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JACKSON, MS – (April 10, 2008) –
Bob Buie, Director of Technical Services at
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), knew it was time for an upgrade. More
than 150,000 Mississippians listen to MPB radio programming weekly and more
programs are constantly being added to meet these needs. The goal to transmit in
HD was also paramount in the consideration of equipment upgrades. The new
transmission systems will allow MPB to deliver its 24-hour, 7-day-a-week news,
weather, arts and cultural programming via advanced analog and digital
technology to all of the state’s major markets and dozens of rural markets.
A project of this scope takes months of
planning and orchestration among several parties. Bob Buie recognized the need
to perform this task in pieces. The installations took place in two phases with
each phase consisting of four stations. All systems included the Continental
816HD Analog/HD Transmitter; the Continental HD IBOC Exporter; the Nautel M50
Digital Exciter, the Orban 8500HD Audio Processor and an RCS HD Importer.
The statewide project included installations at
the following radio stations: WMPN in Raymond (near Jackson), WMAV in Oxford,
WMAH in McHenry, WMAU in Bude, WMAO in Inverness, WMAW in Rose Hill, WMAE in
Booneville and WMAB in Ackerman. Several of these locations are remote and the
equipment delivery was, as you can imagine, challenging at times.
Prior to shipping, each system went through
rigorous testing at the Continental Electronics facility in Dallas, TX.
Everything was gone over by the QA team and put through a gauntlet of possible
tasks that it might be required to handle. Once approved, the systems were
prepared for their trip to Mississippi and their installation.
Continental's Field Service Manager, Richard
Garrett, who performed the installations at all 8 stations commented "Each site
presented unique challenges. Although the physical buildings were similar,
existing equipment dictated a custom install at each site."
Along with Garrett were moving specialists to
place equipment and MPB personnel to assist with the install. Each installation
took just under 4 days to complete, including testing and acceptance by Jeffrey
Gehman of Kessler and Gehman Associates, Inc., the consulting engineering
company that helped MPB oversee the bid and installation process.
“MPB chose Continental because of its proven
reputation in building reliable, durable broadcast transmitters with excellent
customer support,” touts Bob Buie. “We are proud to offer our listeners HD Radio
statewide. MPB was up against a very tight deadline to complete this HD
transition and we could not spend more than our funding allowed. This project
was completed on time, and within budget. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone at
Continental who made this project run like clockwork."
About Continental Electronics
Founded in 1946, Dallas-based Continental Electronics is a global leader in
broadcast transmitter equipment. It is the foremost supplier of advanced RF
transmission technology and the world's most experienced designer and builder of
the highest power radio broadcast equipment, providing a full range of products
for broadcasting, military and scientific applications. Continental Electronics'
products are used in more than 100 countries around the world.
For more information about Continental Electronics, visit the company's Website at www.contelec.com or call 1.800.733.5011. | 
