Description

8 Channel RF to IP Gateway - ATSC, QAM, DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2, and ISDB-T to IPTV

Professional 8 Frequency RF to IPTV Gateway

The Thor Broadcast 8 Channel RF to IP Gateway is a professional headend device designed to receive up to 8 RF frequencies and convert the TV programs inside those frequencies into IPTV streams for distribution over a LAN network. Depending on the selected model, the unit can receive ATSC off-air antenna signals, clear QAM cable channels, DVB-S/S2 satellite signals, DVB-T/T2 terrestrial antenna signals, or ISDB-T terrestrial broadcasts.

This product family is ideal for converting existing RF broadcast signals into IPTV multicast or unicast streams. It allows local antenna channels, cable TV channels, satellite transponders, or international terrestrial TV broadcasts to be delivered to IPTV set-top boxes, smart TV decoders, computers, tablets, digital signage players, and other IP video devices.

Available Input Modulation Models

Model	Input Signal Type	Typical Source	Common Region / Application
H-8ATSC-IP	8 x ATSC 8VSB RF Inputs	Off-air TV antenna	USA, Canada, Mexico, South Korea and ATSC broadcast systems
H-8QAM-IP	8 x Clear QAM RF Inputs	Cable TV company feed or private QAM RF headend	Clear cable QAM systems, hotels, campuses, hospitals, private cable networks
H-8DVBS-IP	8 x DVB-S/S2 Satellite RF Inputs	Satellite dish, LNB, multiswitch, or satellite RF distribution system	Free-to-air satellite channels and private satellite headends
H-8DVB-T-IP	8 x DVB-T/T2 Terrestrial RF Inputs	Off-air terrestrial antenna or MATV antenna system	Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and DVB-T/T2 regions
H-8ISDB-T-IP	8 x ISDB-T Terrestrial RF Inputs	ISDB-T off-air antenna or terrestrial RF distribution system	Japan, Brazil, Latin America, Philippines, and other ISDB-T regions

How the RF to IP Gateway Works

Digital RF broadcast systems can carry multiple TV programs inside one RF frequency. For example, one ATSC 8VSB antenna channel may include several sub-channels such as 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4. A clear QAM cable channel can also contain multiple programs inside one 6 MHz RF carrier. DVB-S/S2 satellite transponders and DVB-T/T2 multiplexes can also carry multiple TV or radio services in one RF signal.

The Thor 8 Channel RF to IP Gateway tunes up to 8 RF frequencies, demodulates the selected signals, identifies the available TV services, and converts those services into IP transport streams. The output can be configured as SPTS for individual program streams or MPTS for multiplexed transport stream output, depending on the system design.

IPTV Output Over LAN

The gateway outputs IPTV streams over Ethernet using standard transport stream protocols such as UDP, RTP, and RTSP. The IP output can be configured for multicast when many devices need to watch the same channels, or unicast for direct point-to-point streaming.

Converts up to 8 RF frequencies to IPTV streams
Supports SPTS and MPTS output modes
Outputs IPTV streams over UDP, RTP, or RTSP
Supports multicast or unicast IP delivery
Can output multiple TV services from each tuned RF channel
Designed for professional RF, IPTV, and broadcast headend systems

Important Gateway Note: No Video Re-Encoding

This unit works as an RF to IP gateway. It does not re-encode or transcode the video. The video and audio format received from the RF signal is passed through to the IP output. For example, if the incoming QAM or ATSC program is MPEG-2, the IP stream will remain MPEG-2. If the incoming program is H.264, the IP output will remain H.264.

This gateway design helps preserve original broadcast quality, reduce processing delay, and simplify system integration. The receiving IPTV decoder, set-top box, player, or software must support the video and audio format contained in the original RF broadcast stream.

ASI Input and ASI Output for Broadcast Headends

In addition to IP streaming, the unit includes ASI input and ASI output for professional broadcast integration. The gateway can multiplex tuned RF services and ASI input content into a transport stream output. This makes it useful in CATV headends, IPTV systems, monitoring racks, broadcast facilities, and hybrid RF/IP distribution systems.

Typical Applications

Off-air antenna TV to IPTV conversion
Clear QAM cable channels to IPTV streams
Satellite DVB-S/S2 transponders to IP network distribution
DVB-T/T2 terrestrial broadcast channels to IPTV
ISDB-T terrestrial channels to IP streaming
Hotel, hospital, campus, school, government, and enterprise IPTV systems
Private cable TV headends and MATV systems
Broadcast monitoring over LAN
Digital signage and IP video distribution
Adding local RF channels to an existing IPTV lineup

RF to IP Gateway + Optional RF Transmodulator Versions

Some versions of this platform are also available as an RF to IP Gateway plus RF Transmodulator. These versions can receive RF signals, create IPTV streams, and also output new RF channels at the same time. This is useful when a system needs both IP distribution and RF channel conversion.

For example, the unit can receive ATSC antenna channels and output them as IPTV streams while also converting them to QAM RF channels for a cable TV style coax distribution system. It can also be used to rearrange or translate existing RF channels in a headend, depending on the selected input and output modulation options.

Optional Transmodulator Examples

Example Model	Input	Output	Application
H-8ATSC-IP-8QAM	8 x ATSC antenna RF	IPTV + 8 x QAM RF	Add off-air antenna channels to an IPTV and QAM cable system
H-8ATSC-IP-8ATSC	8 x ATSC antenna RF	IPTV + 8 x ATSC RF	ATSC RF processing, channel management, and IP streaming
H-8QAM-IP-8QAM	8 x Clear QAM RF	IPTV + 8 x QAM RF	Convert clear cable QAM channels to IP and remap RF output channels
H-8QAM-IP-8ATSC	8 x Clear QAM RF	IPTV + 8 x ATSC RF	Special RF conversion applications where ATSC output is required
H-8DVBS-IP-8QAM	8 x DVB-S/S2 satellite RF	IPTV + 8 x QAM RF	Convert satellite services to IPTV and QAM cable distribution

RF Input and RF Output Compatibility

Standard RF to IP models are selected by the required RF input type. Optional transmodulator versions can be configured with different RF output formats, depending on the project requirements.

Available RF Input Types: ATSC 8VSB, Clear QAM, DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2, ISDB-T
Available RF Output Types on Transmodulator Versions: ATSC, QAM, DVB-T/T2, ISDB-T
IP Output: UDP, RTP, RTSP, multicast or unicast
ASI: ASI input and ASI output for professional transport stream integration

Web Browser Management

The unit includes network-based control for setup and monitoring. Operators can scan input frequencies, view available services, select programs, configure IP stream addresses, manage SPTS or MPTS output, and monitor system status from a web browser.

Summary

The Thor Broadcast 8 Channel RF to IP Gateway family provides a flexible way to convert existing RF television signals into IPTV streams. With model options for ATSC, clear QAM, DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2, and ISDB-T, the same platform can be used in North American, European, African, Latin American, Asian, satellite, cable, and private headend systems. It is a reliable solution for moving broadcast RF channels into modern IP video distribution while maintaining professional headend features such as ASI integration, SPTS/MPTS control, multicast streaming, and browser-based management.

Tags: Coax Multiplexer

Features

8 Tuners (DVB-S2/DVB-T)
8 Tuners (ATSC)
8 Tuners (QAM)
8 Tuners (ISDB-T)
QAM-256/64 & ATSC (8VSB) formats supported
IP TS output
MPTS over UDP, RTP/RTSP output as a mirror of ASI output (RJ45)
SPTS optional as well
2 ASI inputs mean it can also be used as a dual ASI to IP gateway
Integrated demodulating and multiplexing functions
Select which channels to stream out via SPTS
Multiplex one program to all outputs
Closed captions supported
Full IP control and network management through a browser
IPTV output: Unicast or Multicast IGMP UDP
Low latency available: 10-20ms
AC3, MPEG2 audio
MPEG2 video or MPEG4 H.264
Perfect Full HD video quality - No loss
2-year warranty

Drawings

Model Selection

Model	Description	Input
H-8ATSC-IP	8 x ATSC Antenna Tuners to IPTV	8 x ATSC Antenna
H-8QAM-IP	8 x CABLE QAM Tuners to IPTV	8 x CABLE QAM
H-DVBS2-IP	8 x Satellite S2 Tuners to IPTV	8 x Satellite S2
H-DVB-T-IP	8 x DVB-T Tuners to IPTV	8 x Satellite S2
H-ISDB-T-IP	8 x ISDB-T Tuners to IPTV	8 x Satellite S2
H-8ATSC-IP-8ATSC H-8ATSC-IP-8QAM H-8QAM-IP-8ATSC H-8QAM-IP-8QAM H-8DVBS-IP-8ATSC H-8DVBS-IP-8QAM H-8DVBS-IP-8DVBT H-8DVBT-IP-8QAM	8 ATSC to 8 ATSC and IP out 8 ATSC to 8 QAM and IP out 8 QAM to 8 ATSC and IP out 8 QAM to 8 QAM and IP out 8 DVBS/S2 to 8 ATSC and IP out 8 DVBS/S2 to 8 QAM and IP out 8 DVBT to 8DVB-T and IP out 8 DVBT to 8QAM and IP out

Accessories & Upgrades

Specification

*All Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice
Input	PN: H-8ATSC-IP PN: H-8QAM-IP PN: H-8DVBS-IP PN: H-DVB-T-IP PN: H-ISDB-T-IP	8 x ATSC Antenna 8 x Cable QAM 8 x Satellite S2 8 x DVB-T Antenna 8 x ISDB-T Antenna
Supported Resolutions	All HD and SD
Video Codecs	MPEG-2 HD 1.5-19.5 Mbps H.264 HD 0.8-19.5 Mbps
Audio Codecs	MPEG-1 Layer II MPEG-2 AAC MPEG-4 AAC AC3 Dolby
Audio Sample Rate	48 kHz
Audio Bit Rates	64 kbps, 96 kbps, 128 kbps, 192 kbps, 256 kbps, 320 kbps
Modulation Standard	ATSC, DVB-C, DVB-S2 (model dependent)
RF Frequency Range	30-960 MHz for QAM and ATSC, 850-2100Mhz for L-band
Input RF Power Level	5-35 dBmV
IPTV Output	MPTS over UDP, RTP/RTPS out as mirror of ASI output (RJ45)
Power Input	100-240 VAC Auto-Switching ~ 20 W
Dimensions	19 x 9 x 3 Inches
Weight	6 Pounds
Operating Temperature	32-110 F

Question and Answers

Question:
We currently have one unit that does what we are looking for, but we are currently experiencing some issues and would also like to have another vendor option so we are not locked into just this one piece of equipment. So, just a quick recap of what we discussed regarding what we're looking for in this encoder. We need it to be capable of receiving 8 separate ATSC and/or QAM signals. Each input should be capable of outputting all of the programs or cherry-picking individual programs and outputting simultaneously to a QAM modulator and IP address, which can support unicast or multicast. Each output should have a dedicated QAM channel and IP address and port #. The QAM modulator should output 8 RF carriers and provide a minimum of 25dBmV, but preferably 40dBmV. EAS is also a big one for us. We would like the EAS to be able to override the current programs with the EAS message when the EAS alert is detected. Our EAS is a multicast stream with a dedicated port #, and when this dedicated multicast IP and port # is detected, it automatically overrides all programs with the EAS message for the duration of the EAS message. We have some equipment that is capable of just detecting the EAS stream and overriding the programs that way, and other equipment requires a trigger in the form of a dry contact along with the EAS IP stream. I imagine that is software related.

Answer:

This is the perfect solution for you: 8 x ATSC or Satellite Antenna Tuners to IPTV & ASI Output H-8QAM-IP H-8ATSC-IP. Or this one: 4 x Satellite or ATSC IRD Decoder to IP, ASI H-IRD-V4-ATSC H-IRD-V4-QAM. This is a link: https://thorbroadcast.com/product/4-x-satellite-or-atsc-ird-decoder-to-ip-and-8230.html

Question:
I need a device that will intake the OTA signal and convert it to QAM output. Need 16 or 32 QAM. Also, I need information on the 16 QAM to IP

Answer:
We have 16 RF tuners to IP and 16 tuners to IP + RF Out They can be configured and ordered with different modulation type tuners. One group converts RF to IP only The second RF to IP and RF out (it works as an IP gateway and RF to RF transmodulator) Please find my answers below: I need a device that will intake the OTA signal and convert it to QAM output. Need 16 or 32 QAM. The best unit to do that is H-16ATSC-IP-16QAM: 16 ATSC to 16 QAM and IP out https://thorbroadcast.com/product/16-rf-tuners-to-iptv-ts-qam-output.html/116 Also, I need information on the 16 QAM to IP and product for OTA signal to QAM H-16QAM-IP - 16 QAM to IP Gateway OTA signal to QAM H-16ATSC-IP-16QAM: 16 ATSC to 16 QAM and IP out

Question:
I want a device that takes analogue and digital (QAM 32,256) through cable and gives output in the form of SPTS IP

Answer:
Yes, the ideal product for QAM to IP. The unit has 16 independent tuners; it can be tuned to any QAM frequency. Any program muxed on this frequency will be available as a UDP multicast SPTS stream. https://thorbroadcast.com/product/16-rf-tuners-to-iptv-ts-qam-output.html/117 Please check and let me know if that would work for you. However, unfortunately, we do not make any gateways that convert Analog NTSC RF to IP. For the analog channels, those would need to be decoded to CVBS video/audio or to HDMI using Analog STBs and connected to the video encoders like this one: H-4ADHD-QAM-IP-LL 4ch CVBS or HDMI inputs https://thorbroadcast.com/product/4-hdmi-component-hd-to-coax-and-iptv-hd-8230.html/21 4-24ch HDMI encoders: https://thorbroadcast.com/product/4-8-16-24-hdmi-iptv-streaming-8230.html/216

Question:
I'm interested in using an RF to IP gateway and have a few questions about its setup: If I connect a single coaxial cable from a high-powered antenna (which picks up all available over-the-air ATSC channels) to the RF input of the gateway, will the device be able to detect multiple OTA channels, such as Channel 2 and its subchannels, as well as Channels 4, 5, 11, and their subchannels? Can it break these channels into separate IP streams? I've seen a setup where an Ethernet line connects to a switch, and from the switch, multiple feeds go to tuners or TVs. In this case, does the switch need to be an unmanaged switch, or does it need to support specific protocols for the network to function correctly?

Answer:
The ATSC model will pick up all the minor channels behind the major channel. The OTA inputs can be set to any non-adjacent carrier and converted to IP UDP unicast, multicast streams. You can use an unmanaged switch; but that is more relevant to how you plan on using the device. Generally speaking, all modern switches come equipped with all the necessary means to ensure interoperability. You can plug in multiple Gateways into a switch as well. Specifically, the options with this model are UDP, RTP and RTSP. Your network should be able to handle that, but also make sure you have the bandwidth available (depending on how many OTA channels you decide to convert to IP).

Question:
I'm looking at the H-8ATSC-IP product. We want to receive off air from broadcast stations and cherry pick selected subchannels for transport to a transmitter site via a private IP radio link which is capable of about 100 Mbps. I'm not sure what to do at the receive end but we need to feed ATSC 1.0 into an exciter. This exciter has ASI and TSoIP inputs. We would like to put as many programs as possible through the system. H.264 encoding?

Answer:

Thanks for reaching out about the H-8ATSC-IP.

This is simply a gateway, you would not be able to change any of the data rates of video protocols. However you can cherry pick your channels from 8 Major's of your choosing. We do have IP to RF Edge QAM devices, but if your Exciter only accepts ASI and TSoIP, then I would think you can use the UDP or RTP streams from the 8ATSC-IP model. However all of this would still remain in MPEG2, the original CATV channels you pull from the OTA. If you want those channel in H264 you would need to decode then encode those particular channels. There isn't an efficient or easy way to transcode at a high density, I would think that you would want to do that prior to hitting your IP radio link so you can subsequently capture more sub-channels prior to the IP conversion. There is a rather common solution, albeit not elegant; utilizing standard STB's to capture the RF ATSC programs, output via HDMI and into high density encoders which output H264. https://thorbroadcast.com/product/qam-catv-rf-and-atsc-rf-to-hdmi-decoder-stb-8230.html https://thorbroadcast.com/product/4-8-16-24-hdmi-iptv-streaming-8230.html/216