Appendix G: Minimum Standards For IHETS Television Reception

(Approved: IHETS Management Committee, August 10, 1995)

Technical Standards

Receive Antenna System: A fixed, non-movable antenna is recommended for IHETS Television reception. A steerable dish antenna is acceptable if the system has sufficient gain at Ku band frequencies to achieve a minimum Eb/No of 8.5. Address and control functions imbedded in the compressed video signal require that the IHETS signal be available at specific times as required by IHETS operations. IHETS recommends that steerable dish users return the dish to the IHETS signal during idle times. A 1.8 meter KU Band VSAT antenna with offset feed is recommended for Receive Sites in Indiana. Larger antennas may be recommended for sites in extreme northern sections of the United States.

The antenna system must include a high-stability, low-noise LNB rated at 0.9 dB or better. The LNB must also meet or exceed the minimum requirements for use with Spectrum Saver Integrated Receiver/Decoders as established by the IRD manufacturer. A properly installed grounding block and grounding system compliant with electrical codes are required at the antenna.

Interconnecting Coaxial Cable: Type RG6/U flooded coaxial cable is required to connect from the equipment cabinet to a grounding block on the antenna mount and then to the LNB. The antenna grounding must comply with state and local codes. Special cable may be required for cable runs in excess of 150 feet.

Downlink Control Unit: An IHETS Downlink Control Unit (DCU) cabinet is required. The DCU includes one or more Integrated Receiver Decoder(s), modulator(s), and other equipment as required. The DCU must be wall mounted in a secure, air-conditioned or well-ventilated area within 150 cable feet of the antenna.

A dedicated 115 VAC 15 A circuit is required to power the cabinet. IHETS recommends that all sites begin with a two channel DCU; however, some sites may wish to begin with a lower cost single channel DCU installing additional channels as program reception requirements increase.

Classroom Television System: Receive Sites are responsible for distributing IHETS Television channels to TV classrooms. The IHETS DCU will normally provide RF output on CATV channels 31, 32, etc., which may be tuned by any cable ready television set. IHETS channels may be delivered via a dedicated RF cable to classroom TV sets or integration with other channels on an existing RF distribution system.

Digital TeleResponse–Student Response System: Each classroom should include equipment to operate with the IHETS student response system. A local telephone extension and AC power must be provided by the Receive Site for DTR operation.

Signal to Noise: Minimum end user signal/noise ratio should be 45 dB or better. Extensive viewer testing has determined that “noise” in the TV picture is not noticeable to the average viewer when the S/N ratio is 45 dB or greater. IHETS concurs with the television industry in accepting this as the minimum standard for IHETS Television reception.

Unauthorized Viewing: Programs carried on IHETS Television remain the property of the program originator. In signing the IHETS Letter of Understanding, each user site agrees to take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access to and use of network programming. The preferred way for Receive Sites to accomplish this is to distribute IHETS program channels to classrooms and supervised viewing areas ONLY.

Receive Site Certification: All sites must satisfy all of the above requirements for certification as an authorized IHETS Television Receive Site. Certification inspections will be performed as sites install satellite reception equipment. Baseline information on antenna installation, signal strength, and physical installation will be required with regard to the satellite receive package. Additional information may also be requested regarding the in-house TV distribution system, DTR classrooms, site personnel, etc., as part of the certification process.

Site Information Survey: Please review and return the Site Information Survey. This information will help maintain an adequate analysis of the IHETS system’s capability. It may be used by member institutions in planning for program development.

Operational Standards

Monitor Channels Daily: It is recommended that someone be designated at each Receive Site to check the incoming IHETS channels daily and report technical problems to the IHETS network control. If you are expecting to receive a program which does not appear at your site, use the red “Help/Trouble” button on DTR, or immediately call the IHETS control room and ask that your site be added to receive the program.

Check Classroom TV Prior to Program: For best reception, the classroom TV should be turned on and checked for proper operation prior to each program.

TeleResponse Operation: Receive Sites should provide information and instruction to local viewers on proper operation of the classroom TV and DTR equipment.

Test Classroom Digital TeleResponse: Operation of the classroom DTR system should be tested periodically with the IHETS control room.

Reception Checklist: A suggested reception checklist and additional information about DTR operation are detailed in this handbook.

Trouble Reports: Sites should report technical troubles to IHETS Video Network Operations Center in Indianapolis by dialing SUVON + 1.317.263.8989. The red “Help/Trouble” button on Digital TeleResponse will automatically call the VNOC.