Studies on Television Video Carrier Frequency for Precise Frequency Source

Abstract

Many TV stations use Rubidium atomic frequency oscillators (Rb OSC) to generate the chrominance sub-carrier frequency (F_sc). F_sc is widely used for practical frequency distribution and comparison. Compared to other frequency standards, F_sc has more advantages vis-a-vis complexity of instrumental equipment and measuring time. On the other hand, more and more video carrier frequencies (F_ν) of TV stations are stabillized by the Rb OSC, and the F_ν can be used for new frequency standards.
This paper compares F_ν and F_sc for frequency stability and accuracy. Experiments show F_ν stability is about 5 to 20 times superior to, but less accurate than F_sc which is periodically calibrated. It is clear from this study that F_ν has priority for use as a highly accurate practical frequency standard with periodical calibration.