Eight-channel video broadcast feed service using free-space optical wireless technology at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Paul F. Szajowski; A. J. Rigas; J. W. Robinson; Gerald Nykolak; Bruce D. Paulson; G. E. Tourgee; James J. Auborn

doi:10.1117/12.417497

6 February 2001 Eight-channel video broadcast feed service using free-space optical wireless technology at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Paul F. Szajowski, A. J. Rigas, J. W. Robinson, Gerald Nykolak, Bruce D. Paulson, G. E. Tourgee, James J. Auborn

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4214, Optical Wireless Communications III; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417497
Event: Information Technologies 2000, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

12 Terrestrial 1550 nm WDM free-space optical communication systems have been demonstrated to provide a viable means to transport data, voice and video channels for point-to-point applications without the use of optical fiber. Key features of free-space optical transmission systems are their ability to utilize present day telecommunication components such as: laser diode transmitters, high-power optical amplifiers operating within the 1550 nm optical transmission window and high-sensitivity optical receivers designed for multi-Giga- bit data rates. In this paper, we report on details of the world's first field test, demonstrating real time video transmission of eight uncompressed standard-definition (SD) video channels operating at an aggregate data rate of 1.485 Gb/s over a 0.89 km terrestrial free-space link. This data link was used in support of the 2000 Olympic games held recently in Sydney, Australia. Results from this eight- channel SD terrestrial free-space laser communications systems are presented. The transmission system operated error-free continuously from September 14, 2000 until October 1, 2000, twenty-four hours a day, throughout the coverage of the games. Modeling results predict that free- space SD video transmission systems can be designed and operated over significant link distances under nominal visibility conditions.

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Paul F. Szajowski, A. J. Rigas, J. W. Robinson, Gerald Nykolak, Bruce D. Paulson, G. E. Tourgee, and James J. Auborn "Eight-channel video broadcast feed service using free-space optical wireless technology at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games", Proc. SPIE 4214, Optical Wireless Communications III, (6 February 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417497

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