Abstract: A system and method for transmitting advanced television signals such as digital television signals. The system and method controls the frequency of the RF signal by compensating for errors in the signal received from a transport system. The system and method also reduces the complexity of the transmission system by inserting a pilot frequency signal after the television signal has been filtered and shaped.

Abstract: An exciter for advanced television signals such as a digital television signal. The exciter corrects for instabilities in the television signal provided to it so as to produce a signal with tightly controlled frequency and reduced co-channel interference. The exciter inserts a pilot frequency into the digital television signal after the signal has been shaped, thereby reducing the difficulties of shaping. Also disclosed is a rate converter for use in an exciter so that a digital signal can be received at a first frequency and can be output at a second frequency in a manner in which the output of a signal is assured even in the absence of an input signal.