Harris Corporation Introduces Industry’s Most Efficient Range of High-Power Radio Broadcast Transmitters at NAB Radio

AUSTIN, Texas.-(NAB Radio, Booth 509) — Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has introduced the HPX™ Series, the radio broadcast industry’s only range of high-power tube transmitters designed for HD Radio™ broadcasting. HPX transmitters provide a high-power solution in a compact, power-efficient, and cost-effective package. HPX transmitters are also available in analog FM-only or common amplification HD Radio versions, and incorporate the most advanced transmitter control system available today.

HPX transmitters offer outstanding value to radio broadcasters, leveraging Harris Corporation’s extensive experience with HDTV tube technology to provide the most compact and efficient radio broadcast transmitter in its class. With a combination of an attractive price point and higher operating efficiencies, HPX transmitters are expected to outperform any other solid-state or tube-based transmitter in the same class in cost of ownership over the lifetime of the transmitter.

The compact design of the HPX transmitter utilizes matching amplifier and power supply cabinets to minimize the footprint at the transmission facility. Its common architecture at all power levels simplifies the upgrade path for radio broadcasters who wish to migrate from analog-only to an HD Radio common-amplification system or increase HD Radio broadcasting power to the proposed -10dB when needed.

“The HPX Series places field-proven Harris technology in a new ground-up design to offer radio broadcasters the most watts per dollar of any radio broadcast transmitter on the market today,” said Tim Thorsteinson, president of Harris Broadcast Communications. “The inclusion of our world-class FlexStar® technology gives broadcasters a robust, field-upgradeable transmission platform that will reliably transmit one or multiple high-quality audio program streams over the air for years to come, while keeping transmission costs to a minimum.”

HPX transmitters come standard with the Harris® FlexStar® HDX-100 exciter. When used in HD Radio common-amplification broadcast applications, HPX transmitters are further augmented using the FlexStar family of HD Radio products, including the company’s FlexStar HDE-200 Exporter introduced at NAB2008 in April. The HDE-200 exporter includes remote and front-panel metering and monitoring features and an internal GPS module, as well as options for profanity delay, diversity delay and an Arbitron People Meter to help reduce the cost of equipment upstream.

The complete FlexStar range, which also includes the HDE-100 advanced services importer, supports delivery of multiple HD Radio program streams over a single, dedicated IP connection — ideal for broadcasters who currently operate or plan to upgrade to an HD Radio multicasting configuration.

Transmitter control options include an advanced control system that supports TCP/IP connectivity for WEB access, SNMP communications and IP-based control and monitoring. A single controller is capable of operating two HPX transmitters and the combiner in dual combined or redundant backup modes.

All HPX transmitters utilize the same internal components, from the highest power common-amplification systems to the lowest power analog FM systems. All transmitters feature field-proven Harris® Platinum Z™ solid-state IPA modules and Harris® ZX® series switching power supplies in a dual-redundant configuration, which are front-panel accessible and hot-swappable to allow ease of service and simplify spares inventory.

Harris Broadcast Communications provides products, systems and services that deliver interoperable workflow solutions that span the entire media delivery chain. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and for customers upgrading media operations to digital and high-definition services.