ETL upgrades the CBC/Radio-Canada distribution equipment in Montreal

ETL Systems has been selected by CBC/Radio Canada to upgrade the distribution equipment of its new production centre in Montreal. The equipment was deployed to ensure the reliability of RF signals being carried from the rooftop antenna to the satellite reception facility.

The project included ETL’s Hurricane 64x 64 RF switch matrix (HUR-10) equipped with active fiber optic input modules, L-band Alto line amplifier and 8, 16 and 32-way single L-Band Active Dextra splitters.

The new 420,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Maison de Radio-Canada will broadcast 13 radio stations and CBC’s French-speaking arm with 20 TV channels and 80 radio channels operating out of the hub. The new center is completely fiber based; IP has become a core focus for many broadcasters as they look to create more flexibility and reliability in their operation – especially in the wake of Covid-19.

Bill Pryle, RF Consultant at ETL Systems, said: “During the last 5 years, lots of broadcasters, especially in North America, have either upgraded or moved broadcasting facilities to expand, improve or ensure the quality of service being provided. In CBC/Radio-Canada’s case, its new facility in Montreal is state-of-the-art and has moved the broadcaster towards IP, which will support its broadcast of huge one-off events or regular local ones, as well its ability to essentially transmit channels and information anywhere at any time.

He also added: “That’s why CBC/Radio-Canada wanted to ensure all RF equipment used in its new facility met stringent requirements around reliability and could work hand-in-hand with IP. ETL’s RF matrices, RF amplifiers and RF splitters met these criteria and will play their part in distributing the satellite signals to the satellite receivers – to ensure continued quality coverage.”