C-MAC

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The simultaneous PAL transmission of all TV-picture elements and the multiplexed transmission of the TV picture elements with D2-MAC.

Simulated MAC signal. From left to right: digital data, chrominance and luminance

C-MAC is the variant approved by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for satellite transmissions. The digital information is modulated using 2-4PSK (phase-shift keying), a variation of quadrature PSK where only two of the phasor angles (±90°) are used.

The data capacity for C-MAC is 3Mb/s.
C-MAC data has to be sent to the transmitter separately from the vision.
The transmitter switches between FM (vision) and PSK (sound/data) modulation during each television line period.

[edit] C-MAC variants : E-MAC

E-MAC (Extended MAC) is 16:9 version of C-MAC. Originally E-MAC was designed for 15:9 pictures, it later adopted the 16:9 aspect ratio.

In E-MAC all the 4:3 information is transmitted exactly as in C-MAC so that C-MAC receivers are still compatible.
E-MAC hides extra luminance and chrominance information in the field blanking interval and parts of the line blanking interval.
E-MAC has a lower data capacity because luminance is hidden where data would usually be located.
A 'steering' signal is transmitted to indicate to the 16:9 receiver whereabouts the 4:3 picture information.
E-MAC receivers stitch the 4:3 and helper widescreen datat into a seameless 16:9 picture.

[edit] MAC FAQ

MAC transmits luminance and chrominance data separately in time rather than separately in frequency (as other analog television formats do, such as composite video).

Audio and Scrambling (selective access)

Audio, in a format similar to NICAM was transmitted digitally rather than as an FM subcarrier.
The MAC standard included a standard scrambling system, EuroCrypt, a precursor to the standard DVB-CSA encryption system.

[edit] See also

Weblinks

Multiplexed Analogue Components in "Analog TV Broadcast Systems" by Paul Schlyter

TV transmission systems

Analog high-definition television systems
PAL, what MAC technolgy tried to replace
SECAM, what MAC technolgy tried to replace
A-MAC
B-MAC
C-MAC
D-MAC
E-MAC
S-MAC
D2-MAC
HD-MAC, an early high-definition television standard allowing for 2048x1152 resolution.
DVB-S, MAC technolgy was replaced by this standard
DVB-T, MAC technolgy was replaced by this standard

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