Comparative Analysis On Reception Of Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial: A Case Study Of Arusha City

ABSTRACT 

Tanzania has been among the earliest countries in Africa to employ Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) System. The deadline for Analogue Switch Off (ASO) was set to be in 2015, but Tanzania decided to have phased switch off since 2010. DVB-T is a new system in Tanzania and hence the extent of quality of the signal needs to be established. This research compares the reception of DVB-T second generation spatial signal strength as offered by Star Media Limited, Agape Associates Limited and Basic Transmission Limited multiplexing companies in five locations of the Arusha City. The research involved two phases, first was field measurement of DVB-T signals using four different antennas and a spectrum analyzer, and secondly, customers perception on quality of the signal they receive was established using a guided interview. Measurements have shown that overall DVB-T signal strength was quiet strong in Arusha city centre, which allows spectrum analyzer to have a set point of - 10 dBm. In other areas, overall DVB-T signal strength was weak which forced to have the spectrum analyzer set point lowered to -30 dBm. The research also found all of the Digitek and Agape decoder customers were satisfied with the quality of DVBT signal they were receiving. 9 out of 10 customers of Continental decoders and 4 out of 5 Tanzania Broadcast Corporation (TBC) decoders were also satisfied with quality of signal as offered by their MUXs. Research results recommend to Multiplexers to either increase power of their existing towers in allowable ranges or to increase number of towers to strengthen signal reception in remote areas and areas in low altitude. Gap filler can be employed in town to those areas obstructed by high rise structures.