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GatesAir TV and FM Transmitter Lines Expand to Meet Low-Power Demand
New for IBC, award-winning IMTX and Flexiva GX families add two-channel TV system, two analog FM models respectively
Cincinnati, OH, September 03, 2024
GatesAir, a subsidiary of Thomson Broadcast dedicated to wireless content delivery, introduces new high-efficiency, low-power solutions for two award-winning product lines that offer insights into the changing requirements for RF infrastructure. To be introduced at IBC2024, GatesAir will unveil the third entry to its groundbreaking IMTX Intra-Mast series, which consolidates miniature transmission modules inside a common chassis with minimal infrastructure. GatesAir will also showcase the two latest models for its Flexiva GX family of FM transmitters, one that is new to IBC visitors and the other which begins shipping in time for the show.
GatesAir has added to both lines in response to global customer demand for high-efficiency, low-power solutions that solve problems, reduce costs and reliably operate over the long term. The new IMTX 2+0 model packs two UHF modules into an ultra-compact chassis that come configured as low-power transmitters, transposers or gap fillers to address specific TV coverage needs, often for challenging scenarios. The Flexiva GX line adds 2kW (GX2K) and 3kW (GX3K) models that fill out the low-power end of the FM transmitter family, ensuring that all broadcasters have a very high-efficiency, analog-only option for their station’s power level.
“Five years ago, GatesAir laid the groundwork for a new era of low-power innovation with three key new product lines: the PMTX-1 outdoor weatherproof series, the MultiD Series of multicarrier DAB systems, and the IMTX Intra-Mast series,” said Ray Miklius, Vice President of Technology, GatesAir. “Through the unique vision of our European engineering team, these TV and DAB systems shed new light on the possibilities of transmitter design while solving existing problems and preparing customers for future opportunities in content delivery. The spirit of these high-efficiency designs are found in our Flexiva GX line in ways that best serve the FM market. All four award-winning lines will be on our IBC stand, and we’re excited to share the benefits of our latest IMTX and GX products.”
Problem-Solving TV Transmission
GatesAir’s new IMTX 2+0 system adds a two-channel option to the popular Maxiva IMTX 2+0 Intra-Mast series, offering the same benefits as its six- and eight-channel siblings with some clever twists. All three IMTX systems include a stacked array of transmission modules securely built into a chassis and pre-configured to provide TV service or fill coverage gaps where signal penetration is a challenge. IMTX systems are especially useful for populated urban areas with tight housing densities, or to establish a localized transmission point to serve rural or underserved communities.
The IMTX 2+0 substantially reduces the form factor to a sleek 13.35” x 6.7” x 12.58” form factor, simplifying its integration to fit into almost any structure. Its compact design, solid structural integrity and flexible connectivity points translate to clean installations inside hollow mast or traditional tower structures. Its sturdiness and unobtrusive presence also work well inside an RF shelter in desktop form. From an efficiency standpoint, tower structures provide complete protection from the outside environment while allowing heat dissipation via convection and forced air cooling. Same as previous models, the IMTX 2+0 offers vertical air convection flow within the chassis, complemented by a series of small fans. A DVB-S/S2 satellite receiver option is available as well as GbE (TS over IP), ASI, T2MI, and SMPTE-310M inputs.
The IMTX 2+0 is the first IMTX system with a built-in N+1 architecture that solidifies on-air protection for broadcasters through a parallel redundancy layer. N+1 systems, especially popular in Europe, support automatic failure to a secondary system that provides the same functionality and performance. The IMTX 2+0 design is built for redundancy across channels, with automatic failover between a main and backup chassis and through a single, simple connection between the corresponding modules.
The initial rollout will serve UHF channels, with VHF and DAB radio versions to follow as market demands dictate. All IMTX transmission modules can deliver up to 70 W of average DTV power.
High-Efficiency FM
GatesAir’s Flexiva GX line now includes five low power models from 50 W to 3 kW, with the new GX2K 2kW model receiving its IBC debut. GatesAir will also be shipping the GX3K (3 kW) announced at IBC2023 before the show floor opens on September 13.
The compact, high-density architecture of the GX2K accentuates the value proposition of the Flexiva GX line for the FM engineer. Flexiva GX transmitters provide radio customers with a strong power-to-size ratio for all six power levels — including the higher power 5 kW and 10 kW models — by leveraging the latest LDMOS technology. The design packs exceptional power density into a compact chassis, with overall efficiency ratings up to 76 percent.
New for IBC, GatesAir has enhanced the GUI for all six GX models, including integrated audio playback and a supporting playlist manager. Options include GPS receivers for SFN support, and GatesAir’s Intraplex IP Link 100e (IPL-100e) module. The IPL-100e integrates within Flexiva GX transmitters, enabling direct IP connectivity of FM audio and data from the studio. The IPL-100e also provides support for optional integrated professional ten-band audio processing software, which can save users thousands of dollars in auxiliary equipment.
The Flexiva GX family is available worldwide, and can be configured to serve large national or regional FM single-frequency network (SFN) deployments. Using GatesAir’s MultiSystem Controller (MSC) technology, Flexiva GX transmitters also support N+1 configurations, enabling large national network operators to build very flexible and consolidated transmission sites that meet stringent uptime requirements.
IBC2024 takes place September 13-16 at the RAI Amsterdam, where GatesAir exhibits at Stand 8.C74.
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 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 Thomson Broadcast
Thomson Broadcast is headquartered in Paris, France and maintains U.S. operations in West Palm Beach, Florida. Thomson Broadcast has deployed more than 50,000 equipment installations in more than 170 countries, actively participating in the evolution of television and radio transmission technologies. Through the development of Pulse Step Modulation (PSM) for radio and creating automatic Digital Adaptive Pre-Correction (DAP) for television, Thomson Broadcast continues to help shape the global broadcast transmission market. Thomson Broadcast’s award-winning technologies have earned more than 50 patents and have become fundamental to the broadcast industry. Visit www.thomsonbroadcast.tv for more information, connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/thomson-broadcasttv and follow us on Twitter at @ThomsonBRCST and Instagram at @thomson_broadcast.
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