Axcera has been a pioneer in transmission systems involving the ATSC A/110 standard for distributed transmission systems (DTS). The FCC ruling covered in last week's RF Report discussed the rules adopted by the FCC that allows broadcasters to license DTS transmitters. It isn't surprising that Axcera, as a supplier of DTS equipment, welcomed the FCC action.
"We applaud the FCC for their action to fully authorize DTS," said David Neff, president of Axcera. "Results from the Wilmington, N.C., tests have convincingly demonstrated that it will be necessary for many broadcasters to enhance their digital TV transmissions in order to effectively serve their coverage area, and DTS is a highly effective technology to improve digital TV coverage without any additional spectrum utilization."
Axcera offers the gamut of DTS products and experience to help broadcasters achieve the full benefits of DTS, as well as a seamless migration path to mobile TV transmission based upon the ATSC M/H standard."
Broadcasters' interest in mobile TV, as indicated by their support for the Open Mobile Video Coalition's (OMVC) efforts to promote mobile TV, is likely to increase demand for DTS equipment. Broadcasters will need to fill in the gaps in coverage caused by buildings or terrain along commuter routes and in congested urban locations where viewers will want mobile, handheld or portable reception.
Axcera offers a Distributed Transmission Adapter (DTxA) for synchronizing and adjusting delay on the transmitters in a DTS, as well as a line of DTV transmitters and lower power, low-delay, echo-canceling gap fillers. Axcera said that it can also offer complete coverage analysis and planning services.
