Multiplexed Analogue Components

Multiplexed Analogue Components (MAC) was an analog television standard where luminance and chrominance components were transmitted separately. This was an evolution from older color TV systems (such as PAL or SECAM) where there was interference between chrominance and luminance.

MAC was originally proposed in the 1980s for use on a Europe-wide terrestrial HDTV system. Terrestrial transmission tests were conducted in France, although the system was never used for that purpose. Various variants were developed, collectively known as the "MAC/packet" family.

In 1985 MAC was recommended for satellite and cable broadcasts by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), with specific variants for each medium. C-MAC/packet was intended for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), D-MAC/packet for wide-band cable, and D2-MAC/packet for both for DBS and narrow-band cable.

MAC was originally developed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority in the early 1980, as a system for delivering high quality pictures via direct broadcast satellites, that would be independent of European countries' choice of terrestrial colour-coding standard.

In 1982, MAC was adopted as the transmission format for the UK's forthcoming DBS television services, eventually provided by British Satellite Broadcasting. The following year, MAC was adopted by the EBU as the standard for all DBS broadcasts.

By 1986, despite there being two variants (D-MAC and D2-MAC) favoured by different countries, an EU Directive imposed MAC on the national DBS broadcasters. The justification was to provide a stepping stone from analogue formats (PAL and SECAM) the future HD and digital television, placing European TV manufacturers in a privileged position to provide the equipment required.

However, the Astra satellite system was also starting up at this time (the first satellite, Astra 1A, was launched in 1989), operating outside of the EU's MAC requirements, due to being a non-DBS satellite.

Despite further pressure from the EU (including a Directive to make MAC compulsory in TV sets, and subsidies to broadcasters using MAC), most broadcasters outside of Scandinavia preferred the lower costs of PAL equipment, and the system had a limited adoption.