GatesAir Launches New Transmitter Range

GatesAir has confirmed that it will launch its first transmitter range with native IP capability at IBC2016.

Known as Maxiva UAXTE, the air-cooled UHF transmitters bring adaptability and flexibility to the broadcast industry's latest over-the-air DTV standards (ATSC, DVB-T/T2, ISDB-Tb), that benefit from the flexibility of IP networking and connectivity. In addition, its software-defined modulation enables migration to future digital TV standards, including the emerging ATSC 3.0 modulation.

To enable native IP capability, the Maxiva UAXTE integrates GatesAir's high-performance modulator from the Maxiva XTE exciter into its architecture. This removes the need to retrofit previous-generation Maxiva air-cooled transmitters with additional gear to enable network connectivity, giving broadcasters an out-of-the-box solution to simplify the input and output of multimedia services via a local- or wide-area IP network.

The architecture of the UAXTE is enhanced further by optimisation of the power amplification stage. Beyond enabling native IP connectivity and reducing componentry, the XTE modulator integration delivers an increase in digital signal processing capability, using the latest CPU processing technology based on Advanced RISC Machines (ARM); and FGPAs. The improved processing power correlates to enhanced real-time adaptive correction capabilities in the XTE's built-in, proprietary GatesAir RTAC software.

The UAXTE design involves a unified control system that eliminates the standard practice of a separate user interface for the exciter and transmitter. By centralising control functionality into a single, modern user interface, engineers can control all settings and parameters.

The UAXTE platform also extends Maxiva air-cooled transmitter power levels with the UAXTE-24 and UAXTE-32 models. The UAXTE-24 provides broadcasters with 12kW of OFDM power (DVB-T/T2, ISDB-T) and 21.6kW of ATSC power, while the UAXTE-32 delivers 16kW of OFDM power and 28.8kW of ATSC power.

The UAXTE demonstration will complement several advanced application demonstrations on the GatesAir stand (8.C30), including an overview of ATSC 3.0 features and key points called, 'What is ATSC 3.0?'.

This video can be viewed below.



Rich Redmond, Chief Product Officer, GatesAir, said: "Since unveiling our high-performance Maxiva XTE exciter at IBC2015, our engineering team has been working toward a solution that would directly incorporate the benefits of IP networking and significantly improved processing power directly into our high-efficiency air-cooled transmitters. The UAXTE design achieves this while introducing next-gen signal correction and new control and monitoring efficiencies that further enhance reliability and performance for DTV broadcasters worldwide."

www.gatesair.com

(JP/LM)