A number of South Korean broadcasters have got together to launch the world's first terrestrial ATSC 3.0 broadcast network in South Korea for free UHDTV broadcasts. The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) have developed a network that includes a total of 31 Rohde & Schwarz transmitter systems at 11 locations.
Regular operation began at the end of May 2017 in the capital city of Seoul with other regions to follow by the end of the year. Viewers will be able to enjoy UltraHD (UHD) quality in time for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
For phase one, Rohde & Schwarz delivered its R&S THU9 liquid-cooled high-power 5 kW and 2 kW transmitters in customized 1+1 standby configurations to four SBS stations at the end of 2016 in Seoul. And in December 2016, the R&S transmitter at the Kwanak station broadcasted world's first ATSC 3.0 transmission. In phase two of the project, all three broadcasters will be expanding their networks to cover metropolitan areas and the Olympic region.
Rohde & Schwarz will supply all three operators with high-power 5 kW and 2 kW transmitters in customized 1+1 and 2+1 standby configurations. Phase two consists of a total of 27 transmitter systems that will be put into operation by the end of 2017. South Korea's transition to ATSC 3.0 with 90 percent coverage is scheduled to be completed by 2020. Rohde & Schwarz was once again the selected by the TV operators based on its outstanding technical expertise, excellent product quality and comprehensive service. Click here to learn more about R&S THU9 liquid-cooled high-power solutions.
