Rohde & Schwarz USA, will host a series of Repacking Advanced Technology Events (RATE) across the U.S. from March 6th through March 9^th, 2017.

This educational RATE series is directed at broadcasters, station engineers and technical people involved in transitioning a TV station to a new channel as a result of the FCC Spectrum Act. The Act mandates that 1,200 repacked U.S. TV stations be fully operational with a new transmitter in 2019. Repacking refers to the process of reassigning broadcast TV channels to a smaller portion of the TV band to free up spectrum for wireless use.

Technical papers will be presented each morning in a local Rohde & Schwarz office, with an opportunity to visit an installation in the afternoon for a first-hand view of best practices in operation. An FCC representative will be on hand at each event to discuss in-depth questions and concerns regarding the transition and the post-auction process.

When and where?

• March 6, 2017 – Rohde & Schwarz Headquarters and Service Center at 6821 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Columbia, MD.
• March 8th 2017 - Rohde & Schwarz offices at 1500 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX.
• March 9th 2017 - Rohde & Schwarz offices at 2255 N. Ontario Street, Suite 150, Burbank, CA.

A FCC representative will attend in person during the Maryland event. A FCC representative will participate via video call to the events in Texas and California.

Among the companies to present technical papers collaborating to this event are Dielectric (Columbia), ERI (Burbank), RFS (Dallas), LS Telcom , Hanson and Marsand.

What?

Each RATE event seminar will address:

• Transmission efficiency.
• Transition scenarios and project management tasks.
• Key elements of ATSC 3.0.
• Antenna and RF System consideration.
• Installation challenges and how to complete the repack in 39 months.
• Keep your coverage before and after changing channel – presented by LS Telcom.

“By bringing together some of the most trusted and experienced names in broadcast TV technology during this dynamic time, we aim to provide solid counsel and clarify questions on a wide range of technical and industry-related topics,” said Erik Balladares, Director of Broadcast & Media Division, Rohde & Schwarz. “Our goal is that each attendee take away as much operational knowledge that would take them a month of networking and meetings to gather on their own.”

In addition to an increased overall technical knowledge, RATE will provide a selection of sneak product previews.

To register for a RATE seminar, click here.