CINCINNATI—GatesAir has introduced Maxiva XTK, an update to its Maxiva XTE software-defined TV exciter. XTK is a new cost-efficient model primarily developed for the global ATSC 3.0 broadcast community and represents an engineering breakthrough for ATSC 3.0 processing power, thanks to a modern FPGA-based platform that reduces the costs of achieving efficient ATSC 3.0 broadcasting through the exciter, the company said.

Now shipping, the 1RU exciter is a fully productized version of GatesAir’s ATSC 3.0 modulation software introduced at NAB Show 2025. The Maxiva XTK comes standard within GatesAir’s latest high-efficiency TV transmitter models, including the UATK-OP and UATK low-power UHF series announced earlier this year. In its now-productized form, the XTK also extends ATSC 3.0 capability to GatesAir’s VATK-OP and VATK low-power VHF transmitters. Its backwards-compatible design ensures operability within previous-gen Maxiva UHF/VHF transmitters and many Harris legacy DTV transmitters.

Same as the XTK, the exciter’s software-defined architecture optimizes signal performance and accelerates the transition between digital standards through firmware updates in the field, according to the company.

Beyond ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 transitions, the Maxiva XTK’s support for the ISDB-Tb DTV standard makes it a highly valuable solution for Brazilian broadcasters now preparing for ATSC 3.0 transitions. The XTK also comes standard in GatesAir’s PMTX-1-UK outdoor transmission systems, now shipping globally and widely used in Brazil for its flexible installation options (including pole mounts) and weatherproof, low maintenance design.

“We see the XTK as the next step in GatesAir’s software-defined exciter innovation, building on the proven reliability and flexibility of our XTE platform,” said Steve Rossiter, TV Systems Applications Engineer at GatesAir. “Broadcasters now have a forward-looking solution that can be deployed across our latest Maxiva systems while remaining fully compatible with earlier-generation Maxiva transmitters and legacy systems. We designed the XTK to deliver the processing power, precision, and upgraded flexibility that today’s ATSC 3.0 networks demand.”

CINCINNATI — The South Carolina Educational Television Commission is turning to GateAir for nine UHF and one VHF transmitter to support the statewide repack of 10 of its TV stations to new channel assignments.

SCETV has selected Maxiva ULXTE liquid-cooled transmitters for its UHF stations and is working with GatesAir on choosing a high-power VHF transmitter that will allow its WNTV in Greenville, S.C., to maximize service.

[Read: Hearst TV, GatesAir Ink Deal On Maxiva TXs For 13 Repacked Stations]

The FCC has assigned the public broadcaster, which transmits PBS and NPR programming throughout South Carolina, to four repack phases. More than half of its stations are assigned to Phase 5. Transmitters are due to begin arriving at those stations in the coming weeks to meet the testing deadline in early September, GatesAir said.

GatesAir is working with SCETV to avoid disrupting the broadcaster’s eight FM radio stations as its TV stations are repacked, the company added. Each of the radio stations is collocated with the TV transmitters in common facilities.

“GatesAir’s service department has worked closely with us and our repack antenna supplier, Dielectric, to ensure that none of our TV or FM operations are interrupted as work progresses,” said Mark Jahnke, SCETV VP of Technology and chief information officer.

Jahnke added that the liquid-cooled GatesAir UHF transmitters will help SCETV achieve its goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

“Considering the higher power levels of our stations along with South Carolina’s year-round hot and humid climate, GatesAir’s liquid-cooled transmission systems will clearly deliver the highest possible cost-savings across cooling and electrical costs,” he said. “While we’re still working through the exact calculations, there is no question we’ll immediately downsize our air-conditioning systems by a significant margin.”

The transmitters are outfitted with GateAir ATSC 3.0-ready Maxiva XTE exciters to ensure the broadcaster is ready for Next Gen TV operations, he added.

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