Nucomm Unveils ChannelMaster Lite Portable Microwave Link System

Nucomm, a Vitec Group brand, is unveiling its ChannelMaster Lite portable microwave link system specifically targeted to helicopter and aerial applications at NAB, Booth C6419.

“The ChannelMaster Lite is a product that is truly born out of our customers’ feedback,” says Stephen Shpock, president of Integrated Microwave Technologies, the Vitec unit comprising Nucomm. “They asked us to provide all the great quality, reliability, and robustness of our ChannelMaster in a lighter-weight, smaller package that will integrate efficiently into airborne platforms, and that’s what we did.”

ChannelMaster Lite features adjustable long-GOP encoding including I, P, and B frames, improving video quality as well as offering a low delay mode. The encoder can be purchased as HD/SD or SD only.

For increased flexibility, a wide array of inputs are provided, including composite video/audio, SDI (with de-embedded audio), ASI, and 70 MHz. The ASI input is suited for use with an external MPEG encoder or to support digital-repeater applications. Two audio inputs are standard; a four-input option is available. For FM operation, an integrated SDI-to-composite converter provides seamless operation between analog and digital modes, eliminating the need for an external converter when used in an SDI plant. This feature also de-embeds the audio, if desired.

“There is a great need for microwave transmission, both in the broadcast environment and the law-enforcement segment,” adds Shpock.