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Why is HITS upgrading the platform?
The industry has changed significantly since HITS was launched in 1996. System headend consolidations,
fiber delivery and overall technology shifts have resulted in the need to optimize the HITS Platform to
meet the needs of our customers. The HITS SD Upgrade will allow us to continue to serve you, offer you
more choices and improve the efficiency of your existing infrastructure. The upgrades will enable HITS to
deliver SD channels more efficiently while retaining a robust MPEG-2 content offering very similar to
today’s line-up. The primary change will be to convert eleven of the existing SD transponders to DVB-S2
and retain and upgrade our technology on six 64 QAM transponders.
Benefits of HITS SD Upgrade
Upgrade 62% of SD Services – double the services per satellite receiver with 25% improvement of
bandwidth utilization
Technology upgrades require 12-16% less capital overall
Less than 20% of other system upgrade costs (i.e. SDV, IPTV & MPEG-4)
Maximize use of transponders by removing duplicate signals across SD platforms
Maintain six (6) 64 QAM transponders of the highly penetrated HITS services without adding any
new equipment
Why are some services being dropped from the HITS Platform?
We are removing a few of our duplicate and select West Coast feeds to improve the overall efficiency of
the upgraded HITS Platform. The following West Coast services will not be available on the HITS
platform as of June 30, 2013: A&E W, Animal Planet W, BET W, Discovery W, Food W, FX W, Lifetime W,
OWN W, Oxygen W, SyFy W, TLC W, Travel W and USA W.
When are dual illumination periods?
To ensure that you have enough time to make the service transitions, the majority of HITS Signals will be
available in their current location or dual illuminated at their current and new locations until June 30,
2013. Some will be available until July 26, 2013. A detailed transition schedule for each service can be
found at www.hits.com/hits-sd-upgrade.
What is the most current version of the HITS 2013 Upgraded Platform Lineup?
The most recent version of the lineup is entitled 121128_HITS 2013 Lineup. It was distributed via email
in late November and is also available on the HITS website at www.hits.com/hits-sd-upgrade. If the
lineup is revised, HITS will send you an updated lineup via email and post the new version to the site.
What is the channel map change process? How far in advance do map changes need to be submitted?
A technical FAQ will be forthcoming with the detailed Channel Map Change process.
Do I need to Peak and Poll my Antenna?
In preparation for the upcoming changes, we recommend that sites perform a peak and poll of their
antenna used to receive the AMC-18 signals. We recommend this to ensure you have optimal signal for
acquisition of services.
What equipment do I need?
NAS and Local Control systems taking upgraded 256 QAM DVB-S2 services will need 1 x 4410MD to
receive 2 multiplexes on one transponder for a maximum of four (4) Motorola 4410 MDs for ALL
upgraded 256 QAM SD services.
QT systems taking upgraded 256 QAM DVB-S2 services will need one Drake 2x4 to receive two
transponders, with two multiplexes on each, for a maximum of two (2) Drake 2x4s for ALL upgraded 256
QAM SD services. Many systems will need only one Drake 2x4.
Systems taking only 64 QAM services remaining on HITS after the upgrade DO NOT NEED new
equipment.
Can I still use my IRTs after the upgrade?
HITS is maintaining six (6) of the most highly penetrated 64 QAM multiplexes after the upgrade. You will
still be able to use IRTs or existing equipment to receive these services. You will only need new receivers
if upgrading to any of the HITS 256 QAM DVB-S2 services.
Can I install the new receivers as soon as I get them or do I need to wait for the dual illumination
periods?
New receivers can be racked and wired, however, service authorizations may not be possible on all
services until the dual illumination windows begin.
How do I order equipment?
HITS has confirmed a 60-day lead time for equipment delivery from Motorola and Drake. Therefore,
equipment must be ordered by mid-February in order to be delivered and installed in time for the first
256 QAM DVB-S2 dual illumination period starting on May 6, 2013.
NCTC Members can place orders for equipment online at nctconline.org, by faxing their purchase order
to 866-628-2473, or by e-mailing their order to their Technology Solutions Representative. For questions
regarding the ordering process please contact your NCTC Technology Solutions Representative at 800888-6282.
HITS Affiliates that are not NCTC members can order directly from their equipment sales representative.
For Drake, call (800-777-8876). For Motorola, contact your equipment distributor: Advanced Media
Technologies (888-293-5856) or Satellite Engineering Group (800-932-1555).
For NAS, NAS-RAC, or Local Control Systems:
What equipment can be used to receive the upgraded 256 QAM DVB-S2 services? What can I use to
receive just one channel?
Only Motorola DSR4410MD’s can be used at this time to receive the upgraded 256 QAM DVB-S2
services. This includes individual services.
Does the NAS data stream need to be on a 4410 MD? Can it be on an MPS?
The data stream can be received via IRT, MPSB4, DSR4520X, or 4550X (requires additional cross-over
cable from Motorola to connect to your OM). A secondary device is required because the 4410MD is
not capable of de-tunneling and passing the ISO stream.
What other equipment does my system need?
Depending on current system configuration and installed devices, a system may require additional/new
encryption equipment along with DSR 4410 MD receivers. APEX devices can access up to (48)
multiplexes and SEM devices can access either (8) or (12) multiplexes, depending on the model. Please
confirm with your technical personnel regarding additional equipment that may be required for system.
What do I need to do to get a VPN device/connection for my NAS System?
VPN requests can take up to 90 days to complete, so we recommend starting the request process as soon
as possible to ensure that you are ready for the first DVB-S2 dual illumination period on May 6, 2013.
NAS sites will need to acquire a public internet connection to be able to provision a VPN tunnel. Once
established, please follow the steps below to secure your VPN connection:
1. Request a VPN connection from HITS at 800-426-7790 or [email protected].
2. Complete a Site Survey.
3. Request a Purchase Order (PO) to HITS for VPN setup and installation fees from your
purchasing department.
4. Submit your completed PO and Site Survey to HITS at [email protected].
5. HITS will then generate a Firewall Request for connectivity to your site.
6. Receive and install VPN hardware at your site. Notify HITS via phone 800-426-7790 or
[email protected] when the installation is complete.
7. HITS and the VPN provider will then coordinate the final configuration and activation of
the VPN tunnel with your system.
For QT/QT+ Systems:
Will the upgrade affect the lineup of QT systems?
The display channels of QT systems will remain the same as they are on the templates today. The QAM
tune channels will be affected in order to accommodate the new lineups. Systems will have to make the
necessary changes to their transcoders to pass the signal on the correct QAM when the realignments
occur. Updated template information will be provided when available.
What is the transition schedule for QT sites?
As in previous service additions and changes, the QT/QT+ templates for your system(s) will be converted
to the new mapping and service locations at a specified date/time during the dual illumination periods.
HITS will be providing a detailed schedule for QT/QT+ sites for the upgrade.