IEC 60728-1-2:2014

Overview

IEC 60728-1-2:2014 is an international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies performance requirements for cable networks delivering television signals, sound signals, and interactive services. It focuses on the operational performance of signals at the system outlet or terminal input within cable distribution networks, including CATV (Cable Television), MATV (Master Antenna Television), and SMATV (Satellite Master Antenna Television) systems.

The standard covers frequencies from approximately 5 MHz up to 3,000 MHz and extends to 6,000 MHz for home distribution technologies utilizing wireless two-way communication bands (5 GHz to 6 GHz). This second edition, published in 2014, revises the initial 2009 standard and incorporates updated performance criteria-most notably the inclusion of DVB-T2 digital television signals.

Key Topics

• Performance Requirements at System Outlet
  IEC 60728-1-2 defines minimum signal performance at the system outlet under operational conditions, ensuring signal quality meets essential criteria for reliable reception of television and sound broadcast signals as well as interactive services.

• Summation of Impairments
  The standard describes methods to evaluate the combined effects of signal impairments originating from the cable network and receiving systems. It addresses voltage and power addition laws to sum multiple impairments affecting signal quality.

• Frequency Range and Signal Types
  Applicable frequency coverage spans from 5 MHz to 3,000 MHz for most cable applications, extended to 6,000 MHz for advanced in-home wireless communication setups. It encompasses analogue composite television, FM audio, and digital broadcasting signals including DVB-T2.

• Signal Measurement Methods
  It details measurement procedures to assess parameters such as signal level, frequency response, noise, interference, mutual isolation between outlets, and long-term frequency stability of carrier signals at system outlets.

• Updated DVB-T2 Performance Criteria
  Reflecting technological advancements, the standard integrates performance requirements for DVB-T2 signals, ensuring compatibility with the latest digital terrestrial broadcasting formats.

Applications

IEC 60728-1-2:2014 is essential for engineers, system designers, and operators involved in the installation, maintenance, and validation of cable distribution networks for:

• CATV, MATV, and SMATV Systems
  Ensuring broadcast signals delivered via cable networks meet stringent performance guidelines for optimal reception.

• Residential and Commercial Building Distribution Networks
  Guiding the design of in-home and multi-dwelling unit systems for television and audio signal distribution, including wireless extensions within rooms.

• Interactive Service Providers
  Supporting systems that incorporate two-way communication features, such as video-on-demand and interactive multimedia services.

• Signal Quality Assurance and Compliance Testing
  Serving as a reference for verifying system outlet signal parameters during network commissioning and routine maintenance.

Related Standards

• IEC 60728-1:2007 & 2014
  To be used in conjunction with IEC 60728-1-2, this part of the series covers general aspects of cable networks for TV, sound, and interactive services.

• DVB-T2 Specifications
  While IEC 60728-1-2 includes performance requirements for DVB-T2, dedicated DVB-T2 standards provide detailed modulation, coding, and signaling definitions.

• IEC 60050 Series
  Electrotechnical Vocabulary standards help clarify terms and definitions related to cable network technologies.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2
  Provides the framework for drafting international standards such as IEC 60728-1-2.

Keywords: IEC 60728-1-2, cable networks, television signals, sound signals, interactive services, performance requirements, system outlet, CATV, MATV, SMATV, DVB-T2, signal quality, frequency range, signal impairments, noise, interference, two-way communication, broadcast signal standards.