Modeling digital terrestrial television signal strength with atmospheric parameters and noise temperature: a case study of North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

The modeling of DTTV signal strength (AIT, NTA, ETV and Channels TV) in Abuja and Unity TV, Jos, Plateau State, with atmospheric parameters (temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall) as well as noise temperature, from April 2019 to December 2020 have been carried out using the atmospheric parameters measured with an automatic weather station and noise temperature measured with a non-contact infra-red thermometer, with TV signal strength measured with a CATV signal strength meter from 5.00 am – 9.00 pm daily, at 30 minutes interval. The results show that atmospheric temperature (58%), noise temperature (60%) and atmospheric pressure (100%) affect the Received Signal Strength (RSS) negatively, while the wind speed (60%), relative humidity (80%), and rainfall (100%) affect the signal strength positively. The RSS measured in Jos on altitude 1,400m was higher than that in Abuja on altitude 470m which may likely be due to an increase in altitude resulting in a decrease in atmospheric pressure and air density which implies less signal attenuation. It can be inferred that atmospheric parameters and noise temperature have a great impact on the RSS in the study areas. Consequently, the higher signal received in the rainy season compared to the dry season may be due to less dust in the atmosphere as well as the enhanced digitalized television signal and its robustness to interference and signal attenuation compared to the analogue signal. The developed models have low RMSE values; hence will be able to predict the influence of atmospheric parameters on TV RSS in the areas. Generally, the result will be useful to the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission to improve the quality of the signal transmission of digital television broadcasting for the future digital switchover in other parts of the country especially on the choice of antennas on their transmitters. The findings will also be useful to spectrum users such as mobile telecommunication, wireless internet, and radio broadcasting in managing and improving the quality of their services.