KSBJ Launches New Satellite Platform

Exclusive new line of satellite receivers and uplink equipment provides economical upgrade for KSBJ’s network

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clear Channel Satellite, a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc., announces the deployment of the XtremeSat Media™ satellite broadcast distribution platform for contemporary Christian music radio station KSBJ. KSBJ purchased the system to deliver two high-quality audio channels to its affiliates and company-owned radio stations from its uplink located in Humble, Texas. KSBJ has also entered into a multi-year agreement with Clear Channel Satellite to provide satellite capacity for the distribution of its programming.

“Recent technology advancements have made it much less expensive to operate your own multi-channel satellite network”

“Recent technology advancements have made it much less expensive to operate your own multi-channel satellite network,” remarks Mike Hagans, President, Clear Channel Satellite, referring to the XtremeSat Media™ platform exclusively distributed by CCS. “The new uplink and receiver platform allows syndication providers who have their own uplinks to replace their aging and inefficient receivers and head-end gear with a system that is much more bandwidth efficient. The new system has dramatically reduced monthly recurring costs, while providing advanced features like AAC audio, spot insertion, and an intelligent fallback feature that automatically uses an alternate carrier, streaming audio or receiver-stored content when needed.“

The XtremeSat Media™ system is the first of its kind to provide large network functionality at a small and medium-sized network price point. The system will operate on C or Ku Band uplink systems and is capable of a single stereo audio channel or can be easily expanded to deliver up to 64 stereo channels in an MCPC configuration. The XtremeSat Media™ Media Content Receiver (MCR) comes with one or two stereo analog and AES/EBU outputs, balanced, high-quality audio on XLR connectors. The unit features eight tightly audio-synchronized relays, expandable to 16, two AAC formats (and several MPEG choices), and the ability to seamlessly transition from SCPC (single channel) to MCPC (multiple channels) for expanding networks. The receiver also features Smart Fallback to alternate RF carriers or Shoutcast web stream, web interface for settings and status, outbound IP audio stream for monitoring and FTP upload of receiver status reports and event logs. The 200 series MCR is also capable of store and forward audio, copy-split and fall-back to receiver-stored content. This new state-of-the-art satellite receiver is manufactured in Germany by 2wcom in cooperation with CCS, and is available in the U.S. exclusively through Clear Channel Satellite. The receivers come standard with a two-year warranty. The USA Warranty Center is maintained by Clear Channel Satellite handling all repairs at its Denver, Colorado facility.

Don Chapman, Chief Engineer for KSBJ commented, “We recently replaced our existing satellite with the new XtremeSat System, and doubled our throughput. It has made our delivery system much more robust and much, much more reliable”.

About KSBJ

This year, KSBJ celebrates 30 years on-air as Houston’s leading listener-supported, non-profit, non-commercial contemporary Christian music radio station. The mission of KSBJ is to be the voice of hope connecting people to God, through Christian music, community outreach and events. As a listener supported radio station, and a long-standing member of the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), KSBJ’s ministry is managed by a group of volunteer men and women from across the Greater Houston area, who serve as members of its Board of Directors. The board members represent diverse denominations, backgrounds and professions to provide oversight, direction and accountability for the ministry. KSBJ can be heard on 89.3 FM (North/East of Downtown Houston) and 96.9 FM (South/West of Downtown Houston).

About Clear Channel Satellite

Clear Channel Satellite is a leader in satellite communications for radio networks, television stations, government agencies, large corporations, small to medium size companies and schools. We provide turnkey solutions with a knowledgeable customer service department to support your satellite needs. Our state-of-the-art, secure facilities are manned 24/7/365, and are located near Denver, Colorado. For more information, please contact the Clear Channel Satellite sales department at 800-345-8728, email [e-mail], or on the web clearchannelsatellite.com.