Adapting an analog broadcast system to the existing digital hierarchy

Problems encountered when the evolving digital network, initially set up to carry voice traffic, is adapted to other uses, are discussed. An examination is made of the history of the digital hierarchy and why the current standards were chosen, as well as the standards that exist for digital broadcast. The emphasis is on required bit rates and the rationale for these requirements, the standards expected by customers/broadcasters, and the problems that result from trying to fit the broadcast system into a digital system that was built for voice transmission.<>