By Brian Galante
SCMS has brought to market a new HD Diversity Delay application, created with the participation of Inovonics and GatesAir, that establishes connectivity between market-leading hardware and software products from two of SCMS’s leading radio broadcast brands.
The special application enables communication between Inovonics Model 55x modulation monitors and GatesAir’s FMXi 4g HD Radio program importer/exporter to trigger HD Diversity Delay functions for certain FM/HD time alignment scenarios.
The Inovonics Model 55x series includes two rackmounted tools specifically built to monitor off-air FM and HD Radio signals, analyze and indicate signal parameters, and correct FM and HD timing through diversity delay measurements. Options include the enterprise-level Model 551 HD, featuring a front-panel LCD display for modulation data and spectrum graphs; and Model 552, a space-efficient 1RU version that removes the display but retains all other features.
The FMXi 4g’s embedded software architecture allows broadcasters to choose where to locate program importer/exporter functions, including central or remote NOCs in alignment with engineering preferences or unique requirements.
The new feature was developed for SCMS customers that use both products, and require remote connectivity between to drive FM/HD time alignment between two or more locations. Examples include single-frequency networks (SFNs) where the FMXi 4g feeds multiple transmitter sites with Model 55x monitors from a studio or NOC, or to accommodate HD Radio program feeds sent to radio stations via satellite.
SCMS VP Matt Cauthen comments, “The collaboration between GatesAir and Inovonics on this project exemplifies what true partnership looks like. Their combined expertise and commitment to excellence directly benefits our customers, delivering innovative, reliable solutions that raise the bar for the broadcast industry.”
“This is truly a way to enhance the user experience for our common customers without requiring them to invest in new infrastructure,” said Inovonics President Ben Barber. “Through a simple collaboration, we have developed a functional and cost-efficient solution that addressed a specific customer requirement, requiring little more that configuring IP address and port numbers to establish communication between sites and equipment.”
As exhibitors at IBC 2025 (September 12-15, RAI Amsterdam), GatesAir and Inovonics representatives will be available to discuss the collaboration, enabling technologies and customer benefits at their respective booths (8.B75 and 8.B77).
