Nautel Debuts a New Line of AM Digital Transmitters at NAB 2005

Bangor, ME (April 18, 2005) – Nautel unveils its new line of 12, 25 and 50 kW AM digital transmitters at NAB 2005 in Las Vegas.

The new XR series is the fourth generation in an evolutionary process of design improvement that began in 1982, when Nautel introduced the world’s first solid-state 10 to 50 kW AM transmitters. Since then, Nautel has installed over 1,100 of its 10, 25 and 50 kW AM transmitters. “Over 20 million hours real-world operational experience have gone into the design and construction of the XR series. The result is unbeatable performance and reliability,” says Tim Hardy, Nautel’s Head of Development.

The new XR transmitters feature:

• Plug-and-play HD Radio™ implementation - Will take I and Q directly from Nautel’s NE IBOC HD Radio signal generator.


• Load sharing, hot-pluggable modules that can be removed and replaced while the transmitter stays on the air.


• Dual DDS exciters and modulation encoders that automatically take over when a problem is detected, providing unprecedented redundancy. XR transmitters even include redundant cooling fans.


• Advanced control and monitoring capabilities, including a built-in power preset scheduler that lets operators specify schedules for changes to power and modulation settings, allowing trouble-free, unattended operation.


• Reserve power to overcome antenna system losses. This extra power also allows aggressive signal processing and high levels of asymmetrical modulation, providing more sideband energy and a stronger signal. The reserve power also allows simultaneous full power transmission of AM digital and analog service.


• A fault tolerant design that can maintain operation despite the problems that can occur in an antenna system. XR transmitters require no manual tuning or adjustment, even with an antenna mismatch of up to 1.5:1 VSWR at their rated power with 100% modulation.

“The combination of compatibility, performance and flexibility makes the XR series the ideal choice for digital broadcasting,” explains Gary Manteuffel, Nautel’s Broadcast Sales Manager.

Nautel will showcase its AM digital transmitter line at booth N2811 during NAB 2005, April 18 - 21.