Digital TV Facts: The Latest

A new line of attack against digital TV reception problems is reported by chipmaker Micronas, which announced a new product family today. Their DRX-H line makes over-the-air reception more robust, they say, even in situations regarded as notoriously difficult.

We’ve written here recently about the “multipath” reception problems that can occur particularly in metropolitan environments where the signal path between you and the broadcast tower is obstructed. Signals get reflected off buildings or terrain, with the echoes sometimes reaching or exceeding the desired signal level. In certain urban settings, especially, these so-called 0dB echoes can be a big problem.

Instead of filtering out the echoes, Micronas’s primeD technology combines multiple echoes to create a single, stronger signal, which the company says results in enhanced overall reception quality. The results are supported by lab and field tests conducted by independent test facilities, according to a press release.

Problems with digital TV reception in the U.S. have been studied and debated for years. Much of the criticism focuses on alleged deficiencies in 8-VSB, the radio frequency modulation format used under the ATSC standard for DTV broadcasts in the U.S.

“We are approaching theoretical limits of the 8-VSB demodulation standard thanks to our unique implementation,” said Rich Citta, Chief Scientist of Micronas Semiconductors. Citta is described as a key architect of the current Advanced Television Systems Committee DTV standard.

What consumers would like to know, of course, is when the chip will show up in digital TVs, set-top boxes and related products.

• Source: Micronas press release