Modular Headend TERRA MMH-3000

A headend or head station is a set of professional satellite (and often DVB-T) receivers equipped with RF modulators. Each of the modules receives different program. It enables distribution of digital satellite and terrestrial programs, re-modulated in analog format for viewing on existing televisions.

Digital modular headend TERRA MMH-3000 is a compact headend solution for the reception of DVB-S and DVB-T programs for analog redistribution in SMATV and small CATV networks, e.g. in hotels, boarding houses, multi-family houses, housing developments. Thanks to vestigial side band modulators it allows to utilize adjacent channels.
The base unit can be installed into a standard 19" rack or standalone wall, fixed by reversing the mounting brackets. The unit incorporates power supply, RF amplifier, and intelligent data bus. It may hold up to 8 individual modules - digital satellite or terrestrial receivers and RF modulators.

The headend can be programmed with dedicated handheld control unit PC100 (R81702), or through a PC with commercial CMH Master program (R81706), or its limited free version: TERRA LINK.

A screenshot from Terra Link utility program

Due to capability of demodulation of multiple transponder streams, the complete stream is available as MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) at the dedicated output of QPSK CI Receiver RD-313C. It can be utilized by MPEG-2 TS Decoders/VSB Modulators DM-313 (R81712). It is an optimum solution for receiving several programs from one transponder, saving the number of QPSK receivers.

View of RD-313C module (QPSK CI Receiver)

Example set of modules of MMH-3000

A block diagram of TERRA MMH-3000

In the diagram above the signal from a QUATRO LNB comes into RD-313C R81710 module which provides MPEG-2 TS to DM-313 R81712 decoders.
On the right side of the power supply there are four RD-313C R81710 receivers. Three of them use the same combination of band/polarization, so they can be connected in series (RF loopthrough), the last one uses different signal.

MMH-3000 headend features high maximum output level (102dBuV), which allows to feed up to 60 outlets, without additional amplifiers. For a greater number of outlets one should employ ZG-401/601 channel amplifiers.

A headend with ZG-401/601 channel amplifiers

The following diagram shows possibility of distributing a CCTV or other AV signal

Distribution of CCTV or other AV content

A screenshot from TERRA Link utility - the unencrypted programs in MPEG-2 TS are displayed in red
(they can be decoded by DM modules)

The RD-313C R81710 receiver is the basic module used in MMH-3000 headend. Thanks to transmodulation to PAL standard and RF modulation (VSB) the broadcast can be received by regular televisions. One device receives one program and provides MPEG-2 transport stream from the received transponder.
RD-313C has CI slot enabling - after installing adequate CA module - reception of encrypted programs.

Sometimes the encryption used requires a specific module-card set.
Often the modules allow to decode a number of programs from one transponder. In this case the MPEG-2 TS carries unencrypted signals that can be decoded by DM-313 R81712 modules.

A screenshot from TERRA Link utility - setting QPSK/PAL transmodulator RDC-313

Typical PAL modulator produces spurious signal (side band) lying in the lower adjacent channel. It eliminates the channel from use in the system (necessity of one-channel gap).
The modulators used in TERRA MMH-3000 headend use VSB modulation. Thanks to vestigial side band they allow to utilize adjacent channels. This kind of operation requires balanced output levels of output channels. The differences among individual channels cannot exceed 3 dB.

DM-313 cooperates with RDC-313 receiver (the same transponder). It decompresses a desired program from MPEG-2 transport stream. If the RDC-313 receiver incorporates CA module, the transport stream is unencrypted. With TERRA Link utility it is possible to program several DM-313 decoders to receive several programs from the transponder, with only one smart card.
The device has been also equipped with VSB modulator (PAL).

A selection of programs that can be decoded by MPEG-2 TS Decoder/VSB Modulator DM-313

VSB Modulator MT-310 has been designed for distributing input video signal coming from a CCTV camera, DVD player, computer or other device generating audio-video content e.g. in a hotel TV system.

Configuring MT-310 VSB modulator

UD-104 R81704 has been designed for connecting MMH-3000 headend with a PC, for control and configuring purposes.

The device enables the operator to control MMH-3000 headend with up to 250 modules, via local network or the Internet.
The software of MMH-3000 can be updated via an FTP server. The front panel of the controller is equipped with keypad allowing local control of the headend.

Terra Link utility allows to control and diagnose smaller versions of MMH-3000 headends (max two UC-380 R81700 base units).
Terra Link incorporates user-friendly graphical interface for programming individual modules of the headend and obtaining diagnostic information.
Terra Link detects configuration of MMH-3000 headend, scanning the system.

All functions of Terra Link are executed by moving the cursor over the item and clicking the left mouse button.

Free Terra Link utility can manage MMH-3000 headend with up to 16 modules, enabling:

If the headend contains over 16 modules, one needs to buy CMH Master R81706 program with enhanced functionality:

Example diagnostic testing - DM-313 module does not get MPEG-2 TS

The program can save and restore configuration of the headend, which can be very suitable e.g. in the case of changes made by hotel staff. There is possibility of preparing and saving several configurations that can be chosen according to the nationality of the guests in the hotel (various sets of programs, different combinations of polarization/band).

Saving and restoring pre-programmed settings

System requirements:

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