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Press Contact:

Camille Cox

(805) 497-6400

Video Media Converter Rack Provides

Rugged Management Solution for Broadcasters

Chicago, IL (July 5, 2005) -- Answering the call for simplified infrastructure management from broadcasters, facility engineers and production crews challenged with implementing fiberoptic cable for digital video transport, Stratos International now offers a new rack kit for their line of Video Media Converters (VMC’s). The company will be demonstrating these new offerings at IBC2005 in Amsterdam, booth 3.116 in September. The rack kit provides up to 18 channels of BNC-to-fiber conversion in a 1-RU high by 19" wide unit. This solution provides a sophisticated, easy-to-use housing platform for managing the power, monitoring and cabling on both coax and fiber side of high-density broadcast video transport networks, such as field production, studio infrastructure links, cable broadcasting networks, broadcast trucks and vans, video distribution in facilities.

The Stratos VMCR-18-X Video Media Converter Rack includes redundant 110/220VAC power supplies capable of powering 18 VMC’s. A built-in Digital Diagnostic Monitoring Interface allows for remote identification and monitoring of the VMC’s via a standard 10/100 Ethernet-compliant web-enabled port. The unit can be populated with any mix of Stratos VMC’s or Mini-VMC’s, with any combination of SD or HD protocols. VMC’s simply plug into place for easy set-up changes.

The front panel of the media converter rack is equipped with 18 75-ohm single-ended female BNC connectors for incoming and/or outgoing electrical Tx/Rx signals. The rear of the unit is fitted with a cable strain-relief shelf, allowing a choice of fiber cable management systems. Monitoring features of the rack front panel include: LED indicators that provide an instant read on VMC installation and function status inside each unit port; power supply and temperature status LEDs; and channel ID strip.

Two versions of the rack unit are currently available, the VMCR-18-R with sliding side rails for installation in a standard 19" rack and the VMCR-18-T throw-down model with a top cover. Both the rack-mount and throw-down versions are available now, with delivery times of 6 - 8 weeks.

About Stratos International

Stratos International (STLW), previously known as Stratos Lightwave, is a global producer of optical, electronic and optoelectronic components and subsystems. The company headquarters is located at 7444 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60706-4549. For more information call 800-323-6858 or visit the company website at

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