RFS Upgrades NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 Dallas-Fort Worth With Future-Proof Broadcast Technology Ahead of Spectrum Repack

MERIDEN, CT--(Marketwired - Apr 18, 2016) - Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), a global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, is providing future-proof equipment for NBCUniversal to improve its two Dallas-Fort Worth stations' ability to prepare for the imminent U.S. broadcast television spectrum repacking program. The project replaces two existing pylon antennas with a single broadband antenna that can operate over the entire UHF television band. The new system will employ RFS' patented Variable Polarization Technology (VPT), allowing each station to select independent polarization ratios that can easily be changed in the future with a simple adjustment in the transmitter room.

The NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations' contract with RFS includes provision of RFS' PEP Lite antenna, which is both frequency agile (covering the full UHF array) and polarization agile. It has low wind loading characteristics compared to other broadband designs.

The broadband performance of RFS' PEPL-56D antenna provides an ideal solution for broadcasting groups that own two or more stations in one market. In the case of NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, PEPL-56D will accommodate both NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX on a common antenna, each with its own polarization ratio. RFS' unique VPT will allow both stations to individually set their respective polarization ratios, independent of one another. It will also allow for future polarization ratio changes without replacing or even climbing the antenna, as upgrades and changes can be made from inside the transmitter room.

In addition to its flexible polarization ratio, the antenna's 14-level by four-around array offers full band performance. It features a unique mix of elliptical polarization that helps improve indoor reception along with reception to portable devices that will become more critical with ATSC 3.0 implementation expected in the near future.

"We're looking forward to making a seamless transition and this technology will help future-proof our infrastructure, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of our over-the-air coverage for both stations," said Matt Varney, Vice President of Technology for NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 Dallas-Fort Worth.

Nick Wymant, RFS engineering manager, stated, "We developed these innovative solutions because we saw what was coming with the spectrum repack, and we knew our customers would need flexible, future-proof infrastructure solutions. We are proud to offer products that will help broadcasters like NBC adapt as quickly and efficiently as possible and we are ramping up our domestic broadcast manufacturing capabilities to support U.S. broadcasters faced with the imminent repack challenges."

RFS recently announced the addition of expansive indoor and outdoor space at its Meriden, CT facility designated exclusively for the production and testing of its state-of-the-art broadcast products to better serve the needs of the U.S. market.

RFS products provided for the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations' contract also include 6PPXX325E 50kW tunable filters and 80kW high power broadband couplers, both of which incorporate cutting-edge technology. RFS' revolutionary VPT broadcasting solution also leverages additional technology advancements, including the company's CA6PPXX325E-M 80kW Tunable UHF Mask Filter, CA6PPXX325E Tunable UHF Combiner, VPT71E61-R UHF Variable Phase Splitter (which allows for changing the polarization ratio inside the transmitter building with no change to the antenna), and PP71E5-RM Five Port Antenna U-Link System or Switch Frame.

The new RFS antenna system is expected to be fully deployed in April.

Trademarks: RFS® is a registered trademark of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About RFS
Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, as well as active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure. RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers. Its customers currently include the four largest wireless carriers, the majority of tier 2 and 3 wireless carriers in North America and many of the top wireless and microwave OEMs worldwide.

For more than 70 years, RFS has provided its customers world-class service that today is backed by a global presence of nine manufacturing facilities worldwide and sales and technical support centers in 23 countries. RFS offers advanced engineering capabilities, superior field support, and expert technical assistance and training to provide scalable, flexible, future-proof and lightweight end-to-end solutions optimized across the entire RF chain. As an ISO-compliant organization, RFS solutions offer proven longevity, premium performance and unrivalled quality. 

For more information visit www.rfsworld.com, or follow us on Twitter: (https://twitter.com/RFSworld).

About NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS is the NBC Owned television station serving the communities of North Texas with quality news and entertainment programming on NBC 5, COZI TV (Digital 5.2), online at NBCDFW.com and our other digital and social media platforms.

About Telemundo39 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXTX
Telemundo 39 / KXTX is Telemundo's local television station serving the Spanish-speaking community throughout North Texas. Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo 39 delivers award-winning local breaking news, weather, entertainment and sports programming across a variety of platforms, including on air, online at Telemundo39.com and via mobile and social media channels.