Axcera to Introduce the Innovator™ HX High Power Solid State VHF Television Transmitter at NAB 2004

The First New VHF Transmitter Design of the 21st Century

LAWRENCE, Pa., U.S.A. April 14, 2004 – Axcera, a leading provider of transmission equipment for the television broadcast and broadband wireless access industries, today announced that it will introduce the Innovator HX high power VHF television transmitter at the NAB 2004 trade show.

Axcera’s market research has shown that VHF broadcasters are very interested in a VHF transmitter that is based on the latest available technology. This need is primarily driven by two factors: 1) most of the high power VHF transmitters being sold in the U.S. today are based on designs that were originally developed in the 1980s, and 2) with the expectation that analog television will continue well beyond the FCC’s initial 2006 deadline, broadcasters believe that they must have reliable, modern transmitters to support both their analog and digital VHF broadcasts.

The Innovator™ HX was developed to fill this need, while at the same time offering broadcasters the flexibility to choose the features and configurations that are best for their specific needs. The HX offers:

• In-Circuit Programmable Controller - The control system is an Axcera in-circuit programmable design using standard, off-the-shelf components. This avoids dependency on proprietary third-party controller designs and the associated obsolescence issues, further solidifying future product support.
• Versatile PA and Exciter Design – The HX uses the latest MOSFET transistors in high-gain power amplifiers that are identical for visual, aural and digital operation, allowing broadcasters to minimize spare parts stock. Because the PAs are high-gain, a complete high power transmitter can be driven directly by the frequency agile exciter/driver, adding simplicity, improving reliability, and further minimizing spare parts stock.
• Linear or Switching Supplies – The Innovator HX can be ordered with either traditional linear power supplies or modern switching supplies. The linear supply option includes two regulated linear power supplies per amplifier cabinet, ensuring that no single point of failure can cause an off-air situation. The switching power supply option further increases this redundancy with four modular, hot-pluggable power factor corrected supplies per amplifier cabinet.
• Flexible, Forward-Thinking Configurations - Systems are available in both digital and internally diplexed or externally diplexed analog configurations. Selecting an internally diplexed configuration, coupled with a digital mask filter that is tuned for analog rejection, can simplify a future digital conversion, requiring only the addition of a digital modulator – a very attractive option for broadcasters expecting to return to their legacy VHF channel for DTV broadcasting.

The new Innovator™ HX was designed to provide VHF broadcasters with a modern, advanced transmitter product that will be supported well into the future. In addition, it is backed by Axcera, widely regarded as the most reliable service and support organization in the industry, and one that has never discontinued support of any of its product lines. The Innovator HX can be seen at Axcera’s booth, number C8606, April 19th through 22nd at the NAB show in Las Vegas. To download a PDF version of the HX brochure click here.

About Axcera
Axcera (www.axcera.com) is a premier provider of RF transmission equipment and systems for the television broadcast and broadband wireless/MMDS industries. Carrying on the tradition of offering the best RF products for more than 20 years, the company has earned its reputation as a high-quality manufacturer focused on meeting customers’ needs. Today Axcera provides the most complete line of television transmitter systems available from any manufacturer, as well as end-to-end broadband wireless/MMDS solutions, including complete network planning, design and integration services.

Axcera
Rich Schwartz, director of marketing and product mgt.
+1-724-873-8100 ext. 263
rschwartz@axcera.com