Digital television routing systems: An introduction to integrated optical waveguide techniques and devices

The development of a digital standard for the coding of component video signals has raised the problem of the appropriate technology to be used for the routing and distribution of such signals within a television studio center. Optical fibers offer a numberr of advantages over coaxial cable, such as high bandwidth, low loss, and small size. However, a major problem with optical transmission is that of routing the optical signals. One possible solution is to use integrated optical switches. The application of such devices for fabricating a large (100 x 100) array suitable for an all-digital BBC Television Centre is considered. The conclusion is that there remains a great deal of development to be done before such an array is feasible.