This part of IEC 60728 defines the characteristics of equipment used in the headends of terrestrial broadcast and satellite receiving systems (without satellite outdoor units and without those broadband amplifiers in the headend as described in IEC 60728-3). The satellite outdoor units for FSS are described in ETSI ETS 300 158, for BSS in ETSI ETS 300 249. Test methods for both types (FSS and BSS) of satellite outdoor units are laid down in ETSI ETS 300 457.
This standard
- covers the frequency range 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz,
- identifies performance requirements for certain parameters,
- lays down data publication requirements for certain parameters,
- stipulates methods of measurements;
- introduces minimum requirements defining quality grades (Q-grades).
This standard defines the overall characteristics for upstream/downstream signals between external sources/sinks (for example, antennas, cable modem termination systems, etc.) and the system interface to the cable network. In the case of modular headend systems, also single equipment as modulators, converters, etc. are described. Cable modem termination systems, encrypters, decrypters, etc. are not described in this standard. If such equipment is used in headends, the relevant parameters for RF, video, audio and data interfaces should be met.
According to the definitions in 3.1, the headends are divided into the following three quality
grades:
- Grade 1: central headend;
- Grade 2: hub headend or hubsite;
- Grade 3: MATV headend/individual reception headend.