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GatesAir Intraplex® IP Networking Solution Eliminates Interference Between Two California FM Stations
Transition to IP Link MPXp with integrated SynchroCast technology unifies two stations on a powerful new single-frequency network – and saves the operation $1700 a month in the process
Cincinnati, OH, October 18, 2017
GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for radio and TV broadcasters, has supplied an Intraplex® intelligent IP networking and synchronization solution to KCSN(FM) for resilient signal transport across its new single-frequency network (SFN).
Broadcasting on 88.5 MHz from the campus of California State University in Northridge, KCSN has long struggled with mutual interference with another FM station, KSBR, broadcasting on the same frequency from Saddleback College in Orange County. The transition to an SFN with Intraplex IP networking brought the two stations together into a unified operation, solving the problem of interference as listeners traveled through the Los Angeles area.
“While KCSN has a clear signal in the northern metro area, it would turn into a horrible mishmash of two signals as drivers traveled south toward Orange County,” said Michael Worrall, technical director and chief engineer, KCSN. “The same happened for KSBR listeners as they drove north. The only solution was to join forces with a common format, and have the same program broadcasting from all transmitters. We wanted to utilize the best, state-of-the-art products to help overcome the obstacles that have historically hindered SFNs, so we consulted with some of the best minds in the business at GatesAir and elsewhere to find the right technical solution.”
Those consultations steered KCSN toward an SFN architecture that provided a seamless transition between transmitters as people travelled through the region. The complete system brings three transmitters—KSBR, KCSN main and a KCSN booster in Beverly Hills—together using an Intraplex IP Link MPXp codec with integrated Intraplex SynchroCast® technology to simulcast and time-lock the signals. This technique ensures that the three overlapping transmitters operating on the same frequency, and avoid interference with each other while broadening overall signal coverage.
Worrall migrated from a T1 architecture to IP based on several new efficiencies that the IP Link MPXp brought to the surface, including lower monthly costs, reduced capital investment, and support for a transparent AES192 digital multiplex composite signal. A competitive analysis of MPX codecs on the market proved that the GatesAir solution excelled in dual-domain design, network reliability and built-in dynamic SFN capability. The migration from T1 to IP has also saved the operation about $1700 each month, which uses a very wide-bandwidth, private Ethernet service from AT&T to accommodate all signal networking.
“The MPXp allows us to originate the baseband signal at our Northridge studios, and duplicate that signal within the codec, maintaining strict control of signal levels and phase across the network,” said Worrall. “We’re confident that the high-quality AES192 audio is being delivered to all three transmitters identically. It also gives us a simultaneous analog MPX composite output to route program audio to our backup transmitters, which aren’t yet capable of accepting an AES192 digital stream. We can do this all from one codec, and without the burden of adjusting audio levels in T1 frames to match modulation levels. The MPXp keeps those modulation levels identical, which eliminates the noise floor for the cleanest signal for our listeners. And we’re doing this all for about $330 per month – compared to $2,000 a month had we remained on T1 – without sacrificing any reliability associated with signal transport.”
“GatesAir has long been at the forefront of innovation in intelligent networking to problem-solve interference and coverage shortcomings in over-the-air broadcasting,” said Bruce D. Swail, CEO, GatesAir. “Our Intraplex solutions are providing the best of both worlds for KCSN by providing a far more robust signal over greater distances, and simultaneously saving our customer thousands of dollars annually.”
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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