GatesAir Debuts Weatherproof Outdoor Transmitter

GatesAir, a global provider of wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for TV and radio, is heading outdoors with what it calls the broadcast industry’s first self-contained, fully weatherproof transmitter series built for challenging coverage areas and install points.

The Maxiva PMTX-1 integrates a low-power UHF TV transmitter or transposer/translator to support a diverse array of use cases, from filling coverage gaps to delivering focused broadcast content as a spot transmitter. Its rugged, telecom-grade enclosure makes the PMTX-1 impervious to weather elements, with adaptability to any climate or outdoor environment thanks to its sealed protective shell.

The Maxiva PMTX-1, which features a one-piece design from GatesAir’s European-based engineering team, removes all moving parts and air filters to eliminate most maintenance requirements. The sealed metal housing removes heat from the internal circuitry and, the company says, “performs well in extreme temperatures and humidity levels. This innovative and effective approach to heat management maximizes efficiency and keeps utility costs low.” The PMTX-1 also utilizes an integral mask filter to minimize external componentry, rendering system maintenance as virtually non-existent.

The avoidance of moving parts is coupled with the PMTX-1’s installation versatility. Flexible mounting options support a variety of scenarios to optimize coverage, including a pole-mount configuration for hilltop positions and remote locations with no building or tower. The PMTX-1 also mounts securely to building structures and traditional broadcast towers, providing broadcasters and network operators with seemingly endless outdoor installation scenarios.

That makes the PMTX-1 ideal for single-frequency network (SFN) configurations for DVB-T2, ISDB-Tb and other digital TV networks, where multiple transmitters operate on the same frequency to maximize signal penetration, GatesAir says.

The PMTX-1 is also available for analog TV networks (100 W), with a field-upgradeable path to DTV (50 W for ATSC, DVB-T, DVB-T2 and ISDB-Tb). Broadcasters can add optional inputs to support DVB-S/S2 receivers and IP transport streams, and accept broadcast content and data from alternate sources. The PMTX-1’s optional RF receiver input supports flexible options for translator and transposer configurations and will reliably regenerate content for very targeted coverage areas at low power levels. Built-in GatesAir RTAC technology for real-time adaptive pre-correction ensures a fully compliant solution for any broadcast standard and keeps the broadcast signal within its required spectral limits.

“Transmission networks continue to evolve and change, requiring flexible solutions that are adaptable to emerging network models and configurations,” said Ted Lantz, vice president, product line management. “The PMTX-1 is a problem-solver for any broadcaster or network operator transitioning to an SFN, filling in coverage gaps, or requiring a low-power solution for a specific market or region.”

GatesAir will continue to expand the PMTX-1 series, with VHF TV and DAB radio capabilities expected later this year. The PMTX-1 Series will also be upgraded to support other digital TV modulations, including ATSC 3.0 and DTMB, in future product generations.