REBROADCASTER Meaning and
Definition
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A rebroadcaster, also known as a relay station or translator station, is a device or system that receives signals, typically audio or video signals, from one source and simultaneously retransmits or rebroadcasts them to a wider audience or a different location. The primary purpose of a rebroadcaster is to extend the coverage area of a broadcasting signal, ensuring its reception in areas that are far from the original broadcast transmission.
Rebroadcasters are commonly used in the telecommunications industry to enhance the reach and accessibility of radio and television signals. These devices receive the original signal through antennas or cables and then amplify and retransmit it using their own transmitting mechanism. By doing so, they fill the gaps in signal coverage caused by geographical barriers, such as mountains or tall buildings, or by distance restrictions.
The rebroadcasting process is facilitated by employing frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM) techniques for radio signals or various digital modulation schemes for television signals. Rebroadcasters play a crucial role in ensuring the widespread dissemination of vital information, entertainment, and other broadcast content to underserved or remote areas.
Moreover, rebroadcasters can also refer to individuals or organizations engaged in the act of retransmitting content produced by other broadcasters without modifying or altering it. This practice is common in the field of television and radio broadcasting, allowing the rebroadcaster to deliver content to their own target audience while giving credit to the original broadcaster.
Etymology of REBROADCASTER
The term "rebroadcaster" is a compound word derived from the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the word "broadcaster".
The word "broadcaster" itself comes from the verb "to broadcast", which dates back to the early 20th century. It originally referred to the act of scattering seeds by hand or using a machine to spread them over a wide area. In the early 1900s, the term was metaphorically applied to the transmission of radio signals over a wide area to reach a large audience.
The prefix "re-" added to "broadcaster" indicates repetition or doing something again. Therefore, a "rebroadcaster" specifically refers to a device, station, or system that receives a broadcast signal and then retransmits it, allowing the signal to reach a broader or different audience.
