The RF Spectrum On-Line

The Latest in Broadcast Technology - Fall, 1997

The Hierarchy of Connectivity

There's a hierarchy of connectivity, observed Art Constantine of MUSICAM USA, which manufactures POTS codecs and ISDN codecs. At the top is satellite. Quality is excellent, service is consistent, but it takes time and money to make this connection. Next on the hierarchy are dedicated telco lines like T1, then ISDN, followed by RF links. New spread-spectrum devices such as the Moseley Starlink SL9001SS probably reside here as well, for stereo remotes up to 25 miles from the studio. RF links require line-of-sight between connecting points, and acquiring a frequency in some markets can be tough. ISDN has full bandwidth, CD-like quality and provides bidirectional stereo transmission. ISDN, however, is often difficult to set up, can be hard to find in some areas, and needs to be ordered in advance.

Following this are equalized audio loops, which also are difficult and timely to set up, but are of sufficient quality to make them worthwhile for regular remote locations. Next are Plain Old Telephone Service, or POTS, codecs. This single-line option is convenient, fast to set up, handily available everywhere, bidirectional and relatively inexpensive to use. The drawbacks: high frequencies are subject to POTS connectivity speeds, it's only good for mono transmissions, and these devices do not work with cell phones. Finally, ordinary dial-up line access is almost always an option, and many hybrid devices for cell phones and PBX systems are available for this purpose.

RF Specialties supplies broadcasters with the full spectrum of connectivity products, from 23GHz units for short-haul use to Moseley's Starlink 2.4GHz spread spectrum unit; and from T1 STLs and Marti RPU transmitters/receivers to hybrid couplers and all the major U.S-made POTS codec and ISDN codec products. You know who to call.