Article Overview

RF Central Debuted Pro-Link HD, microLite HD Transmitter and microLite HD Receiver at IBC 2010

Sports - Entertainment - Broadcast

RF Central, a Vitec Group brand, and a leading provider of digital and analog microwave systems for the broadcast, sports and entertainment, government, military and international marketplace, was debuting its Pro-Link HD 5.8 GHz HD/SD Portable Video Microwave Link and its next generation microLite HD COFDM Transmitter as well as its new microLite HD Receiver at IBC 2010.

PRO-LINK HD 5.8 GHZ HD/SD VIDEO PORTABLE MICROWAVE LINK

The 2-way diversity receiver Pro-Link HD 5.8 GHz HD/SD Portable Video Microwave Link is the latest addition to the comprehensive RF Central MPEG-4 product portfolio. The Pro-Link HD offers both balanced microphone and line level inputs via switch selectable XLR connectors on the transmitter. The high quality, rugged, seamlessly integrated transmitter and receiver platform comes in a milled aluminum chassis for secure transportation and heavy use in a variety of broadcasting environments, bringing together value and return on investment.

“The Pro-Link HD was designed as a high quality, yet value priced technology solution. In addition to a host of advanced engineering performance features, such as HD/SD, 1080i, 720p, and bi-directional communication, the new portable microwave link has reliable performance and is very user friendly,” says Stephen Shpock, president, Integrated Microwave Technologies.

The Pro-Link HD is equipped with phantom power for microphone inputs, providing cost-effective solutions for roaming news, sports crews and house of worship productions. The transmitter is designed to mount between an ENG camera and its battery. The receiver has built in flexibility and can be fitted on its compatible tripod or customized for specific location requirements, increasing the versatility of the system use. Depending upon conditions, the Pro-Link HD 5.8 GHz HD/SD Portable Video Microwave Link can achieve a distance range of up to 610 meters (2000 feet) in both HD and SD, dependent on conditions.

Operating in the 5.8 GHz license-free band, the Pro-Link HD distributes high-quality wireless digital video and audio all in a compact package.

microLite HD COMPACT COFDM TRANSMITTER

The microLite HD expands RF Central’s portfolio of innovative MPEG-4 broadcast technology solutions. A product focused on the future of broadcast workflow, the microLite HD is a compact, mountable COFDM SD/HD digital transmitter designed for the next generation of professional lightweight cameras featuring full HD/SDI capabilities.

“IBC is the international forum of choice for the broadcasting industry,” says Stephen Shpock, president, Integrated Microwave Technologies. “RF Central is excited to use this event to showcase the benefits of our latest technology advancements, like the microLite HD COFDM transmitter. We are committed to developing state-of-the-art products that take advantage of the latest COFDM transmission capabilities and technologies.”

The microLite HD occupies less than six cubic inches, features MPEG-4 encoding/decoding in HD/SD and can be operated in either low 20mW or 100mW output power modes. The TX supports video and embedded audio transmission in a 6 MHz bandwidth. The microLite HD requires little setup and is ideal for news crews, point of view camera applications, sports and entertainment production, and reality television production. The unit is offered in 2 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.

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microLite HD RECEIVER

The microLite HD Receiver is a compact dual diversity COFDM receiver, which offers exceptional RF performance combined with uncomplicated operation. The microLite is a perfect companion to the RF Central microLite HD Transmitter, which is a compact and mountable COFDM SD/HD digital transmitter designed for the next generation of professional lightweight cameras.

Aside from its superb H.264 SD and HD decoding and MPEG-4 capabilities for extremely efficient use of the bandwidth, which enable high-quality broadcast HD video to be delivered in as little as 6 MHz’s, the microLite HD Receiver is also durable and packaged in a weather resistant casing allowing for unequaled value and a first-rate COFDM receiver.

“What makes our microLite receiver better than our leading competitors is its compact size and MPEG-4 HD capabilities,” says Stephen Shpock, president, Integrated Microwave Technologies. “No other brand offers this level of technology or performance in this size package. The microLite HD Receiver has outstanding HD, is compact and has low power consumption.”

The unit can deliver a broad array of video output signals, including HD, ASI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI (SDI is auto switched depending on the signal received) and has a composite video output, which is down converted to SD when receiving HD signals. In addition, the microLite HD Receiver also features an Ethernet port for streaming video over a LAN to remote software or hardware decoders.

The receiver uses standardized cables and requires no special adapters. The unit is capable of receiving COFDM DVB-T digital transmissions in the 2 GHz band. 5.8 GHz capable units are also available. The microLite HD Receiver will decode 480i, 576, 720p and 1080i formats.

For advanced functions, such as changing frequency plans, an easy-to-use administration software package is included. The software package allows an administrator to configure up to 12 custom presets. The microLite has a straightforward interface which facilitates trouble-free and straightforward preset selection. The user interface also provides rapid assessment of power, signal strength, demodulator lock and decoding.

About RF Central

RF Central manufactures and supplies state-of-the-art microwave equipment to television broadcast and government customers throughout the United States. RF Central also provides specialized integration, installation, and engineering services. RF Central is marked by its unique qualifications within the industry and its dedication to expanding and improving the terrestrial microwave options available to customers. For more information on additional products please visit

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RF Central

A Snapshot of The Vitec Group

Vitec is an international Group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange with 2009 revenue of £315 million, Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely. Vitec is organised in three divisions: Imaging & Staging, Videocom and Services.
Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for photography, video and events.
Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production and MAG.
Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless technology used by TV production teams and film crews.
More information can be found at

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The Vitec Group