Someone You Should Know : Willie Perez

Willie, tell us about your educational and professional experience including how you got to where you are today. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of the East in Manila, Philippines, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics & Communications Engineering. Seeking to broaden my knowledge, I pursued a Diploma in Advanced Computer Hardware from Access Computer School.
My broadcasting career journey began in 1984 when I joined GMA-7 as a TV Transmitter Technician. Following the EDSA revolution in 1986, I was promoted to a supervisory position and provided technical support to GMA-7 affiliate stations across the country. This role involved extensive fieldwork, where I conducted troubleshooting, assisted in installations, and even oversaw the commissioning of TV stations and antennas.

One notable accomplishment during my career in the Philippines was the successful resurrection of a violated 1 kW Tube TV Translator. Despite being dismantled and left in the rain by an unhappy technician, we managed to restore and put on air the 1 kW Tube TV Translator.

Throughout my professional journey, I also had the privilege of sharing my expertise and mentoring aspiring engineers by teaching at various universities and vocational schools in the Philippines.

Later, I continued my broadcasting career in the Middle East where I served as a Site Transmitter Engineer handling operation and maintenance and then joined the Engineering team in Riyadh where I worked in the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of TV/FM stations.

I migrated to Canada after 13 years in Saudi Arabia.

How did you get involved with ATSC 3.0? During my time in Saudi Arabia, I played a significant role in the initial implementation of digital TV (DVB-T). In Riyadh, in the initial deployment of DVB-T, I was involved in conducting field measurements to ensure optimal signal quality. Additionally, I had the opportunity to design a second DVB-T system with three channels specifically for use in Mecca during the pilgrimage season. The aim was to utilize DVB-T as a source for large screens that catered to the needs of pilgrims.

After my tenure in Saudi Arabia, I decided to migrate to Canada, where I joined Rogers Communications Inc. during a pivotal period of digital transition from analog to digital broadcasting. I observed that the legacy ATSC standard posed challenges in terms of reception compared to DVB-T. However, with the emergence of ATSC 3.0, which is based on Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM), I was excited about the potential improvements it could bring. I eagerly sought ways to be involved in the ATSC 3.0 implementation, although I recognized that its adoption was still pending in Canada. I wondered when Canada would follow in the footsteps of the United States and embrace this new technology.

An opportunity presented itself when Humber College was seeking a Lab Engineering Manager for their research on Broadcast Broadband Convergence. This position marked a significant milestone in my career journey. Serving as the Lab Engineering Manager, I take part in cutting-edge research that explores the convergence of broadcasting and broadband technologies.

What groups are you a part of with ATSC 3.0? IT-5, Tower Network Implementation Team; TG3-11, 5G Harmonization; and PT-4, Future Broadcast Ecosystem Technologies.

What are you most proud of in your current role? Regarding the completion of the ATSC 3.0 standard, I believe we are just scratching the surface of its potential. The ongoing exploration of ATSC 3.0 is like opening Pandora’s box of possibilities. As we delve deeper into its capabilities, we will discover more fascinating features that will greatly benefit users like us. I am proud to be part of the journey and contribute to the ongoing advancements of ATSC 3.0. The work we are doing at Humber’s ORI enables us to stay at the forefront of this exciting technology, continually discovering new research opportunities, and driving innovation within the broadcasting industry.

We are proud to declare that we have pioneered the first ATSC 3.0 transmission in Canada by putting on the air two (2) of the three (3) TV Transmitter sites we planned to date. We are airing 4K (2160p), 1080p, 720p and 480i with Humber contents.

In your opinion, what are the most impressive features of ATSC 3.0? LDM (Layer Division Multiplexing), which has the potential to double or even quadruple channel capacity. This exciting advancement opens doors for the delivery of 8K content, as demonstrated by ETRI from Korea during an IT-5 meeting.

Datacasting is another feature that will change the industry. With predictions of generating billions of dollars in revenue, this capability holds vast potential for broadcasters to provide data services alongside traditional content delivery, opening new avenues for revenue generation and user engagement.

Tell us about your interests, family, and life outside of the lab. My family is a source of great joy and support in my life. My wife and I recently celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary in May. We have three sons, all of whom have graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees and have embarked on their own individual paths.

Outside of work, I have several hobbies that help me relax and unwind. I enjoy keeping up with current events and watching news programs to stay informed about the world around us. Additionally, I find pleasure in watching movies, immersing myself in compelling stories and diverse cinematic experiences. Sports also hold a special place in my heart, and I enjoy watching live games, appreciating the skill and excitement they bring, not to mention, the tactics in the play.

Humber College recently featured Willie as a “Rock Star!” To read even more about Willie and the Humber College Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B2C Lab, visit: https://humber.ca/research/news/b2c-rock-star-willie-perez