SubscribeAugust 22, 2003, North Billerica, Massachusetts, USA. Microwave Radio Communications (MRC), the worldwide leading manufacturer of video-centric microwave systems for television broadcast operations and a major supplier of U.S. military and homeland security video surveillance systems, today announced the acceptance of over $1Million in contracts for its state-of-the-art encrypted COFDM/MPEG terrestrial and aerial video surveillance systems.
Offices of Emergency Management (OEM) agencies in two of the nation’s largest cities have chosen MRC systems to upgrade their communication infrastructures under Homeland Security initiatives.MRC technology in support of this mission adds high quality video to the arsenal of first-responders and emergency personnel. MRC products are providing encrypted, COFDM real-time, high-quality video with audio to fire, police, helicopter, mobile command centers, airport security, and police marine units that will allow all departments to simultaneously share information.
MRC REPORTER mounted on a robot is put through paces in Homeland Security trials.
In addition to providing state-of-the-art video microwave technology, MRC is applying its systems engineering expertise in designing the new infrastructures, configuring specific levels of coverage for areas of each city. MRC is also coordinating and managing other activities such as complete path analysis for microwave signals, identifying the best receive sites, and assisting in submitting necessary permits and documentation to the FCC.
STRATA – Real-time Air-to-Ground Video Downlink
In many cases, emergency situations are best viewed from the air. MRC’s STRATA Air-to-Ground Video Transmitter, which recently received RTCA/DO-160D Certification, delivers real-time, high quality color and IR video to commanders and first responders so that they can maximize effectiveness in planning and executing a response plan. RTCA, formerly known as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, is a forum for developing the standards used in avionics design. Under the DO-160D standard, STRATA TX performance criterion includes vibration, power input, radio frequency susceptibility, lightning, and electrostatic discharge.
Used in conjunction with STRATA, MRC’s Omni-Directional antenna, with its 360-degree transmission pattern, allows the video signal to be simultaneously received at multiple receive sites: fixed or mobile command centers, hand-held receivers, and patrol cars. High-profile applications include G8 Summit Security.
MRC’s GPS Auto-Pod, an intelligent, selectable-array microwave antenna with integral GPS receiver, electronic compass and microprocessor, continually calculates an aircraft's position and adjusts direction of the signal relative to where the aircraft is at any moment. Electronically steered as opposed to electromotively steered, the GPS Auto-Pod requires zero maintenance.
REPORTER – Real-time Surveillance Video from Enclosed Areas
Too often, hot spots are in enclosed or confined areas where there is no direct view of a situation. When first responders need to get immediate video images from such environments, MRC’s REPORTER will be dispatched. REPORTER is the lightest COFDM wireless camera-back, belt mounted, or robot-mounted transmitter on the market and transmits live video from enclosed and confined areas providing critical video surveillance capability in precarious and rapidly developing situations.
REPORTER’s compact and lightweight package, 7”H x 3.75”W x 2.3”D at 2.75 lbs., can be camera-mounted, mounted on a belt clip or a backpack. A small vehicle mount may be used for a motorcycle, bicycle, or other small vehicles such as robots.
QuikVue – Hand-held receiver with high-resolution LCD color monitor
QuikVue is a lightweight, hand-held digital COFDM/MPEG2 receiver with built-in high-resolution 6 ¼” LCD color video monitor. It is ideal for operations that demand rapid response and immediate visual monitoring. Used in combination with MRC’s digital REPORTER camera-mounted transmitter, QuikVue’s COFDM technology gives first responders, command and other personnel on the scene a clear picture of what is happening around corners and in enclosed areas. Operators can view live broadcast quality video in these types of situations while improving safety for themselves.
QuikVue was hailed as an outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology, and won theGovernment Video Magazine SALUTE, an NAB Best of Show award for video technology innovation.
Central Receive Locations
MRC’s auto-tracking central receive systems are being installed at fixed and mobile receive locations. Included are the MRC’s digital/COFDM CodeRunner 4 Receiver and Strata Receiver along with a wide range of antenna systems and antenna control systems. For example, the GPS-based auto-tracking UltraScan antenna continuously tracks the movement of a helicopter. The Omni-Directional Antenna with 360-degree receive capability, may be used as a backup to the Ultra-Scan in the event that the helicopter needs to maneuver close to the receive site, or if the unit is in pursuit and flying unpredictably.
MRC is also providing backhaul systems that will transmit the video signal from any central receive location to headquarters. MRC triband systems will allow operations in 3 different bands and portable flyaway systems will support satellite requirements.
Microwave Radio Communications (MRC)(www.mrcbroadcast.com) is the leading manufacturer of video-centric microwave systems for television broadcast operations worldwide and a key supplier of U.S. military and homeland security operations. MRC designs, manufactures, and markets microwave radio systems and accessories for point-to-point applications that include studio-to-transmitter links (STL), transmitter-to-studio links (TSL), electronic newsgathering (ENG), international outside broadcasting (OB), inter-city relays (ICR), satellite backhaul, regional networks, satellite applications and video downlinks.
Founded as part of Microwave Associates in 1963, MRC has a sound reputation for engineering and research and development of technologically advanced products that support high-quality video transmission requirements.Only one company combines the breadth of knowledge and experience in microwave communications, the depth of engineering resource, a commitment to excellence in wireless radio platforms and the financial backing to continue to be the leader in microwave products and technological advancements, MRC.
Press Contact:
Christine Doyle
Tel: +1 978 671 5843
E-mail: cdoyle@mrcbroadcast.com
