Deliver Your News to the World

Harris Corp. and Sandusky Radio Seattle Team Up for HD Radio


WEBWIRE

Union will make Harris the exclusive provider of digital transmitters to group’s FM stations, along with Harris turnkey STL, microwave and antenna systems

CINCINNATI, September 23, 2005 – Harris Corporation’s (NYSE: HRS) Broadcast Communications Division (BCD) announced an alliance with Sandusky Radio, owner of 10 stations in the Seattle and Phoenix markets, to exclusively provide digital transmitters for its three Seattle FM stations. The transmitters are included in turnkey packages from Harris that also feature Intraplex® STL HD Plus™ systems for studio-to-transmitter connectivity, antenna systems, transmission line and processing equipment. The turnkey design streamlines the process for Sandusky Radio Seattle by allowing Harris to procure, deliver and provide installation assistance as the station group develops its HD Radio™ plans.

Sandusky Radio Seattle owns three FM (KRWM-FM, KLSY-FM, KWJZ-FM) and two AM (KIXI-AM and KKNW-AM) stations. The company plans to offer HD Radio broadcasts on all three FM stations by early 2006, beginning with KRWM this fall. Sandusky Radio Seattle has purchased one Harris ZHD16S solid-state FM transmitter for KRWM, with plans to purchase two more, citing superior product features, operational efficiencies and an attractive price point as deciding factors, along with the turnkey package benefits. Each transmitter will be configured with an existing analog transmitter using Harris’ Split-Level™ combining method. This exclusive Harris innovation allows an FM radio station to reduce operational costs by up to 10 percent over the traditional method of high-level combining FM and HD Radio transmitters using a 10dB coupler. Sandusky Radio is also considering HD Radio broadcasts for KIXI later in 2006, bringing enhanced audio quality to its AM music station.

“My job as manager of five Sandusky Radio stations is to maintain broadcasts of the highest quality sound possible,” said Marc Kaye, vice president and general manager for Sandusky Radio Seattle. “Harris offers that quality to us through superior equipment, expertise in digital standards, and by delivering operational efficiencies for our various transmission facilities. Harris also was able to offer an attractive price point through their turnkey systems that was tough to beat. More than anything, Harris has been a true supporter throughout the project. They’ve helped us better understand our needs and offered different alternatives, while providing the state-of-the-art equipment we need to maintain a lead in on-air signal quality in the Seattle market.”

Kaye added that the combined efficiencies of the end-to-end Harris digital transmission system will allow the transmitters to operate more efficiently than they have in the past. “This equipment is being purchased as much for the future as it is for the present,” he said. “We’re currently budgeting for decreased operating expenses for all of our transmitters in next year’s operating budget. Even though the cost of fuel and associated expenses are going up, we still expect the equipment to assist in a reduction of monthly expenditures.”

Harris Intraplex STL HD Plus systems provide multiplexing functionality to transmitter facilities located at West Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain just outside of the city. A Harris TRuepoint™ digital microwave system will be installed to provide connectivity between the studio, located in downtown Seattle, and the transmitter facilities. TRuepoint™ will be the wireless transport medium used to relay information to the Intraplex STL HD Plus systems, as well as transport audio and Program Associated Data (PAD) services to the transmitter facilities. Sandusky Radio benefits from the industry-leading technology of the highly reliable and flexible TRuepoint microwave platform that minimizes sparing and maximizes capacity throughput, thus offering a more cost-effective solution over that of leased lines.

Kaye also noted that the Z16HDS transmitters will meet Sandusky Radio Seattle’s multicasting plans, although the privately-held station group is not yet ready to divulge its plans. Multicasting is a term for radio stations that provide supplementary radio broadcasts and services in addition to its main program audio as part of the HD Radio standard.

“Harris is pleased that Sandusky Radio Seattle, a radio broadcasting leader in its market for many years, has selected Harris as the exclusive digital transmitter provider for its FM stations,” said Debra Huttenburg, vice president and general manager for Harris BCD’s Radio Broadcast Systems business unit. “The Seattle market has been an early adopter of HD Radio technology, and Sandusky Radio’s announcement sends a positive message that HD Radio isn’t designed strictly for large station groups. Their decision to transition now is an important step toward helping the public recognize the many benefits that HD Radio can and will deliver to listeners across the United States.”

About Harris Corporation
Harris Broadcast Communications Division is one of four divisions within Harris Corporation, an international communications equipment company focused on providing assured communications™ products, systems and services for government and commercial customers in more than 150 countries. One of the world’s leading suppliers of broadcast technology, Harris Broadcast Communications Division offers a full range of solutions that support the digital delivery, automation and management of audio, video and data. For more information, visit www.broadcast.harris.com. For additional information regarding public safety applications, please call +1 888 796 9827 or visit http://www.broadcast.harris.com/publicsafety. Harris Microwave Communications Division is the largest supplier of microwave systems in North America and a leading supplier worldwide. Visit http://www.microwave.harris.com. Further information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

HD Radio™ is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.



WebWireID4332





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.