SALT LAKE CITY — Nov. 5, 2008 — Utah Scientific today announced that KNME, the University of New Mexico's PBS affiliate located in Albuquerque, will cost-effectively support the addition of a new HD channel, KNMD, by incorporating Utah's MC-400 HD/SD channel branding processor and new emergency alert system (EAS) software interface within its existing MC-2020 master control system. KNME, which currently operates two SD and one HD channel, purchased the Utah master control switcher as part of a top-to-bottom digital makeover.
The MC-400 is fully backwards-compatible with existing Utah equipment, enabling duopoly KNME and KNMD to achieve a highly functional technology upgrade while saving the expense of investing in an all-new master control. Because the MC-400 packs all of its signal processing into a single board, it can easily be installed directly in the output slot of a UTAH-400 router frame. Utah's new EAS interface feature enables a station's existing EAS to communicate directly with the master control.
"By reducing the switch engine to a single card, Utah Scientific has facilitated adding a second HD channel to our master control network, and it has made doing so affordable," said Jim Gale, KNME director of engineering. "As the television industry continues to consolidate, with more stations becoming like us, duopolies, the high value of this great product will become even more apparent."
The Utah Scientific MC-400 channel branding processor can stand alone or join a multichannel system under the control of the MC-2020. Because the MC-400 processor has access to every signal within the routing switcher, there is no need for external connections between the router and the control electronics.
"With an industry veteran like Jim Gale heading up engineering, KNME is known as a technology trendsetter," said Tom Harmon, president and CEO of Utah Scientific. "KNME was the first digital station in New Mexico, as well as the first to transmit in HD 24 hours a day. To achieve the quality they want, public and university stations need advanced technologies housed in equipment that will last. By making our latest equipment backwards-compatible to allow easy, cost-effective upgrades and extend the useful life of existing equipment, Utah Scientific once again demonstrates its commitment to putting its customers' needs first."
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About KNME/KNMD
Based in Albuquerque, N.M., KNME is a PBS affiliate that broadcasts on channels 5, 9 (call letters KNMD), and 35, producing high-quality documentaries, shorts, and weekly television series. Programming includes "Colores," a documentary series devoted to the art, culture, and history of New Mexico, and "New Mexico in Focus," a weekly public affairs newsmagazine.
About Utah Scientific, Inc.
Utah Scientific, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of analog, digital, and HDTV routing switchers, master control switchers, and related products including a full range of software for controlling and managing switching systems. The company has been serving the broadcast industry for 30 years with industry-leading products and best-in-class service and support as recognized by Frost & Sullivan with its 2005 Customer Service Leadership Award and demonstrated by the industry's first 10-year warranty. Additional information about the company can be found at www.utahscientific.com.
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