Newtec’s channel partner Sematron agrees major framework deal for Newtec’s M6100 Broadcast Satellite Modulators which will be used in Arqiva’s DTH equipment refreshment program.

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has selected satellite specialist Newtec’s powerful and award-winning M6100 Satellite Broadcast Modulator to upgrade parts of its network.

This multi-year deal, enabled by Newtec’s long-term partner Sematron, also includes an upgrade and refurbishment of Arqiva’s existing infrastructure to provide additional capabilities for future enhancements.

The M6100 is the new generation DVB-S2, DVB-DSNG and DVB-S modulator specifically designed for contribution of television and radio content, primary distribution of content and broadcast direct-to-home (DTH). M6100 modulators have been developed to serve existing uplinks as well as being future proofed for the upcoming DVB-S2 Extension standard due to be released later this year.

Arqiva has used Newtec products for many years because of their operational reliability and advanced capabilities, said Geoff Smith, Principal Engineer at Arqiva. Specifically, the M6100 provides now steeper roll-off, RF Carrier ID (according to the new DVB-CID standard), built in transport stream analyzer and automated pre-distortion.

Smith continued: “Thanks to the support provided by the Sematron Technical Team, Arqiva was able to fully evaluate the new product and will be able to take advantage of its ability to upgrade efficiently for future needs. In addition, the short lead time offered by Newtec has been a key factor in the decision to go with the M6100.”

At the beginning of this year, Newtec’s M6100 Broadcast Satellite Modulator, launched at NAB in 2012, won the WTA Teleport Technology of the Year award, praised by judges for providing the greatest contribution to the business and operational success by lowering costs, increasing efficiency, enabling new capabilities and providing access to new markets.

Serge Van Herck, CEO, Newtec said: “We are really pleased with the performance of the M6100 which is a proven and reliable technology used by leading players like Arqiva. We have designed it to be compatible with all standards under development and it already has hardware on-board capable of achieving the highest quality and bandwidth efficiency. This will further increase when the new S2 Extension standard is released later this year.”