For Immediate Release - March 16, 1998

SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA--CALIFORNIA MICROWAVE, INC. (Nasdaq National Market:CMIC) announced today that its Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) division has successfully demonstrated a simultaneous transmission of ATSC digital and NTSC analog signals over a single microwave studio-to-transmitter link (STL). This successful transmission of a combined high definition and standard television signal provides broadcasters a blueprint for a well-defined solution to multi-channel transmission. Under the ongoing demonstration, compressed NTSC and ATSC MPEG-2 transport stream signals are multiplexed together and transmitted by an MRC DAR45 (DS3, 44.736 Mbps) digital video microwave system operating over a 7-GHz link between the Model HDTV Station, WHD-TV, in Washington, DC, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The video circuit also includes the PBS satellite uplink and downlink facilities in Alexandria. Programming consists of pre-recorded ATSC test tapes and live camera shots taken from the Model Station, WHD-TV. Two-Channel STL Important to FCC-Mandated DTV Build-out "Because of the limited spectrum available in many cities for microwave STLs, combining legacy NTSC program streams and new digital TV program streams on the same microwave STL system is a critical part of the ongoing DTV build-out. The significance of the results of this demonstration cannot be over emphasized," states Dan Shine, director of technical services at MRC. "Working together, the staffs of the Model HDTV station, PBS, MRC, and other manufacturers now have a proven approach." "The established transmission characteristics of the standardized DS3 signal format translates into simpler interface requirements for broadcasters," states Rudy Pruitt, supervisor, engineering laboratory at PBS. "We're able to do more with the DS3 signal. It allows us to interface with different media: terrestrial, fiber, data networks as well as satellite. Recently, we helped a broadcaster use a satellite feed for a 30-mile HDTV STL. Having DS3 would have simplified the process," Pruitt explains. "This microwave link from the Model Station to PBS demonstrates the feasibility of multiplexing DTV and NTSC signals over existing STL channels, a requirement for many broadcasters," said Bruce Miller, president of the Model HDTV Station Project. "Moreover, it provides the Model Station ongoing access to the PBS uplink which, in cooperation with PBS, enables us to feed test bit streams and demonstration programming live via satellite to our members. We appreciate this important contribution that MRC has made to the Project." Industry Involved In The Model HDTV Station "Microwave Radio Communications suggested this demonstration project to the Model HDTV Station last Spring and has spent several months identifying key elements of the transmission system, arranging equipment loans from Andrew Corporation and General Instrument, assisting World Access in the modification of its multiplexer for digital video applications, and working with the staffs of each of these companies, as well as the Model HDTV Station, PBS and our satellite communications products division, EF Data. We wish to acknowledge the important contributions of each of these organizations in this demonstration project," said Robert Morrill, president of Microwave Radio Communications. The all-industry Model HDTV Station, WHD-TV, is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) and by the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), and is funded by nearly 300 local television stations and by more than two dozen equipment manufacturers. WHD-TV operates within host station WRC-TV in Washington, DC, an NBC-owned and operated station. WHD-TV obtained an experimental license from the FCC in July 1996 to operate on channels 27, 30 and 34 for the purpose of providing broadcasters and equipment manufacturers hands-on experience with the design, operation and evaluation of equipment needed to transition the nation's analog NTSC broadcast system to the digital era. Microwave Radio Communications is a funding member of the Model HDTV Station project. Transmission Path Includes EF Data Satellite Modem In the demonstration link, an NTSC test signal is compressed through a Magnitude brand MPEG-2 codec supplied for the test by General Instrument Corporation. The NTSC signal is compressed to 9 Mbps and multiplexed with the 19.4 Mbps output of the Grand Alliance codec at the Model HDTV Station. The World Access multiplexer supplies an ITU compliant G.703 signal at the DS3 transmission rate of 44.736 Mbps to the MRC DAR45 microwave transmitter. The MRC DAR45 digital microwave link is installed at the Model HDTV station in a "split box" configuration, with the 16QAM modulator shelf located in the equipment room. The modulator output, a 44.736 Mbps (DS3) signal transmitted at an intermediate frequency of 70 MHz, is transported through 270 feet of RG6 to the DAR45 transmitter RF shelf, which is located in an enclosed tower-mounted equipment chamber. The DAR45 RF shelf upconverts the 70 MHz signal at 7.0125 GHz. This signal then travels through 60 feet of EW63 electrical waveguide to the six-foot Andrew antenna located on the WHD-TV tower. The microwave signal is transmitted 8.77 miles to PBS' Braddock Place location across the Potomac River, received by another Andrew antenna, which is connected to the DAR45 RF shelf through 220 feet of EW63 electrical waveguide. The DAR45 16QAM demodulator shelf outputs a standard G.703 compatible DS3 signal, which flows via coaxial cable to an SDM-9000 satellite modulator, provided by California Microwave's satellite communications products division, EF Data. The EF Data modem modulates the DS3 signal, feeding the PBS satellite uplink equipment. The signal is then transported to the satellite and is received back at PBS, using an EF Data satellite demodulator, and then is demultiplexed with another World Access multiplexer. The DTV signal is then decoded and displayed on a high definition monitor, and the NTSC signal is decoded and displayed on a conventional NTSC monitor. The Model HDTV station also receives and displays the transmitted program streams. California Microwave's Digital Video Initiative At this year's National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas, April 6-9, MRC and California Microwave's EF Data division will introduce an enlarged initiative: "Digital Video Transport Solutions." From news gathering systems and program contribution links to distribution links, MRC and EF Data will demonstrate the television industry's broadest range of satellite and terrestrial microwave systems for digital video applications. While many of the equipment elements in the total DTV production and transmission chain are still being developed, MRC and EF Data are delivering proven products for digital video transport applications. The Microwave Radio Communications division of California Microwave is the leading U.S. provider of analog and digital microwave systems for video transport applications. The EF Data division is a pioneer in advanced satellite modem techniques, providing the higher data rates and higher link availability required for digital video applications. California Microwave, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of satellite earth station and microwave radio infrastructure products and information and collection systems. For more information, contact:

Stephanie M. Day Vice President- Corporate Communications MRC (408) 743-3429 sday@califmicro.com

Deborah Passik William Dunk Partners, Inc. (919) 929-4100

David E. Glidden Vice President- Business Development MRC (978) 250-1110, x5619

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