Twofold Expansion of Snell Engineering Resources Behind IQ Modular Range Enables Proactive Development and Launch of Flexible, Forward-Looking Infrastructure Modules

READING, U.K. — Sept. 11, 2009 — Snell today introduced 24 new products in the company's IQ Modular intelligent infrastructure range. Compatible with emerging 3Gbps standards, as well as current analog, SD, and HD formats, these new components are smart, flexible, centrally controlled building blocks that support a seamless transition to HDTV and 3Gbps operations. In addition to 3Gbps/HD/SD support, the components announced today feature advanced solutions for fiber optic conversion and Dolby^® E/D processing.

"Increasing our focus and engineering resources behind the IQ Modular range is enabling us to develop exciting new products that offer forward-looking functionality, while fitting neatly into the powerful RollCall control and monitoring infrastructure, existing IQ Modular components, and third-party systems," said David Creed, engineering director at Snell. "As the industry continues to evolve, expansion of the IQ Modular range gives broadcasters readily available, easily integrated components for taking greater advantage of 3Gbps-capable systems in high-bandwidth applications, fiber optic links for remote and long-distance signal transport, and Dolby technologies for delivering a more engaging viewer experience."

The IQ Modular components introduced today include a new processing platform designed to handle all audio and video processing tasks. Multiple products and variants within this platform allow broadcasters to combine cost- and space-saving single-function modules into complete solutions with the specific functionality required. These IQ Modular components offer flexible connectivity via numerous rear-interface options and support effortless growth by enabling simple infrastructure expansion. Space-efficient dual-channel modules provide critical processing capabilities when infrastructure overhead is at a premium.

With nearly 400 component building blocks and uniquely powerful control and monitoring capabilities, the IQ Modular range allows broadcasters to create adaptable, extensible infrastructures that can be expanded as the needs of the operation change. New IQ Modular components targeted to 3Gbps/HD/SD operation include a range of advanced multifunction synchronizer modules including analog and AES embedding and de-embedding for advanced processing applications; single-, dual-, and three-channel distribution amplifiers; and a range of fiber optic transmitters, receivers, and transceivers. Addressing the demands of working with compressed audio, Snell has also expanded the IQ Modular range with multifunction audio embedder/de-embedder modules incorporating advanced Dolby E/D processing and conversion features.