Transmission testing takes the next step

26 May 2010

In order to provide the best possible quality broadcast service, Broadcast Australia conducts ‘Proof of Performance’ (PoP) testing on all transmission equipment. In line with our significant network reinvestment, PoP testing equipment and methodologies have recently been radically upgraded to meet the needs of the new digital age.

To ensure ongoing transmission performance, Broadcast Australia conducts annual ‘Proof of Performance’ (PoP) testing on all its fully managed broadcast services. This includes detailed measurements of a number of performance parameters for each transmitter and associated equipment, and the reporting of these findings back to our customers. Recently—in the spirit of continual improvement—the performance of the PoP testing itself has come under scrutiny. 

We have committed a significant investment to improve all aspects of the testing regime. The project, which is now well underway, involves a number of business units, and comprises technical, IT and training streams.  

“The technical stream incorporates upgrading to new test equipment, and improving testing methodologies in line with the associated capabilities that this enables,” said Jeff Dale, Engineering Team Leader. “The IT stream comprises improving the capture and reporting capability for all performance data, and the training stream ensures all field technicians are empowered to get the best out of the new systems.”

Quick and comprehensive

Much of the legacy test equipment is approaching the end of its design-life. It is generally large and heavy, and has suffered from increasing unreliability issues. Insufficient numbers of test instruments have also historically resulted in disrupted PoP testing schedules, as equipment has had to be diverted to fault-finding activities. 

By contrast, the new equipment is lightweight, multipurpose, more reliable, and facilitates more comprehensive data gathering. Furthermore, with the teams now equipped with over 200 new sets of test equipment, the conflict between testing and fault-finding is much less of a problem.

To complement the technical improvements, new ‘Smartform’ software enhances the way information is collated and reported. It pre-checks PoP test results and flags out-of-tolerance data, allowing problems to be identified and rectified more rapidly. This system interfaces seamlessly with our ‘Remedy’ database, thereby facilitating further analysis of data for trend monitoring and on-going asset management.

Team training

Training on the new systems will be completed by the end of August this year. Our Technical Trainers will initially train the District Team Leaders, who in turn will train-up their own teams. Every Field Technician will receive two weeks intensive hands-on training on the new equipment and the Smartforms.

“The new PoP testing regime will enable more accurate and efficient testing of our facilities, together with an improved visibility of its performance over time—for both ourselves and our clients,” said Jeff. “Transmission downtime will be reduced, and the new technology will further facilitate the move towards non-intrusive testing in the future.”

Picture caption:  District Supervisor Adelaide, Paul Pyatt and Technical Trainer Graham Grether look at some of the new test equipment at Broadcast Australia

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