrons, releasing new electrons which have more 

collisions, which release more electrons, etc. 

Avalanche Photodiode (APD) 

A photodiode designed to take advantage of avalanche multiplication of 

photo-current. As the reverse-bias voltage approaches the breakdown 

voltage, hole-electron pairs created by absorbed photons acquire 

sufficient energy to create additional hole-electron pairs when they 

collide with substrate atoms; thus a multiplication effect is achieved. 

Amplification is almost noiseless, and this makes APD's 10 to 15 dB more 

sensitive than PIN photodiodes. The problems with APD's are: 

temperature sensitivity, high reverse bias voltages (200 to 400 V to 

achieve current multiplication of 100), and prices higher than PIN 

photodiodes. 

Axial Mode 

See longitudinal mode. 

Axial Ray 

A ray passing through the axis of the optical waveguide without any 

internal reflection. 

Azimuth 

Degrees clockwise from true north. For a compass heading a correction 

for local magnetic deviation is required. 

Azimuth-Elevation Mount 

Two pivot system consisting of separate azimuth and elevation 

adjustments for aiming a satellite antenna. 

Backscattering 

The scattering of light in a direction generally reverse to the original one. 

Balun 

Acronym for Balanced- Unbalanced. Refers to a 75 ohm to 300 OHM 

impedance matching transformer. 

Bandwidth 

1. A range of frequencies (a portion of spectrum) defined by upper and 

lower frequency limits. 

2. The capacity of an optical fiber to transmit information expressed in 

bits of information transmitted in a specific time period for a specific 

length of optical waveguide. Usually expressed like 10 megabits/sec/ 

km. Bandwidth is limited by pulse spreading or broadening due to 

dispersion, so that adjacent pulses overlap and cannot be distinguished. 

3. The range of frequencies within which a fiber optic waveguide or 

terminal device performs at a given specification. 

Bandwidth-limited Operation 

The condition prevailing when the system bandwidth, rather than the 

amplitude (or power) of the signal, limits performance. The condition is 

reached when the system distorts the shape of the wave form beyond 

specified limits. For linear systems, bandwidth- limited operation is 

equivalent to distortion -limited operation. 

Beam Splitter 

A device that divides an incident beam into two or more separate beams. 

Prisms, thin films, sheets of glass, and partially silvered mirrors can be 

used to split a beam. 

Beat 

1. To combine two carriers, so as to produce new sum and difference 

frequency carriers. 

2. A carrier generated by two or more carriers which have been passed 

through a non-linear circuit. 

81



Bel 

The fundamental division of a logarithmic scale for expressing the ratio of 

two powers, which are in the ratio of one to ten. The Bel is an awkwardly 

large unit, so the "decibel" (one-tenth of a Bel) is used instead. 

BER 

Acronym for bit error rate. 

Bi-directional 

Having equal effectiveness in two directions which are separated by 180 

degrees in azimuth. 

Bi-directional Transmission 

Signal transmission in both directions along an optical waveguide or 

other transmission medium. 

Binary 

Having two possible states or values. 

Binary Digit 

One unit of information in binary (two-level) notation. 

Binary State 

Either of the two conditions of a bi-stable device, the 11 one" state or 

the "zero" state. 

Bit 

1. An electrical or light pulse whose presence or absence indicates data. 

The capacity of the optical waveguide to transmit information through 

the waveguide without error is expressed in bits per second per unit 

length. 

2. An acronym for "binary digit." 

Bit-error Rate 

In a digital communications system, the fraction of bits transmitted that 

are received incorrectly. If BER is specified at 10 (-9) (a typical value), then 

an average of one bit per one billion sent will be read wrong by the receiver. 

Bit Rate 

The speed at which digital information is transmitted, usually expressed 

in bits per second. 

Bridger Amplifier 

An amplifier introduced into a system to transition from low transmission 

levels in the trunk sub-system, to higher transmission levels in the feeder 

sub-system, of a trunk plus feeder designed CATV system. Also used to 

provide signal feed points to feeder cables from trunk cables. 

Brightness 

An attribute of visual perception in accordance with which a source 

appears to emit more or less light; since the eye is not equally sensitive to 

all colors, brightness cannot be a quantitative measure. 

Broadband Radio Service (BRS) 

Formerly known as MDS (Multi-point Distribution System) is a microwave 

service in the 2150-2162 MHz frequency range consisting of (2) 6 MHz 

channels used to deliver analog premium TV channel(s) to subscribers. 

These two channels are in a FCC transition process to be re-located to 

2496-2502 MHz and 2618-2624 MHz. Advanced wireless services (AWS) 

will eventually occupy the former MDS spectrum. 

BTSC 

Acronym for Broadcast Television Stereo Committee. 

Buffer 

I. A device used as an interface between two circuits or pieces of 

equipment to reconcile their incompatibilities or to prevent variations 

in one from affecting the other. 

2. A circuit used for transferring data from one unit to another when 

temporary storage is required because of different operating speeds 

or times of occurrence of events. 

Buffer Tube 

An element that may be used to protect an optical fiber waveguide from 

physical damage, providing mechanical isolation and protection. 

Buried Cable 

A cable installed directly in the earth without the use of underground 

conduits. 

Cabling 

1. The act of twisting together two or more wires, pairs, or pair groups by 

machine to form a cable. 

2. The act of installing distribution cable, particularly in a new area. 

Cable Equalizer 

Device used to counter the effects of cable slope. Can be a stand alone 

device or an optional plug-in module for an amplifier. dB values for 

equalizers can be specified in two ways. First and most common is to 

specify the equalizer dB value based upon the calculated high frequency 

loss of the cable run to be equalized. The second way is to specify the dB 

value relating to attenuation at 50 MHz as compared to upper frequency. 

Example: A 6 dB 450 MHz equalizer would have essentially 0 dB of 

insertion loss at 450 MHz and gradually increase to its rated 6 dB at 50 MHz. 

Cable Loss 

The reduction in signal level introduced by passing the signal (or signals) 

through a length of cable, expressed in decibels. 

Carrier 

A sinusoidal current which can be modulated with intelligence for 

communications purposes. 

Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (C/N Ratio) 

The difference in amplitude of a carrier, and the noise power that is 

present in that portion of spectrum occupied by the carrier. See Noise. 

82



Carrier Frequency 

1. The frequency of an un-modulated carrier wave. 

2. Any of the frequencies, which are suitable for, use as carriers. 

Carrier System 

A method of transmitting electrical intelligence by modulating it onto a 

higher frequency carrier wave, and then, at the receiving end, recovering 

the original intelligence by the reverse process of demodulation. 

Useful because many channels of intelligence can be modulated on one 

carrier wave on a single transmission channel. 

Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR) 

Ratio of carrier level to noise level measured in decibels. In TVRO systems 

it is calculated from satellite power, antenna gain, and antenna/LNB noise 

temperatures. 

Carrier Transmission 

A means of transmitting information electrically in which the transmitted 

wave is a wave resulting from the modulation of a single- frequency 

sinusoidal wave by a complex modulating wave. 

Carrier Wave 

The sinusoidal single-frequency wave which is modulated by a complex 

intelligence wave (called the modulating wave) to obtain a modulated 

wave capable of carrying much intelligence over a single channel. 

Cascade 

Term used when referring to amplifiers serially connected. 

CATV 

Community Antenna Television. 

Cavity 

The volume (resonator) which provides feedback for laser oscillations. 

The most common configuration consists of an active medium between 

two plane or curved mirrors, called cavity mirrors or end mirrors. 

C-Band 

Range of microwave frequencies typically used in satellite uplink 5.9 to 

6/4 GHz, downlink 3.7 to 4.2 GHz. 

CCTV 

Closed-Circuit Television. Television intended for controlled distribution 

usually through cables. 

Cherry Picker 

Type of headend system where a desired limited number of channels 

are selected from a CATV feed, rather than distributing all of the available 

CATV channels. This system is common in schools since it allows 

educators to distribute only those channels deemed accomplished with 

heterodyne signal processors. 

Circuit Reliability 

The percentage of time a circuit was available to the user during a 

specified period of time. 

Cladding 

The low refractive index material, which surrounds the core of the fiber 

and protects against surface contaminant scattering. In all-glass fibers the 

cladding is glass. In plastic-clad silica fibers, the plastic cladding also may 

serve as the coating. 

Coaxial Cable 

Two metallic conductors separated by a dielectric material, which share 

the same axis. 

Collimation 

The process by which a divergent or convergent beam of radiation is 

converted into a beam with the minimum divergence possible for that 

system (ideally, a parallel bundle of rays). 

Combiner 

Device, which permits combining of several signals into one output with 

a high degree of isolation between, inputs. Usually used for combining 

outputs of processors and modulators. Combiners can be “passive” 

(non-amplified output) or “active” (amplified output) with typically 8 or 

12 input ports. 

Composite Triple Beat (CTB) 

Spurious carriers that are generated by the sum and difference products 

of any three carriers present, as many carriers are passed through a 

nonlinear circuit or device. Composite triple beat is calculated as a voltage 

addition. 

Conduit 

A pipe or tube, of tile, asbestos-cement, plastic or steel, which is placed 

underground to form ducts through which cables can be passed. 

Connector 

A reusable device for making temporary junctions between two optical 

fibers. 

CONUS 

Contiguous United States (48 states) 

Converter 

A circuit or device that changes the frequency of a carrier by heterodyning 

it against a locally generated carrier. See Heterodyne. 

Converter, Set Top 

See Converter, subscribers. 

Converter, Subscribers 

A unit or device that changes the frequency of carriers delivered at 

a subscriber's premises from a CATV system, to a carrier (or carriers) 

that can be tuned, detected, and displayed by conventional television 

receivers at the subscriber's premises. 

83



Core 

The light conducting portion of an optical waveguide. It is composed of 

a high refractive index material made typically of silicon tetrachloride 

(SiC14). The addition of germanium tetrachloride (GeC14) increases the 

refractive index of the core and creates an index gradient along a waveguide. 

Core Diameter 

The diameter of the circle that circumscribes the core area. 

Cross Modulation 

Interference created by operating equipment beyond limitations. In TV 

broadband RF amplifiers it produces a “windshield wiper” interference on 

the screen. In severe cases video content from another channel can be seen. 

Couplers 

In fiber optics, a device which links three or more fibers, providing two or 

more paths for the transmission signal. In an "active" coupler, a switching 

mechanism selects among several routes; in a "passive" coupler, routing 

is determined by the geometry of the device. 

Cross-modulation (X-Mod) 

Modulation (intelligence or information) that is superimposed onto a 

different modulated or un-modulated carrier, from another modulated 

carrier that is present, when both signals are passed through a nonlinear circuit. 

Cycle 

One complete sequence of values of an alternating wave starting at zero, 

increasing to a maximum positive value, decreasing to zero, increasing 

to a maximum negative value, and decreasing to zero again. Also called 

a Hertz. 

DBS 

Direct Broadcast Satellite. Pending high power Ku-Band satellite service 

to provide programming directly to home subscribers via small diameter 

(3 feet or less) parabolic antennas. 

Decibel (dB) 

1. A logarithmic unit of measure expressing the ratio of two discrete 

levels, input and output for example, of power, voltage, or current. 

May be used to denote either loss (-dB) or gain (+dB). One cannot 

denote input or output signal level in dB, but one can denote gain or 

loss in dB. 

2. The standard unit used to express gain or loss of power. 

Decibel-millivolts (dBmV) 

A logarithmic unit of measure of absolute power, voltage, or current. The 

dB denotes a ratio between two levels (see Decibel) but the qualifying 

term mV establishes one of the levels as a reference. Zero dBmV (0 

dBmV) is one millivolt (0.001 or 10-1 volts) measured across a 75 Ω 

impedance. Since the impedance is specified and fixed (75 ohms), 0 

dBmV is also a reference power level of 0.0133 microwatts. One cannot 

denote cable loss or amplifier gain in dBmV, but one can denote input or 

output signal levels in dBmV. 

Decibel-milliwatt (dBm) 

A unit of power. Decibels referenced to a unit of one milliwatt. 

Zero dBm = I mW. 

Decibel-Watt (dBW) 

A unit of power. Decibels referred to a unit of one watt. Zero dBW = I Watt. 

Demodulator 

Device that provides baseband audio and video outputs from a TV 

channel input. 

Detect 

To rectify a modulated carrier wave and thereby recover the original 

modulating wave. 

Detection 

The process by which a wave corresponding to the modulating wave is 

obtained from a modulated wave. 

Dielectric 

A nonconducting (insulating) material, such as glass. 

Digital Signal 

A signal which is expressed by discrete states. For example, the absence 

or presence of a voltage, the level of amplitude of a voltage, the duration 

of the presence of a voltage, etc. Information or intelligence to be 

transported may be assigned value or meaning by combinations of the 

discrete states of the signal using a code of pulses or digits. 

Directional Coupler 

A network or device that diverts a predetermined amount of its input 

signal to one of two outputs, with the remaining balance of the input 

energy being presented to a second Output. 

Dichroic Filter 

An optical filter designed to transmit light selectively according to 

wavelength (most often, a high-pass or low-pass filter. 

Dichroic Mirror 

A mirror designed to reflect light selectively according to wavelength. 

Diffraction 

The deviation of light rays from the paths predicted by geometrical optics. 

Diffraction Grating 

An array of fine, parallel, equally spaced reflecting or transmitting lines 

that mutually enhance the effects of diffraction to concentrate the 

diffracted light in a few directions determined by the spacing of the lines 

and the wavelength of the light. 

Digital 

Referring to the use of digits to formulate and solve problems, or to 

encode information. 

84



Digital Data 

Any data which is expressed in digits. Usually implies the use of binary digits. 

Digital Signal 

A signal which is expressed by discrete states. For example, the absence 

or presence of a voltage, the level of amplitude of a voltage, the duration 

of the presence of a voltage, etc. Information or intelligence to be 

transported may be assigned value or meaning by combinations of the 

discrete states of the signal using a code of pulses or digits. 

Diplexer 

A device used to combine or separate two signals. A U/V band separator 

is one example of a diplexer. 

Direct Pickup Interference (DPI) 

Interference displayed as a leading ghost (left of the main image) on a 

TV. This occurs in “on-channel” installations in close proximity to the TV 

transmitters (generally within 10 miles). 

Directional Coupler 

Type of tap that has a designated input and output port besides the tap 

port(s). These devices exhibit high isolation between output and tap 

ports. Unlike resistive MATV (non-directional) tapoffs, care must be taken 

during installation for correct in/out connections. 

Dish 

A parabolic antenna used for satellite reception. 

Dispersion 

A term used to describe the chromatic or wavelength dependence 

of a parameter as opposed to the temporal dependence, which is 

referred to as distortion. The term is used, for example, to describe the 

process by which an electromagnetic signal is distorted because the 

various wavelength components of that signal have different propagation 

characteristics. 

Domsat 

Domestic Satellite System. 

Downlink 

Transmission from a satellite earthward. Can also refer to a TVRO 

receive station. 

Double Window 

An optical fiber having desirable transmittance characteristics in both the 

first and second window regions. 

Dynamic Range 

In a transmission system, the difference in decibels between the noise 

level of the system and its overload level. 

Echo 

Reflected energy confined to only a portion of the spectrum which is 

occupied by the originating signal. 

Educational Broadband Service (EBS) 

(Formerly known as ITFS) Microwave Transmission in the frequency 

range of 2500 MHz to 2686 MHz. 

Electronic 

Describing devices, which depend upon the flow of electrons in vacuum 

or in semiconductors, such as electron tubes, transistors, etc. 

Electron Volt 

The amount of energy gained by one electron in passing from a point to 

another point which is one volt higher in potential. 

Electromagnetic Wave 

A wave capable of propagating energy through space at the speed of 

light, consisting of electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each 

other and to the direction of propagation. Depending upon its frequency 

it may be known as a radio wave, a light wave, or a x-ray, etc. 

ETV 

Educational Television. 

Equalize 

To apply to a transmission facility a network, whose characteristics are 

complementary, such that the loss or delay in the facility and in the 

equalizing network combined, make the overall loss or delay almost the 

same for all frequencies passed through the facility or network. 

Equalizer 

A network designed to compensate for an undesired frequency or delay 

characteristic of a system or a device. 

Equalizer, Cable 

A network designed to compensate for the frequency/loss characteristics 

of a cable, so as to permit the system to pass all frequencies in a 

uniform manner. 

FCC 

Federal Communications Commission. Regulatory agency that sets 

communication standards in the US. 

FCC Docket 21006 

An FCC ruling which set forth frequency off-sets on certain CATV channels 

to minimize potential interference to aeronautical communications. 

Feeder 

A sub-system within a trunk plus feeder designed CATV system, which 

provides complete distribution of signals to subscribers within a limited 

section of the CATV service area. 

FET Photodetector 

A photodetector employing photo-generation of carriers in the channel 

region of a Field Effect Transistor structure to provide photo-detection 

with current gain. 

85



Filter 

Device used to reject or pass a specified frequency or range of frequencies. 

Some examples are band-pass filters, notch filters, channel elimination 

filter, low & high pass filters. 

FM 

Frequency Modulation. Usually means stations in the 88-108 MHz band. 

Footprint 

The anticipated EIRP levels of a given satellite displayed upon a map. 

Used to determine required antenna gain at a particular TVRO site. 

Forbidden Conversion 

Term used when referring to a particular UHF to VHF or VHF to VHF 

channel conversion that cannot be performed due to interferences that 

occur internal to the unit. 

Frequency Coordination 

A computerized service using a database to resolve existing or potential 

conflicts between users of microwave frequencies. 

Frequency Reuse 

A technique in which independent information is transmitted on 

horizontal and vertical polarization’s to reuse a given band of frequencies. 

FSM 

Field Strength Meter. A test instrument for measuring RF signals. 

Fusion Splicer 

An instrument which permanently joins two optical fibers by welding 

their cores together with a brief electric arc. 

Gain 

An increase in power produced by an amplifier and expressed in decibels. 

See Amplifier. 

Gain Control 

A device on amplifiers to adjust the gain. 

Gain Module 

A mechanical sub-assembly within an amplifier housing which produces gain. 

Gain, Usable 

The gain presented for use between the input and output connections 

of an amplifier housing. Since several accessory items may be included 

inside the housing, but external to the gain module, such as pads, 

equalizers, two-way filters, etc., the gain provided by the gain module 

itself will generally be somewhat higher than the usable gain actually 

available between the housing cable connections. 

Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAlAs) 

The compound used to make most semiconductor lasers that operate at 

800 to 900 nanometers in wavelength. 

Giga 

A prefix used to represent one billion or 101 or 1,000,000,000; abbreviated 

as G as in GHz, one billion cycles (Hertz) per second. 

Gigacycle (Gc) 

See Gigahertz. 

Gigahertz (GHz) 

One billion hertz. One billion cycles per second. See Hertz and Cycle. 

Graded Index Fiber 

An optical fiber which has a refractive index that gets progressively 

lower away from the center. This characteristic causes the light rays to 

be continually refocused by refraction in the core. A fiber type wherein 

the core refractive index decreases almost parabolically radially outward 

toward the cladding. This type of fiber combines high-bandwidth capacity 

with moderately high coupling efficiency. 

G/T 

Figure of merit of a TVRO system relating to gain divided by noise 

temperature expressed in dB/K. 

Ghost 

Single or multiple images on a TV screen. Causes can be multi-path 

reflections in the receiving path of an antenna, Direct Pick-Up interference 

(DPI, or impedance mismatches. 

Guard Band 

A portion of spectrum left vacant and not utilized between two 

carriers or bands of carriers, to provide a margin of safety against 

mutual interference. 

Guided Wave 

A wave which is concentrated between materials having different 

properties, and is propagated within those boundaries. 

Hard Line Cable 

Semi-rigid coaxial cable consisting of a solid tubular aluminum outer 

shield used in CATV trunk and feeder applications. Typical sizes range 

from .412” OD to 1.0” OD. 

Headend (HE) 

The equipment where all signals are received, processed and combined 

prior to distribution. 

Hertz (Hz) 

Frequency of periodic oscillations, expressed in cycles per second. 

86



Heterodyne 

The process of mixing (beating) two frequencies together to generate 

frequencies of their sum and difference. This process is used for 

channel conversion. 

1. Combining two carriers to generate a new carrier which may be either 

the sum or difference addition of the original frequencies. 

2. To shift a carrier frequency to a new frequency by combining it with 

another carrier which is locally generated. 

Heterodyne Signal Processor 

A unit employed in CATV systems to convert a carrier frequency to 

an intermediate frequency (IF). The intermediate frequency carrier 

may then be filtered, regulated, or otherwise conditioned, and then 

heterodyned back to either the original carrier frequency, or to a 

completely new carrier frequency. 

Highband 

The radio spectrum between 174 and 216 megahertz (MHz). Standard 

television channels 7 through 13 fall within this spectrum. 

High-Split 

Two-way cable communication frequency plan, where the diplex filter’s 

cross-over frequency is in the high-band. Consists of an incoming 

frequency range of 7-186 MHz and an out-going of 222-450 MHz. 

Home Run Cabling 

Wiring method where each subscriber is fed via a dedicated drop cable. 

Horsepower 

A unit of mechanical power equivalent to 550 foot-pounds per second, 

or to 745.7 Watts. 

HRC 

Harmonically Related Carriers. Frequencies plan used by some CATV 

companies which provides for lower perceived distortion levels in 

cascaded amplifiers. HRC channels assignments with the exception of 

channels 5 and 6 (.75 MHz higher than standard). 

Hum Modulation 

Undesired low frequency modulation of a carrier at the frequency of the 

source of the interference, or a harmonic of that frequency, usually 60 Hz 

or 120 Hz, for example. 

Hybrid System 

In Cable Television systems, this refers to a system that incorporates 

lightwave transmission on optical fibers for a part of the system, and 

extends the plant on RF broadband coaxial cables for distribution and 

connection to subscribers. 

Hydroxylion Absorption 

Absorption of optical power in optical fiber due to hydroxyl (OH) ions. This 

absorption has to be minimized for low fiber loss. 

Hyperband 

CATV channels AA thru YY (numeric equivalents -37 thru 61) falling in the 

frequency range of 300 to 450 MHz. 

IDF 

Short for intermediate distribution frame, a cable rack that interconnects 

and manages the telecommunications wiring between an MDF and 

workstation devices. Cables entering a building run through a centralized 

MDF, then each individual IDF and then on to specific workstations. For 

example, an enterprise that encompasses a building with several floors 

may have one MDF on the first floor and one IDF on each of the floors 

that is connected to the MDF. 

Index Matching Material 

A material, often a liquid or cement, whose refractive index is nearly 

equal to an optical element index. Material with an index nearly equal 

to that of an optical fiber's core is used in splicing and coupling to reduce 

reflections from the fiber end face. 

Index Profile 

A characteristic of an optical fiber which describes the way its index of 

refraction changes with its radius. 

Impedance 

Circuit characteristic) voltage divided by current). TV distribution has 

standardized on 75 ohm and 300 ohm. 

Insertion Loss 

The loss introduced into a cable or system by the Insertion of a device or 

network expressed in decibels. See Loss. 

Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) 

ITFS is a microwave transmission in the frequency range of 2500- 

2686 MHz used by educational entities for distributing programming 

employing analog TV transmissions. This band was also referred to as 

MMDS and was used by wireless cable operators. The FCC has since 

re-designated this band as BRS (Broadband Radio Service) and EBS 

(Educational Broadband Service) and has established provisions for 

digital transmissions. 

Interference 

Noise or other disturbances such as spurious signals that, when 

introduced to a desired signal, reduce the intelligibility of the information 

carried on that signal. 

Intermodulation Distortion 

The distortion introduced when several or many carriers are passed 

through a nonlinear circuit. This includes the spurious signals (beats) 

produced as sum and difference additions of the carriers present, and 

the transfer or superimposition of modulating information from one 

carrier to another. 

87



Infrared 

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelength between 0.7 micrometer 

and about I millimeter. Wavelengths at the shorter end of this range 

are frequently called "near" infrared, and those longer than about 20 

micrometers, "far" infrared. 

Intrinsic Noise (See Noise, intrinsic) 

Isolation 

Electrical separation (or loss) between two locations or pieces of 

equipment. Degree of isolation usually specified in dB. 

Jacket 

A layer of material, generally plastic, that surrounds an optical fiber 

to protect it from physical damage. Unlike the cladding, the jacket is 

physically distinct from the fiber core. 

Joule 

An international unit of work or energy. The work required to maintain a 

current of one ampere through one ohm for one second. A Watt-second. 

Kilo 

A prefix for one thousand (1,000 or 101). 

Kilobit 

One thousand bits. 

Kilocycle (Kc) 

See Kilohertz. 

Kilohertz (kHz) 

1. One thousand hertz. 

2. One thousand cycles per second. 

Ku Band 

Range of frequencies used in satellite transmissions. Common uplink 

frequency for U.S. domestic satellites is 14 to 14.5 GHz with a downlink 

frequency of 11.7 to 12.2 GHz. 

Laser 

Acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." 

A device which generates or amplifies electromagnetic oscillations at 

wavelengths between the far infrared (sub-millimeter) and ultraviolet. 

Like any electromagnetic oscillator, a laser oscillator consists of two basic 

elements: an amplifying (active) medium and a regeneration or feedback 

device (resonant cavity). A laser's amplifying medium can be a gas, 

semiconductor, dye solution, etc. Feedback is typically from two mirrors. 

Distinctive properties of the electromagnetic oscillations produced 

include monochromaticity, high intensity, small beam divergence, and 

phase coherence. As a description of a device, "laser" refers to the active 

medium plus all equipment necessary to produce the effect called lasing. 

Lashed Cable 

An aerial cable fastened to its supporting messenger by a continuous 

spirally wrapped steel wire. 

Light Emitting Diode (LED) 

Acronym for light emitting diode. 

Lightguide 

Synonym for optical waveguide. 

Light Source 

A generic term that includes lasers and LED's. 

Lightwave 

Any electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the Range from 

800 to 1,600 nanometers in the near infrared region. 

Linear 

The characteristic of a device or network whose output signal voltage is 

directly proportional to its input signal voltage. 

Line Extender 

An unsophisticated amplifier operating at relatively high transmission 

levels in the feeder sub-system of a trunk plus feeder designed 

CATV system. 

LNA 

Low Noise Amplifier. Provides initial amplification of downlink signal at 

antenna location. 

LNB 

Low Noise Block (converter). Integrated LNA and down converter. 

Available in either C or Ku band inputs. The most prevalent output 

frequency scheme is 950-1450 MHz, however other schemes that have 

been used include 900-1400, 1000-1500 and 270-770 MHz. 


Channels that are generated on site, such as those that are derived from 

character generators, laser disks, or VCR’s in the headend. 

Long Wavelength 

As applied to fiber optic systems, this term generally refers to operation 

at wavelengths in the range of 1,100 nanometers to 1,700 nanometers. 

Look Angle 

TVRO term that refers to both the azimuth and elevation angles required 

to sight or aim a dish to a given satellite. 

Loss 

Reduction in signal strength usually expressed in dB. Synonymous 

with attenuation. 

Low Band 

The radio spectrum between 54 and 88 MHz. Standard VHF television 

channels 2 through 6 fall within this spectrum. 

88



Loss 

Power dissipated in a device, cable, or network expressed in decibels. 

See attenuation. 

Matching 

Obtaining like impedances to provide a reflection free transfer of signal. 

Matching Transformer 

Device to transform signals from one impedance to another impedance. 

IN TV systems usually 75 ohm unbalanced to 300 ohm balanced. Also 

known as a balun. 

MATV 

Master Antenna Television. 

MDF 

Short for main distribution frame, a cable rack that interconnects and 

manages the telecommunications wiring between itself and any number 

of IDFs. Unlike an IDF, which connects internal lines to the MDF, the MDF 

connects private or public lines coming into a building with the internal 

network. For example, an enterprise that encompasses a building with 

several floors may have one centralized MDF on the first floor and one 

IDF on each of the floors that is connected to the MDF. 

MDS 

Is an acronym for Multipoint Distribution System. MDS is former 

line-of-sight microwave transmission consisting of two 6 MHz analog 

channels in the 2150-2162 MHz frequency range. It was typically used 

to provide premium programming on a subscription basis. The FCC has 

subsequently relocated this service to the BRS/EBS band. The 2150-2162 

MHz band is now allocated for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS). 

Mechanical Splice 

A fiber splice accomplished by fixtures or materials, rather than by 

thermal fusion. Index matching material may be applied between the 

two fiber ends. 

Media Retrieval 

Type of headend system used in educational facilities that allows remote 

control of headend video playback equipment (VCR’s, laser disks, etc.) 

from the classrooms. 

Mega- 

A prefix for one million (1,000,000 or 101). 

Megabit (mb) 

One million bits. 

Megacycle (mc) (See Megahertz) 

Megahertz (MHz) 

One million hertz. One million cycles per second. See Hertz and Cycle. 

Micro- 

A prefix for one millionth (10-'). 

Micron 

The unit used for specifying the wavelength of light, equal to one 

millionth of a meter. 

Microwave 

A term denoting radio waves which are in the electromagnetic spectrum 

at frequencies approximately 1,000 MHz and higher. 

Mid-band 

The radio spectrum between 88 and 174 MHz, which lies between 

standard VHF television, channels 6 and 7. CATV channels A through I 

(nine channels) fall within the mid-band spectrum. 

Mid-Split 

Two way cable communications frequency plan, where the diplex 

filter’s crossover frequency is in the mid-band. Consists of an incoming 


Milli- 

A prefix for one thousandth (10-1). 

Milliwatt 

One thousandth of a Watt. 

Mixer 

Device to combine signals while maintaining impedance. 

MMDS 

Abbreviation for Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service, also 

known as Wireless Cable. Over-the-air subscription service transmitted 

on MDS and ITFS frequencies now known as the BRS/EBS band. 

Mode Field Diameter 

A functional representation of the energy carrying region 

of the fiber. Also referred to as Spot size. 

Modem 

A single unit of equipment which combines the functions of modulator 

and demodulator. This is an economical arrangement, since the two 

circuits can use common elements. 

Modulation 

MER is a measure used to quantify the performance of a digital 

RF transmitter or receiver in a communications system using digital 

modulation such as QAM or QPSK. It is caused by various system 

imperfections such as noise, low image rejection ratio, phase noise, 

carrier suppression, distortion, etc. 

Modulation Error Rate (MER) 

The process by which some characteristic of a wave such as amplitude, 

frequency, or phase is varied in accordance with a modulating wave. This 

term is also commonly used to refer to the information (intelligence) 

present on a modulated carrier. 

89



Modulator 

A device, which produces a TV channel from baseband audio/ 

video, inputs. 

Monochromatic 

Consisting of a single wavelength or color. In practice, radiation is 

never perfectly monochromatic but, at best, displays a narrow band of 

wavelengths. Monomode optical waveguide Synonym for single mode 

optical waveguide. 

MTS 

Multiple Television Sound. Referred to as BTSC, system allows TV stereo 

sound transmission with a second audio program (SAP). Similar to FM 

stereo, composite baseband audio signal consists of L+R, L-R, and a 

15,734 KHZ pilot carrier. 

Multimode 

Emission at several frequencies simultaneously, generally closely spaced, 

each frequency representing a different mode of laser oscillation in the 

resonant cavity. A term that describes optical waveguide that permits the 

propagation of more than one mode. 

Multimode Fiber 

A fiber that supports propagation of more than one mode of a 

given wavelength. 

Multiplexer 

A device which combines two or more optical signals onto one 

communications channel. The signals can be of different wavelengths 

(wavelength -division multiplexing) or can occupy different time slots 

(time-division multiplexing). Combination of information signals from 

several channels into one single optical channel for transmission. 

Noise Figure (NF) 

A measure of how much noise an active device, such as a TV amplifier, 

adds to the thermal noise level constant of –59 dbmv 

Off Channel Processsing 

Processing a channel on a frequency other than its’ received frequency. 

Example: Channel 40 UHF processed and distributed as Channel 5; 

Channel 4 processed and distributed as Channel 10. 

OMT 

Orthomode Transducer. A section of waveguide connected to the feed at 

the focal point of the TVRO antenna that separates horizontal and vertical 

polarities. An OMT is required for simultaneous reception of even and 

odd number transponders from a given satellite. 

On Channel Processing 

Processing a channel on its received frequency. Example: Channel 2 off 

air being processed and distributed as Channel 2. 

Optical Detector 

A transducer that generates an output electrical signal when irradiated 

with optical power. 

Optical Fiber 

Any filament or fiber, made of dielectric materials, that guides light, 

whether or not it is used to transmit signals. 

Optical Link 

Any optical transmission channel designed to connect two end terminals 

or to be connected in Series with other channels. 

Optical Power 

Colloquial synonym for radiant power. 

Optical Spectrum 

Generally, the electromagnetic spectrum within the wavelength 

region extending from the vacuum ultraviolet at 40 nm to the far 

infrared at I mm. 

Optical Time-domain Reflectometer 

An instrument which locates faults in an optical fiber by sending a short 

pulse of light through the fiber, then timing the arrival of backscattered 

signals, which originate at discontinuities in the fiber. 

Opto-electronic 

Pertaining to a device that responds to optical power, emits or modifies 

optical radiation, or utilizes optical radiation for its internal operation. Any 

device that functions as an electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical 

transducer. 

Note: Photodiodes, LED's, injection lasers and integrated optical elements 

are examples of opto-electronic devices commonly used in optical 

waveguide communications. 

Oscillator 

A circuit generating an alternating current wave at some 

specific frequency. 

Output Capability 

Defines the relationship between the intermodulation distortion 

introduced, and the operating output signal levels of an amplifier, with 

the traffic loading of the device as a factor. 

Output Power 

Radiant power, expressed in Watts. 

Pad 

See Attenuator. 

Paired Cable 

Cable in which the conductors are combined in pairs, i.e.: two wires 

which are twisted about each other. Each wire of the pair has its 

distinctive color of insulation. 

Parabolic Antenna 

Consists of a round (parabolic) reflector, which focuses all received RF 

energy to a single point. Commonly referred to as a “dish.” 

90



Passive 

Describing a device which does not contribute energy to the signal 

it passes. 

Phase Lock 

The control of an oscillator such that its output signal maintains a 

constant phase angle relative to a second, reference signal. 

Photodetector 

Any device which detects light, generally producing an electronic signal 

with intensity proportional to that of the incident light. 

Photodiode 

A diode designed to produce photo-current by absorbing light. 

Photodiodes are used for the detection of optical power and for the 

conversion of optical power to electrical power. 

Photon 

A quantum of electromagnetic energy. 

Pico- 

A prefix denoting one millionth of a millionth; one trillionth (10-11). 

Pronounced "pie-ko." 

Pigtail 

A short length of optical fiber, permanently fixed to a component, used to 

couple lightwave power between it and the transmission fiber. 

PIN Photodiode 

A diode with a large intrinsic region sandwiched between p-doped and 

n-doped semiconducting regions. Photons absorbed in this region create 

electron-hole pairs that are then separated by an electric field, thus 

generating an electric current in a load circuit. 

Plant 

A general term applied to any of the physical property of a 

service company, which contributes to the furnishing of power or 

communication services. 

Polarization 

A waveform characteristic of electromagnetic radiation. Two types of 

polarizations are used, linear (horizontal and vertical) and circular (right 

and left hand). 

Power 

Energy per unit of time. 

Pre-Amplifier 

Low noise amplifier usually mounted in close proximity to a receiving 

antenna. Used to compensate for down lead losses. 

Pulse Broadening 

An increase in pulse duration. Note: Pulse broadening may be specified 

by the impulse response, the root-mean-square pulse broadening, or the 

full-duration-half-maximum pulse broadening. 

Pulse Decay Time 

The time required for the instantaneous amplitude of an electrical wave 

to go from 90% to 10% of the peak amplitude. 

Pulse Length 

The time duration of the burst of energy emitted by a pulsed laser; also 

called pulse width. Usually measured at the "half-power" points (0.707 

times the full height of a voltage or current pulse). 

Pulse Rise Time 

The time required for the instantaneous amplitude of an electrical wave 

to go from 10% to 90% of the peak amplitude. 

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) 

QAM is a modulation technique employing both phase and amplitude 

modulation. It is widely used to transmit digital CATV programs and cable 

Internet service. There are different QAM levels based upon the number 

of modulation states used. QAM64 utilizes 6 bits for 64 modulation 

states, QAM128 uses 7 bits for 128 states, QAM 256 uses 8 bits for 256 

states, etc. 

Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) 

QPSK uses four phase angles to represent each 2 bits input. It is similar 

to QAM4 without amplitude modulation. QPSK is used in many CATV 

satellite transmissions. 

Radiant Energy 

Energy (joules) which is transferred via electromagnetic waves; there is 

no associated transfer of matter. 

Ray 

A geometric representation of a light path through an optical device: 

a line normal to the wave front indicating the direction of radiant 

energy flow. 

Rayleigh Scattering 

Scattering of a lightwave propagating in a material medium due to the 

atomic or molecular structure of the material and variations in the structure 

as a function of distance. The scattering losses vary as the reciprocal of 

the fourth power of the wavelength. The distances between scattering 

centers are small compared to the wavelength. Rayleigh scattering is 

the fundamental limit of fiber loss in the operating wavelength region 

(0.8-1.6 um) of optical fiber systems. 

Ratio 

The relative size of two quantities indicated by the quotient obtained by 

dividing one quantity by the other. 

Receiver 

A unit including a detector and signal-processing electronics that converts 

optical input into electronic output; often used in communications. 

91



Reflection 

1. Reflected energy which substantially covers the spectrum occupied by 

the originating signal. 

2. The abrupt change in direction of a light beam at an interface between 

two dissimilar media so that the light beam returns into the medium 

from which it originated. 

Refraction 

The bending of a beam of light at an interface between two dissimilar 

media or in a medium whose refractive index is a continuous function of 

position (graded-index medium). 

Refractive Index 

The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to the velocity of light in the 

specified medium. 

Remote Local Origination 

Closed-circuit program generated some place other than the headend. 

Example: Sub-channel origination. 

Repeater 

A signal amplification device, often used along cables to extend 

transmission distances. 

Response 

The fidelity with which the output of a system, device, or network 

corresponds to its input. 

Responsivity 

The ratio of an optical detector's electrical output to its optical input, the 

precise definition depending on the detector type; generally expressed in 

Amperes per Watt or Volts per Watt of incident radiant power. 

Return Loss 

A ratio expressed in dB between the reflected signal and the total 

signal applied to a device. In 75 ohm systems, the closer the device’s 

impedance is to 75 ohms, the higher the return loss. 

Return Loss, Structural 

The return loss of coaxial cable as established by discrete discontinuities 

introduced during the manufacturing process. 

RF 

Radio Frequency (10 KHz-100GHz). 

RFI 

Radio Frequency Interference. Undesired RF signals. 

Ribbon Cable 

A cable whose conductors lie side by side in a single plane. Usually has a 

molded polyethylene insulation. 

Rise Time 

For an emitter, the time it takes for light intensity to rise from 10% to 90% 

of peak output. Detector rise time, also called response time, is the time 

in which the detector output goes from 10% to 90% of peak. 

Riser 

Term generally used to describe a simplified single line distribution 

drawing. In buildings, a riser refers to a location where cable routing can 

pass from floor to floor. 

Second-order Distortion 

Spurious signals generated when two or more carriers are passed 

through a nonlinear circuit. The spurious signals are sum and difference 

products of any two carriers. Sometimes referred to as second-order 

"beats." Second order distortion is calculated as a power addition. 

Second Window 

Characteristic of an optical fiber having a region of relatively high 

transmittance surrounded by regions of low transmittance in the 

wavelength range of 1200 to 1350 nanometers. 

Semiconductor 

A material whose resistivity is between that of conductors and insulators, 

and whose resistivity can sometimes be changed by light, an electric 

field, or a magnetic field. Current flow is sometimes by movement of 

negative electrons, and sometimes by transfer of positive holes. Used 

in transistors, diodes, photodiodes, photocells, and thermistors. Some 

examples are: silicon, germanium, selenium, and lead sulfide. 

Semiconductor, n-type 

A semiconductor material, such as germanium or silicon, which has a 

small amount of impurity, such as antimony, arsenic, or phosphorous 

added to increase the supply of free electrons. Such a material conducts 

electricity through movement of electrons. 

Semiconductor, p-type 

A semiconductor material which has been doped so that it has a net 

deficiency of free electrons. It therefore conducts electricity through 

movement of "holes," which see. 

Sensitivity 

Imprecise synonym for responsivity. In optical system receivers, the 

minimum power required to achieve a specified quality of performance 

in terms of output signal-to-noise ratio or other measure. 

Scattering 

The change in direction of light rays or photons after striking a small 

particle or particles. It may also be regarded as the diffusion of a light 

beam caused by the inhomogeneity of the transmitting medium. 

Signal Level Meter (SLM) 

A tuned radio frequency voltmeter, usually calibrated in decibels per 

millivolt (dBmV) as well as voltage. 

Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N ratio) 

The difference in amplitude of a signal (before modulation or after 

detection of a modulated carrier), and the noise present in the spectrum 

occupied by the signal, when both are measured at the same point in 

the system. 

92



Single-cable Design 

A technique for designing CATV systems that utilizes a single type of 

amplifier with identical transmission levels throughout the system. It 

may, or may not, actually require some placement of paralleling cables in 

portions of the system. 

Single-mode Fiber 

An optical waveguide through which only one mode will propagate. 

Single-mode waveguide is produced by reducing the diameter of the 

core of the waveguide to 2 to 10 microns. The diameter of the core 

is dependent on the difference in the refractive index of the core and 

cladding. As the difference in the refractive index of the core and cladding 

decreases, the diameter of the core increases. Theoretically, the core 

could be infinitely large as the difference in index become infinitely 

small. Single-mode operation is desirable because all modes except the 

lowest and simplest mode are excluded. This reduces time distortion of 

signals propagating in unwanted modes, retains phase relationships, and 

reduces dispersion to the lowest possible value. 

Slope 

Difference in attenuation between specified low and high frequencies. 

SLM 

Signal Level Meter. Test equipment used to measure RF signal strengths 

in CATV/MATV systems. Also referred to as FSM. 

SNR 

Acronym for signal-to-noise ratio. 

Source 

A device that, when properly driven (with electrical energy), will produce 

information-carrying optical signals. 

Sparklies 

Black or white dots or streaks that may appear in a satellite program’s 

picture. This condition is caused by an insufficient carrier-to-noise ratio. 

Spectrum 

A range of frequencies within which waves have common characteristics. 

For example, audio spectrum, radio spectrum, etc. Radio spectrum is 

generally accepted to include the range between 8 KHz and 300 GHz. 

Splice 

A permanent connection of two optical fibers. 

Splitter 

A network or device that divides its input energy equally between two 

outputs. It is possible to cascade (serially connect) splitters to provide 

more than two outputs, but usually the input energy is not then equally 

divided across those outputs if the outputs are not multiples of two. 

Star Coupler 

A passive device in which power from one or several input waveguides 

is distributed amongst a larger number of output optical waveguides. 

Step-index Fiber 

A type of fiber which has an abrupt change in index of refraction at the 

core/cladding interface. Generally such fibers have larger cores, higher 

losses, and lower bandwidths than graded-index types. 

Step-index Profile 

A refractive index profile characterized by a uniform refractive index 

within the core and a sharp decrease in refractive index at the corecladding 

interface. 

Strip Amplifier 

Slang expression for a channelized high-output AGC’d amplifier used in 

processing VHF or UHF channels in a headend. 

Sub-Band 

The radio spectrum between 5 and 40 MHz. 

Sub-Split 

Two-way cable communication frequency plan. Consists of an incoming 


Subscriber Converter 

See Converter, subscriber. 

Subscriber’s Loop 

Circuit between a local office and a subscriber's telephone set. 

Super-Band 

The radio spectrum between 216 and approximately 400 MHz. 

Super-Trunk 

A sub-system cable transmission link for transporting television signals 

between two discrete locations. 

Sync Pulse 

Information included in a composite video signal to synchronize the 

television receiver's picture tube electron beam with the electron beam 

in the television camera which originated the video signal, or with any 

other source of a video signal. 

Tap, Subscriber 

A device that diverts a predetermined amount of its input energy to one 

or more tap outputs for the purpose of feeding energy into subscriber 

service drop cables. The remaining balance of the input energy is 

presented to a tap output port for propagation farther out into the system. 

Tap, Optical 

A device for extracting a portion of the optical signal from a fiber. 

Tapoff 

Device to provide a small amount of signal from a distribution line to feed 

a TV set. Provides an asymmetrical signal split. 

TASO 

Television Allocation Study Organization, Industry group that advised the 

Federal Communications Commission on TV matters. 

93



Termination 

Resistive device at end of distribution line or unused outputs of equipment 

to avoid reflections (ghost). 

Thru-Line Loss 

Insertion loss of a tapoff. 

Tilt Control 

Circuit on an amplifier to compensate for cable slope. Also referred to as 

slope control. 

Transmitter 

In a fiber optic system, the device which converts a modulated 

electrical signal into an optical signal for transmission through a fiber. A 

transmitter typically consists of a light source (LED or diode laser) and 

driving electronics. 

Transponder 

A frequency converter (translator) aboard a satellite that changes the 

uplink signal to the downlink signal and provides amplifications. Typical 

C-Band domestic satellites have 24 transponders. 

Trap 

A device used to attenuate specific frequencies of channels. 

Triple Beat Distortion 

Spurious signals generated when three or more carriers are passed 

through a nonlinear circuit. The spurious signals are sum and difference 

products of any three carriers, sometimes referred to as "beats." Triple 

beat distortion is calculated as a voltage addition. 

Trunk 

1. One telephone communication channel between (a) two ranks of 

switching equipment in the same central office, (b) between central 

office units in the same switching center, or (c) between two switching 

centers. A trunk is for the common use of all calls of one class between 

its two terminals. 

2. A sub-system within a trunk plus feeder designed CATV system which 

provides somewhat limited, arterial distribution of signals broadly 

across the CATV service area. 

Trunk Plus Feeder Design (trunk/feeder) 

A technique for designing CATV systems which involves two or more 

transmission levels, applied within different sub-systems of the same 

system. Generally requires some significant amount of paralleling 

cable placement. 

TVRO 

An abbreviation for "television receive only." Defines a facility which can 

include antennas, preamplifiers, and receivers for the reception only of 

television signals from a geostationary satellite in space. 

Twinlead 

A balanced transmission line usually of 300 ohm impedance. 

Two-way 

Describing a transmission system, which can transport signals in both 

directions simultaneously. 

Two-way Filter 

A combination of low and high pass filters to subdivide spectrum in a 

CATV system, allocating some spectrum for transmission in one direction, 

and some spectrum for transmission in the opposite direction. 

T-1 Carrier System 

A 24-channel, transistorized, time-division, pulse-code modulation, voice 

carrier used on exchange cable to provide short-haul trunks. Uses two 

pairs, in one or two cables, for two directions of transmission. Requires 

regenerative pulse repeaters at 6000 feet intervals. 

UHF 

Ultra High Frequencies TV channels 14-69 (470-806 MHz) 

Ultra-high Frequency (UHF) 

The radio spectrum between 300 and 3,000 MHz. The term UHF is also 

commonly used to denote standard television channels 14 through 69, 

which fall within this spectrum. 

Ultraviolet 

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between about 40 and 400 

nanometers. Radiation between 40 and 200 nm is termed "vacuum 

ultraviolet" because it is absorbed by air and travels only through a 

vacuum. The "near" ultraviolet has wavelengths close to those of visible 

light; the "far" ultraviolet has shorter wavelengths. 

Underground Cable 

Cable installed in subsurface conduits terminating at intervals in manholes, 

thus permitting the placing, replacing, or removal of cables at will. 

Uplink 

Transmission from earth to a satellite. 

Usable Gain (See Gain, usable) 

VHF 

Very High Frequencies TV channels 2 thru 13 and FM (54-216 MHz). 

Velocity of Light 

The velocity of light in a vacuum is 2,997,925. meters per second or 

186,280 miles per second. For rough calculations the figure of 3,000,000 

meters per second is generally used. 

Very High Frequency (VHF) 

The radio spectrum between 30 and 300 MHz. The term VHF is also 

commonly used to denote standard television channels 2 through 13, 

which fall within this spectrum. 

Vestigial Side Band (VSB) 

In amplitude-modulated transmissions, a portion of only one sideband 

of a modulated carrier. The modulated carrier is passed through a filter 

having a graduated cut-off characteristic near the carrier frequency. A 

substantial portion of the modulated carrier is suppressed in this fashion. 

94



Video 

1. Pertaining to the signal which carries a television picture. 

2. Describing the four megahertz wide band of frequencies which 

constitutes a television signal. 

Video All-Call 

Feature on a headend system which allows for all channels to be 

preempted with an emergency message or program. The headend 

generally employs heterodyne processors and/or modulators. Electronic 

A/B switches inserted in the IF loops substitutes the emergency program 

IF signal when all-call is invoked. 

Visible Light 

That part of the spectrum to which the human eye is sensitive, usually 

defined as wavelengths between 390 and 780 nanometers. 

Voice Channel 

A transmission path suitable for carrying analog voice signals, covering a 

frequency band of 250-3400 Hz. 

VSWR 

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. A measure of how much signal is reflected 

from a device. If no signal is reflected the VSWR would be 1. This occurs 

when the signal source and the device the signal is applied to have the 

same impedance. This term is mostly used when referring to transmitters 

and microwave components. For RF distribution systems see “return loss.” 

Watt 

The unit of electric power, equal to the rate of work when a current of 

one ampere flows under a pressure of one volt. For direct currents, it is 

equal to the product of the voltage and current, or the product of circuit 

resistance by the square of the current. For alternating currents it is equal 

to the product of effective volts and effective current times the circuit 

power factor. 

Wave 

1. A periodic variation of an electric voltage or current. 

2. A wave motion in any medium: mechanical as in water, acoustical as 

sound in air, electrical as current waves on wires, or electromagnetic 

as radio and light waves through space. 

Waveguide 

Any device which guides electromagnetic waves along a path defined by 

the physical construction of the device. 

Wavelength 

The distance between three consecutive nodes of a wave, equal to 360 

electrical degrees. It is equal to the velocity of propagation divided by the 

frequency, when both are in the same units. 

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) 

The provision of two or more channels over a common optical waveguide, 

the channels being differentiated by optical wavelength. 

Wideband Passing 

A Wide Range of Frequencies. 

Windloading 

Force exerted upon a structure based upon wind speed, direction and 

projected area of the structure. 

95


CATV Channels, North America 

Chan. 

Frequency Charts (CATV, Off-Air) 

EIA 

Chan. 

Standard Incremental Harmonic 

Video Audio Video Audio Video Audio 

T7 none 7.0000 11.5000 NA NA NA NA 








2 02 55.2500 59.7500 55.2625 59.7625 54.0027 58.5027 

3 03 61.2500 65.7500 61.2625 65.7625 60.0030 64.5030 

4 04 67.2500 71.7500 67.2625 71.7625 66.0033 70.5030 

A8 01 NA NA 73.2625 77.7625 72.0036 76.5036 

5 05 77.2500 81.7500 79.2625 83.7625 78.0039 82.5039 

6 06 83.2500 87.7500 85.2625 89.7625 84.0045 88.5042 

A5 95 91.2500 95.7500 91.2625 95.7625 90.0045 94.5045 

A4 96 97.2500 101.7500 97.2625 101.7625 96.0048 100.5048 

A3 97 103.2500 107.7500 103.2625 107.7625 102.0051 106.5051 

A2 98* 109.2750 113.7750 109.2750 113.7750 

A1 99* 115.2750 119.7750 115.2750 119.7750 

Cannot lock to comb 

ref: refer to FCC regs 

A 14* 121.2625 125.7625 121.2625 125.7625 120.0060 124.5060 

B 15* 127.2625 131.7625 127.2625 131.7625 126.0063 130.5063 

C 16* 133.2625 137.7625 133.2625 137.7625 132.0066 136.5066 

D 17 139.2500 143.7500 139.2625 143.7625 138.0069 142.5069 

E 18 145.2500 149.7500 145.2625 149.7625 144.0072 148.5072 

F 19 151.2500 155.7500 151.2625 155.7625 150.0075 160.5078 

G 20 157.2500 161.7500 157.2625 161.7625 156.0078 160.5078 

H 21 163.2500 167.7500 163.2625 167.7625 162.0081 166.5081 

I 22 169.2500 173.7500 169.2625 173.7625 168.0084 172.5084 

7 07 175.2500 179.7500 175.2625 179.7625 174.0087 178.5087 

8 08 181.2500 185.7500 181.2625 185.7625 180.0090 184.5090 

9 09 187.2500 191.7500 187.2625 191.7625 186.0093 190.5093 

10 10 193.2500 197.7500 193.2625 197.7625 192.0096 196.5096 

11 11 199.2500 203.7500 199.2625 203.7625 198.0099 202.5099 

12 12 205.2500 209.7500 205.2625 209.762 204.0102 208.5102 

13 13 211.2500 215.7500 211.2625 215.7625 210.0105 214.5105 

J 23 217.2500 221.7500 217.2625 221.7625 216.0108 220.5108 

K 24* 223.2500 227.7500 223.2625 227.7625 222.0111 226.5111 

L 25* 229.2625 233.7625 229.2625 233.7625 228.0114 232.5114 

M 26* 235.2625 239.7625 235.2625 239.7625 234.0117 238.5117 

N 27* 241.2625 245.7625 241.2625 245.7625 240.0120 244.5120 

O 28* 247.2625 251.7625 247.2625 251.7625 246.0123 250.5123 

P 29* 253.2625 257.7625 253.2625 257.7625 252.0126 256.5126 

Q 30* 259.2625 263.7625 259.2625 263.7625 258.0129 262.5129 

R 31* 265.2625 269.7625 265.2625 269.7625 264.0132 268.5132 

S 32* 271.2625 275.7625 271.2625 275.7625 270.0135 274.5135 

T 33* 277.2625 281.7625 277.2625 281.7625 276.0138 280.5138 

U 34* 283.2625 287.7625 283.2625 287.7625 282.0141 286.5141 

V 35* 289.2625 293.7625 289.2625 293.7625 288.0144 292.5144 

W 36* 295.2625 299.7625 295.2625 299.7625 294.0147 298.5147 

* Means aeronautical channels visual carrier frequency tolerance ± KHz 

96




EIA 


Chan. Chan. Video Audio Video Audio Video Audio 

AA 37* 301.2625 305.7625 301.2625 305.7625 300.0150 304.5150 

BB 38* 307.2625 311.7625 307.2625 311.7625 306.0153 310.5153 

CC 39* 313.2625 317.7625 313.2625 317.7625 312.0156 316.5156 

DD 40* 319.2625 323.7625 319.2625 323.7625 318.0159 322.5159 

EE 41* 325.2625 329.7625 325.2625 329.7625 324.0162 328.5162 

FF 42* 331.2750 335.7750 331.2750 335.7750 330.0165 334.5165 

GG 43* 337.2625 341.7625 337.2625 341.7625 336.0168 340.5168 

HH 44* 343.2625 347.7625 343.2625 347.7625 342.0168 346.5168 

II 45* 349.2625 353.7625 349.2625 353.7625 348.0168 352.5168 

JJ 46* 355.2625 359.7625 355.2625 359.7625 354.0168 358.5168 

KK 47* 361.2625 365.7625 361.2625 365.7625 360.0168 364.5168 

LL 48* 367.2625 371.7625 367.2625 371.7625 366.0168 370.5168 

MM 49* 373.2625 377.7625 373.2625 377.7625 372.0168 376.5168 

NN 50* 379.2625 383.7625 379.2625 383.7625 378.0168 382.5168 

OO 51* 385.2625 389.7625 385.2625 389.7625 384.0168 388.5168 

PP 52* 391.2625 395.7625 391.2625 395.7625 390.0168 394.5168 

QQ 53* 397.2625 401.7625 397.2625 401.7625 396.0168 400.5168 

RR 54 403.2500 407.7500 403.2625 407.7625 402.0201 406.5201 

SS 55 409.2500 413.7500 409.2625 413.7625 408.0204 412.5204 

TT 56 415.2500 419.7500 415.2625 419.7625 414.0207 418.5207 

UU 57 421.2500 425.7500 421.2625 425.7625 420.0210 424.5210 

VV 58 427.2500 431.7500 427.2625 431.7625 426.0213 430.5213 

WW 59 433.2500 437.7500 433.2625 437.7625 432.0216 436.5216 

XX 60 439.2500 443.7500 439.2625 443.7625 438.0219 442.5219 

YY 61 445.2500 449.7500 445.2625 449.7625 444.0222 448.5222 

ZZ 62 451.2500 455.7500 451.2625 455.7625 450.0225 454.5225 

AAA 63 457.2500 461.7500 457.2625 461.7625 456.0228 460.5228 

BBB 64 463.2500 467.7500 463.2625 467.7625 462.0231 466.5231 

CCC 65 469.2500 473.7500 469.2625 473.7625 468.0234 472.5234 

DDD 66 475.2500 479.7500 475.2625 479.7625 474.0237 478.5237 

EEE 67 481.2500 485.7500 481.2625 485.7625 480.0240 484.5240 

FFF 68 487.2500 491.7500 487.2625 491.7625 486.0243 490.5243 

GGG 69 493.2500 497.7500 493.2625 497.7625 492.0246 496.5246 

HHH 70 499.2500 503.7500 499.2625 503.7625 498.0249 502.5249 

III 71 505.2500 509.7500 505.2625 509.7625 504.0252 508.5252 

JJJ 72 511.2500 515.7500 511.2625 515.7625 510.0255 514.5255 

KKK 73 517.2500 521.7500 517.2625 521.7625 516.0258 520.5258 

LLL 74 523.2500 527.7500 523.2625 527.7625 522.0261 526.5261 

MMM 75 529.2500 533.7500 529.2625 533.7625 528.0264 532.5264 

NNN 76 535.2500 539.7500 535.2625 539.7625 534.0267 538.5267 

OOO 77 541.2500 545.7500 541.2625 545.7625 540.0270 544.527C 

PPP 78 547.2500 551.7500 547.2625 551.7625 546.0273 550.5273 

- 79 553.2500 557.7500 553.2625 557.7625 552.0276 556.5276 

- 80 559.2500 563.7500 559.2625 563.7625 558.0279 652.5279 

- 81 565.2500 569.7500 565.2625 569.7625 564.0282 568.5282 

- 82 571.2500 575.7500 571.2625 575.7625 570.0285 574.5285 

- 83 577.2500 581.7500 577.2625 581.7625 576.0288 580.5288 

- 84 583.2500 587.7500 583.2625 587.7625 582.0291 586.5291 

- 85 589.2500 593.7500 589.2625 593.7625 588.0294 592.5294 


97



Chan. 


EIA 

Chan. 



- 86 592.2500 599.7500 595.2625 599.7625 594.0297 598.5297 

- 87 601.2500 605.7500 601.2625 605.7625 600.0300 604.5300 

- 88 607.2500 611.7500 607.2625 611.7625 606.0303 610.5303 

- 89 613.2500 617.7500 613.2625 617.7625 612.0306 616.5306 

- 90 619.2500 623.7500 619.2625 623.7625 618.0309 622.5309 

- 91 625.2500 629.7500 625.2625 629.7625 624.0312 628.5312 

- 92 631.2500 635.7500 631.2625 635.7625 630.0315 634.5315 

- 93 637.2500 641.7500 637.2625 641.7625 636.0318 640.5318 

- 94 643.2500 647.7500 643.2625 647.7625 642.0321 646.5321 

- 100 649.2500 653.7500 649.2625 653.7625 648.0324 652.5324 

- 101 655.2500 659.7500 655.2625 659.7625 654.0327 658.5327 

- 102 661.2500 665.7500 661.2625 665.7625 660.0330 664.5330 

- 103 667.2500 671.7500 667.2625 671.7625 666.0333 670.5333 

- 104 673.2500 677.7500 673.2625 677.7625 672.0336 676.5336 

- 105 679.2500 683.7500 679.2625 683.7625 678.0339 682.5339 

- 106 685.2500 689.7500 685.2625 689.7625 684.0342 688.5342 

- 107 691.2500 695.7500 691.2625 695.7625 690.0345 694.5345 

- 108 697.2500 701.7500 697.2625 701.7625 696.0348 700.5348 

- 109 703.2500 707.7500 703.2625 707.7625 702.0351 706.5351 

- 110 709.2500 713.7500 709.2625 713.7625 708.0354 712.5354 

- 111 715.2500 719.7500 715.2625 719.7625 714.0357 718.5357 

- 112 721.2500 725.7500 721.2625 725.7625 720.0360 724.5360 

- 113 727.2500 731.7500 727.2625 731.7625 726.0363 730.5363 

- 114 733.2500 737.7500 733.2625 737.7625 732.0366 736.5366 

- 115 739.2500 743.7500 739.2625 743.7625 738.0369 742.5369 

- 116 745.2500 749.7500 745.2625 749.7625 744.0372 748.5372 

- 117 751.2500 755.7500 751.2625 755.7625 750.0375 754.5375 

- 118 757.2500 761.7500 757.2625 761.7625 756.0378 760.5378 

- 119 763.2500 767.7500 763.2625 767.7625 762.0381 766.5381 

- 120 769.2500 773.7500 769.2625 773.7625 768.0384 772.5384 

- 121 775.2500 779.7500 775.2625 779.7625 774.0387 778.5387 

- 122 781.2500 785.7500 781.2625 785.7625 780.0390 784.5390 

- 123 787.2500 791.7500 787.2625 791.7625 786.0393 790.5393 

- 124 793.2500 797.7500 793.2625 797.7625 792.0396 796.5396 

- 125 799.2500 803.7500 799.2625 803.7625 798.0399 802.5399 

- 126 805.2500 809.7500 805.2625 809.7625 804.0402 808.5402 

- 127 811.2500 815.7500 811.2625 815.7625 810.0405 814.5405 

- 128 817.2500 821.7500 817.2625 821.7625 816.0408 820.5408 

- 129 823.2500 827.7500 823.2625 827.7625 822.0411 826.5411 

- 130 829.2500 833.7500 829.2625 833.7625 828.0414 832.5414 

- 131 835.2500 839.7500 835.2625 839.7625 834.0417 838.5417 

- 132 841.2500 845.7500 841.2625 845.7625 840.0420 844.5420 

- 133 847.2500 851.7500 847.2625 851.7625 846.0423 850.5423 

- 134 853.2500 857.7500 853.2625 857.7625 852.0426 856.5426 

- 135 859.2500 863.7500 859.2625 863.7625 858.0429 862.5429 

- 136 865.2500 869.7500 865.2625 869.7625 864.0432 868.5432 

- 137 871.2500 875.7500 871.2625 875.7625 870.0435 874.5435 

- 138 877.2500 881.7500 877.2625 881.7625 876.0438 880.5438 

- 139 883.2500 887.7500 883.2625 887.7625 882.0441 886.5441 


98




Chan. 

EIA 

Chan. 



- 140 889.2500 893.7500 889.2625 893.7625 888.0444 892.5444 

- 141 895.2500 899.7500 895.2625 899.7625 894.0447 898.5447 

- 142 901.2500 905.7500 901.2625 905.7625 900.0450 904.5450 

- 143 907.2500 911.7500 907.2625 911.7625 906.0453 910.5453 

- 144 913.2500 917.7500 913.2625 917.7625 912.0456 916.5456 

- 145 919.2500 923.7500 919.2625 923.7625 918.0459 922.5459 

- 146 925.2500 929.7500 925.2625 929.7625 924.0462 928.5462 

- 147 931.2500 935.7500 931.2625 935.7625 930.0465 934.5465 

- 148 937.2500 941.7500 937.2625 941.7625 936.0468 940.5468 

- 149 943.2500 947.7500 943.2625 947.7625 942.0471 946.547 

- 150 949.2500 953.7500 949.2625 953.7625 948.0474 952.5474 

- 151 955.2500 959.7500 955.2625 959.7625 954.0477 958.5477 

- 152 961.2500 965.7500 961.2625 965.7625 960.0480 964.5480 

- 153 967.2500 971.7500 967.2625 971.7625 966.0483 970.5483 

- 154 973.2500 977.7500 973.2625 977.7625 972.0486 976.5486 

- 155 979.2500 983.7500 979.2625 983.7625 978.0489 982.5489 

- 156 985.2500 989.7500 985.2625 989.7625 984.0492 988.5492 

- 157 991.2500 995.7500 991.2625 995.7625 990.0495 994.5495 

- 158 997.2500 1001.7500 997.2625 1001.7625 996.0498 1000.5498 


99


CATV, QAM Channel Center Frequency (54 MHz - 860 MHz) 

EIA 

Chan. 

MHz 

Center 

Freq. 

2 57 

3 63 

4 69 

5 79 

6 85 

95 93 

96 99 

97 105 

98 111 

99 119 

14 123 

15 129 

16 135 

17 141 

18 147 

19 153 

20 159 

21 165 

22 171 

7 177 

8 183 

9 189 

10 195 

11 201 

12 207 

13 213 

23 219 

24 225 

25 231 

26 237 

27 243 

28 249 

29 255 

30 261 

31 267 

32 273 

33 279 

34 285 

35 291 

36 297 

37 303 

38 309 

39 315 

40 321 

41 327 

EIA 

Chan. 

MHz 

Center 

Freq. 

42 333 

43 339 

44 345 

45 351 

46 357 

47 363 

48 369 

49 375 

50 381 

51 387 

52 393 

53 399 

54 405 

55 411 

56 417 

57 423 

58 429 

59 435 

60 441 

61 447 

62 453 

63 459 

64 465 

65 471 

66 477 

67 483 

68 489 

69 495 

70 501 

71 507 

72 513 

73 519 

74 525 

75 531 

76 537 

77 543 

78 549 

79 555 

80 561 

81 567 

82 573 

83 579 

84 585 

85 591 

86 597 

EIA 

Chan. 

MHz 

Center 

Freq. 

87 603 

88 609 

89 615 

90 621 

91 627 

92 633 

93 639 

94 645 

100 651 

101 657 

102 663 

103 669 

104 675 

105 681 

106 687 

107 693 

108 699 

109 705 

110 711 

111 717 

112 723 

113 729 

114 735 

115 741 

116 747 

117 753 

118 759 

119 765 

120 771 

121 777 

122 783 

123 789 

124 795 

125 801 

126 807 

127 813 

128 819 

129 825 

130 831 

131 837 

132 843 

133 849 

134 855 

135 861 

100



Off-Air Channels, North America (CCIR Standard M; NTSC) 

CHAN BW (MHZ) VIDEO CHROMA AUDIO 

Lo VHF 

2 54-60 55.25 58.83 59.75 

3 60-66 61.25 64.83 65.75 

4 66-72 67.25 70.83 71.75 

5 76-82 77.25 80.83 81.75 

6 82-88 83.25 86.83 87.75 

Hi VHF 

7 174-180 175.25 178.83 179.75 

8 180-186 181.25 184.83 185.75 

9 186-192 187.25 190.83 191.75 

10 192-198 193.25 196.83 197.75 

11 198-204 199.25 202.83 203.75 

12 204-210 205.25 208.83 209.75 

13 210-216 211.25 214.83 215.75 

UHF 

14 470-476 471.25 474.83 475.75 

15 476-482 477.25 480.83 481.75 

16 482-488 483.25 486.83 487.75 

17 488-494 489.25 492.83 493.75 

18 494-500 495.25 498.83 499.75 

19 500-506 501.25 504.83 505.75 

20 506-512 507.25 510.83 511.75 

21 512-518 513.25 516.83 517.75 

22 518-524 519.25 522.83 523.75 

23 524-530 525.25 528.83 529.75 

24 530-536 531.25 534.83 535.75 

25 536-542 537.25 540.83 541.75 

26 542-548 543.25 546.83 547.75 

27 548-554 549.25 552.83 553.75 

28 554-560 555.25 558.83 559.75 

29 560-566 561.25 564.83 565.75 

30 566-572 567.25 570.83 571.75 

31 572-578 573.25 576.83 577.75 

32 578-584 579.25 582.83 583.75 

33 584-590 585.25 588.83 589.75 

34 590-596 591.25 594.83 595.75 

35 596-602 597.25 600.83 601.75 

36 602-608 603.25 606.83 607.75 

37 608-614 609.25 612.83 613 75 

38 614-620 615.25 618.83 619.75 

101



Off-Air Channels, North America (CCIR Standard M; NTSC) 

UHF 

CHAN BW (MHZ) VIDEO CHROMA AUDIO 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

620-626 

626-632 

632-638 

638-644 

644-650 

650-656 

656-662 

662-668 

668-674 

674-680 

680-686 

686-692 

692-698 

698-704 

704-710 

710-716 

716-722 

722-728 

728-734 

734-740 

740-746 

746-752 

752-758 

758-764 

764-770 

770-776 

776-782 

782-788 

788-794 

794-800 

800-806 

621.25 

627.25 

633.25 

639.25 

645.25 

651.25 

657.25 

663.25 

669.25 

675.25 

681.25 

687.25 

693.25 

699.25 

705.25 

711.25 

717.25 

723.25 

729.25 

735.25 

741.25 

747.25 

753.25 

759.25 

765.25 

771.25 

777.25 

783.25 

789.25 

795.25 

801.25 

624.83 

630.83 

636.83 

642.83 

648.83 

654.83 

660.83 

666.83 

672.83 

678.83 

684.83 

690.83 

696.83 

702.83 

708.83 

714.83 

720.83 

726.83 

732.83 

738.83 

744.83 

750.83 

756.83 

762.83 

768.83 

774.83 

780.83 

786.83 

792.83 

798.83 

804.83 

625.75 

631.75 

637.75 

643.75 

649.75 

655.75 

661.75 

667.75 

673.75 

679.75 

685.75 

691.75 

697.75 

703.75 

709.75 

715.75 

721.75 

727.75 

733.75 

739.75 

745.75 

751.75 

757.75 

763.75 

769.75 

775.75 

781.75 

787.75 

793.75 

799.75 

805.75 

102


Additional Reading 

For more information, check these publications: 

Cable Television 

By: William Grant (text book) 

Society of Cable Television Engineers, Inc. 

140 Philips Road 

Exton, PA 19341-1318 

Phone: 610-363-6888 

Fax: 610-363-5898 

Wireless Cable and SMATV 

By: Steve Berkhoff and Frank Baylin 

Baylin Publications (paperback) 

1905 Mariposa 

Boulder, CO 80302 

Phone: 303-449-4551 

Fax: 303-939-8720 Website Listings 

Additional Reading and Web Listings 

Web Listings 

www.blondertongue.com 

www.antennaweb.org 

www.fcc.gov 

http://silmaril.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/acronyms 

www.lyngsat.com 

www.satsig.net 

www.satellite-calculations.com 

www.geo-orbit.org 

www.satnews.com 

www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037 

www.scte.org 

www.dtv.org 

Reference, Products 

Ben Sexton - Off-Air Products 

Federal Communications Commission - CATV Rules 

Acronym Search 

Satellite Information 

Satellite Signals Information - Internet Service 

Online Satellite Calculations 

Satellite Lookup 

Glossary 

Rules for Telecommunications 

Society of Cable Television Engineers 

FCC Digital Transition Website 

CD ROM Information 

In order to provide easy access to all of the information in this guide, we have included a CD Rom that is located inside the back cover which contains 

the following documents: 

Complete Broadband Specification Guide 

• .PDF 


• .DWG 

• .DXF 

• .EPS 

• .PDF 

Reference - .PDF 

• Complete Appendix 

• Functionality and In Depth Descriptions 

• Broadband Reference Guide 

• Blonder Tongue Catalog 

Specification Library 

• .PDF 

103

One Jake Brown Road 

Old Bridge, NJ 08857-1000 USA 

(800) 523-6049 • FAX: (732) 679-4353 

www.blondertongue.com

Functional Block Diagram - Blonder Tongue Laboratories Inc.

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