Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.

W Tim Campbell

Kamran Sistanizadeh

Bruce W Kostreski

Allan Schneider

Brian D Oliver

An arrangement (apparatus and method) for obtaining a single copy of a received signal from a simulcast broadcast area. Within a desired service area, multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcast the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Each such channel carries a multiplexed digital data stream containing packets of information for a plurality of programs, e.g. television programs. A receiver system comprises an antenna adapted to receive direct transmissions from two or more of the transmitters as well as multipath signals from two or more of the transmitters. To compensate for the potentially interfering signal receptions, the terminal device includes a delay processor, such as an adaptive delay equalizer or a rake receiver. The maximum delay processing window of the delay processor is at least as long as the difference in propagation time to the receiver from two of the transmitters and preferably exceeds that time by some amount chosen to permit processing of multipath delay signals from the more distant transmitter.

Terminal for receiving simulcast digital video programs

Within a desired service area, multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcast the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Obstructions in the service area, e.g. mountains, buildings, trees, etc., may block reception from one or more of the transmitters at certain sites. However, at most receiving sites, the receiving antenna can receive a clear line-of-sight transmission from at least one and often two or more of the transmitters. Each broadcast channel carries a multiplexed digital data stream containing packets of information for a plurality of programs, e.g. television programs. A shared antenna system, typically including multiple receiving antennae aimed at a plurality of the transmitters, supplies received signals to terminals in a plurality of living units. The shared system includes processing circuitry to supply an optimal signal from the receiving antennae to the terminals.

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Alexandria, VA, United States of America

W Tim Campbell