Hiltron Completes TDA'S VSAT Contract

One of Europe's leading providers of satellite and microwave communication equipment and systems, has reported the successful completion of a major project for Algeria's state broadcaster, Télédiffusion d'Algérie (TDA).
Hiltron Communications, a system-integrator, manufacturer and distributor in the field of broadcast quality satellite and microwave communication, offers complete satellite-uplink systems, VSAT systems, TVRO systems for cable head-ends or terrestrial retransmission. It also covers IPTV head-end systems, DVB-T encoding and multiplexing systems as well as mobile microwave links.
(Image shows part of the TDA VSAT system installed by Hiltron at Bouchaoui teleport)
Michael Schiestl, Managing Director of Hiltron Communications commented: "This contract forms a key element of TDA's transition to digital satellite transmission.
"It includes the design, installation and implementation of a VSAT network with a 2.4 metre two-way antenna at numerous sites plus corresponding equipment at the Bouchaoui teleport near the capital city of Algiers."
In addition to the antennas, Michael explained that Hiltron supplied 4 W block upconverters, satellite modems and encoders/decoders including power supply units, RF accessories and signal monitors.
The overall system control was based on the Hiltron HCS3 platform in conjunction with visionic network management system.
He concluded: "Algeria is a huge country, the second largest in Africa, so linking the various sites by satellite was by far the most practical and economical solution."
A modular system based on a 2 U chassis, Hiltron's HCS3 platform can be operated remotely or via an optional touch-sensitive LCD display mounted on the front panel for local control.
It has two communication card slots (A1 and A13), one of which is normally equipped with a network interface card module providing an Ethernet interface.
The remaining 11 interface connection slots (A2 to A12) can be equipped with hot-pluggable card modules currently comprising of: Monitoring, control and power supply for fibre optic modules, fibre optic N:1 switchover systems, LNB redundancy systems for C-band and Ku-band, HPA redundancy systems, redundancy systems for DVB MPEG encoders/modulators/IRDs and other applications for monitor and control. The HCS3 can be equipped with single or dual AC or DC power supplies.
Algeria commenced colour television broadcasting in 1972, commissioning its first satellite earth station in 1990 for the exchange of programmes between fellow EBU members via Eutelsat. TDA itself was established in 1991. Its output includes three television channels (La Chaîne 1, Canal Algérie and A3) and four radio stations (Channels 1, 2 and 3 plus Radio Algérie Internationale).
TDA plans to make its Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) service accessible both in the urban areas and in Algeria's most rural regions. Content is delivered to the DTT redistribution sites via Eutelsat's Atlantic Bird 3.
(BMcN/BMcC)