This section provides an overview for rf modulators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 rf modulator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked rf modulator companies as of November, 2024: 1.Thor Broadcast, 2.PVI ProVideoInstruments, 3.ZeeVee Inc..
Table of Contents
An RF modulator is either a circuit block or a standalone external unit that converts baseband video and audio signals (AV signals) into RF signals (Radio Frequency: signals in the broadcast frequency band).
The signal connection configuration involves inputting the video and audio baseband signals to the RF modulator through a PIN terminal connector or other dedicated terminals. These signals are then internally converted and output via the RF coaxial cable.
RF modulators were commonly used when video game consoles emitting AV signals were prevalent. These consoles output a baseband analog AV signal, typically connected to the TV's video input terminal.
However, many affordable 14-inch TVs of that era lacked a video input terminal. To address this, console manufacturers developed RF modulators to complement their products.
The process involves receiving the AV output from a video game console, connecting it to an RF modulator, converting it to an RF signal internally, and then linking it to the TV's antenna terminal. By selecting the specified channel, the AV output signal, for example, from the NES, can be displayed on the TV.
Stand-alone external RF modulators are rarely used today and are no longer manufactured. They can only be found as used products online.
An RF modulator converts an input baseband AV signal into a specified broadcast wave signal. It does this by converting the video and audio signals to different levels and then applying frequency modulation. This enables the use of CRT or LCD TVs, which lack a video terminal and cannot receive terrestrial or BS digital broadcasts, to display these broadcasts.
To receive digital broadcasts, an external, standalone tuner capable of receiving terrestrial and BS digital broadcasts is necessary. This is also feasible with HDD recorders and DVD/BD recorders.
These devices typically include at least one terrestrial and one BS digital tuner. Some also have analog AV output terminals. The terrestrial and BS digital broadcast AV signals output from these recorders are fed into the RF modulator, where signal conversion occurs. By connecting the RF signal output to the RF terminal of CRT or LCD TVs, digital broadcasting can be viewed on these TVs.
Baseband refers to the range of information signals in a communication device before modulation or demodulation and before conversion into broadcast frequency band signals by an RF modulator. The method that utilizes signals without modulating the data and without frequency conversion is known as the baseband method.
RF modulator connections can distribute video and audio to multiple TVs and speakers using an antenna with a booster or antenna distributor. This method was also used for in-school broadcasting systems.
However, with the transition to digital broadcasting, digital in-school systems employing the ISDB system, identical to digital terrestrial broadcasting, are increasingly common. Additionally, systems utilizing an intra-school LAN and STB (set-top box) are also being adopted.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
Contemporary Research, established in 1994 in Carrolton, Texas, USA, is a manufacturer of audiovisual products, including HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders and decoders, HDTV tuners, and control products for enterprise IPTV networks and digital RF systems. The company adheres to international product standards and holds ISO 9001 certification for precision and optimal video products. It offers high-definition video distribution, robust signal encoding and decoding, seamless integration with IPTV networks, and streamlined control of audiovisual systems. These solutions are frequently applied hospitality, education, sports and entertainment venues, and government facilities, where stable and efficient audiovisual distribution and control are essential.
PVI ProVideoInstruments, established in 2011 in Orlando, Florida, USA, is a manufacturer of audiovisual products, including video distribution and processing equipment, AV signal extenders, and video over IP solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on quality and is ISO 9001 certified for performance and stability. Its products offer benefits such as high-definition video distribution, low-latency streaming, and cost-effective AV signal management. These solutions find applications in various industries, including broadcasting, digital signage, healthcare, hospitality, and education, where efficient AV distribution and signal processing are essential, delivering advanced AV solutions that optimize audiovisual capabilities and enhance the viewer's experience.
Thor Fiber, established in 2009, based in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of fiber optic transport equipment and Digital T.V. equipment. The company’s products include CATV modulators, DVB encoders, fiber optic transport, satellite modulators, and SDI monitors. Its engineers provide costume solutions for various applications and industries. The company serves government buildings, universities, stadiums, commercial buildings and commercial markets in more than 100 countries. It offers a 5 year warranty on all of our products, along with incredibly strong technical support 24 hours a day.
ZeeVee Inc., founded in 2007 and headquartered in Littleton, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer of intelligent AV distribution products, RF modulation products, HDMI extenders, and wireless AV transmission solutions. The company holds ISO 9001 certification, which ensures that its products meet optimal industry standards. Its advanced AV distribution products enable efficient and flexible content delivery in various commercial and residential settings. Its products offer benefits such as HD video quality, scalability, and ease of installation and management. It serves multiple application industries, including hospitality, healthcare, education, government, and more, by providing stable and cost-effective AV distribution solutions.
NuWaves RF Solutions was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, USA focusing on designing, developing, and supplying RF (Radio Frequency) products and engineering services. The company specializes in RF and microwave solutions and offers various RF products, including Power amplifiers, RF filters, Frequency converters, RF switches, and RF transmitters for enhanced RF communication and signal processing capabilities. Its customers include government agencies and defense contractors for enhanced communication systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and radar systems Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), research institutions, and commercial enterprises also benefit from wireless connectivity, automation, and IoT applications.
Diversified Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts as a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of its patented Power Mod line of power supplies used in Radar, high energy physics, and power conversion settings. The company’s systems produce near “flat-top” pulses critical to the performance of pulsed power applications. The company’s products include Radar modulators and transmitters, RF power systems using solid-state technology, and power converters for AC to DC and DC to DC conversion and power distribution.
Founded in San Clemente, California in 1997, NetSource Technology, Inc. is an independent stocking distributor of electronic components and global procurement services, providing comprehensive supply chain solutions to OEMs and contract manufacturers worldwide. NetSource Technology serves the aerospace, automotive, IoT, medical, mobile device, and telecommunications industries and related companies. NetSource Technology specializes in locating hard-to-find, obsolete, end-of-life and highly allocated components with long lead times, supporting customers throughout the complete supply chain lifecycle.
Supply Solutions was founded in the early 2000s and operates out of Stonewood, West Virginia. Supply Solutions is a wholesale distributor serving the telecommunications industry, including traditional CATV operators, independent telephone companies and FTTX providers, as well as the contractors that support these operations. Supply Solutions offers hardware including aerial hardware including sub-components and parts,, cables, conduits, fiber optics, power supplies, sealants, test equipment, drop & instillation products, FTTX equipment including optical enclosures, headend products, underground equipment, wireless equipment, poles, as well as test equipment.
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., established in 1959, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductors and electronic components. The company specializes in producing integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, which caters to industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. The company holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, ensuring quality in their products which are used for various applications, including wireless communication, automotive systems, and industrial automation, providing crucial electronic components for advanced technologies in various industrial and commercial sectors.
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
Philex Electronic Limited., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom, is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of aerial and various reception equipment. The company's product offerings include television antennas, satellite dishes, coaxial cables, connectors, and signal amplifiers. Its offerings provide benefits such as enhanced signal reception, improved picture and sound quality, and seamless connectivity for both residential and commercial applications. The products are used in commercial installations, information technology, personal entertainment, aerospace, and broadcasting.
AMCAD Engineering, founded in 2004, is a manufacturer and developer of RF & microwave design solutions, based in Limoges, France. They specialize in providing software and hardware solutions for testing, modeling, and simulating radiofrequency electronic circuits. These include RF testing equipment, pulse IV systems, and software tools like IVCAD, IQSTART, WHITEBOARD for RF and microwave design tasks. AMCAD Engineering also offers services such as RF & MW measurement and transistor modeling for MMIC design.
Accele Electronics, Inc. is based in Santa Fe Springs, California. Accele has a 30 year history as a manufacturer and distributor of automotive technology solutions, also offering services such as, installation and support throughout its 30+ year history. Example products include LCD monitors, headrest monitors, mirror monitors, drive and park sensors, video recording and camera kits and accessories, A/V switchers, RV camera systems, cables, lighting, HUD, security systems, fuses and circuits, relays, bus and coach amenities, as well as comfort and convenience items.
Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Ltd., founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is an electric component distributor that is ISO 9001 certified. The company stocks several components, including switches, capacitors, and resistors, which it sources from multiple manufacturers like Seiko Instruments, Inc., Renesas Electronics America, and Nuvoton Technology Corporation America. Depending on the size and configuration of the customer’s components, the company provides a full range of packaging services. It accepts single or multiple-part quotations, and its website allows customers to search hundreds of products ranging from ICs to computer accessories.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Thor Broadcast |
14.0%
|
2 | PVI ProVideoInstruments |
9.7%
|
3 | ZeeVee Inc. |
9.7%
|
4 | NuWaves Engineering |
9.7%
|
5 | Philex Electronic Ltd. |
7.5%
|
6 | Diversified Technologies, Inc. |
7.5%
|
7 | AMCAD Engineering |
6.5%
|
8 | Contemporary Research |
5.4%
|
9 | AEI |
5.4%
|
10 | NetSource Technology, Inc. |
5.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the rf modulator page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 9 | 69.2% |
Japan | 2 | 15.4% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 7.7% |
France | 1 | 7.7% |