Future-Proofing a Financial Institution with Digital QAM RF and IPTV Streaming
Challenge
A major financial institution needed a coaxial TV distribution network installed across three floors of a commercial building. Ultimately, the design would need to incorporate both Digital QAM RF distribution and IPTV streaming to ensure it was future-proof. The project required close collaboration with the architect and the appointed AV contractor, as well as assistance in selecting a suitable television content provider.
However, due to the building’s location in Manhattan, the installation of RF or satellite antennas was prohibited. This limited the available content delivery options to local cable television or fiber-based services.
Solution
Following extensive research and discussions with multiple service providers, we identified a provider whose channel lineup met the client’s requirements and already had service entry points within the building. We introduced the provider to the end client, enabling them to establish the necessary service agreements with both the provider and the building owner.
The selected solution delivered television services over fiber using multicast IP streams. Our system accepted these IP services and converted them into Digital QAM RF distribution while also supporting IPTV for future expansion.
Featured Equipment
System Design
The installation served 170 television locations across three floors. Using architectural CAD drawings, we calculated cable routes and estimated cable lengths to ensure the network design remained within signal tolerances.
The client advised that all cabling would be permanently concealed within walls and ceilings, leaving no access to intermediate equipment after construction. As a result, the system was designed with no serviceable components outside the main demarcation points on each floor, maximizing long-term reliability.
To future-proof the installation, the system was designed to distribute both Digital QAM RF and IPTV services. While the televisions received Digital QAM, the IPTV streams were available for integration with the building’s AV systems, allowing audio-only distribution to desktop workstations and additional AV endpoints.
The three-floor RF network was interconnected via fiber optic links between the main demarcation room and the floors above and below.
Audio Distribution
The client also requested audio-only distribution for nine television channels. These channels needed to be remotely selectable through the building’s AV control system.
To achieve this, we incorporated nine Toner Cable set-top boxes with IR control, enabling the AV hardware and software to remotely select the required channels and distribute their audio to desktop users and other designated locations.
Installation & Commissioning
The complete network was designed in-house using overlays created from the architect’s CAD drawings. These drawings were supplied to the cable installation contractor, who used them to install the coaxial cabling to each television location.
Once the main demarcation room was available, our engineers installed and commissioned the headend equipment, terminated and tested all cabling, installed the fiber interconnections between floors, and configured the Digital QAM and IPTV systems. Comprehensive testing confirmed that all television outlets on each floor met the required signal levels.
Result
The completed installation provided television services to all 170 displays across three floors, together with audio distribution of selected channels to desktop users and other AV destinations.
At the client’s request, we customized the available channel lineup to simplify channel selection for users. The system also allows future channel changes should the client decide to modify their package or select a different programming lineup from the content provider.
Working closely with the client, architects, contractors, AV integrators, and content provider, we successfully delivered a fully integrated Digital QAM RF distribution network that operated independently of the building’s AV infrastructure while meeting every project requirement.
Despite the technical constraints of the building location, restricted access, concealed infrastructure, and out-of-hours working, the project was completed on schedule. Our flexible approach, technical expertise, and close collaboration ensured a successful delivery and a future-proof television distribution solution for the client.