Harris' Apex M2X broadcast exciter supports DVB-T2 standard

WINNERSH, ENGLAND: Harris Corp. announced that its Apex M2X software-defined broadcast exciter now supports the next-generation DVB-T2 digital terrestrial transmission standard.

Support for the new standard was made possible via a software licensing agreement with the BBC, the largest broadcasting organization in the world.

"BBC Research & Development was at the heart of the evolution of the DVB-T2 standard and was involved in the first worldwide implementation," said Phil Argyris, vice president, Transmission Systems, Harris Broadcast Communications. "The DVB-T2 standard has been talked about in the industry for years. Now, through the joint efforts of BBC and Harris, this capability is a reality for our Apex M2X customers."

The DVB-T2 standard delivers efficiencies of 30-50 percent in its use of spectrum compared to the DVB-T standard. Global broadcasters are showing strong interest in using DVB-T2 in order to gain significant transmission efficiency improvements, allowing for increased capabilities for high definition, mobile and multicast content while reducing costs.

"The Apex M2X exciter was designed from the start to accommodate evolving standards such as DVB-T2 via a simple software upgrade, enabling customers to seamlessly migrate to DVB-T2 cost effectively and on their individual schedules," said Argyris.

"This announcement is the latest example of the Harris commitment to providing broadcasters with the technology they need to support new standards and make the most of their bandwidth."

Launched in 2008, the Apex M2X exciter works across a wide spectrum of frequencies including UHF, VHF and L band. In addition to DVB-T2, the exciter also supports ATSC, ATSC M/H, DVBT/H, ISDB-Tb, FLO, CTTB, DAB, DMB, CMMB and a wide range of analogue TV standards, including NTSC and PAL.

Harris Broadcast Communications 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.