Distortion in irregularly loaded lines

An expression is obtained for that part of the distortion introduced by line irregularity; a similar disturbance is caused in the variation of the sending-end impedance with frequency. The nature of the distortion is examined, and it is shown that the effect of an irregularity is greater the nearer it is to the transmitting end; it tends to damp out with an increase in the length of the line, and at a repeater the line effectively recommences. Distortion due to differential frequency attenuation, however, increases with the length of the line; the interposition of repeaters has no effect. To reduce distortion due to irregularity it is essential to eliminate as far as possible irregularities near the transmitting end (including in this term portions of the line immediately beyond a repeater). For the transmission of music it is desirable to use separate lines and eliminate repeaters, or reduce their number to a minimum.