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Vermont Public Radio Ignites HD Radio™ Broadcasts with GatesAir Solution
End-to-end architecture reliably transports high-quality on-air services to high-efficiency Flexiva™ solid-state transmitter
Cincinnati, OH, July 09, 2014
GatesAir, a global leader in over-the-air broadcast solutions for radio and television, today announced it is supporting Vermont Public Radio’s HD Radio™ broadcasts with a complete architecture to reliably transport and transmit three digital channels and a main FM signal. The installation includes a new GatesAir Flexiva™ transmitter to support higher HD Radio and analog power levels, improving over-the-air coverage while minimizing operational costs.
The end-to-end solution transports on-air program audio (and all program-associated data) over IP to the broadcaster’s transmitter site — retaining exceptional quality across the chain. At the transmitter site, a Flexiva 10kW transmitter is running 6kW at -14dB power injection levels for HD Radio, helping Vermont Public Radio deliver its unique programming to a wider audience with exceptional audio quality.
The GatesAir solution gives Vermont Public Radio a complete architecture to support analog and digital radio services, with substantial efficiency improvements at the transmitter site that reduce maintenance, cooling and power costs. This allows the public broadcaster to keep costs manageable while operating high-quality digital radio services.
“We were all initially very impressed with the physical construction of the Flexiva transmitter,” said Joe Tymecki, director of engineering, Vermont Public Radio. “Its ability to maintain normal rated power through module changes and other maintenance procedures keeps our signal consistent for listeners, and its simple layout offers an easy learning curve for any engineer. Overall, the ease of serviceability and maintenance is a big cost benefit as it reduces our labor requirements. We also air condition our transmitter sites, and the Flexiva offers an efficiency advantage over other transmitters that will lower our power bills.”
GatesAir can support any digital radio transport method, including multiple generations of the HD Radio Exgine architecture. Vermont Public Radio houses its GatesAir HDE-200 Program Exporter at the transmitter site, with a direct connection to its GatesAir Flexiva exciter – an exciter that keeps the station’s over-the-air signals sharp, stable and in mask compliance per FCC regulations. At the studio, the GatesAir HDI-200 Importer prepares HD Radio program audio and data for delivery over IP to the transmitter site, alongside uncompressed audio for the FM broadcast.
“GatesAir’s legacy of HD Radio innovation focuses on end-to-architectures that help broadcasters support engaging digital services for the purpose of enticing a new generation of over-the-air listeners,” said Rich Redmond, chief product officer, GatesAir. “We are proud to call Vermont Public Radio a long-time GatesAir customer, trusting our complete solutions to create, transport and transmit high-quality and forward-looking over-the-air services.”
About GatesAir
GatesAir, Inc. 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. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information, and follow us on Twitter at @GatesAir.
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HD Radio™ is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corp.
Contact info:
Brian Galante
Dimension PR
207-494-8428
brian@dimensionpronline.com
