FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMalaysia RTM Deploys 15 Ikegami PF-531A Digital Microwave Link Systems
Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), the national broadcaster in Malaysia, has expanded its mobile production resources with the purchase of 15 Ikegami PF-531A ultra-low-latency HD/SD digital microwave link systems. The PF-531A is designed for applications such as ENG, sports coverage and point-to-point signal relay. RTM began using Ikegami microwave links in the 1990s, initially investing in the analog PF-701 and its digital successor, the PF-504.
“We believe that Ikegami’s past delivery record to RTM and the stability of the delivered products were key factors when RTM made this purchase decision,” says Zaidi Anuar, Managing Director of ACS Solution Sdn Bhd, Ikegami’s microwave link distributor in Malaysia. “Malaysia is subject to frequent squalls so water resistance is a crucial factor especially for links being operated for long durations. The PF-531A is engineered to withstand tropical weather conditions including the high temperatures, high humidity, strong wind, heavy rain showers and storms which are commonly experienced in the APAC region. In addition, the connection distance between head and control unit can be up to 400 metres which is longer than other competitors’ products.”
Due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions, it was impossible to perform acceptance tests and operator training on site or in Japan. Zaidi Anuar and Ikegami Asia Pacific Pte Ltd President Masayoshi Hirashita organised an online webinar. Identical sets of microwave transmission and reception equipment were set up in Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, allowing a thorough demonstration of the operating procedures, followed by an opportunity for questions.
“The effective implementation and smooth operation of this webinar shows that we are responding flexibly to the ‘new normal’ until such time as the Covid-19 pandemic ends,” Masayoshi Hirashita comments. ACS earned the trust of its customers through its efficient response to the bidding process and its meticulous customer follow-up.”
“The OB crews, the technicians and our colleagues across the various departments appreciate the continued support of Ikegami and ACS,” adds one of RTM’s engineers who attended the webinar. My colleagues and I are finding the PF-531A both logical and familiar given our experience with our existing Ikegami microwave links. The webinar was a useful opportunity to build on that knowledge. We are now fully exploring the possibilities of the new links in day-to-day operation.”
IPX-4 certified to withstand heavy rain and moisture ingress, the Ikegami PF-531A comprises a 7 kg transmitter and 6.5 kg receiver with an 18 MHz bandwidth to allow high quality video transmission. The link can operate at bit rates of up to 70 megabits per second and is switchable between OFDM and single-carrier QAM. Designed for quick set-up and fast power-up, the PF-531A includes time-interleave error correction and is designed to allow 24/7 operation. HD/SD-SDI, VBS, ASI, four-channel AES digital and four-channel analog interfaces are included.
About Radio Television Malaya (RTM)
Operating from studios in Angkasapuri and Kuala Lumpur, RTM (www.rtm.gov.my) was established on December 28th 1963, merging in 1969 with Radio Malaysia. RTM today operates six television channels and 33 radio stations. Television channels TV1, TV2 and TV Okey provide a news, documentary and entertainment content in various language combinations. They are complemented by RTM Sports, the Berita RTM news channel and Malay-specific TV6 channel.About Ikegami
Ikegami is a leading supplier of high-quality professional broadcast equipment. The Ikegami name is recognised globally for state-of-the-art television cameras, medical cameras and CCTV equipment. World-class CMOS imagery, 4K and 8K technology, multi-format flexibility and unparalleled customer support define the Ikegami experience for users in broadcast, sports venues, mobile production, houses of worship, education, corporate and many more applications.
