One of the problems with these new terrestrial digital broadcasts is that they have sort of been retrofitted to Japanese TVs. In other words, two TV tuners were used for receiving two different signals. It makes sense, but seeing as how satellite and terrestrial signals are both digital (in the case of terrestrial digital, anyway), it makes more sense to have them both use the same tuner.

Or at least that's what I understand about how this works.

Sharp Corporation announced o­n the 29th that they have developed the "VA1W1JF9001" composite frontend, which can for the first time in the industry, receive both terrestrial digital and BS/CS110 digital broadcasts at the same time. The sample price is 20,000 yen, and the volume shipments will begin in December. The monthly production number is estimated around 50,000 units.

The VA1W1JF9001 contains an original high-frequency IC, so while it can supress oscillation interference of two different signals, it can also function as both a terrestrial digital and satellite digital broadcast receiver. Sharp has managed to miniaturize the unit to the same size (61.5 x 42.7 x 14.1mm) as existing frontends for terrestrial analog use.

Sharp has said, "this implements reception in areas where the signal is weak, whether it be because of disturbance due to channels being too close together, low phase noise, or what have you." Furthermore, it contains a DC to DC convertor, and the 30V tuning section does not need its voltage tuned. Although digital satellite broadcasts use a 3.3V power source, and terrestrial digital uses a 5V power source, a regulator can be optionally inserted into the digital satellite part allowing both to be operated off of 5V. The power consumption is 1.57W (standard model).

It can be placed vertically or bent depending o­n the device application, and Sharp plans o­n adding a demodulation type containing a 8PSK/QPSK/OFDM demodulating IC to the lineup. A support tool (evaluation board, evaluation software) will also be offered.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040929/sharp.htm [1]

Press Release:
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/040929-a.html [2]