Imagine Communications

The purchase comprises the second phase of an innovative DTV project that will eventually distribute high-definition (HDTV) programming to TV TEM's entire market, covering a population of about eight million residents. The Maxiva transmitters, manufactured locally in Harris' Campinas transmission facility, will support ISDB-Tb over-the-air broadcasting — the national digital transmission standard for Brazil.

The broadcaster's signal distribution platform uses a mix of satellite and digital microwave systems to compress and deliver signals to the Maxiva transmitters. TV TEM Engineering Manager Ewerton Maciel calls this is an innovation, being the first broadcaster in Brazil to deploy such a solution.

"The main objective of the project is to deploy the base that will bring high-definition signals to all of our viewers," said Maciel. "We tested equipment from several companies and Harris proved to be the only company able to meet our needs. The new system allows better control over the process and ensures signal quality."

TV TEM first began DTV transmissions in the city of Sorocaba using Harris equipment in 2009, and later acquired seven Maxiva transmitters to launch HDTV broadcasts in the cities of Marilia, Araçatuba and Jundiaí. The first seven Maxiva transmitters are live today, using a single frequency networking (SFN) architecture to transmit high-quality DTV content across larger areas with efficiency.

The TV TEM DTV project also includes a complete Harris "centralcasting" solution to produce, share and automate content from a single facility. Harris networking equipment supports communication and program exchange between network locations, while a fully automated Harris SD/HD master control solution with routers, multiviewers and loudness control handles all video and audio signal processing tasks. Harris video servers and digital asset management software simplify content playout and management across the centralcasting workflow.

Harris' TV transmitter manufacturing center in Campinas has helped turn Harris into the country's leader in ISDB-Tb. Harris' local manufacturing commitment offers competitive pricing and better support to TV TEM and other Brazilian transmission customers.

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.