HD TV / DAB
Working on transmission and rebroadcast sites carries its own set of challenges from geographic distribution to precise maintenance windows.
We have the experience and know-how to manage these complexities.
And we are not scared of heights!
Photo by Thomas Millot on Unsplash
What We Have Done
HDTV / DAB Upgrade
Catalyst
We were requested by a customer to assist them in the upgrade of the BBC’s radio network to DAB and their broadcast services to HD television as part of the digital switch-over programme.
Complexity
This was due to the broadcast equipment in the mast sites being analogue and thus having to be upgraded so that high resolution footage and digital radio could be broadcast UK wide. The sites were geographically dispersed and required high access work in inclement weather. A team of our engineers worked in close partnership with our customers'
client, from planning through to project finalisation.
Volume
Well over 175 sites were visited around the UK, with some of these being extremely remote, and the equipment having been "hardened" for adverse weather conditions. The project was completed on time and to the clients’ satisfaction.
Catalyst
As part of an ongoing national infrastructure project to upgrade parts of the UK Highways network, installing a copper and fibre network along the hard shoulders of the A14 and M11 to improve and guarantee future connectivity of the emergency telephone network (copper), average speed cameras and overhead gantry signs (fibre).
Complexity
Due to the nature of the work, it had to be completed at night, with a well coordinated traffic management plan that involved restricting hard shoulder use. Due to the project being well planned and managed, it was completed within the time scales set by the Highways Agency and without incident.
Volume
The project stretched over 100 km and had multiple interconnect points.
A14/M11 Emergency Phone and Average Speed Camera Upgrade
HFC Network Upgrade
Catalyst
This is an ongoing project that we have been engaged in for the last 8 years in conjunction with the John Henry Group.
This is to ensure that our customer can maintain their network of internet, telephone and television services to a high standard and provide super-fast broadband speeds.
Complexity
All of this work is completed whilst the network is “live”. We ensure that any disruption or outages to the end users are kept to an absolute minimum.
Volume
Their extensive hybrid fibre copper network (HFC) inlcudes a number of cities around the UK (Birmingham, Walsall, Telford, Dudley, Leicester, Cambridge, Northampton and Bristol).
Catalyst
This is an ongoing project. We have been asked to upgrade the existing analogue CATV network on a large fleet of cruise ships which are dry docked worldwide. We have also been able to give advice and assistance in designing and planning their network and on potential future revenue generation using their new system.
Complexity
This involves installing brand new broadcast equipment, the installation of new TVs and cable modems in up to 2,500 cabins on every ship
Volume
The fleet and wider real estate footprint covers 8 vessels and 1000 hotels worldwide.
CATV-DOCSIS 3.1 upgrade
Fibre Ring
Catalyst
Working in partnership with the John Henry Group, we were requested by Christs College Cambridge to design and install a brand new fibre network within their campus. This was due to the old copper network falling into disrepair and being unable to cope with the amount of traffic.
Complexity
The site was commissioned in 1437 by William Byngham and King Henry VI. This was an exceptionally difficult build and install due to the nature of the campus, its age, its listed status and the fact that all cabling and access points had to be hidden.
Volume
From "Great Gate" and "Fellows Garden" to "Four Staircase", the many faculty buildings now boast light speed connections, enabling them to continue their focus on retaining top spot in the Tompkins Table and not be constrained by network limitations.
Catalyst
Residents and local businesses were suffering exceptionally poor broadband speeds from other service providers in Central London. Working in close partnership with Prime Fibre, the John Henry Group and Grosvenor we are installing a brand new FttP (Fibre to the Premise) network in Belgravia and Mayfair, London.
Complexity
We provided consultation and advice in the planning, implementation and installation of this new network which has at times been very difficult due to the properties being in conservation areas and having listed building status.
Volume
The project encompasses over 6000 commercial and residential customers in one of the most planning constrained communities in the world.
Digital Upgrade
LPWAN
Catalyst
We were asked to undertake a planning and feasibility study into the deployment of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) operating on the 863-870 mHz frequency in the UK & Ireland with the potential of 433 mHz to being added.
Complexity
The technology we use is called LoRaWAN and it allows for "things" to talk to the internet without 3G or WiFi. So no WiFi codes and no mobile subscriptions.
It features low battery usage, long range and low bandwidth. Perfect for the internet of things.
Volume
The scale ranges from hundreds of gateways to thousands of nodes deployed across the UK but with international reach.