Harris Completes DAB+ Transition in Netherlands

Harris Broadcast and Broadcast Partners announced the completion of the Netherlands’ transition to all digital radio. The companies deployed the nationwide digital audio broadcasting plus (DAB+) solution in a record three months, which included more than 30 Harris Broadcast Maxiva VAX transmitters with web enabled IP-based control and monitoring from the head-end to the transmission stage, Harris Broadcast said in a statement. Radio Holland Netherlands / Flickr Commercial broadcasters decided to accelerate the program ahead of the government-mandated deadline of 2017. They selected Broadcast Partners to design, build and run the digital network. “Based on a proven, robust VHF transmission platform, the Maxiva VAX transmitter is well-recognized for being a category-leader in power efficiency and extended power range. The complete network is now fully on air and is the first nationwide radio service relying entirely on IP connectivity for the transmission feeds – a result of Harris Broadcast’s deep IP expertise and advanced capabilities of the transmission equipment,” stated Robert-jan van der Hoeven of Broadcast Partners. Broadcast Partners elected to deliver all content from the head-end to the transmitters over IP. The innovative and flexible design of the Maxiva VAX transmitter allowed it to be fitted with an integral IP/EDI input card, which enables transport of the audio program via high speed internet instead of traditional cable. The Harris Broadcast Maxiva VAX is the world’s most popular and innovative VHF Band III transmitter for DAB and DAB+ radio. It is also used in analog and digital television applications, with PowerSmart solid-state architecture that delivers market-leading power density and operational efficiency. VAX transmitters also include Harris Broadcast Apex M2X software-definable exciters, enabling broadcasters and network operators to easily support analog to digital transitions.