Inter BEE 2011:Miharu Communications exhibits the MR Series of in-house digital systems

Miharu Communications exhibited an in-house digital broadcasting system (MR3000X Series); emergency backup systems for broadcasting stations; and the digital broadcast signal checker, "Miharu Chan (MR9000X)".

■"MR3300X" in-house digital broadcasting system, compatible with IP network distribution, on display

Miharu exhibited its "MR3000X" Series, an in-house broadcasting system solution that uses and digitizes the same equipment as that used for an analog broadcast. The MR3000X series is a half-unit size chassis and includes: (1) MR3000X HD/SD OFDM modulator with HD/SD MPEG2 encoder included to allow for low-cost in-house digital broadcasting; (2) MR3100X high image quality and powerful, high spec HD OFDM modulator aimed at broadcasting stations and stadiums; (3) MR3200X Quad SD OFDM modulator, which includes four MPEG2 SD encoders; and (4) MR3300X IP OFDM modulator which enables distribution of video from the headquarters of a hotel, company, store, etc., to remote locations, and is compatible with IP network distribution.

A booth representative explained about the company's lineup of in-house digital broadcasting system: "through common design we have cutback costs and prepared systems for a variety of uses."

■ Emergency backup system for broadcasting stations on display

Miharu exhibited an emergency backup system aimed at broadcasters, which will be capable of backup broadcasting and transmitting area one-seg broadcasts during disasters. A demonstration of one-seg broadcasting intended for area one-seg broadcasting and full high-definition broadcasting using 12 segment digital broadcasting was conducted at the booth. A booth representative explained that "people were able to see for themselves the vivid picture of the 12 segment full high-definition broadcast from the demonstration".

This emergency backup system for broadcasting stations is a 1U rack size OFDM modulator, and includes an MPEG2 encoder for 12 segment digital broadcasts, an H.264 encoder for one-seg, a TS multiplexer and an SI/EPG generation module. It is expected to be used to provide a minimum level of broadcast support when a broadcasting station's facilities have been damaged, and to provide "area one-seg broadcasts" that are being relied upon in special white space zones. A booth representative explained that "we have received a lot of interest from broadcasters and we have already delivered it to Mainichi Broadcasting and TV Shizuoka. Fukui Television also used the system to test area one-seg."


■ Jointly developed with Nippon Television, "Miharu Chan", digital broadcast channel checker on display

Miharu exhibited the "Miharu Chan (MR9000X)" digital broadcast channel checker, which was jointly developed with Nippon Television to easily test the strength of the electric fields and quality of signals of digital broadcasts. Its strengths are its ability to measure signals by channel, and determine the transmission location by using the latency profile signal monitoring mode. 2 demonstrations were carried out at the booth: single channel mode and radio wave monitoring mode demonstrations.

Tetsuya Ogino, the Manager of the Software Design Section Application Group in the Engineering Department , explained that this device's radio wave monitoring mode "was being considered for use only in the Kanto region as it was originally developed to monitor digital broadcast radio waves from the Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower". However, he stated that "places that can receive several SFN stations may similarly be seen as a transmitter station, so we are considering selling it in regions besides Kanto".

In addition, Miharu exhibited its new HFC system (N Series) in conjunction with Inter BEE 2011. The N series allows for total automatic adjustment of the amps and nodes with the push of a single button, which previously had to be adjusted with plug-ins and other accessories when installing a transmission line. A booth representative explained that "aiming to reduce power usage by 30 to 60 percent against our previous products, this can make savings on electricity and ensure better operation during periods of planned electricity shortage".