Rohde & Schwarz has announced the successful completion of a DVB-T2 (HD) terrestrial TV transmitter network upgrade in Finland, that spans the entire country. Working with Helsinki-based Digita, owner and operator of Finland’s terrestrial network for nationwide TV and radio transmission services, Rohde & Schwarz has supplied more than 80 UHF HD transmitters across the country.

The network of transmitters was installed and commissioned by Digita’s professional services team. The first phase became operational 1st January 2020, enabling Digita to expand their Pay-TV UHF terrestrial networks up to 90% coverage. In addition, Digita reports significant enhancements in power efficiency and redundancy concepts throughout the new HD TV network.

Timescales have been short throughout this project: there was just two months between Digita placing the order and delivery of the first transmitters. Network installation took six months to complete even though several logistical challenges were presented to Digita’s engineers, mainly associated with the country’s rugged landscape. Rohde & Schwarz has supplied a network comprising R&S THU9evo liquid-cooled UHF transmitters, R&S TMU9evo air-cooled UHF transmitters and TLU9 Low-power UHF transmitters and GapFiller systems.

5G Broadcast Pilot

In addition to the DVB-T2 upgrade, Rohde & Schwarz and Digita have initiated a 5G Broadcast pilot in the Greater Helsinki region. The pilot utilizes the same transmitter sites and the first phase of this pioneering project will be completed this summer. The simultaneous 5G Broadcast pilot demonstrates the power and potency of R&S High Power, High Tower transmitter technology.

“Over the last six months, we have rolled-out our nationwide DVB-T2 network and as well expanded our Pay-TV network in DTT on a fast schedule, utilizing Rohde & Schwarz's high-quality transmitters”, commented Digita’s SVP Broadcasting Pekka Mattila. “Our cooperation has been excellent and transmitter deliveries have been punctual, which is crucial in fast paced projects.“

Digita owns and operates Finland’s leading terrestrial network for nationwide TV and radio transmissions and is the country’s largest independent owner of telecommunication masts. The company is a provider of digital software and services. Digita’s services include telecommunication masts, data centre and IoT services, and broadcasting services for the future. Digita provides services to Finland’s largest mobile phone operators, internet and media companies, infrastructure enterprises and real estate owners.

For Rohde & Schwarz, the project has been an interesting challenge for its technology supply chain. The demands of delivering a large network at such short timescales, combined with the technology support needed to start a 5G Broadcast pilot simultaneously are considerable. The company reports that both phases of the project proceeded without hitches.

“Digita is one of the most innovative network operators in Europe. We are driven as a market leading vendor to support our customers with the latest technology and we are very happy to provide Digita our most-efficient and future-proof transmitters. Our R&S team is looking forward to successfully concluding the project together with Digita,” commented Manfred Reitmeier, Vice President Transmitter and Amplifier Systems.