Transmission of broadcast services over a 140 Mbit/s digital bearer: a joint BBC/BT pilot scheme

This paper describes a joint BBC/BT pilot scheme involving the transmission of broadcast quality sound and vision signals and other services over a 140 Mbit/s digital bearer between London and Birmingham. Terminal equipment, designed and constructed by the BBC, is described which assembles one PAL television signal, including teletext and associated stereo signal, with 12¿5 Mbit/s available for further high quality audio channels, telephony, data and error correction. The means of transmission involves the use of an optical fibre system, a radio relay channel and a coaxial line system. Initial evaluative studies are briefly outlined.