Received signal evaluation for Ultra High Frequency (UHF)terrestrial television; Case of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation of the received signal for UHF channel 41, (transmitting frequency of 631.25 MHz) and Star-times (transmitting frequency of 618 MHz). Using a Digital Field Strength Meter, the signal strength from the two UHF Transmitting Stations was measured throughout the state along two routes. The elevation, geographic coordinates, and line of sight of the various data points from the base stations were determined using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. Regression analysis and correlation were used in the signal assessment process. Analysis of the data collected from the field measurements indicated that as line of sight increases signal strength reduces along all the routes for Ekiti Television (EKTV) and Star-times except along Route B for Star-times. Line of Sight and Elevation have a strong negative connection in almost all routes except along route A for star-times. Elevation and Signal strength correlation indicated negatively very high except for that along route B for EKTV and route A for Star-times. Regression analysis revealed that variance in Line of Sight and Elevation accounted for high significant changes in signal strength for EKTV and consistently very high changes for Star-times. Generally, it was observed that distance from the base station, topography/elevation, power of the transmitter, nature of signal (Digital/Analog) as shown for regression analysis and other factors affected the quality of service of the propagated signal. Terrestrial Television stations should ensure they transmit with the standard parameters. To improve service quality, the transition from analog to digital should be accelerated in Nigeria such that most stations transmit via the standard Digital method of transmission.