❝ With CID , interference can be resolved quickly .❞
MEETING DEMANDS FOR PERSONALISED CONTENT
Banging the CID drum By Martin Coleman
feel as if I have been banging the Carrier ID ( CID ) drum
I for some time now . With the pressure and drive from the broadcaster community , IRG initiated the case for why manufacturers should integrate CID in all new modems and modulators , and so they did , from standardisation to production . Next , we suggested that satellite operators should integrate CID detection across their networks — most operators are now able to manage and detect CID in their networks .
Now , we need to encourage users to step up and integrate it into their transmission systems . That is the sticking point right now , but CID remains the most effective way to identify interference when it occurs in most scenarios while improving reliability and quality of services .
Are users complacent ? For the majority of satellite broadcasters , satellite offers high reliability . When interference does occur , the effect is huge , with a potential degradation or eventual loss of service . However , it is very difficult to justify any type of investment for a problem that does not appear to be there .
Often , issues are missed by users as the onus is on satellite operators . Broadcasters expect that service to be resumed immediately and so the affected operator is at times left moving transmissions to another space in order to restore service . This satisfies the user , but compounds the problem , with a growing amount of unusable spectrum .
For the broadcaster , it comes down to two things : Maintaining a good service ; and keeping costs down . While the service continues , there is no impetus to spend money . And that causes a problem for instigating widespread adoption .
Lack of regulation When there is reluctance , one way to encourage implementation for the greater industry good is through regulation . The FCC has started the ball rolling with its updated CID regulation covering transmissions in the US , with the date for compliance set for September 3 this year . The industry simply was not ready earlier this year but , anyone broadcasting within the FCC footprint really does need to ensure readiness by that deadline .
Of course , it is likely that other regulators may follow suit , but the problem we have right now is that unless the regulators experience the pain of interference , they do not see a need to regulate for the use of CID . One way to tackle that is for satellite operators to tell them every time they experience interference . However , that in itself takes time that the operator would prefer to spend solving the interference , except in cases which are often intentional ,
One simple action for IRG is to lobby all suppliers of DVB-S2X modems and modulators to set the factory default of CID to ‘ ON ’!
❝ With CID , interference can be resolved quickly .❞
certainly extreme , where the regulator is needed .
Of course , CID would give the regulators valuable insight as to what transmissions are taking place within any footprint , making it easy to identify any rogue transmissions or non-licence-paying users .
Why bother ? It is very easy to understand where the reticence to comply is coming from . Those broadcasters plagued with constant interference are , of course , likely to be more receptive to the idea . Those who are not , or rarely affected , are going to struggle to justify the expense of replacing legacy equipment .
However , as the space environment gets more and more congested , and without implementation of technology such as CID , it is likely that interference will increase . I expect most broadcasters will experience it at some point over the coming year or so . It could be resolved easily with very little pain . But , what if it is during a live sporting event , for example ? Viewers will not be impressed with missing a winning goal or defining moment of live action . Remember it has happened before , damaging company reputations in an instant ! With CID , interference can be resolved quickly .
If you have replaced equipment in the last couple of years to meet the demands of DVB-S2X , it is probable that you already have it integrated . Therefore , before you do anything , just ask your supplier if you have CID and how to switch it on if available . Then , tell your satellite operator ! That way you make it easier to resolve when you experience interference .
What can IRG and manufacturers do to help this progress ?
One simple action for IRG is to lobby all suppliers of DVB- S2X modems and modulators to set the factory default of CID to ‘ ON ’! That itself would simplify implementation .
We can remind all broadcasters to tell their satellite operator which current and future services will have CID so that record and checks can be made and CID put fully in place .
— Martin Coleman , Executive Director ,
Satellite Interference
Reduction Group
An Supplement
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