RFS to supply broadcast equipment for Vietnam Television’s first digital TV offering

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, announces that it has been selected by Vietnam Television (VTV) to supply broadcast equipment that will enable VTV's first digital television service throughout the country.

As the national television broadcaster in Vietnam, VTV plays a critical role in delivering news and information, as well as scientific, educational, cultural and entertainment programming across the country. The RFS broadcast equipment, which includes horizontally polarized PHP UHF panels for the antenna systems and UHF balanced combiners for the combiner systems, allow VTV to extend its network and broaden its television offerings.

RFS' solution will enable the launch by VTV of the digital version of its youth channel VTV6, that will be the country's first digital terrestrial television services, due before the end of 2010 through the combination of 7 regional digital services.

"With the ability to launch a digital television service and provide additional free-to-air analog television services, VTV continues to expand both the breadth and quality of television services available to the Vietnamese people," says Dang Hong Thu, Vice Director of VTV Transmission Center. "RFS has once again proven it can supply the state-of-the-art broadcast technology and the expertise VTV needs to deliver on its nationwide mandate and remain at the forefront of television services."

Valued at one million United States dollars, the contract confirms RFS' position as broadcast equipment supplier of choice for VTV. In addition to installing and commissioning the broadcast equipment, RFS will train VTV engineers in its operation.

RFS' Broadcast Systems Sales Manager, Ivor Richardson, says RFS offered technical solutions with both the flexibility and the comprehensive coverage needed for digital television services on a national scale to win this contract. "Because RFS' PHP UHF panels can provide an almost infinite variety of horizontal patterns, we were able to optimize antenna coverage at each site to ensure efficient coverage in all locations. We were also able to customize the antenna solutions to match antenna patterns to the varied terrain," Richardson explains.

Delivering advanced broadcast technology that supports VTV's business objectives and national mandate is not a new approach for RFS. In 2007, RFS provided the complete RF systems for a 12-site expansion of the country's analog television network, enabling VTV's science, technology and education channel, VTV2, and its sports and entertainment channel, VTV3, to be extended nationwide. RFS has also supplied equipment to VTV for a number of provincial projects through local integrators.

"VTV has put considerable faith in RFS, making us much more than another supplier; they are treating us as a true partner," Tim Conboy, RFS' Vice President, Sales and Marketing for APAC South adds. "For this reason, we are committed to achieve at least the same level of excellence and reliability as we have on past projects for them.

[Image caption]: Martin O'Donohue, RFS Broadcast, Towers and Defense Sales Manager, and VTV Transmission Center Deputy Director Dang Hong Thu, shake on RFS broadcast equipment that will allow VTV to offer Vietnam its first digital TV services.

Trademarks: Radio Frequency Systems^® and RFS^® are registered trademarks of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About RFS
Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.

About Vietnam TelevisionVietnam Television (VTV), the national broadcaster of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the only nationwide TV provider in Vietnam. As the leading news and mass communications organization in Vietnam, VTV plays an active role in the nation's ideological and cultural forefront by disseminating scientific, educational and entertainment programming to the general public and to overseas Vietnamese nationals. VTV is also an effective channel for communications among more than 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam as well as between Vietnam and the rest of the world. Over the last decade, VTV has diversified its services to include filmmaking, pay TV, Internet and publication of printed media, proving its increasing influence on the spiritual, cultural and entertainment life of the Vietnamese people.