Dielectric Expansion Accelerates
RF Vendors Prepare For TV Spectrum Repack
This summer, Phil Kurz, TVNewsCheck’s technology editor, hit the road to visit the manufacturing facilities of Dielectric, Electronics Research Inc. (ERI) and GatesAir (above) to see how each is preparing for the expected spike in demand for antennas, transmitters and other RF components as a result of the TV spectrum repack. This is what he learned.
WJHG Panama City Adds New UHF Antenna
This year, TVNewsCheck is augmenting its coverage of NAB Show Hot Topics tech trends stories with information that can make your visit to NAB easier. This week’s focus is the post incentive […]
Exclusives
FCC Auction Taking Toll On TV RF Vendors
As a result of the uncertainity over the FCC’s plans to auction and repack the TV spectrum, stations are putting off investments in transmission gear. The latest victim is Electronics Research Inc., which just laid off 22 employees.
FCC Auction Taking Toll On TV RF Vendors
As a result of the uncertainity over the FCC’s plans to auction and repack the TV spectrum, stations are putting off investments in transmission gear. The latest victim is Electronics Research Inc., which just laid off 22 employees.
The CEO of Sinclair says that he felt he had to rescue Dielectric from going out of business to guarantee support and parts for all the Dielectric transmission gear he has in the field. “This was an insurance policy for us. I now know if I get hit under any circumstance, I own all the intellectual property involved in creating any replacement parts for anything I need.”
Sinclair CEO David Smith: “Dielectric has supplied more than two-thirds of the TV industry’s high-power antennas, and its name is synonymous with expert engineering and quality products. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to acquire the Dielectric intellectual property and assets related to our most critical infrastructure.”
Figuring Out Life After Dielectric
The TV antenna manufacturer’s many clients are wondering who will service their existing RF systems and who will emerge to sell them new ones. Demand could shoot up greatly if the FCC OKs band repacking following a spectrum auction. Possible solutions could be current U.S. competitors to Dielectric as well as a number of foreign firms.
Citing difficult global economic conditions in the broadcast marketplace, longtime broadcast technology manufacturer Dielectric announced Friday that it’s closing down its antenna business.
