Kathrein Presents New Products in the Field of Broadcasting Technology

Kathrein presents its innovative technical monitoring system for transmitters at the IBC in Amsterdam (Hall 8, Stand 8.C29). It will also be displaying a new generation of UHF antennas. The International Broadcasting Convention is one of the most important exhibitions in the world for film, radio and television. It takes place this year on 9-13 September.

Broadcasters must work around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure the high reliability of their transmissions. However, transmitters are exposed to a wide range of often adverse environmental conditions. For example, lightning strikes in summer or ice in winter can frequently lead to service interruptions. It is therefore of great importance to radio broadcasters to be able to detect problems at an early stage and initiate rapid measures. 

Kathrein Smart Monitoring saves time and money

Kathrein Smart Monitoring is a new kind of monitoring system for transmitters that creates transparency. The system, the result of a cooperation between Kathrein and the Swiss company "DAC System SA", uses special sensors to record all important operating parameters in the transmitter components in real time and compares them with target values from regular operation. All deviations are consistently logged to provide an early indication of a potential disturbance.

Transmitter operators can comfortably view the measurements via network access. If there are any critical changes in status or if threshold values are exceeded, an alarm is triggered and signalled via app, SMS message or e-mail.

"This system considerably reduces the time and costs incurred in monitoring transmitters, because transmitters normally require regular routine controls," explains Jörg Lippert, head of sales at Kathrein in the radio antenna division. The Kathrein Smart Monitoring system can be employed with new antenna system installations and it can also be integrated into existing systems.

New, compact UHF antenna family

Kathrein also presents another new development in the field of broadcasting antennas in the form of the UHF Cavity Slot series. These models combine uncomplicated connection and commissioning (Plug & Play) with high broadband flexibility. The antenna family consists of various types of low, medium and high power transmitters and displays a low level of reflectance values. Thanks to their compact construction, they achieve an extremely low wind load and low weight, which promotes fast and easy installation. They lend themselves to modular installation, either one above the other or alongside each other, for improved radiation outputs, higher antenna gain and special diagram requirements.

"Broadcasters benefit from an efficient and cost-effective broadband antenna solution for the transmission of digital television channels in the UHF frequency range between 470 and 790 MHz", says Lippert. The first antennas of this new model series will be delivered to customers in the fourth quarter of this year.