Dielectric has supplied over 200 Powerlite antennas to ARK Multicasting for its low-power television (LPTV) repack initiative, which aims to upgrade nearly 60 displaced stations to ATSC 3.0 by September 2022. The deal includes antennas for both UHF and VHF stations, with Dielectric recalibrating its fabrication process to accommodate the specific needs of low-power broadcasters.
Dielectric's Customized Antenna Solutions
The partnership between ARK Multicasting and Dielectric involves the delivery of DLP Series slot antennas and TUL Series panel antennas, designed specifically for U.S. LPTV broadcasters. These antennas feature custom patterns tailored to each station’s coverage areas and market conditions, ensuring optimal performance.
Dielectric's Powerlite Series includes the DLP antenna, an economical choice suitable for LPTV, DTV, and gap filling applications. This series offers a range of polarization options, including horizontal, circular, and elliptical, with five standard elevation gains and eight azimuth patterns available. Custom designs are also possible upon request.
Efficient Repacking Process
Cory Edwards, director of OEM, distributor, and Southeast Asia sales at Dielectric, noted that the company's experience in repacking for full-power broadcasters has been instrumental in supporting ARK Multicasting. “Dielectric has applied its technology and experience from the full power repack to LPTV,” Edwards explained. “We’ve been able to design and build ARK’s antennas way ahead of their needs.”
The partnership also includes Dielectric's assistance in streamlining ARK Multicasting's FCC reimbursement process, a critical factor in meeting repack deadlines.
Preparation for ATSC 3.0
ARK Multicasting CEO Josh Weiss emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Dielectric has been an important partner for ARK Multicasting as we navigate the broadcast repack,” Weiss stated. “The ability for Dielectric to anticipate and meet our antenna needs has allowed ARK Multicasting to more efficiently navigate the myriad of supply chain challenges confronting low power broadcasters impacted by the repack.”
ARK Multicasting, with its network of approximately 300 stations covering one-third of U.S. households, plans to upgrade the affected stations to ATSC 3.0 and introduce datacasting services alongside its existing religious programming within three years.