Raycom Media Standardizes on Harris Selenio™

Selenio provides a unique hybrid of digital baseband video processing, compression and IP capabilities within its single, space- and energy-efficient platform.  Raycom Media will take advantage of that flexibility by also using Selenio for video/audio frame synchronization and 5.1 audio processing -- automatically “upmixing” 2.0 stereo signals to digital surround sound.

Raycom Media chose Selenio based on its robust encoding performance, upgrade-friendly design, and ability to perform multiple functions in a single platform.  The broadcaster also chose Selenio due to its long-term experience with the Harris® NetVX™ encoding platform, which will endure in standby mode at all stations for maximum signal redundancy.

Harris will deploy the orders within 90 days, providing fast-track shipments to get all stations on the air quickly with Selenio.  The speedy accommodation resonates with Raycom Director of Engineering Bob Thurber, who stresses that Harris has an excellent customer support track record with Raycom Media.

“In my mind there is no company better than Harris for customer support and field service, and I think that’s a consensus you’ll find with many of my industry peers,” said Thurber.  “We chose Selenio foremost for technology reasons, but the reliable and consistent customer support model from Harris is incredibly important to us – especially in a critical operation like the air chain.  We know that Harris will stand behind this product for many years.”

Thurber adds that establishing a common signal encoding and processing platform simplifies operations and maintenance across Raycom Media.  He notes that his station chief engineers had input into the decision, which will further enhance the way stations share information and use Selenio moving forward.

“Conformity in hardware platforms is something we try to adhere to, and Selenio is a dynamic platform that will remain serviceable for years” said Thurber.  “The ability to handle IP distribution addresses a potential future challenge as we can accommodate that in this one chassis.  That is the dynamic nature of this platform, and it was an important consideration in its selection.”

About Raycom Media Inc.
Raycom, an employee-owned company, is one of the nation's largest broadcasters and owns and/or provides services for 48 television stations in 36 markets and 18 states.  Raycom stations cover 12.6% of U.S. television households and employ nearly 3,500 individuals in full and part-time positions. In addition to television stations, Raycom owns Raycom Sports (a marketing, production and events management and distribution company in Charlotte, North Carolina) and Tupelo-Honey Productions (a Sports and Entertainment Production company based in New York), as well as Broadview Media (a post-production/digital signage company based in Montgomery).  Raycom is also responsible for the design and hosting of Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail website.

About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.  Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $6 billion of annual revenue and about 17,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.  Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.