Modernising a national TV transmitter network

In the Independent Television (ITV) network there are 51 high power main transmitters and 91 transposers which use thermionic devices for the output amplifier. Re-engineering of all these stations is planned. Not only will the transmitters/transposers themselves be replaced completely, but so also will the programme input (PIE), telemetry and monitoring equipment. In addition automatic voltage regulators (AVRs) and technical and domestic electrical plant will be either refurbished or replaced. The re-engineering work will be implemented by the middle of the next decade. The general plan is shown. In addition a phased programme of antenna re-engineering is now under way. The paper describes why a re-engineering programme is being implemented, how it is to be achieved and the advantages that will be obtained by transmitter replacement