GatesAir, a subsidiary of Thomson Broadcast specializing in wireless content delivery, announced the completion of Chilean broadcaster Megamedia’s transition to digital TV.
Megamedia, previously known as Megavision, utilized GatesAir Maxiva transmitters for this transition.
End of Analog Transmission
On April 8, 2024, Megamedia decommissioned its legacy GatesAir (Harris) Platinum VHF 45kW transmitter in Santiago after 34 years of service. This move marked the end of the analog era for the broadcaster, in compliance with a 2019 Chilean government directive mandating the cessation of analog TV transmissions by April 15, 2024.
New Digital Network
The transition involved installing GatesAir Maxiva liquid-cooled UHF DTV transmitters across Chile. These transmitters now provide digital TV coverage to over seven million households. The primary Maxiva transmitter in Santiago is supported by approximately two dozen smaller regional transmitters.
Engineer’s Testimony
Roberto Hilario Silva Cruces, a Megamedia RF Engineer, managed both analog and digital transmitters over several decades. Despite the rebranding of Harris Broadcast to GatesAir in 2014, Silva continued to work with familiar company representatives, ensuring a seamless transition.
Historical Perspective
Silva highlighted the reliability of the old Platinum transmitter, which operated 99.9% of the time with minimal maintenance. Although a 10kW Harris transmitter was purchased 15 years ago for redundancy, it was rarely used due to the main transmitter’s performance. Silva also commended GatesAir’s responsive customer service and technical support.
Retirement Ceremony
Megamedia commemorated the retirement of the Platinum transmitter on April 8 by recording its final broadcast. Silva expressed pride in maintaining the transmitters’ reliability and plans to preserve parts of the old transmitter as historical artifacts.
Company Statement
Mark Goins, Vice President of Global Sales at GatesAir, acknowledged the complexity of the digital TV transition in the CALA region. He congratulated Megamedia on their successful transition and expressed appreciation for the long-standing collaboration with Silva and his engineering team.
About GatesAir
GatesAir, a subsidiary of Thomson Broadcast, specializes in providing over-the-air radio and television broadcasting solutions. Founded in 1922, GatesAir has a long history of innovation in the broadcasting industry, offering a range of products including AM, FM, UHF, and VHF transmitters, STL transport systems, and broadcast accessories. The company is headquartered in Mason, Ohio, with significant operations in Quincy, Illinois.
About Megamedia
Megamedia, established in 1990, is a leading media holding company in Chile. It operates under the ownership of Grupo Empresarial Bethia and encompasses various media platforms. Megamedia manages multiple television channels, including Mega, MegaPlus, Mega Ficción, and ETC TV. It also offers a streaming service called MegaGo, runs the radio conglomerate MegamediaRadio, and oversees international content distribution through Mega Global Entertainment (MGE
News source: GatesAir
