Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has supplied an integrated DTV broadcast solution to RIC Group in Brazil for the digital transition of its entire TV broadcast network. Harris is an international communications and information technology company.
RIC Group operates 11 TV stations, affiliates of the Record Network, in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina that are able to reach a potential audience of 16 million inhabitants. The group has completed the digitization of its broadcast and production facilities in Florianopolis and Curitiba, installing a complete Harris solution featuring routers, transmitters, master control and branding systems, and signal processing, distribution and networking equipment — with more sites to follow in the near future.
"We were looking for a solution that supports us in all the stages of the digital transition process," said Rafael Mafra, engineering manager for RIC Group in Florianopolis. "Harris was the only provider that could be fully immersed in the project by providing a flexible range of products at a good price, and offering technical assistance and support on a national level."
The Harris solution offers a 3 Gb/s-ready solution at the infrastructure, supporting future station upgrades. Harris® Platinum™ and Panacea™ routers handle facility-wide signal routing, while Harris 6800+™ modular solutions and X50™ systems handle additional signal processing, distribution and signal conversion tasks. The solution also includes master control switching and branding solutions, using Harris® IconMaster™ switchers and IconStation™ channel branding systems.
On the transmission side, Harris® NetVX™ video networking solutions are added for signal encoding and multiplexing, and Maxiva™ ULX liquid-cooled, high-power UHF transmitters for over-the-air ISDB-Tb digital broadcasting. Harris also provided an automatic switchover solution between primary and backup transmitters as specified by RIC Group, providing additional redundancy at transmission sites.
Carlos Effting, engineering manager for RIC Group in Curitiba, added that the Harris solution has made the digital transition in Curitiba much easier, and simplified his regional operation overall. He noted that post-sales support has been especially helpful, considering it "just as excellent as product quality."
"The Harris solution gives us complete control of the entire broadcast operation," added Mafra. "We have already received feedback from viewers noting the improved video and audio quality of our broadcasts, and Harris has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition."
In broadcast communications, Harris offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.