Harris provides wireless link for NI broadcast supplier Macmillan Media

Harris Corporation has announced that Macmillan Media, a multimedia production, media training and broadcast services provider in Northern Ireland, has installed an innovative networking system that connects its new broadcast centre in Belfast with Ulster Television (UTV), the Independent Television franchise holder for Northern Ireland.
The system, which combines digital microwave radio technology from Harris' Microwave Communications Division and NetVX, an award-winning, high-speed, integrated networking platform from Harris' Broadcast Communications Division, is far more cost effective than the leased fibre connection alternative.
Macmillan Media's studios produce regional news output for Good Morning Television (GMTV) and other British broadcasters.
Owner and founder Michael Macmillan said: "It is essential that we present news bulletins which reflect GMTV's highly successful national program content. The combined expertise of Harris Corporation's Broadcast and Microwave Communications Divisions offered an opportunity to install a compelling blend of modern technologies. The capabilities we now have in our new broadcast centre enable us to meet the high standards set by our clients."
Macmillan wanted a wireless connection between its new facility and UTV to take advantage of its line-of-sight proximity. Macmillan approached Charlie Day, the Managing Director of UK-based broadcast equipment supplier 'The UK Office,' who recommended Harris' microwave radios. Macmillan now uses the microwave link to deliver two channels of television programming to UTV, including live contribution services for GMTV each morning.
Harris' Microwave Communication Division has a wide range of point-to-point digital microwave radios designed for rapid, easy deployment of short, medium and long links. A wide range of frequency bands and protection configurations also are available for voice and data applications.
At the hub of Macmillan's system is Harris' NetVX, which is equipped with two MPEG-2 codecs configured to deliver two channels of 4:2:2 contribution quality video over ATM on the E3 link.
"Part of Harris' value proposition is its ability to draw upon products from any of Harris' four divisions and combine them in ways that provide exceptional long-term value and innovation for our customers," said Jim Denny, vice president and general manager of Harris Broadcast Communications Division's Networking & Government Solutions business unit.
The Broadcast Communications Division has installed more than 100 NetVX systems worldwide, proving the platform's flexibility, ability to evolve to support new services, and cost-savings potential.
Harris has claimed the lead in the wireless "backhaul" sector with Truepoint, the first universal platform for point-to-point digital communications.
Former BBC and ITN Senior Correspondent Michael Macmillan founded Macmillan Media in 1993.
Harris Corporation, www.harris.com.
(SP)