Modulation Sciences Inc. recently announced that it is discounting DRL (data return link) equipment to its PRO Channel customers.

After the 2009 digital transition and the discontinuation of analog television broadcasting, the company's PRO Channel IFB system can no longer be used, as it is dependent on an analog carrier for operation.

Modulation Sciences has developed a replacement system that operates with the new 2 GHz BAS equipment. In addition to picture transmission, BAS implementation will provide 40 narrow band communication channels in every market. The Modulation Sciences DRL system will provide up to four voice circuits within each of the BAS 25 KHz channels, or up to 160 per television market.

DRL cannot be activated until the new 2 GHz band plan is operational. However, all PRO Channel receiver users will receive a 40 percent discount on the replacement DRL receiver. The equipment will be available six months before the 2009 digital transition, or one year after 25 percent of a given market converts to the new BAS band plan--whichever occurs first.

PRO Channel users with questions about the replacement are being directed to Eric Small, chief technical officer at Modulation Sciences. There's a toll-free telephone number, 800-826-2603, and Small's e-mail address is esmall@modsci.com.