Harris Corporation Launches Apex Multimedia Exciter At NAB

Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, have introduced the world's first Mobile Pedestrian Handheld (MPH) ready digital exciter, the Apex M2X, at the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas at their stand N2502 in the Convention Centre.
MPH in-band mobile DTV is the ATSC-compatible mobile TV solution jointly developed by Harris Corporation, LG Electronics Inc. and Zenith. The MPH platform allows local TV stations to delver digital ATSC-compatible content to portable media players, automobile-based TV equipment, GPS devices, laptop computers and mobile phones.
Harris is displaying the next-generation Apex M2X exciter at NAB 2008 as part of the MPH in-band mobile DTV display at its booth.
Tim Thorstenson, President of Harris Broadcast Communications, said: "The Harris Apex M2X exciter is designed to provide today's multimedia broadcaster with one hardware platform capable of multiple modulation schemes.
"As the first and only MPH ready exciter on the market, this platform can be deployed quickly so broadcasters can deliver MPH content to various mobile and video devices - while simultaneously delivering standard and HDTV programming to traditional TV sets."
The frequency-agile exciter is capable of transmitting other ATSC digital TV services, including HDTV using the same slice of bandwidth. This allows local broadcasters to multiplex all TV services into a single transport stream for over-the-air transmission. The Apex M2X exciter is compatible with most digital transmitters, including all Harris ATSC transmitters from its PowerCD, DiamondCD, Sigma, Platinum-i, Ranger and Atlas product lines.
The deployment-ready Apex M2X exciter also incorporates the latest version of Harris RTAC (real-time adaptive correction) technology. Harris RTAC technology minimises over-the-air signal distortions for FCC mask compliance through non-linear correction and now offers linear equalisation of the modulation signal to maximise the coverage area throughout a specific market.
Because some mobile DTV networks will require a fabric of coordinated transmitters to provide continuous coverage, the Apex M2X has been designed to support Single Frequency Network (SFN) operation.
Operation is facilitated with options for built-in GPS receivers, UPS backup for ultra frequency stability and an integrated remote monitor and control network.
Harris digital transmitters and exciters are among the wide range of Harris solutions that optimise the transmission workflows of today's broadcast operations.
Harris Broadcast Communications provides products, systems and services that deliver interoperable workflow solutions that span the entire broadcast delivery chain.
The Harris ONE approach brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and for customers upgrading media operations to digital and high-definition services.
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of more than $4 billion and 16,000 employees - including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.
Further information is available at: www.harris.com.
(KMcA/JM)