Title: The need for review of CCIR curves for tropical Africa for effective television broadcasting planning

Authors: Zacchaeus Adesakin Adetona, Titus Olugbenga Koledoye

Addresses: Electrical Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria. ' Electrical Engineering Department, Yaba College of Technology, P.M.B. 2011, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract: This paper examines how effective television broadcasting can be achieved in tropical African countries by developing new set of values for the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) curve for use in sub-tropical Africa. Seven television stations were chosen in Lagos State Nigeria and the signal strength of each station was determined using a field strength metre in several locations around the state. The value obtained at a particular distance (in kilometres) is compared with values for free space and CCIR curve respectively. Computer software was then used to produce a graphical comparison between the CCIR curve and actual measurement. The results show that the CCIR curve is inadequate to guide effective television broadcasting in Nigeria and by extension, subtropical Africa. This result is considered valid for many tropical countries.

Keywords: television broadcasting; antenna; free-space; frequency reuse; coverage area; CCIR curves; electric field strength; co-channel interference; Africa; International Radio Consultative Committee; signal strength; broadcast planning; Nigeria; tropical countries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCPM.2011.039739

International Journal of Satellite Communications Policy and Management, 2011 Vol.1 No.1, pp.31 - 43

Published online: 11 Mar 2015 *