Argentina. Dielectric continues to develop its CALA channel market as the company capitalizes on emerging business opportunities across the region, driven in part by complex digital transition timelines and regulations that vary by country. That's why it has appointed Mach Electronics to address these and other challenges for radio and television broadcasters across Argentina.
Mach Electronics is a leading provider and integrator of transmission, broadband and telecommunications systems throughout Argentina, with a large network of distribution partners to cover the country. In broadcasting, Mach Electronics specializes in the design, integration and commissioning of complete headend and delivery systems for over-the-air TV and FM content.
The partnership with Dielectric adds a premium global brand to Mach Electronics' RF portfolio, strengthening its value proposition as a full-service provider with reliable transmission solutions. This includes a comprehensive pre- and post-sales technical support strategy, including the use of field measurement tools to optimize the performance of installed RF systems.
Nicolas Jose Bloise, president and CEO of Mach Electronics, said the partnership with Dielectric was established at a time of substantial change and opportunity for Argentine broadcasters. That includes the imminent end of analog television and a possible extension of the crowded FM band, similar to the Brazilian initiative that began several years ago.
"The analog switch-off, which was recently postponed until June 2025, will drive the future of broadcasting in Argentina," said Juan Carlos Ruiz, sales executive at Mach Electronics. "Broadcasters are now working on their plans to minimize disruption to services as they prepare to shut down analog service and transition to ISDB-Tb digital services. Many of these TV systems will be energy-efficient, and Dielectric's Powerlite family of antenna systems will help us strategically plan and efficiently implement complex ISDB-Tb delivery systems that can include many low-power transmission points."
As for FM, Nicolás José Bloise points out that Argentina is ripe for an expansion of the FM band. The team at Mach Electronics has experience to fall back on, given their work in Brazil helping customers transition from AM to FM frequencies. Discussions are currently underway on potential government regulations to expand the FM band to include frequencies from 76 to 88 MHz.
"Although nothing is official yet, we see encouraging signs that such regulations will be passed," he said. "There is also an opportunity to upgrade very old FM infrastructure for broadcasters that will continue to operate in the current FM band. In both cases, there is an exceptional opportunity for Dielectric and Mach Electronics to develop new businesses together."
Daniel Bizet, Dielectric's International Business Manager, was previously familiar with Mach Electronics having worked extensively throughout the CALA region, where Mach Electronics also has a presence in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. He believes that the company's broad reach and strong technical expertise will quickly strengthen the recognition and visibility of the Dielectric brand throughout Argentina.
"Argentina is a very large country with unique business challenges that Mach Electronics knows how to address adequately," Bizet said. "Their field service team is awesome, and when it comes to RF systems, they know how to plan broadcast networks and antenna coverage patterns that reach the largest audience possible. They also understand the highly sensitive nature of RF performance, from monitoring transmission lines to measuring reflected power levels and making adjustments throughout the RF chain that optimize over-the-air delivery. We look forward to their contributions and will work closely with them as a partner to ensure success."
