EBU TECHNICAL has started to perform HDTV standards converter tests. The tests are aimed at evaluating to what degree the impairments due to standards conversion (in this case, from 1080i to 720p) impair the global quality in the broadcasting chain.
 | Where to put the converter? Additionally, the optimum place at which to perform standards conversion within the broadcasting chain will be determined. For the purposes of these tests, a reference broadcasting chain consisting of an MPEG-2 contribution part and an MPEG-4 distribution part are simulated.
The picture shows EBU TECHNICAL Senior Engineer Marc Lambreghs putting a standards converter through its paces. |
The tests are being conducted in parallel with the BBC and the IRT and they are part of the EBU's N/SC (N/Standards Converter) project that is currently being set up by the Network Technology Management Committee . This new project group will be opened for membership shortly.
Best practice
The results of these tests will serve to guide best practice for coverage of events where the signal at the origin is different to that used inside the broadcasting production facilities, for example, signals originated in 1080i/25 (or 1080i/29.97 in the US) and processed and broadcast in 720p/50 in Europe.