The initial phase of the project has introduced Dielectric’s ATSC 3.0 antenna systems at eight transmission sites across Jamaica. This initiative makes TVJ the world’s first broadcaster to shift directly from analog to ATSC 3.0, bypassing the intermediate ATSC 1.0 phase. A second phase will expand the network by adding 12 more sites.

Government Mandate and Transition Milestones

The Government of Jamaica initiated the transition with a January 2021 directive for the adoption of ATSC 3.0, advising broadcasters to start the transition in early 2022. TVJ launched its first pilot site in Kingston and conducted a comprehensive RF study to determine optimal site locations and specifications, ensuring the single-frequency network (SFN) setup would cover nearly all of Jamaica, primarily its coastal population areas.

RF Study Determines Site Requirements

According to Michael Henlin, Chief Technology Officer of RJRGLEANER Communications Group, the RF study confirmed the need for at least 18 sites to meet the government’s goal of reaching 95% of the population. Dielectric’s proposal met all technical specifications required for this rollout, Jamaica’s first ATSC 3.0 SFN, and provided guidance throughout the transition.

Antenna and Equipment Specifications

Dielectric installed slot antennas from its TFU-DSB and TLP Series UHF lines based on each site’s power and coverage needs. The TFU-DSB antennas were used for high-power sites, while the TLP Series Powerlite™ antennas were placed at lower-power sites. Dielectric also supplied flex transmission lines and sent technicians to test each system after installation.

Deployment Progress and Challenges

Following the pilot site in Kingston, TVJ has activated seven additional sites: Coopers Hill, Oracabessa, Flower Hill, Shot Over, Huntley, Winchester, and Mount Airy, achieving coverage for approximately 66% of the Jamaican population. Some sites, such as Coopers Hill and Huntley, required additional design adjustments due to their extensive geographic coverage.

Phase Two Plans

The second phase of the ATSC 3.0 network is scheduled to begin soon, with 12 additional sites expected to be live within a year. TVJ’s broadcasts are free-to-air on UHF Channel 25.