TCI awarded DTV antenna patent

TCI International, a Fremont, CA-based developer of broadband products and systems, has been awarded a patent for the invention of a wideband slot antenna that is the basis for its Models 888 and 881 DTV transmitting antennas.

The antennas feature a compact cylindrical structure having wind areas similar to those of conventional single-channel slot antennas. The wide bandwidth of the antenna combined with its low wind area means that many broadcasters will be able to use a single Model 888 or 881 antenna to transmit both their analog and DTV signals on the same antenna without having to replace or modify their towers, according to TCI.

"TCI is very pleased that the U.S. Patent Office has recognized the unique features of TCI's revolutionary DTV transmitting antenna," says John W. Ballard III, president and CEO of TCI International. "This product helps solves many antenna and tower problems that occur because of the ongoing conversion to digital TV. The unique, patented features of TCI Models 888 and 881 antennas help many broadcasters add digital service at less cost than if they used conventional antennas."

Edited by Tom Butts