Iowa Public Television (IPTV) has chosen Utah Scientific routers and control systems for its upgrade to high-definition programming. The broadcaster, based in Johnston, Iowa, has taken delivery of a 288-frame UTAH-400 router, a UTAH-400 64-port data router, an SC-4 control system, and an MX-Lator control interface for managing external routers.
“When an Iowan is watching a show about Iowa, that show should be compelling contextually and technically,” said Bill Hayes, IPTV director of engineering. “We set a high standard not because it’s mandated, but because we think our viewers deserve the best production possible if they’re going to invest their valuable time. For years, we have used routing switchers from Utah Scientific because the company shares with us that same high standard of integrity. Doing business with Utah Scientific harkens back to the time when manufacturers stood behind their products.”
The deal is part of IPTV’s studio and master-control upgrade to HD, set for completion in November. Because of the UTAH-400 series’ high degree of compatibility, IPTV will be able to transition its system from composite analog to fully HD without having to replace or rewire the reliable legacy Utah Scientific equipment already installed, including an analog AVS-1 router and MC-500 master control.
IPTV said a key selling point for the new Utah products was the durability of the legacy equipment. When Hayes analyzed the cost of maintaining Utah equipment at the station, it was less than $1,000 over the full 25 years of ownership—partly the result of Utah’s 10-year warranty.
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