Broadcast Electronics is out with a new FM transmitter platform called MTX, serving power levels up to 1 kW.
The company highlights the system for high efficiency and a compact design that is shippable via UPS or FedEx. There are models at 25, 100, 500 and 1,000 watts.
BE said MTX has the direct-to-channel digital exciter technology and upgrade philosophy of its STX series but with a new design and software capabilities.
It said it has “the latest LDMOS RF device and highly efficient switching power supply technology, enabling excellent power density, reduced energy costs and a compact 2RU footprint.”
Control and monitoring are streamlined with a new HTML-5 responsive GUI incorporating multi-level security, compliant with the new FCC requirements, as well as SNMPv3 connectivity.
The platform introduces Content Gateway , which BE describes as a flexible way of managing content at a transmitter site that can expand as your operation does.
“Content Gateway integrates advanced hardware and software to help you manage, process, transport and monitor your audio content seamlessly all inside your transmitter.”
It simplifies deployments by eliminating outboard boxes.
MTX Content Gateway options include the audio processing software Stereo Tool. Optional MicroMPX provides STL capability over cost-effective IP networks, including a back-up audio player in case of loss of connectivity.
Optional GPS synchronization coupled with SFN software provides for operation in a Single-Frequency Network or on-channel boosters.
Inovonics option
Inovonics partnered with BE to build its SDR-based FM and HD Radio tuner into the platform to feed translators without an outboard receiver.
“The optional MTX Tuner Module rides in the transmitter’s Content Gateway, BE’s framework for running content hardware and software inside the MTX rather than in outboard boxes,” Inovonics said.
“The module carries the tuner technology from Inovonics’ receiver line: a sensitive SDR-based front end, metering of off-air reception, streaming for multiple remote listeners, extensive alarm options and multi-level password protection.”
Engineers can check reception from any web-enabled device including PC, tablet or smartphone.
At a translator site the module serves as the audio input. At any other MTX installation it adds confidence monitoring without a separate box, separate IP address or separate rack space.
[Related: BE Adds 1 kW Version to Its AMX Line]
