South Carolina ETV

Distribution

ETV uses multiple and complementary delivery services to transmit programming to schools, homes, businesses and state agencies. Originally, ETV broadcasted only over the air using transmitters around the state to feed South Carolina schools and homes. Today, the network uses a combination of over-the-air broadcasts, satellite, ITFS, microwave, and the Web as an integrated distribution system of complementary components that cover the state.

Satellite

ETV is a national leader in the use of cost-effective multi-channel satellite technology to serve schools, businesses and government agencies in every corner of the state.

  • ETV's state-of-the-art system supports 32 channels of audio and video transmission using the new cost-effective digital satellite technology and our extensive existing microwave system.
  • Schools in every corner of South Carolina are using this satellite technology to bring advanced course work opportunities to every student regardless of the location or funding level of the school district.
  • Users of the satellite services share the already modest cost with ETV, making this system cost-effective for the state and for the users.
  • Satellite capability includes video, audio, and data transmission.

ITFS

ITFS is an acronym for "Instructional Television Fixed Service" that works in much the same way as regular TV broadcasts work. Multi-directional microwave signals are transmitted over wide areas from atop tall transmission towers located in strategic areas allowing the network to blanket the state with closed circuit channels. Viewing sites receive ITFS channels by erecting a special TV antenna and purchasing a converter. The spread of this omnidirectional signal is similar to the ripples caused when a pebble is thrown into a pond.

Until the advent of the satellite system, four ITFS channels carried the entire weight of ETV's heavy load of program delivery to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, medical users, businesses, public service and state agency users. Because it was limited to four channels statewide and could not be cost-effectively expanded, the network examined alternative technologies and turned to the new 32-channel digital satellite system to handle the increasing demand on the system.

The ITFS system, however, is not outdated by any means. The addition of 32 digital satellite channels will free up valuable ITFS channel space to deliver even more new and innovative services to schools across South Carolina. One exciting use of the ITFS system is short distance learning programs that feed the Distant Education Learning Centers (DELC's) around the state. These centers are operated by the school districts and meet the specific bell schedule needs of the schools they serve.

Microwave

Directional microwave transmissions are highly focused streams of energy, fired like rifle shots from one tower to another. This signal does not spread out like those ripples that occur when a stone is thrown into a pond.

Originally, this video technology was used to carry ETV's programs from Master Control in Columbia out to the many ITFS transmission towers that blanket the state. Today, the ITFS transmitters are fed by the digital satellite system making possible one of the most innovative technological changes in ETV's history. Using the same equipment, ETV will now have these directional microwave links aimed back to Columbia from all over the state. This means numerous sites around the state at schools, colleges, state agencies and local government facilities can originate programming and send it back to Columbia for broadcast around the state and the nation. It also permits 2-way videoconferencing from many South Carolina sites.

For example, classes taught by top teachers in every corner of the state can be transmitted back to Columbia and sent up on the satellite for reception at any ETV downlink site. Guests can appear live on ETV productions without having to drive all the way to Columbia to sit in an ETV studio. It's a cost effective way to move ideas instead of people saving valuable time and money as ETV strives to meet its educational mission.

The Web

Proving that "Smart Is Fun," Knowitall.org is ETV's comprehensive Internet resource for K-12 students, teachers, and parents. Knowitall.org has images, videos, virtual tours, and interactive games that engage students in the fun of learning, and all Knowitall.org content is correlated to South Carolina curriculum standards.

StreamlineSC offers a vast array of streaming videos-on-demand that will be available on-demand to all South Carolina public schools and tied to the curriculum standards.

For more information about ETV, contact:
Catherine Christman, Vice President, Communications
Voice: (803) 737-3259
Fax: (803) 737-3417
E-mail: christman@scetv.org

ETV Administration Building
1101 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201-4761
Phone: 803-737-3545

ETV Telecommunications Center
1041 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-737-9959