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Journal of Ghana Institution of Engineers, Vol.1, 2016,

Journal of theGhana InstitutionOf Engineers

Volume 1, December 2016



JOURNAL OFTHE GHANA INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS1 TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF USING SORGHUM

BREWERS SPENT GRAIN TO GENERATE ONE MEGAWATTOF ELECTRICITY USING DIRECT COMBUSTION

TECHNOLOGYM. M. Manyuchi & R. Frank

Department of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering,

Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe

1

2 LOCATING FACILITIES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSESERVICES: INSIGHTS FOR GHANAIAN PROFESSIONAL

ENGINEERS

E. A. Donkor

Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

[email protected]; [email protected]

7

3 IMPACT AND MITIGATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIESON THE DENSU RIVER BASIN

K. P Osei, D. N. Asamoah and I. A Sam

AngloGold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mine

[email protected] / [email protected]

15

4 DETERMINING LOCATION AND SIZE OF STATCOM TOENHANCE VOLTAGE STABILITY OF POWER SYSTEMS FOR

NORMAL AND CONTINGENCY SITUATIONS

Essilfie J. E.1 Amewornu E. M.2

1Regional Projects, Accra East Region, Electricity Company of Ghana, Accra,2School of Engineering, Cape Coast Polytechnic Institute, Cape Coast, Ghana

23

5 PILOTING BIOFUELS USAGE IN THETRANSPORTATION SECTOR OF GHANA

George Afrane1,, Gabriel K. Osei2

1Food Process Engineering Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra,2Mechanical Engineering Department, Koforidua Technical University,

Koforidua, Ghana

33

6 Ghana Digital Broadcasting Receiver Compliance:A Case Study of Selected Receivers Before Analogue

Switch-Off in September 2017

Adam I. ImoroGhana Broadcasting Corporation, P. O. Box 1633, Accra

43

FRONT INSIDE COVER 1000

BACK COVER 1500

BACK INSIDE COVER 800

FULL PAGE 600

ADVERTISING RATES

HALF PAGE 300

QUARTER PAGE 200

GH¢

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor In ChiefIng. Dr. Adam I. ImoroGhana Broadcasting Corporation, Accra

Board Members .1. Ing. Dr. Frederick Amu-Mensah

CSIR Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana.

2. Ing. Dr. Emmanuel Appiah-Adjei,KNUST, Kumasi , Ghana.

3. Ing. Dr. Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi,CSIR, Forestry Research Institute, Kumasi.

4. Ing. Dr. Jerry John KponyoKNUST, Kumasi , Ghana.

5. Dr. Felix K. AkorliUPO Box 525, KNUST - Kumasi

6. Ing. Wallace Agbli GbedemahAbsolute Engineering Service

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD1. Ing. Prof. Mohammed Salifu

National Council for Tertially Education (NCTE).

2. Ing. Prof. S. N. OdaiKNUST, Kumasi , Ghana.

3. Prof. K. K. AdarkwaKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

4. Prof. C.K. KankamKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

5. Ing. Dr. E.B. HaganAIT, Accra, Ghana .

6. Ing. Dr. A. I. MahamaUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

7. Dr. M. D. Gidigasu,Highway and Geotechnical Engineering Consultant, Kumasi, Ghana .

8. Dr. J. D. NelsonUniversity of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K.

9. Dr. J.O. GogoScience and Technology Policy Research Institute, CSIR, Accra, Ghana.

10.Ing. Moses DowuonaMultilec Construction Ltd., Accra, Ghana.

11.Ing. S.A AddoEngineers Center, Accra.

PUBLISHERGhana Institution of Engineers

P. O. Box AN 7042, Accra-NorthISSN 0855 - 0843

E-mail: [email protected]@yahoo.com

www.ghie.org.gh

JOURNAL OFTHE GHANA INSTITUTION OF

ENGINEERS© 2011 All Rights Reserved



1

GHANA DIGITAL BROADCASTING RECEIVER COMPLIANCE:A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED RECEIVERS BEFORE ANALOGUE

SWITCH-OFF IN SEPTEMBER 2017

Adam I. ImoroGhana Broadcasting Corporation, Accra

ASO: Analogue Switch Off

ATT: Analogue Terrestrial Television

ATU: African Telecommunication Union

ATV: Analogue Television

AUB: African Union of Broadcasting

AV: Audio Visual

CA: Conditional Access

dBm: decibels with reference to one milli

watt

CG: Cable Gold

DSO: Digital Switch On

DTH: Direct to Home

DTT: Digital Terrestrial Television

DTV: Digital Television (DTT+DTH)

DVB- Digital Video Broadcasting

DVB-S: DVB First Generation Satellite

DVB-S2: DVB Second Generation Satellite

DVB-T: DVB First Generation Terrestrial

DVB-T2: DVB Second Generation Terrestrial

ECOWAS: Economic Community of West Afri

can States

EPG: Electronic Programming Guard

EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMI: Electromagnetic Interference

FD: First Digital

FPMC: Front Panel Manuel Control

FEC: Forward Error Correction

FTA: Free to Air

GBC: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

GI: Guard Interval

GS1099: Ghana DTT Standard

GSA: Ghana Standard Authority

GSM: Global System Mobile

GSMA: GSM Association

HD: High Definition Television

HEVC: High Efficiency Video Coding

idTV: Integrated Digital Television

IMT: International Mobile Telecommunica

tion

LCN: Logical Channel Number

LTE: Long Term Evolution

MFN: Multiple Frequency Network

MOC: Ministry of Communication

MPEG: Moving Picture Expert Group

MW: megawatt

NCA: National Communication Authority

OOBE: Out-Of-Band Emission

PG: Programme Guide

PMSE: Program Making and Special Events

PPDR: Public Protection and Disaster Relief

RCA: Derives from Radio Communication

of America

RCU: Remote Control Unit

SAB: Special Application Broadcast

SAP: Special Application Programmes

SDTV/SD: Standard Definition Television

SFN: Single Frequency Network

SQ: Signal Quality

SS: Signal Strength

STB: Set Top Box

UHDTV/UHD: Ultra High Definition Television

UHF: Ultra High Frequency

VHF: Very High Frequency

W: watts

Glossary

pp 43– 81


2

Abstract

A number of broadcasting receivers (ATT, DTT, DTH), some approved, others taken from the ‘wild or

market’ have been studied for their compliance with GS1099.GS1099 is Ghana and Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS) DTT Receiver Standard.

A look at GS1099 indicates there about 322 shall requirements for performance of digital broadcasting

receiving system. Out of these requirements the following have been looked at: incidences of breakdown of

set-top boxes (STBs), conformance logo and conformance regime, receiver frequency range, out-of-band

emissions (OOBEs), tuning challenges, bypass for another STB, logical channel number (LCN), STBs

powers of above 10 W, mains power supply, remote and front panel control; signal strength and quality,

parental control of receivers, accessories (user manuals, RCA/AV connectors) and e-waste. There is also a

study of STB combos which were not originally part of GS1099.

The study has established that there is a growing incidence of STB failures with a large number of

receivers not having conformance logos on them. All receivers examined have frequency ranges in 470-862

MHz even though 694-862 MHz are being allocated to IMT which basically would sterilize the band

thereby not allowing PMSE/PPDR usages. A number of receivers do not provide bypass for another STB.

LCN failure occurs among receivers tested, these include some approved. Some STBs have power

requirements of above 10 W.

All DTV receivers studied have mains voltage of 100-240 V instead of 100-250 V which makes them

susceptible to failure during voltage fluctuations-a frequent phenomenon in the system. Some RCUs do not

appear robust enough while some STBs provide no front panel controls as required. Challenges with SS/

SQ have been observed in terms of percentage, colour and explicit displays. Parental control, ratings have

been checked.

Availability of accessories such as user manuals and RCA/AV connectors have been checked. It has been

established that virtually all RCA/AV connectors are less than the 1.5 m lengths. Some STBs indicate e-

waste disposal whilst others do not. GS1099 originally did not appear to include combos, but companies

have been approved to supply same.

Using these ground truth findings and observations, a number of recommendations have been made.

Results of this study and its recommendations would be found useful to regulators (in Ghana and

ECOWAS) during updating the compliance regime for DTT/DTH receivers. Manufacturers and companies

accredited to carry out conformance verification, GSA, would also find this useful. Findings could also be

useful material to train customs officials to carry out their work more effectively. Utilities companies would

also take a cue from the findings to start planning for the introduction of these systems into their networks.

It also suggests that domesticating or partially accrediting local entities to participate in the conformance

process would boost local content component thereby creating more jobs.

Researchers especially those in academia should also take a cue from implications of the study and

investigate the receivers (with and without the conformance logo) in their own localities to appropriately

report for further action.

Installer trainers and trainees would also find the information useful. Lastly but not the least, the viewer

would find some of the findings useful for the selection and installation of digital television receivers in

ATT to DTV transition. It would also alert people as to what to look at for when purchasing DTT receivers.

Keywords: STB, CONFORMANCE, LCN, IMT, E-WASTE, MAXIMUM POWER

pp 43– 81


3

1.0 Introduction

Ghana could not make it to June 17, 2015 in analogue terrestrial television (ATT) to digital terrestrial television(DTT) transition even though she was among countries which had commenced digital switch on (DSO) by 2008. Thenew deadline the country has set itself is September 2017 plus a possibility of dual illumination of additional oneyear (MOC, 2016).

DTT has among the following advantages (NCA1, 2010; NCA2, 2016, NCA5, 2016;Plum Farncombe, 2014): Good,consistent picture quality, enhanced viewer experience, increased and diversity of programs, increased local programcontent through drop and add, interactive including electronic programming guide, parental guide and control, im-proved spectrum efficiency, transmission of up to twenty (20) TV programmes on one channel, yielding of spectrumdividend for other services such as international mobile telephony (IMT), reduced operational cost for broadcasters,reduction of barrier to entry for new entrants among others.

1.1 Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Transmission Value Chain

The DTT value chain consists of content, multiplexing, transmission and reception is depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Value Chain

1.2 International Digital Broadcasting Standards

Figure 2 depicts the international (world-wide) digital broadcasting standards. They include DVB, ATSC, ISBD andDTMB. Ghana is among countries which opted for the DVB-T2 MPEG 4 terrestrial digital broadcasting transmis-sion standard. As a matter of fact, all of Africa except Botswana have adopted the same standard. Botswana hasopted for ISDB-T (Ghazi I, 2015).

pp 43– 81


4

Figure 2: World-Wide DTT Standards and Transition (Ghazi I, 2015)

1.3 Status of ATT to DTT in Ghana

The transition from ATT to DTT in Ghana started in Ghana with the introduction of a pilot DTT transmitting systemin Accra (NCA1, 2010). Full summary of what had taken place so far had been captured in the report. Advertise-ment, conformance logo, emergency of receivers are beginning to appear in the public space (see Figure 3) (NCA1,2010).

As at now, a number of DTT transmitting networks are being deployed hereand there, with bill boards appearing to capture these efforts. A draft policydocument (MOC, 2016) has outlined a national ATT to DTT migration/transition roadmap shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3: Yes, Ghana is also Going Digital (MOC, 2016)

pp 43– 81


5

Figure 4: DTT Roadmap of Ghana (NCA4, 2016)

1.4 Success Factor of ATT to DTT Transition

Key components of a successful ATT to DTT transition are the transmitting and receiving Systems. Stakeholders inensuring digital receiver works include (MOC, 2016), Broadcasters, signal distributors, television and set-top-boxmanufacturers, dealers and retailers, installers and general public [NCA1, 2010].We can also add Customs and Excise as direct gatekeepers and consumer associations as Implicit stakeholders.

1.5 Transmitting System

1.5.1 Analogue and Digital Television Services

Table 1 : Summary of Authorised Television Broadcasting Stations in Ghana as at September 2016 (NCA5, 2016)

No Type of TV Service Total No. ofAuthorised

Stations

Total No.of Stations

On Air

Total No. ofStations Not

On Air

1 Analogue Terrestrial Television 21 15 6

2 Digital Terrestrial Pay Television (Service Only) 1 1 0

3 Digital Terrestrial Pay Television (Service and Frequency) 5 4 1

4 Digital Terrestrial Television (Network Only) 0 0 0

5 Digital Terrestrial Free-to-Air Television Programme Channel 7 4 3

6 Digital Terrestrial Radio Service on TV Multiplex 0 0 0

7 Satellite Television Broadcasting (Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet) 7 4 3

8 Satellite Television Broadcasting (Free-To-Air Direct-To-Home SingleBouquet)

7 2 5

9 Satellite Television Broadcasting 36 20 16

10 Digital Terrestrial Television additional Services (e.g. Teletext, etc) 0 0 0

11 Digital Terrestrial Mobile Television Service (Stand-alone Authorisation) 0 0 0

12 Digital Cable Television 1 1 0

13 Television over Internet Protocol (IPTV) 0 0 0

Total Number of Authorised TV Stations 85 51 34

pp 43– 81


6

Figure 5: Typical DTT Transmitting Sites

A number of DTT networks are already operational with varying number of programs per multiplexing and transmit-ting channels shown in Table 2. Figure 5 depicts typical transmitting towers for DTT.

A careful analysis of these channels makes it possible to identify FTA programs and also eliminate those repeated tohave a net of about fifty-six (56) FTA programs. (See Figure 6)

Table 2: DTT Networks in Accra and Environs

DTT transmitting sites are growing in traditional transmitting sites (See Figure 5)

pp 43– 81


7

About fifty-six (56) of these programs are free-to-air (FTA) illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 6: ATT and DTT Programs in Accra and Environs

Figure 6 has been arrived at by scanning all nine DTT networks and taking pictures of logos of all FTA programs.Repeated programs across the networks have been eliminated.

1.6 Receiving System

To be able to receive all FTA programs a DTT receiving system either a STB connected to a conventional ATV ordedicated digital television receiver (idTV) as illustrated in Figure 7 is necessary.

Figure 7: DTT Receiving Systems (NCA1, 2010): (a) Antenna+STB+ATV, (b) Antenna+STB+idTV, (c) An-tenna+idTV

1.6.1. Role of DTT Receiving System

The current study uses a simple DTT Receiving System Set-up, GS1099, Selection Procedure, logical channel num-ber (LCN) allocations guidelines, etc, user manuals of various receivers, to verify the compliance of each receiver tosome requirements in GS1099 (NCA2, 2016).

For instance, GS1099 (NCA2, 2016) has been searched for some important key words, namely: shall, may andshould requirements. The summary is captured in Table 3. The significance of each of these words are also con-tained in Table 3.

Table 3: Summary of Key Requirements of GS1099 (NCA2, 2016)

(a) (b) (c)

Requirement Meaning of Requirement Number of Times Percentage(%)

1 Shall Mandatory 322 81.3

2 Should highly recommended, but not mandatory 27 6.8

3 May Optional 47 11.9

Total 396 100

pp 43– 81


8

A number of ATT (operating on channels for VHF and UHF are 5, 7, 9, 12, 30, 31, 33, 39, 42, 44, 48, 51 etc) and

DTT (22, 23, 28, 37, 38, 41, 43, 45) services are currently available in Accra and environs. See Appendix A.1 for

VHF, UHF Channel list. Details of authorized ATT and DTT services in operation are given in Table 1.

1.6.2 Motivation for Study

A casual observation of DTT receivers in the system [See figure 8a], user manuals and actions of NCA [See Figure8] suggests that a more detailed study using ground truth and simple tools would help to improve effectiveness andefficiency of GS1099 for national and sub-regional usage.

Figure 8: NCA action on Rogue Behaviour (a) None DTT idTV claiming compliance, (b) clamped-down

STBs sold in the market, (c) NCA inspectors educate public on GS1099 compliant receivers (NCA6,

2015).

The ‘idTV’ in Figure (8a) has a conformance logo but apparently has only ATT and DTH reception capa-bility.

For all the above reasons and many more, a continuing study of DTV receivers and reception challengessolicits our attention for public good.

The rest of the paper is presented as follows. Section 1 is a glossary of terms used and this background orintroduction. Section 2 deals with the conformance of various parameters of a DTV receiving systems torequirements of GS1099. This is followed by Sections 3 and 4 where observations/findings and recommen-dations are made. Section 5 is the conclusion. References are in Section 6 ending with an Appendix in Sec-tion 7.

2.0 Conformance to GS1099

Using a number of sources (NCA2, 2016), (NCA3, 20160), (ECOWAS, 2013), (NCA7, 2016) and a selectnumber of digital television (DTV) receivers (DRxer1, DRxer2, DRxer3, DRxer4, DRxer5, DRxer6,DRxer7, DRxer8, DRxer9, DRxer10) checks have been carried out to authenticate some important pa-rameters (especially the shall requirements) conformance with GS1099. The requirements checked includemaintenance, digital Ghana thumb logo, conformance regime, frequency bands, tuning, bypass support forSTB, logical channel number, power consumption and mains supply voltage among others. Their detailsare Table A.2 in the Appendix (A.3 Essential Requirements).

(a) (b) (c)

pp 43– 81


9

Note that DRxer1 to DRxer10 are: DRXer1, DRxer2, DRxer3– are approved STBs; DRxer4, DRxer5, ap-

proved Combos; DRxer6, DRxer7, proprietary STBs; DRxer8, DRxer9, idTVs picked from market; and

DRxer10 an STB picked from the market/wild.

2.1 Maintenance Challenges of STBs

DTT services were introduced in Ghana in 2008 (NCA1, 2010). Since then, a number of DTV receivers includingthose approved (NCA8, 2016) have been in the system. The performance and failure or breakdown rates of some ofthese receivers provide information about maintenance and operational challenges of these systems.

Whilst a detailed study on maintenance challenge is outstanding, it can be reported that some of these systems havebeen successfully repaired with others completely broken down. Figure 9 illustrates STB and components includingboards whose malfunction lead to their breakdown.

Those who have worked on malfunctioning STBs have complained of absence of critical spares and units such asregulators, power supply units and video board.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 9: Maintenance Challenge of DTT Receivers

Figure 9c for instance illustrates a large number of boards suspected to have regulator problems.

Why this matters: A robust DTV receiving system is necessary in this early days of introducing the tech-

nology.

2.2 Conformance Logo

Figure 8 are number of DTT receivers which had been seized from the market (NCA6, 2016). They do not

have conformance logos on them.

2.3 Conformance Regime

To ensure DTV receivers satisfy GS1099, a number of companies have been accredited to check receiversbefore they enter Ghanaian market. These companies have in turn tested a number receivers and foundthem satisfactory for the market.

2.3.1 Test Laboratories/Certifying Receiver Entities

GS1099 compliant digital broadcast receivers are supposed to be tested by a number companies including(NCA9, 2016): 1 DTG Testing Limited (DTGTL); 2 National Testing & Inspection Center for Radio andTV Products (TIRT); 3 Eurofins Digital Testing; 4 Altech Multimedia (AMM), 5 Sony EMCS (Malaysia)Sdn Bhd; 6 Sony EMCS EMC/RF Test laboratory Main Lab; 7 Sony KODA EMC Test Laboratory; 8Electronics Testing Centre, Taiwan; 9 QueTek Corporation; 10 DTV Accredited Compliance Lab (part ofSamsung Electronics); 11 CS & Environment Centre of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd; 12 EMC Compli-ance Co. Ltd; 13 Nemko Korea; 14 Vestel Electronics Corporation; 15 Bureau Veritas Consumer ProductsServices (Hong Kong) Limited; 16 UL Japan, Inc.; 17 Digital TV Testing Laboratory, Telecom Technol-ogy Center

pp 43– 81


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Figure 10: DTT Standard Conformance Logo(NCA1, 2016), (NCA9, 2016)

Once a receiver complies with GS1099 requirements and is certified by these companies and issued with a

report, NCA would issue permits for logos in Figure 10 to be placed on them.

2.3.2 Approved STBs/Combos/idTVs

The number of companies with approval to supply DTV (not necessarily DTT because some receivers havesatellite reception capabilities) receivers to the Ghanaian market include STBs/Combos and idTVs (NCA8,2016).

2.3.2.1 STBs/Combos

These category of receivers include STB meant for terrestrial reception and combos which are for both ter-restrial and satellite reception. Companies certified to supply these systems include: [NCA9, 2016]

1 Subah Infosolutions Ltd (STB);2 Syndicated Capital Limited (STB, Combo);3 GN Electronics Limited(STB);4 Strong Digital (Combo);5 First Digital (Combo);6 RLG(STB), 7 Melcom Limited; and 8 AfriyieElectroworld Ltd (Combo).

2.3.2.2 Integrated digital Televisions (idTVs)

Integrated digital television DTV receivers have analogue terrestrial, digital terrestrial and satellite recep-tion capability. Companies certified to supply these systems include [NCA9, 2016]:1. Mobile Zone Lim-ited;2 Sogha Limited (Sony);3 Somotex Ghana Limited;4 Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited(Samsung);5 Melcom Limited; 6 Sun Electronics Limited; and 7 Goldcast Communication Limited.

2.3.4 Verification of Logo on DTV Receiver Compliance

Using visual inspection of a select number of DTV receivers, compliance of logos (see Figure 10) on themhave been verified and results summarized in Table 4.

pp 43– 81


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Table 4: Conformance of various DTV Receivers (Digital Thumb Logo)

Why Logo matters: The requirement for approved DTV receivers to have this logo on them is to make it

easier for a consumer to select a correct receiver without being bothered by technical jargon associated

with the standard.

2.4 Issues with DTT Radio Frequency Range

GS1099 DTT Receiver frequency range is summarized in Table 5.

Table 5: Frequency Range of GS1099 DTT Receiver (NCA2, 2016)

Using the manuals of various DTV receivers and visual inspection and in some cases the set-up mode, various fre-quency ranges have been verified and summarized in Table 6.

Table 6: Conformance of various DTT Receivers and Frequency (reconstruct with manuals)

Band Frequency Range [MHz] Bandwidth [MHz] Requirement

VHF Band III 174-230 7 Mandatory

UHF Band IV 470-606 8

UHF Band V 606-862 8

Why 174-230 MHz and 470-694 MHz range matters: Frequency range beyond 694 MHz might be accepted inlong term in view of Digital Dividend I and II and exclusion 174-230 MHz would not be acceptable going forward.

2.4.1 Frequency Range and DD I and DD II

The frequency range (694-862 MHz) (Doeven J, et al:, 2012), (Germany, 2016), (Ericsson, 2014), (Fabius L, et al:,2013), (Bonnah E, et al; 2016), (Ancans G, et, al:, 2015), (NCA10, 2015) has been designed as digital dividend I orDD I (790-862 MHz) and digital dividend II or DD II (694-790 MHz).

2.4.2 Importance/Value of Digital Dividend FrequenciesUHF frequency range 694-862 MHz has effectively been declared as digital dividend frequencies (MOC, 2016).

Some call these range of frequencies ‘golden frequencies’ (Fabius L, et al:, 2013) because of their relatively supe-

rior propagation properties (see Figure 11) when it comes to some important services such as IMT. When auctioned

they also bring a lot of money to the government. This strong point of digital dividend spectrum band is a subject

recent study (Bonnah E, 2016).

DTVReceiver

DRxer1 DRxer2 DRxer3

DRxer4 DRxer5 DRxer6 DRxer7 DRxer8 DRxer9 DRxer10

Frequency(Mhz)

48-862 174-230,470-862 48-862 104-862 174-230, 470-862174-230,470-862

pp 43– 81


12

Figure 11: Coverage Areas of Digital Dividend Frequencies (Bonnah E, et al:, 2016)

2.4.3 Digital Dividend Spectrum in Ghana

As a matter of fact, Ghana has already auctioned one of two lots of first digital dividend (NCA10, 2015).Figure 12 illustrates the two sets of frequency bands which have been subject of auction for IMT usage in Ghana.

Figure 12: Two Lots of DD I (790-862 MHz) auctioned (NCA10, 2015)

One of the lots was auctioned to MTN (NCA10, 2015) with the later reporting of already deploying 4G services

(MTN, 2016)

2.4.4 Compatibility between IMT and other Services

Uganda’s DTT receiver frequency range captured in Table 7 (Uganda, 2013) is instructive and should be emulatedby Ghana and ECOWAS.

Table 7: Frequency Range of Uganda DTT Receiver Recognizing DD I and II (Uganda, 2013)

pp 43– 81


13

Ghana DTT’s network is being planned in the Channel Range 470-694 MHz (NCA11, 2011), (NCA12,2011).It must be noted that PMSE (NCA13, 2015) and PPDR (EBU,2017)service frequencies would have to beadjusted to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) when IMT fully utilize digital dividend frequencyrange of 694-862 MHz (MOC, 2016).

Figure 13: Avoiding Interference Potential IMT Entering Broadcast Bands (Sami W, 2014) (EBU, 2017),(Hamadeh, 2015)

Compatibility between DTT and IMT are already subject of study (Sami W, 2014) - see Figure 13. Other

services include PMSE and PPDR (Hamadeh, 2015).

Why this matters: If it has been decided that DTT operates within 470-694 MHz band, why require DTTreceiver frequencies range of 470-862 MHz? The implication of this range extension is to require transmit-ting and receiving antennas to be designed, constructed and implemented within this range. We are not surewhether the out-of-band emissions (OOBEs) would affect receivers operating outside the range 479-694MHz.

2.5 Scanning: Automatic, Manual, FTA Scans

One DTT receiver would not allow for scanning of all free-to-air (FTA) channels.

This is checked or verified by using a standard reception mode (antenna+STB+ATV) as suggested in Fig-ure 7a and then using the MENU key on the remote control unit.In this condition you select Channel Search and Installation on the two STBs respectively. The outcome of

these checks is illustrated in Figure 14. In Figure 14a, a manual scan option is provided while Figure 14b

does not.

pp 43– 81


14

(a) (b)Figure 14: STB provides (a) with Manual Search/Scan and (b) without Manual Search/Scan Options

The STB (DVB-T2, MPEG 4 standard) in Figure 14b performs only automatic scans. It would first scan Channels 41and 43 followed by Channels 22 and 23. Other channels, namely 28, 37, 38, 41 and 43 are not scanned even thoughSS/SQ values can be read for Channels 37, 38, 41, 43 and 45 as shown in Figure 15.

GS1099 requires that all channels be scanned irrespective of conditional access (CA)/FTA.

Figure 15: STB (DRxer7) shows SQ for most channels but scans and stores programs from Channel

22, 23, 41 and 43.

Why Manual Scan/Search Matters: Manual Scan/Search availability would enable a user to select anychannel with the standard range to scan for programs. Not being able to do this might make it necessary forconsumer to buy another DTV receiver which is should not be the case.

2.6 STB Fails to Display SS and SQ for Channel 28

Figure 16 shows a DVB-T2, MPEG 4 STB (DRxer7). Two versions of this receiver show SS/SQ readings

in Fig. 16(a) and fails to do so in Fig. 16(b).

(a) (b)

Figure 16: Display of Channel 28 on DRxer7 (a) shows SS/SQ (b) does show SS/SQ values

pp 43– 81


15

Why it matters: This particular company’s proprietary STBs have been in the Ghanaian market for some

time now and could have been bought in large quantities. Those owning this DTT receiver should not be

compiled to procure additional DTT receivers once they subscribe to service.

2.7 Bypass Support for STB through RF Loop out

It is a requirement of GS1099 (NCA2, 2016) for a STB to have a “ path from RF input to RF output to al-low RF bypass independently of the operational on stand-by status of the STB decoder, so that connectedequipment (e.g. a TV set) can continue to operate”’.

Using visual inspection, Figure 17 (a) shows that an approved combo provides bypass ports whilst Figure

17 (b) provides no bypass ports for a number of STB combos. The place of the bypass port has been taken

over by DTH RF input.

(a) (b)

Figure 17: Combo STB (a) with and (b) without Bypass Support

Why it matters: The idea of the bypass support for another STB is to avoid viewers having to use more than oneantenna if two receivers are to be used, such as a FTA and pay television (proprietary STB). The absence of the by-pass undermines this functionality.

2.8 Logical Channel Number (NCA14, 2016)-(NCA15, 2016)

Rules for the allocation of LCNs are in Figure 18 (NCA14, 2016).

Figure 18: Channel Map of Valid Logical Channel Number Descriptor in a DTT Receiver per GS1099 (NCA2, 2016)

pp 43– 81


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GS1099 requires that “LCN information shall be broadcast via a privately defined LCN descriptor outlined“(NCA.14, 2016).

Role of LCN:

The role of the LCN is to enable user presentation of service numbers in a convenient and familiar form. To avoidconflicting allocation of LCNs the logical channel number should be unique across all the networks that cover thesame geographical region. Stations have been therefore been assigned Logical Channel Numbers in Table 8(NCA14,2016).

Table 8: Current Programmes on Channel 28 with LCNs allocated (NCA15, 2016)

National Communications Authority (NCA) has recently published assigned LCNs of authorized TV ProgrammeChannels [NCA15, 2016)-See Table 8.

Table 9: Summary of LCN Status of various DTT Receivers

2.8.1 LCN Check using Channel

Channel 28 has about 20 FTAs. Using this channel and a number of select receivers in a standard reception configu-ration (see Figure 7) LCNs allocated (Table 8) have been verified. The results are summarized in Table 9.

Figure A.1 (Screen Shots of DTV Programs and LCN Compliance) in Appendix are screen shots of ten (10) DTV

used in the study and their LCN compliance. Figure 19 illustrates how a DTT receiver fails an LCN test. See FigureA.1: Screen Shots of LCN of ten (10) DTV Receivers in the appendix.

Figure 19: Illustration of LCN failure (See Figure A.1 of appendix for more details)

Service GTV GBC24 GTV G T VSports +

GTV Life O b o n uTV

C r y s t a lPrime

C r y s t a lXtra

C r y s t a lPlus

TVA TV3

LCN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Service Metro TV Net 2 ETV VISAT Top TV KantankaTV

CTV Light TV GhOne A t i n k aTV

UTV

LCN 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 23 24 25 26

pp 43– 81


17

Why LCN pass matters: Part of the intent of LCN compliance is to assist a viewer to select clean channels. An LCNpass could be a very strong suggestion that it is GS1099 compliant.

2.9 Maximum Power Consumption of DTV Receivers

GS1099 DTV receivers, especially STBs are to consume a maximum of 10 watts (NCA2, 2016) as follows:

Using User Manuals, input power adapters, the power consumption of various DTV receivers have been identifiedand captured in Table 10.

2.9.1 Determining Power Consumption of a Complete DTV Reception Set-up

It is currently estimated that there are about 5.7 million TV households in Ghana will be about 2.2 million being hav-ing DTH receivers (satellite reception), (SES, 2016).

To completely determine the power consumption of a complete DTV reception set-up demands knowledge of theSTB and analogue/digital television set.

A select number of analogue televisions and integrated television receivers have been studied and their power con-

sumption summarized in Table 10.

Table 10: Power Consumption of Select CRTs/LCDs/LEDs

If each STB consumes this minimum power that works out to be about 57 MW, a considerable amount of power tobe connected to the national grid.

Table 11: Conformance of various DTV (Power Consumption)

From the Table 11one STB has a maximum power consumption of 20 watts, another 12 watts. This is because STBpower consumption is an important issue (GhIE, 2014) as part of Green Solutions and current energy managementprograms in the country. The average power consumption of DTH receivers is about 25 watts. Using these figures,the following can be calculated for the power consumption of a DTV Setup

4.9.4 Power consumption for STBs [NCA2, 2016

The STB together with its power supply shall have the following maximum power consumption:A) Normal Operation: 10 W;B) Standby (Active): 6 W;

pp 43– 81


18

Power Consumption of 3.5 million DTT STBs at about 10 W each: 3.5x10=35MW

Power Consumption of 2.2 million DTH STBs at about 25 W each=2.2x25=55MW,

Power Consumption of 5.7 million analogue televisions (ATVs) at about 90 W each= 5.7x90= 513 MW

Total=35+55+513=603MW

Table 12 is a summary of the computations above.

Table 12: Total Power Requirement of DTV Receiving Systems after ASO

This is more than capacity of a number of VRA systems (VRA, 2017) shown in table A3 of Appendix (A.4)(See Figure 20).

Figure 20: Comparison of VRA Power Generation Units and DTV Receiver Consumption

Note that apart from Akosombo, all other generation capacities are less than the power required for DTV receivers(DTT+DTH). This suggests that DTV power requirement in the national grid planning should not be taken forgranted in the long ran.

Why it matters: Ensuring that DTV receivers stay within their power limits has green solutions implication. Viola-tions would undermine this.

2.10 Input Mains Voltage/Frequency (Supply Voltage)

Using User manuals and visual inspection, the input mains voltage and frequency of various DTV receivers are cap-

Receiver Component Power ConsumptionPer Unit

Quantity (Millions) Total Power Consump-tion (MW)

DTT STB 10 3.5 35

DTH STB 25 2.2 55

ATV Display 90 5.7 513

Total Power Requirement 603

pp 43– 81


tured in Table 13. The supply voltage required in GS1099 is 100-250 V [NCA2, 2016].

Table 13: Conformance of various DTT Receivers (Mains Voltage Ranges)Key: PS-Power Supply

Why 100-250 V range matters: Receivers not complying with the voltage range might be vulnerable to voltage fluc-tuations which is common in Ghana’s power supply network and could therefore be reason for early breakdownDTV receivers.

2.11 Remote Control Unit/FPMC

Figure 21 illustrates a remote control unit (RCU) which are interoperable. The RCU helps the viewer to perform suchfunctions as channel/programme selection, regular scanning, parental control, electronic program guide, scanningand storing clean channels, editing channels to store only FTA ones, etc. Without the RCU a user has to have a sec-ond or fall back in the form of front panel controls which should physically be on the receiver.

Figure 21: Interoperable Remote Control Units

In cases where the remote control is dysfunctional or is not there, a front panel control would be necessary. Accord-ing to GS1099, Front Panel Controls are to be provided on STB receivers (NCA2, 2016).

19

DTV Receiver DRxer1 DRxer2 DRxer3 DRxer4 DRxer5 DRxer6 DRxer7 DRxer8 DRxer9 DRxer10

PS(V) 100-240

4.10 POWER SUPPLY

The STB receiver shall be supplied complete with 100-250 V AC to 12V DC power supply unit where thenominal frequency shall be 50Hz with a fluctuation range between ±2%.

(GS1099, 2016)

pp 43– 81


2.11.1 STB Front Panel Manual Control

GS1099 requires front panel manual controls (FPMC) on receivers so that without a RCU the following can be doneon the STB: Program selector P+ and P−; Volume selector V+ and V−; Menu; Ok and Standby/On. Two STBs (seeFigure 22) have no FPMCs.

(a) (b)

Figure 22: STBs without FPMC

Why it matters: A lot of functionalities of a DTV receivers are not easily accessible in the absence of the remote con-trol unit.

2.12 Signal Strength and Quality and Display Anomalies

GS1099 requires that signal strength indicator (SSI) and signal quality indicator (SQI) with relative values in therange 0 to 100% be provided. This shall be provided for as on screen displays with green colour bar indicating signalis okay, yellow colour bar indicating marginal and red colour bar indicating poor signal as depicted in Figure 23[NCA2, 2016).

Figure 23: GS1099 SS/SQ Indication (Otis N, at, al:, 2015).

2.12.1 Importance of SS/SQ

Signal strength (SS) and signal quality (SQ) level indicators will aid the users in setting up the antenna system to en-sure best reception position (especially indoor/outdoor portable) or identify other reception problems. The qualitywarns you as you approach a cliff in the reception (See Figure 24).

It could also be useful for installers and their trainees as recommended in Digital Migration Committee Report(NCA1, 2010).

20

pp 43– 81


Figure 24: Digital Cliff (Digital Cliff, 2017)

Various receivers and how they display their signal strengths and qualities are shown in Figure 25. These pictures are

taken on screen on the receiver in a standard reception mode. The MENU key is used to select SS and SQ modes.

From the results it can be seen that none so far shows the red, yellow (gold) and green (part of Ghana’s Flag Col-

ours).

Figure 25: How ten(10) DTV receivers in Study Display SS/SQ

2.12.2 SS/SQ Display AnomaliesOne DTT receiver (DRxer2) does not show the percentage directly when the Manual Scan/Search is selected. You

need to be on a particular program and use the ‘info’ button to establish the percentages for SS and SQ (see Fig 26

(a)-(b). A second STB Fig 26 c reverses the strength and quality.

(a) (b) (c)Figure 26 (a)-(b) S/Q Percentage shown indirectly? (c) Quality shown before Strength

21

pp 43– 81


Why it matters: SS and SQ percentages not showing properly creates problems to viewers who want to know thetype of reception in their location (indoor, out-door or fix).

2.13 Input Power Level (Receiver Sensitivities)

Using visual inspection of various user manuals, the Input Signal Levels (dBm) of various DTV receivers have been

recorded as shown in Table 14. With the antenna in Figure 27 connected to different DTV receivers signal strength

(SS) and signal quality (SQ) readings have been recorded to establish the sensitivity of different DTV receivers. The

results are summarized in Table 15.

Figure 27: Receiving Antennas for Verifying Sensitivities of Various DTT Receivers

Table 14 Input Power Levels (Sensitivity)

Notable: It is observed that in general, receivers with SQ of less than 50% would not scan a particular channel, but inTable 15, DRxer2, DRxer3 and DRxer4 successfully scanned channel 45 even though the SQ are less than 50%.DRxer7 scans only Channels 22, 23, 41 and 43. DRxer10 has very low SS and zero for Channel 45 and thereforedoes not scan that particular channel. GS1099 requires all DTV receivers shall scan all channels!

22


Input Power(dBm)

.82~.20 .78~.5 Nil Nil .65~.25 .70~.20 Nil Nil Nil .70~.15

pp 43– 81


Table 15: Using SS and SQ to verify sensitivities of a number DTV Receivers

2.14 Parental Control

It shall be possible to apply parental control (ensuring children do not watch adult television programmes -See Figure

28. Parental control for individual channels shall be implemented as part of the channel store and preferences func-

tion [NCA2, 2016, p.54].

Figure 28: Typical Parental Guide Provisions

Using a typical DTV set, the parental guide (PG) of select number of receivers have been verified and summarized in

Table 16.

Table 16: Conformance of various DTV Receivers (Parental Control)Parental Guidance

Why it matters: Children protection against adult programs is legal requirement in Ghana.

23


PG Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Age (Years) 4-18 4-18 4-18 0-18 PG,13-18

pp 43– 81


2.15 Accessories

2.15. 1 Appropriateness of Operational/User Manual

Standard user manuals are necessary to guide viewers at this early state of ATT to DTT transition/migration. A fewuser manuals studied have generally been compliant with what is expected especially in the provisioning of troubleshooting and technical specifications details. Using visual inspections user manuals have been checked to ascertainthe availability of key components (Technical Specifications and Trouble Shooting). The results are summarised inTable 17.

Typically technical specifications for instance would give details Frequency range, Conformance Symbol, PowerSupply, Maximum power consumption, Input signal level among others. The trouble shooting portion is supposed toaid people viewers in situations there is no reception.

Table 17: Technical Specifications and Trouble Shooting Availability in User Manual

Key: TSpec: Technical Specifications; TShoot: Trouble Shooting

From Table 17 it is clear that not all DTV receivers are in compliance with providing technical specifications andtrouble shooting in their user manuals.

Why it matters: User manual are very important to guide viewers. Its absence, especially technical specifications andtroubleshooting portions should be addressed.

2.15.2 RCA/AV Connector

The RCA/AV is a key component of STB as it is the component that easily makes it possible to convert an analogue

television (ATV) receiving system to a digital television receiving system. It is therefore a main requirement of

GS1099 as follows (NCA2, 2016, p.59)

Figure 29 is a picture of a number of RCA/AV connectors. Each is supposed to be one and half meters (1.5m)[GS1099, p.59] as follows:

24


TSpec Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

TShoot Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes

pp 43– 81


Figure 29 however shows that they are not of the same length. The longest are about length 1.5 m while there are

some less than 1 m. Table 18 is a summary of lengths of a number of RCA/AV connectors measured.

Figure 29: RCA/AV Connectors of lengths 0.8 to 1.5 meters

Table 18 RCA/AV Lengths

GS1099 requires that AV/RCA lengths be 1.5 m.

Why it matters: Depending on display, the length could too short. Conformance requires that this be inspected. Cus-tomers can easily check this compliance anyway.

2.16 E-Waste

ATT to DTT transition is not going to be a one-time event. This means e-waste generated would be considerable in-deed. As pointed out in the introduction, Ghana started ASO in 2008 with DVB-T, MPEG 2 and DTMB for mobiledevices.

Figure 30: Different DTT Receivers since 2008 (DVB-T2, MPEG 4, DVB-T, MPEG 4, DVB-T, MPEG 2)

The system was to be upgraded to DVB-T MPEG 4 in 2010. Now it is DVB-T2 MPEG 4/AVC. Figure 30 is an illus-tration of DVB-T MPEG 2, DVB-T MPEG 4, DVB-T2 MEGP 4 standards.

There is currently no DVB-T MPEG 2 and DTMB transmitting systems, thus rendering these digital receivers e-waste already. Also the apparent inadequate monitoring on the ground has led to introduction non-standard DTT re-ceivers which have been breaking down rather too early. Future upgrades are even expected when DVB-T2 HEVCand Perseus based systems are introduced (GSMA, 2015).

Length (m) 1.5 1.2 1.0 >0.8

Quantity 9 7 3 1

25

pp 43– 81


To contain this growing e-waste problem, GS1099 has specific requirement for it.

Using visual inspection on the receiver and on the user manual the compliance of various receivers to this require-ment is summarised in Table 19 (Yes: complied, No: not complied).

Compliance with e-waste requirement would enable owners to discard these systems as they outlive their usefullives.

E-waste on the receiver would ensure owners know how to deal with the devices at the end of their useful lifes. It istherefore important they are on the product.

Table 19: Conformance of various DTT Receivers (E-Waste)

Why it matters: E-waste is a growing problem in the system. DTV systems are going to increase in the system in thecoming years, so ways of dealing with their waste should be dealt with properly as required by GS1099.

2.17 Combo Digital Receivers(NCA2, 2016)

As ATT to DTT rolls out it is increasingly becoming clearer that DTH could be a defector complement to DTT as faras gap fillers (rebroadcast transmitters) are concerned.

(a) STB Combo (b) idTV combo

Figure 31 Combos Considered in Study.

Even though GS1099 is mainly for terrestrial digital receivers, industry and market seems to heading towards more

diverse receivers in the form of combos. A combo is basically a receiver with more than one platform reception capa-

bility (Combo: Has both DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 tuners in them). For STBs it could be ATT and DTT and for idTVs

ATT, DTT and DTH reception capability.

26


E-Waste Com- Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Nil Nil Yes

pp 43– 81


Figure 32: idTV Combo illustration (DTV-DTH, TV: ATV, DTH-Satellite TV)

Combos further solicit the attention of this study because there has not been a standard direct-to-home (DTH) re-ceiver even though there is policy interest in using DTH as a supplement to DVB-T2 coverage in the country(-SeeFigure 31). In any case, some of the receivers to be brought by approved companies include combos (NCA8, 2016).

Figure 32 illustrates some features of idTVs which are also combos.

What is more, DTH coverage is growing through MultiTV and other services through the following DTH services.

The growth of satellite television in the country is gaining weight as 2.2 million out of 5.7 million household TVs are

connected via satellite ( it has been reported that about 2 million homes already have satellite TV reception (SES2,

2016).DTH is illustrated in Figure 33.

Figure 33: DTH Illustration [SES, 2015]

27

pp 43– 81


Figure 34 illustrates programs one could receive on FTA DTH in Ghana.

Figure 34: Programs from DTH

Figure 34 highlights FTA programs a combo owner can receive. Viewers must be aided to enjoy one of the benefitsof Digital Transition/Migration, Program galore!

2.17.1 Upgrading GS1099 to Contain DTH Receivers

A standard DTH receiver should have some desirable functionalities. Some of these include forward/return path,conditional access/scrambling; performance requirements that include safety and EMC and environmental test thatinclude dump test, drop test, dry heat test, damp heat test and operating life test (IBS, 2002)

Why it matters: Transmission and reception technology is showing clearly that combo DTV systems are the nextlogical step in receiver technology. Most idTVs these days for instance come as combos (ATT+DTT+DTH). GS1099should therefore be appropriately modified to include combos.

3.0 Observations/Findings/Notables:

Based on the findings and conclusion above, the following observations/findings can be made:

3.1 Digital Value Chain in Ghana is materializing with about eight DVB-T/T2 and one DVB-H network.

3.2 Ghana is operating DVB (T/T2, S/S2), MPEG 2/MPEG 4 transmission and compression standards.

3.3 All programs on the digital networks are standard definition television(SD or SDTV).

3.4 Ghana is currently in dual illumination state of ATT to DTT transition.

3.5 New DTT networks have led to considerable increase in television programs (15 ATT to more than 50 DTT pro-grammes).

3.6 Some approved DTV receivers do not have conformance logos (thumb) on them.

3.7 There does not seem to be domestication of DTV receiver conformance certification.3.8 Some DTV receivers may not be as robust as required-leading to early breakdown.

3.9 The frequency range of GS1099 (470-862 MHz) does not take into consideration DD I and DD II. It could lead to

28

pp 43– 81


DTT, IMT compatibility issues in the near future.

3.10 A STB fails to display SS/SQ readings for some channels. It does not scan or search for and store programs onsame channels in violation of GS1099 requirement.

3.11 A DTV Combo provides no bypass support through RF loop-out as required by GS1099.

3.12 A number of DTV receivers have failed a critical LCN test.

3.13 Some STBs have maximum power consumption in excess of 10 watts as required.

3.14 All DTV studied have Power Supply of 100-240 V, GS1099 requires 100-250 V.

3.15 An approved STB does not have Front panel control as required by GS1099.

3.16 No DTV receive display SS/SQ colours of red, gold/yellow, green as required by GS1099.

3.17 At least one STB does not explicitly display SS/SQ percentage.

3.18 Input power level of some DTV receivers might be an issue.

3.19 All DTV studied have parental control functionality as required.

3.20 The RCA cables length of some DTV receivers do not meet the standard length of 1.5m.

3.21 At least one STB does not indicate a required e-waste guidance.

3.22 There is a growing presence of combo receivers (DTT+DTH, ATT+DTT+DTH).

3.23 One STB does not allow Manual Tuning in violation of GS1099.

3.24 A DTT receiver does not scan all channels.

3.25 Some DTV receivers do not provide comprehensive user manuals that include essentials such as technicalspecification and trouble shooting.

4. Recommendations

To ensure that going forward GS1099 is improved and more rigorously enforced the following recommendations aremade.

4.1 DTV receivers must come with appropriate spares.

4.2 There is the need to evaluate introduce local conformance entities/companies. These companies can utilizeground truth procedures to test for compliance of DTV receivers in areas that include: LCN compliance, accurateuser manuals, scanning/searching for all channels with FTA and robustness.

4.NCA/GSA and other stakeholders must verify robustness of DTV (DTT and DTH) receivers to further enhance itsperformance.

4.4 DTT STB UHF frequency range must be revised and limited to 470-694 MHz to avoid future DTT, IMT EMI/EMC as 694-862 MHz have been identified as digital spectrum dividend for non-broadcast services.

29

pp 43– 81


30

pp 43– 81

4.5Companies carrying out compliance must ensure they check for the following: logo, maximum power consump-tion, mains power supply, logical channel number, bypass support for another STB, SS/SQ colour code and percent-age, front panel control, e-waste, functional user manuals among others.

4.6 Customs and other regulators must be trained to assist in GS1099 compliance

4.7 Compatibility studies between DTT, IMT, TV White Space, PMSE and PPDR must commence. These activitiesmust be supported and funded by well-resourced organisations such as NCA and GIFEC (NCA17, 2008).

4.8 Knock-down equipment should be brought in to increase local involvement, create jobs and also facilitate main-tenance of broken down DTV receivers.

4.9 Findings should be used as part of training material for installers, shop assistants, customs, enforcement agencies,etc.

5.0 Summary

This study has used a ground truth approach (DTV receivers set up with nine DTT networks operation, visual inspec-tion of DTT receivers and their user manuals) to check the compliance of select number of DTV receivers to require-ments of GS1099: Ghana and ECOWAS DTT receiver standards. The study also makes extensive use of literaturerelated to the subject to arrive its findings.

A number of findings and observations are made followed by recommendations for consideration by various stake-holders in the industry.

It is expected that shortcomings identified would be verified so that future updates of GS1099 would incorporateneeded improvements. It is also expected that researchers and those in academia would show interest in the subject tomake sure the necessary expertise is developed to optimally benefit from the analogue terrestrial television to digitaltelevision (terrestrial and satellite) transition. This is especially so as DTV quality is improving from standard defini-tion to high definition and ultra-high definition television. There is the need to constantly follow these developmentsand improve the standards appropriately.

6. References

[1] MOC, (2016), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcasting Policy 2016, Issued by Ministry of C o mmunications, June 2016, http://moc.gov.gh/digital-terrestrial-television-dtt-broadcasting-policy- d o c ument, Sourced Dec 28, 2016

[2] NCA1, (2010), Report to the Government of Ghana on the Migration from Analogue to Digital BroadcastingIn Ghana, Final Version, National Digital Broadcasting Migration Technical Committee, August 2010.

[3] (NCA2, (2016), Minimum Specifications for DTT Receivers in Ghana, http://nca.org.gh/downloads/Ghana_Miminim_Technical_Specifications_of_DTT_Receivers.pdf, June 2016

[4] Plum Farncombe, (2014), Benefits of Digital Broadcasting, A Report for GSMA

[5] NCA3, (2016), Conformance Regime for the Certification of Receivers of Free to Air DTT in Ghana v1.4

[6] Ghazi, I (2015), ITU Activities and Statistics Relating to DSO and DTT Frequency Planning, BroadcastingServices Division, Radiocommunication Bureau, ITU

[7] ECOWAS, (2013), ECOWAS DTT Receiver Standard

[8] NCA4, (2016), Digital Terrestrial Television Migration: Your Complete Reference Guide, nca.org.gh


[9] NCA5, (2016), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Free-to-Air (FTA) Programme Channel Service Authorizations, Selection and Award Procedure, December 2016

[10] NCA6, (2016), NCA Embarks on Market Surveillance to Protect Consumers from uncertified DTT Set TopBoxes,http://nca.org.gh/assets/Uploads/Press-Release-NCA-Embarks-on-DTT-Market-Surveillance-1.pdf,Sourced Dec 28, 2016

[11] NCA7, (2016), Conformance Regime for the Certification of Receivers of Free to Air DTT in Ghana v1.4,July 2016

[12] NCA8, 2016, List of Approved DTT Receivers Certified to Comply with GS1099 and for which Conformance Logo has been Awarded. Nca.org.gh, sourced March 23, 2016

[13] NCA9, (2016), Conformance Regime for the Certification of Receivers of Free to Air Digital TerrestrialTelevi sion (DTT) in Ghana v1.4, July 2016, NCA

[14] Jan Doeven, et al:, (2012), Digital Dividend Insights for Spectrum Decisions, ITU, August 2012,

[15] Germany, 2016, MBB on the fast track,www1.huawei.com/enapp/198/hw-094168.htm, sourced May 17,2016

[16] Ericsson, 2014, APT700 a truly global LTE band,Ericsson, February 2014

[17] Fabius L, Filippetti A, Montebourg, A (2013), Practical Guidelines Switching to Digital in Sub-Saharan Af rica: Lessons to be Learned from the Digital Television Switchover in France

[18] Bonnah E, et al:, 2016, A Case Study of Digital Dividend Frequency in Ghana, AGMC, March

[19] Ancans G, Stankevicius E, Bobrovs V, Paulikas, S(2015), Evaluation of LTE 700 and DVB-T Electromagnetic Compatibility in Adjacent Frequency Bands, Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium Proceedi ngs, Prague, Czech Republic, July 6-9

[20] NCA10, (2015), NCA announces winner for one frequency spectrum lot in the 800MHzBand,www.nca.org.gh, December 2, 2015

[21] Uganda, (2013), Minimum Requirements for DVB-T2 Set Top Boxes, Uganda Communications Commission, May

[22] NCA11, (2011), Procurement of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Network Solution, Bidding Document(Single-Stage), A DTT Network Roll Out in Ghana, June

[23] NCA12, (2011), Public Private Partnership (PPP) DTT Network Rollout in Ghana: Answers to Questionsfrom Bidders, August 3, Accra

[24] NCA13, (2015), Response to NCA Public Consultation on Licensing of Frequency in the Band 800 Band,NCA, June 2015

[25] Sami W(2014),AUB Seminar on Spectrum Management in Africa, Dakar-Senegal, March 10-11

[26] NCA14, (2016), Rules for the Assignment of Logical Channel Numbers (LCNs), NCA, www. nca.org.gh

[27] NCA15, (2016),Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Free-to-Air (FTA) Programme Channel Service Authorizations, Selection and Award Procedure, December

[28] GhIE, (2014), Ensuring a Sustainable Energy Solution in Ghana’s Analogue Terrestrial (ATT) to Digital

31

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Terrestrial Television (DTT) Transition, GhIE AGMC, March 27

[29] Otis N, at al:, (2015), Evaluating DTT Receivers, ATT to DTT Transition/Migration in Ghana, The JourneySo Far, GhIE Evenging, August 20

[30] IBS, (2002), Digital Set Top Box for Direct-to-Home (DTH) Services – Specification, Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS 2003 Bureau of Indian Standards Manak Bhava, New Delhi-110002, August

[31] GSMA, (2015), GSMA Public Policy Position, Mobile spectrum requirements and target bands for WRC-15,June

[32] SES, (2016), Ghanaian TV Market Report:2 million homes in Ghana use satellite TV reception,bftonline.com/ business, June sourced February 2017

[33] MTN, (2016), http://mtn.com.gh/about-mtn/press/mtn-launches-first-nationwide-on-the-go-4g-service-in-ghana, sourced April 17, 2017

[34] VRA, (2017), Power Generation: Facts & Figures, http://www.vra.com/resources/facts.php, sourced March6, 2017

[35] NCA16, (2016), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Migration: Your Complete Reference Guide,www.nca.org.gh

[36] Digital Cliff, (2017),https://www.google.com.gh/digital-cliff, sourced March 21, 2017

[37] EBU, (2017), PPDR in Adjacent Bans to DTT, EBU Technology Fact Sheet, March 6, Version 1.0

[38] Daniel S Hamadeh (2015), WRC-15 Broadband PPDR Spectrum Save Lives Decision, motolasolution

[39] NCA17, (2008),Electronic Communications Act 775, 2008, www.nca.org.gh

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7. Appendix

A.1 VHF/UHF ChannelsTable A.1: VHF Channels

Table A.2: UHF Channels

A.2 On screen pictures of Logical Channel Numbers(LCNs) of various DTVs

DRxer1 DRxer2

DRxer3

DRxer4 DRxer5 DRxer6 DRxer7

33

pp 43– 81


DRxer7 DRxer8

DRxer9 DRxer10

Figure A.1: Screen Shots of LCN of ten (10) DTV Receivers

34

pp 43– 81


A.3 Essential Requirements

Table A.2: Summary of Essential (Shall/Will) Requirements of GS1099/Conformance Regime Document

Requirement Page[GS1099]

Why it Matters

1 Low Maintenance Cost 13 Durability of device

2 ‘Digital Ghana thumb’ Logo 14 Selecting standard Receiver

2.1 Bears thumb

2.2 Fixed Conspicuously Ease of identifying

3 Conformance Regime 15 Ensuring standard kept

4 Frequency Bands of 174-230 MHz, 470-862MHz, DD I & DD II Implications

21 Ensuring Receiver covers stan-dard band

5 Tuning

5.1 Automatic Scanning/Search 30

5.2 Manual Tuning 30 Selective scanning

6 Bypass support for STB 31 Use of additional receiver

7 Logical Channel Number (LCN) 39 Service identification

8 Power Consumption for STBs 45 Ensure optimum power usage,Green solution

9 Power Supply (100-250 V, AC) 12 V DC 46 Protect equipment against exces-sive voltage

10 RCU and Front Panel Manual Controls 47,57 Continuous Operability

10.2 Robust and Frequent Usage

11 Signal Strength and Quality 53

11.1 Screen Display 53

11.2 Colours of Red, Y ellow, Green 53-54

11.3 Indicator/Percentage 54

12 Parental Control 56

13 Support ratings as defined in [6] and [7], i.e.minimum age = rating + 3 years.

57 Parental Management of kidsviewing

14 Accessories

14.1 User Manual 59

14.2 1.5 RCA Connector (AV) 59

17 Combos ApprovedRxers

35

pp 43– 81


A.4 VRA PowerTable A.3: Volta River Authority Power Generation Capacities and DTV Receiver Power Consumption

(VRA, 2017)

Plant Capacity (MW) Type of Plant

Akosombo Hydro Plant 900 Hydro

Kpong Hydro Plant 140 Hydro

T1-Combinded Cycle 300 Thermal

T2-Combined Cycle 320 Thermal

TTIPP 100 Thermal

MRP 70 Thermal

TT2PP 45 Thermal

KTPP 200 Thermal

Takoradi 3 (T3) 120 Thermal

VRA Solar Power Plant Pro-ject Phase 1

2.5* Renewable

Total 2,195

DTT Rxer Consumption 460.5

36

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Date post:	23-Apr-2020
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Journal of Ghana Institution of Engineers, Vol.1, 2016, Journal of … · 2019-04-26 · Journal of...

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