B-MAC is a form of analog video encoding, specifically a type of (Multiplexed Analogue Components (MAC) encoding. MAC encoding was designed in the mid 80s for use with Direct Broadcast Satellite systems. Other analog video encoding systems include NTSC, PAL and SECAM. Unlike the FDM method used in those, MAC encoding uses a TDM method. B-MAC was a proprietary MAC encoding used by Scientific-Atlanta for encrypting broadcast video services; the full name was "Multiple Analogue Component, Type B".

B-MAC uses teletext-style non-return-to-zero (NRZ) signaling with a capacity of 1.625Mb/s. The video and audio/data signals are therefore combined at baseband.

• Both PAL (626/50) and NTSC (525/60) versions of B-MAC were developed and used.

User base (PAL/NTSC zones)

• This system was used in Australia for TVRO until 2004.
• B-MAC has not been used for DTH applications since Primestar switched to an all-digital delivery system in the mid-1990s.

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.

References

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 technology tried to replace
• SECAM, what MAC technology 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 technology was replaced by this standard
• DVB-T, MAC technology was replaced by this standard