RFS provides turnkey digital switchover (DSO) solutions for Rai Way in Italy, plays a key role in DSO projects worldwide

Amsterdam, September 05, 2011 – At IBC 2011, Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, today announced that it is providing complete antenna systems as well as installation and commissioning services to Rai Way in Italy to support the company’s DSO initiatives across the country. Rai Way operates and manages the transmission and broadcast network for Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI), Italy’s state-owned public service broadcaster and the country’s largest television company.

RFS has been partnering with Rai Way on DSO projects since 2009, supplying, installing and commissioning the UHF antenna systems, patch panels and air feeders needed for digital broadcasting. To date, RFS has provided temporary and main antenna systems at 14 sites across the country with work on 2 more sites still underway. In conjunction with the DSO work, RFS is also providing Rai Way with complete FM, VHF and UHF antenna systems to support site upgrades.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with RAI Way and with the Italian tower and pole manufacturer and installation company, Calzavara, on this important DSO project in Italy,” says Pascal Dussiau, Vice President Marketing and Sales EMEA at RFS. “RFS was a new partner for Rai Way when we were selected for this project and we are honored to have the opportunity to help Rai Way upgrade its sites and move into the digital broadcasting era. Based on the success of this project, we are now working with Rai Way to qualify our newest and most innovative UHF antenna system for use in its broadcast network.”

The Rai Way project is yet another example of RFS’ leading role in DSO projects worldwide:

·         In the UK, RFS’ involvement in DSO projects dates back to 2006 when the company was part of a team that supplied and installed the new main and standby antenna arrays for the Selkirk transmission site, the first UK site to be upgraded as part of the national DSO program.

·         In Poland, RFS is delivering complete antenna systems for eight stations for one of Poland’s most important broadcasters.

·         In Japan, RFS is supplying 5 ½-inch HELIFLEX® cables and rigid transmission lines to support digital broadcasting from the new Tokyo Sky Tree. The 634 meter (2,080 ft) broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, is one of the tallest in the world.

·         In Argentina, RFS is supplying more than 50 percent of the antenna systems for the country’s DSO rollout projects, delivering customized solutions at transmission and broadcast sites across Argentina. When the first phase of the project is complete, RFS will have delivered antenna systems for 75 sites, including 23 sites that use antennas with elliptical polarization technology for better mobile TV reception. RFS’ HELIFLEX cables are also being used in the Argentinean DSO projects. 

Talk to our DSO experts at IBC 2011

RFS is showcasing its deep expertise and experience in DSO technology at IBC 2011 (September 9-13, Amsterdam). Attendees at IBC 2011 will have a unique opportunity to see detailed examples of RFS’ DSO work and to gain insights into how RFS products and solutions deliver the power and performance needed for digital broadcasting. RFS offers its customers a “one-stop-shop” for DSO projects — from design and architecture through to delivery, installation and monitoring of antenna systems.

Drop by the RFS booth (Hall 8, booth B34) at IBC 2011 to find out more about how RFS helps broadcasters make the transition to digital broadcasting. RFS specialists on hand will include Mick Bennett (Product Line Manager, Broadcast and Defense Systems), Hans Peter Quade (Global Business Manager – HCA Cable¸ Broadcast and Defense Systems) and Dave Thickett (Systems Sales Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa).

To schedule a meeting with an RFS specialist at IBC 2011, please contact Peter Krause, Marketing Communications Manager (e-mail: peter.krause@rfsworld.com, phone: +49 171 533 0635).

About RAI and RAI Way

Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) is the Italian state-owned public service broadcaster. It is controlled by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and is the biggest television company in Italy. RAI operates many television channels and radio stations, broadcasting in analog terrestrial (until 2013), in digital terrestrial and through several satellite and IPTV offerings. RAI is one of the 23 founding broadcasters of the European Broadcasting Union.

RAI Way is the company responsible for planning, installing, operating, managing, and maintaining RAI’s transmission and broadcasting network for voice, video and data. It is 100 percent owned by RAI.

About calzavara

Established in 1979, calzavara operates on the domestic and international markets in the telecommunications and energy fields. For telecommunications, calzavara is a system integrator supplying products and installation and commissioning services for broadcast , fixed, mobile, satellite and wireless networks. www.calzavara.it

About RFS

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless outdoor and indoor infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

For more information: www.rfsworld.com. Follow RFS on Twitter (www.twitter.com/RFSworld)

RFS Press Contact

Peter Krause

Marketing Communications Manager

E-mail: peter.krause@rfsworld.com

Phone: + 49 511 676 3282

Mobile: + 49 171 533 0635