Harris Corporation's Innovative Networking Solution Provides Wireless Link for Macmillan Media, Northern Ireland Broadcast Supplier

Harris Corporation's Innovative Networking Solution Provides Wireless Link for Macmillan Media, Northern Ireland Broadcast Supplier

Combination of Technologies From Harris' Broadcast and Microwave Communications Divisions Offers Cost-Effective Alternative to Leased Fiber Connections

CINCINNATI, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) today announced that Macmillan Media, the multimedia production, media training and broadcast services provider in Northern Ireland, has installed an innovative networking system that connects its new broadcast center in Belfast with Ulster Television (UTV), the Independent Television franchise holder for Northern Ireland. The system, which combines digital microwave radio technology from Harris' Microwave Communications Division and NetVX(TM), an award-winning, high-speed, integrated networking platform from Harris' Broadcast Communications Division, is far more cost effective than the leased fibre connection alternative.

Macmillan Media's studios produce regional news output for Good Morning Television (GMTV) and other British broadcasters.

Owner and founder Michael Macmillan said, "It is essential that we present news bulletins, which reflect GMTV's highly successful national program content. The combined expertise of Harris Corporation's Broadcast and Microwave Communications Divisions offered an opportunity to install a compelling blend of modern technologies. The capabilities we now have in our new broadcast centre enable us to meet the high standards set by our clients."

Macmillan wanted a wireless connection between its new facility and UTV to take advantage of its line-of-sight proximity. Macmillan approached Charlie Day, managing director of UK-based broadcast equipment supplier "The UK Office," who recommended Harris' microwave radios. Macmillan now uses the microwave link to deliver two channels of television programming to UTV, including live contribution services for GMTV each morning.

Harris' Microwave Communication Division has a wide range of point-to- point digital microwave radios designed for rapid, easy deployment of short, medium and long links. A wide range of frequency bands and protection configurations also are available for voice and data applications.

At the hub of Macmillan's system is Harris' NetVX(TM), which is equipped with two MPEG-2 codecs configured to deliver two channels of 4:2:2 contribution quality video over ATM on the E3 link.

"Part of Harris' value proposition is its ability to draw upon products from any of Harris' four divisions and combine them in ways that provide exceptional long-term value and innovation for our customers," said Jim Denny, vice president and general manager of Harris Broadcast Communications Division's Networking & Government Solutions business unit. The Broadcast Communications Division has installed more than 100 NetVX systems worldwide, proving the platform's flexibility, ability to evolve to support new services, and cost-savings potential.

"This specialised system underscores the flexibility of microwave," said Darryl Parker, vice president of international sales and services for Harris Microwave Communications Division. "The nature of live television requires technology that is assured. When it must work, on demand and every time, Harris microwaves deliver." Harris microwave radios are based on the most reliable design in the industry and are ideally suited for cellular networks, personal communications networks, and global private or public communications systems.

Harris leads the wireless backhaul industry with its newest product family, TRuepoint(TM), the first universal platform for point-to-point digital communications. TRuepoint's modular, software-selectable architecture supports both PDH and SDH applications, enabling service providers to address multiple applications and deliver multiple services throughout their networks.

About Harris Corporation

Harris Corporation is an international communications technology company focused on providing assured communications(TM) products, systems and services for government and commercial customers. The company's operating divisions serve markets for government communications, tactical radio, broadcast and microwave systems. Harris provides systems and service to customers in more than 150 countries. Harris Broadcast Communications Division is one of the world's leading suppliers of broadcast technology, offering a full range of solutions that support the digital delivery, automation and management of audio, video and data. Harris Microwave Communications Division is the largest supplier of microwave systems in North America and a leading supplier worldwide. Further information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com/ .

About Macmillan Media

Macmillan Media was founded in 1993 by former BBC and ITN Senior Correspondent Michael Macmillan. Today it is a multimedia production services and media training enterprise working with clients in the UK and Ireland from its offices in Belfast, London and Dublin.

Source: Harris Corporation

CONTACT: Martha Rapp, Broadcast Communicatons Division, +1-217-221-7577,
or mrapp@harris.com, or Tonya Loggains, Microwave Communications Division,
+1-919-767-3278, or tonya.loggains@harris.com, both of Harris Corporation; or
Becky Smith, Ellabeck Communications Ltd, +011-44-1622-684592, or
becky@ella-beck.co.uk, or Mary Ellen Armstrong, Noiseworks,
+011-44-1628-628080, or maryellena@noiseworks.com, both for Harris
Corporation

Web site: http://www.harris.com/

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