WINNERSH, England, October 21, 2009 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has sold nine DMB 670 multimedia transmitters to French network operator and DAB/DMB equipment manufacturer VDL to support the imminent rollout of digital radio in the cities of Nice, Marseille and Paris.
The transmitters, which meet all national DAB, DAB+ and DMB standards, will provide service to a wide array of leading French broadcasters. Additionally, the Harris transmitters were successfully tested for compatibility with VDL head-end equipment to support future joint international deployments of both technologies.
"This is the first sale of our DAB/DMB transmitters in France, and we are pleased to have been chosen to support VDL during such a challenging and exciting time for digital radio in the country," said Richard Scott, vice president, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operations, Harris Broadcast Communications.
"The rollout of digital radio is a major event in France this year, with the turn-on planned to commence in the next few months," said Yannick Andre-Masse, CEO of VDL. "We worked closely with Harris to ensure that we can provide our customers with the best possible infrastructure to answer the complex market requirements of digital radio."
The Harris transmitters underwent extensive testing by VDL at its facilities in France to ensure the compatibility of the Harris transmitters and VDL's line of head-end equipment in the context of VDL's international activities as a DAB/DMB equipment manufacturer.
"The results of this testing show that global broadcasters in the European and Asia-Pacific regions who are planning to purchase equipment for DAB, DAB+ and DMB can feel comfortable choosing a solution that combines Harris transmitters and VDL head-end equipment because they can be assured that both lines of products work together and are compliant with these standards," added Scott.
"Above and beyond our activity as a French network operator, VDL offers a wide range of solutions such as head-end multiplexing equipment, so the compatibility of these products with the Harris transmitters was a key factor in our decision to choose Harris for this important project," concluded Andre-Masse.
Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.
About VDL
VDL is a French leader in the field of radio broadcasting technology with business activities as an FM broadcaster, Digital Radio network provider and Digital Radio equipment manufacturer.
VDL is a DAB/DMB equipment manufacturer and has also been a digital radio network provider in France since 1998. Its competence and experience in the field of DAB/ DMB has led to the development of a full range of equipment and services. VDL's core business areas include:
worldwide DAB/DAB+/DMB equipment manufacturer
digital radio and mobile TV network provider
FM broadcasting expert in France
VDL's customers benefit from more than 20 years experience as a broadcast network provider and more than 10 years experience in digital radio, both as a network provider and equipment supplier. VDL is present in 4 continents and offers its products and solutions in more than 20 countries.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
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Harris Transmitters Successfully Tested for Compatibility with VDL Head-end Equipment