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GatesAir and Foccus Digital Upgrade ISDB-Tb Digital TV and FM Radio Infrastructure for Sistema Clube
Single-frequency network projects boost DTV signal strength and extends coverage of FM signal, while GatesAir liquid-cooled technology reduces cooling loads and utility costs
Cincinnati, OH, October 10, 2017
GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for TV and radio broadcasters, has partnered with Foccus Digital in Brazil to upgrade Sistema Clube’s over-the-air broadcast infrastructure in the greater Sao Paolo region. Using GatesAir liquid and air-cooled transmitters to power single-frequency networks, the project upgrades existing ISDB-Tb digital TV infrastructure and expands FM coverage, improving signal quality and integrity across nearly 200 square miles.
Foccus Digital, which worked closely with Sistema Clube across all site planning, installation and commissioning services, opted for GatesAir for operational efficiency benefits and what the company calls “unparalleled” leadership in single-frequency network technology and experience.
The FM rollout comprises two new sites powered by Flexiva™ FM transmitters, including the first installation of a Flexiva FLX liquid-cooled transmitter in Brazil; and one Flexiva FAX air-cooled transmitter. GatesAir Intraplex® SynchroCast® technology seamlessly networks FM content across multiple transmission sites over IP, ensuring all transmitters deliver program content to their specific coverage areas in lockstep.
The TV project replaces existing transmitters with 13 Maxiva™ high-efficiency UHF transmitters—a mix of ULXTE liquid-cooled and UAXTE air-cooled models—which integrate GatesAir’s next-generation Maxiva XTE exciter. The XTE’s advanced signal processing power and real-time adaptive correction software delivers a more robust signal to strengthen signal quality and integrity across the entire coverage area, which spans from congested urban neighborhoods to rural and coastal regions.
Robert Houghtaling, business development manager for Foccus Digital, emphasizes that the efficiency gains afforded through GatesAir liquid-cooled technology for TV and radio have been especially impressive.
“The tropical climate of the Sao Paolo region means makes the reduction of air conditioning loads and energy consumption in the RF plant a high priority,” he said. “GatesAir’s liquid-cooled architecture cleanly transfers heat from inside the plant to the outside, which substantially lowers cooling and electricity costs for Sistema Clube. The modular design of all GatesAir transmitters also brings efficiency gains through simplicity of installation and ongoing maintenance, the latter of which amounts to long-term monetary savings tied to reduced labor and spare parts management.”
Specific to maintenance, Maxiva and Flexiva transmitters adopt a similar modular architecture that allows engineers to easily replace power amplifier modules and power supplies while remaining on the air. The streamlined interior design of these transmitters—based on GatesAir’s PowerSmart® Plus green transmitter architecture with broadband amplification—also means that engineers can share a minimal, common spare parts inventory across all transmitters on the network.
“The unique characteristics of single-frequency network architectures requires a careful balance of network planning and technical implementation to ensure exceptional performance across multiple sites tied to signal integrity and synchronous delivery,” said Bruce Swail, CEO, Gates Air. “Working closely with our Brazilian partner Foccus Digital, these upgrades ensure that Sistema Clube has the latest available technologies to at once improve quality and coverage for local audiences while lowering total cost of ownership across their TV and radio infrastructure.”
About GatesAir
GatesAir, Inc., a portfolio company of The Gores Group, provides complete solutions for over-the-air radio and television broadcasting, leveraging wireless spectrum to maximize performance for multichannel, mission-critical services. Powering over-the-air networks worldwide with unparalleled reliability for nearly 100 years, GatesAir’s turnkey solutions enable broadcasters to create, transport and transmit radio and TV content. With customers in more than 185 countries, the company leads the industry in innovation and design breakthroughs, improving efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership with all products designed and assembled in the USA. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information, Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gatesair, and follow us on Twitter at @GatesAir.
About The Gores Group
The Gores Group, founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, is a global investment firm focused on acquiring controlling interests in mature and growing businesses which can benefit from the firm's operating experience and flexible capital base. The firm combines the operational expertise and detailed due diligence capabilities of a strategic buyer with the seasoned M&A team of a traditional financial buyer. Over its 30-year history, The Gores Group has become a leading investor having demonstrated a reliable track record of creating value in its portfolio companies alongside management. Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Gores Group maintains offices in Boulder, CO, and London. For more information, please visit http://www.gores.com.
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