NEWSROOM

BE TO SHOWCASE AT IBC 2008 NEW TRANSMISSION/EXCITER UNIT OPTIMIZED FOR SYNCHRONOUS, SINGLE-FREQUENCY FM NETWORKS

Internal GPS receiver and audio delay reduce interference as well as size of overlap zones in some cases

August 1st, 2008 - Broadcast Electronics (BE) will showcase at the upcoming IBC 2008 conference a new FM exciter with synchronous features for addressing the challenges of low-power, single-frequency FM networks. As a standalone FM exciter with sync locking and transmission capabilities up to 250W, the new FXi 250esp offers advanced built-in features for providing continuous coverage of two or more low-power FMs broadcasting on the same frequency. BE's FXi 250esp includes an internal GPS receiver for locking carriers and pilot frequencies in sync to GPS 10MHz and 1 PPS, plus internal dynamic audio and modulation synchronization for reducing distortion artifacts in interference zones. The unit is the first exciter to come standard with these synchronous features, saving broadcasters the cost of an external audio delay unit and GPS receiver at up to US$5000 per site. More important, the unit provides advanced synchronization for reducing the interference and, in some cases, the footprint of zones where signals overlap. "Synchronizing the audio and RF waveforms in lockstep solves most of the distortion issues that have prevented many broadcasters from using synchronous FM technology in the past," said Debra Huttenburg, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Broadcast Electronics, one of the leading developers of synchronous FM technology starting in the 1980s. "RF sites that were marginal before because of these issues now become viable options for extending programming into population corridors or areas under-served by existing high-powered FM transmission sites," added Huttenburg. In 2002, BE introduced the first digital approach to synchronizing single-frequency FM networks, which significantly improved signal-to-noise performance in overlapping coverage areas serviced by two or more FM transmitters. Now, with the arrival of BE's FXi 250esp and its 60W version (FXi 60esp) this year, the company adds the following features in one unit: Precision alignment of all FMs broadcasting in a single-frequency network synchronized to GPS 10MHz, 1 PPS reference. Pilot frequency and phase alignment to eliminate interference noise associated with the receiver picking up and switching between broadcasts of equal signal strength in overlap zones. Dynamic audio delay to adjust for poor reception quality in overlap zones due to signal path variations of two or more broadcasts in the network. Audio phase alignment is adjustable within 1 microsecond resolution to significantly reduce interference. Audio level control to optimize signal-to-noise levels throughout the single-frequency network. In addition to synchronous technology, the FXi 60/250esp includes an instrument grade spectrum analyzer, digital adaptive correction, dual RF outputs to drive two transmitters, Ethernet connectivity and IP control, more than 45 flexible I/O configurations, and more. BE will demonstrate the FXi 250esp for synchronous applications at BE booth C91 in Hall 8 during the September IBC conference in Amsterdam. BE's new AudioVAULT X digital media system and a 4MX 50 transmitter as well as FM 10S transmitter will also be shown at the booth. BE offers turnkey RF packages based on its comprehensive FM transmitter line ranging from 50W to 70kW, and comprehensive AM transmitter line ranging in power from 500W to 100kW.

RELATED PRODUCTS - 4MX 50 - FM 10S - FXi 60/250esp

ABOUT BROADCAST ELECTRONICS Broadcast Electronics™ (BE) is the premier provider of mission-critical solutions for over-the-air and Internet radio. Our products encompass program generation, audio and data management, interfacility transport, and analog and digital transmission. For more than four decades, our pioneering developments have set industry standards for innovation and reliability, while providing broadcasters with new options for operational productivity and income generation. BE is headquartered in Quincy, Illinois and is represented worldwide by our network of local representatives.