Columbia Launches DVB-T2 Network with new R&S THU9 Transmitter Family from Rohde & Schwarz

MUNICH, Germany, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Next year, Columbia will be the first country in Latin America to go on the air with a DVB-T2 TV network. The network will use R&S THU9 high-power transmitters from Rohde & Schwarz. Recently introduced on the market, these transmitters help network operators significantly reduce their energy and infrastructure costs. The CNTV regulatory authority decided at the end of last year to switch to the new standard.

The Consorcio Canales Nacionales Privados (CCNP) is responsible for introducing digital broadcasting to Columbia's private broadcasters. In 2010, upon introducing DVB-T, the consortium consisting of the private operators Caracol TV and RCN TV decided in favor of 24 transmitters from the Rohde & Schwarz R&S NV8600 family. These transmitters will gradually be updated to DVB-T2 in the coming months with the R&S TSE800 coder expansion, making it possible to deliver a digital signal to 25 percent of the population.

During the next phase, eight more transmitter stations will be set up in major cities, providing 50 percent of Columbians with access to the new broadcasting network. CCNP chose R&S THU9 high-power transmitters in a 2+1 redundancy configuration for the expansion project. In making this decision, CCNP was especially concerned with high energy efficiency, minimal size, low operating costs and reliable service. A highly compact system of three 3.9 kW transmitters housed in one rack will be installed at six different stations. The cooling system consists of a compact pump system and heat exchanger, each with a redundant design for maximum dependability.

The transmitter stations in Tubaco and Tasajero are each equipped with a system containing three 6.4 kW transmitters housed in two racks and an integrated pump system. This reduces the space required, also allowing transmitters in this power class to be set up in places where space is limited. All transmitters are equipped with two R&S TCE900 exciters for DVB-T2, offering a broad range of features and operating convenience.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012. Broadcasting is set to begin on January 1, 2013.

Press contacts:

Latin America: Maria Soydan, tel.: +49-89-4129-12010, Maria.Soydan@rohde-schwarz.com