ITV

Tag: Harmonic

  • Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    MUMBAI: Harmonic and AsiaSat have inked a partnership to launch a new Ultra HD (UHD) channel 4K- SAT2/HVN, which will be AsiaSat’s second free-to-air UHD channel on AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East for the Asia Pacific.

     

    Launching on 4K-SAT2/HVN on 1 March, 2016 will be 4K video content from Harmonic’s video library, as well as content from the new NASA TV UHD channel, in 2160p60 with HEVC Main 10 profile utilising an end-to-end UHD video processing system from Harmonic.

     

    With the channel, consumers in Asia can explore the beauty of the world and of space in stunning UHD. NASA TV UHD, the first UHD channel in North America, was launched jointly by NASA and Harmonic in North America in late 2015.

     

    “With the cost of UHD TV sets dropping dramatically over the past year, demand for UHD content in Asia is expected to grow exponentially in the next couple of years. Our partnership with Harmonic for this new channel ‘4K-SAT2/HVN’ following the successful launch of our first UHD channel last year enables the delivery of a choice of rich and compelling UHD content on AsiaSat 4, allowing us to demonstrate the superior quality via satellite of a linear Ultra HD channel in 2160p60 resolution,” said AsiaSat vice president, marketing & global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    The UHD channels on AsiaSat 4’s UHD platform are available free-to-air across the satellite’s footprint, spanning from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East and encompassing more than 50 countries and regions. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set-top box will be able to receive the free-to-air UHD channels in native UHD quality.

     

    The new 4K-SAT2/HVN UHD channel deploys Harmonic’s MediaGrid shared storage system, a highly scalable, Ethernet-based shared storage system optimised for digital media workflows; PolarisTM playout management suite; SpectrumTM X advanced media server system, which brings new levels of efficiency, simplicity and reliability to broadcast playout workflows; and the ElectraTM X3 UHD media processor, to enable full UHD channel production and transmission from the AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

     

    “Harmonic is the only video infrastructure provider to offer a complete UHD workflow solution for delivery of live and linear UHD broadcasts. This expertise, combined with our UHD channel-as- a-service offering, technology leadership and active involvement in standards bodies and other industry groups, is creating the momentum needed for global UHD service deployment. By providing AsiaSat with a full-scale workflow for delivering 2160p60 UHD video content, and also providing a complete slate of compelling content that showcases the medium of UHD, Harmonic is enabling UHD services to be rolled out quickly and affordably to consumers across the region, with amazing video quality,” said Harmonic chief marketing officer Peter Alexander.

  • Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    MUMBAI: Harmonic and AsiaSat have inked a partnership to launch a new Ultra HD (UHD) channel 4K- SAT2/HVN, which will be AsiaSat’s second free-to-air UHD channel on AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East for the Asia Pacific.

     

    Launching on 4K-SAT2/HVN on 1 March, 2016 will be 4K video content from Harmonic’s video library, as well as content from the new NASA TV UHD channel, in 2160p60 with HEVC Main 10 profile utilising an end-to-end UHD video processing system from Harmonic.

     

    With the channel, consumers in Asia can explore the beauty of the world and of space in stunning UHD. NASA TV UHD, the first UHD channel in North America, was launched jointly by NASA and Harmonic in North America in late 2015.

     

    “With the cost of UHD TV sets dropping dramatically over the past year, demand for UHD content in Asia is expected to grow exponentially in the next couple of years. Our partnership with Harmonic for this new channel ‘4K-SAT2/HVN’ following the successful launch of our first UHD channel last year enables the delivery of a choice of rich and compelling UHD content on AsiaSat 4, allowing us to demonstrate the superior quality via satellite of a linear Ultra HD channel in 2160p60 resolution,” said AsiaSat vice president, marketing & global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    The UHD channels on AsiaSat 4’s UHD platform are available free-to-air across the satellite’s footprint, spanning from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East and encompassing more than 50 countries and regions. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set-top box will be able to receive the free-to-air UHD channels in native UHD quality.

     

    The new 4K-SAT2/HVN UHD channel deploys Harmonic’s MediaGrid shared storage system, a highly scalable, Ethernet-based shared storage system optimised for digital media workflows; PolarisTM playout management suite; SpectrumTM X advanced media server system, which brings new levels of efficiency, simplicity and reliability to broadcast playout workflows; and the ElectraTM X3 UHD media processor, to enable full UHD channel production and transmission from the AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

     

    “Harmonic is the only video infrastructure provider to offer a complete UHD workflow solution for delivery of live and linear UHD broadcasts. This expertise, combined with our UHD channel-as- a-service offering, technology leadership and active involvement in standards bodies and other industry groups, is creating the momentum needed for global UHD service deployment. By providing AsiaSat with a full-scale workflow for delivering 2160p60 UHD video content, and also providing a complete slate of compelling content that showcases the medium of UHD, Harmonic is enabling UHD services to be rolled out quickly and affordably to consumers across the region, with amazing video quality,” said Harmonic chief marketing officer Peter Alexander.

  • F7 Broadcast partners Harmonic for contribution solution

    F7 Broadcast partners Harmonic for contribution solution

    MUMBAI: Indian based media company F7 Broadcast has selected Harmonic’s comprehensive contribution solution for live events and news coverage.

     

    Harmonic is a leader in video delivery infrastructure, whereas F7 Broadcast owns six channels (five news and one entertainment). Utilizing Harmonic’s Ellipse 3200 contribution encoders and ProView 7100 integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs), F7 Broadcast has transitioned from DVB-S/MPEG-4 to DVB-S2/MPEG-4 video delivery to optimize video quality, increase bandwidth efficiency, and lower operating expenses.

     

    F7 Broadcast executive vice president, IT, broadcast and engineering Naveen Goel said, “Today’s viewers have an insatiable appetite for live news. They want to know what’s happening, while it’s happening, on a variety of devices. In order to provide 24/7 news coverage, we needed a contribution solution that would guarantee superior bandwidth efficiency and video quality for multiple channels.”

     

    “We are using Harmonic’s solutions in all DSNG vehicles to send live feeds from regional locations back to the main headend in Noida. We are very impressed with the cost savings and video quality improvements they provide,” he added.

     

    Featuring compact and rugged 1RU design, the Ellipse encoders easily fit into F7 Broadcast’s DSNG vehicles. Their small system footprint and low power consumption further reduce F7 Broadcast’s operating expenses. Additionally, since next-generation video codecs and formats can easily be added to the Ellipse encoders via a simple firmware upgrade, F7 Broadcast enjoys a scalable migration path and superior operational flexibility.

     

    “Harmonic’s industry-leading video compression expertise combined with our global deployment experience, make us the No. 1 choice for media companies like F7 Broadcast, who are looking to improve video quality and workflow efficiency for contribution applications,” added Harmonic India general manager Dan Taylor.

     

    The Ellipse 3200 encoders are seamlessly interoperable with Harmonic’s ProView 7100 IRDS. After compression of AVC HD 4:2:2 10-bit video using the Ellipse encoders, F7 Broadcast uses the ProView 7100 decoders to decompress content at the same sampling and bitrate. The end result is a contribution workflow with nearly lossless video quality.

     

  • Live India ties up with Harmonic to improve connectivity and video quality

    Live India ties up with Harmonic to improve connectivity and video quality

    MUMBAI: Hindi news channel Live India has announced a partnership with Harmonic for an end-to-end contribution solution to improve video quality and optimise connectivity between the organisation’s regional news bureaus and main headquarters in Noida.

    Harmonic’s Ellipse 3100 contribution encoders and ProView 7100 integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs) provide Live India with a high-density, scalable and bandwidth-efficient solution for fixed contribution applications, enabling the broadcaster to cost-effectively expand from two to five streaming news channels.

    By more than doubling its channel lineup, Live India can now ensure that viewers across India are able to stay abreast of important breaking news and live events. The broadcaster chose Harmonic’s contribution solutions based on superior performance and support for a wide range of broadcast standards and formats, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DVB-S2, SD, HD, and MP4, that allow for increased flexibility, bandwidth savings and exceptional video quality. As Live India adds more channels in the future, Harmonic’s solutions will provide the broadcaster with easy scalability at an affordable price point.

    “Over the years, Harmonic has gained a reputation around the world as a leading provider of contribution solutions based on the flexibility, scalability, and amazing video quality we bring to live news and sports applications,” said Harmonic Asia Pacific sales vice president Andrew Thornton. “Working with Live India on this project, we’re able to demonstrate to broadcasters everywhere how simple and affordable it is to expand your service offering using an end-to-end contribution solution from Harmonic.”

    Harmonic’s Ellipse 3100 encoder features simultaneous IP and DVB-ASI outputs, making it the ideal solution for Live India’s fixed contribution needs. The versatile encoder supports all SD and HD MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC codecs at 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 chroma subsampling and 8 or 10 bits, guaranteeing pristine video quality. Live India is currently using the encoder for SD 4:2:2 with plans to migrate to HD 4:2:2 in the future. Fully firmware upgradeable, the Ellipse encoders provide Live India with a smooth and cost-effective migration path. The low-latency encoders help eliminate awkward pauses during handoffs between Live India’s field and studio talent for a seamless broadcast.

    Live India is using the Ellipse encoders in combination with Harmonic’s ProView 7100 IRDs. The solution lowers the broadcaster’s capital and operational expenses. Harmonic’s ProView 7100 IRDs provide Live India with a 1RU, scalable, multiformat IRD, transcoder, and MPEG stream processor designed to increase workflow efficiencies and video quality for contribution applications. After Live India compresses live content using the Ellipse encoders, Harmonic’s ProView 7100 IRDs decompress the content at the same sampling and bitrate, resulting in nearly lossless video quality.

    Currently, the network operates Live India and Mi Marathi which lately converted itself from being just an entertainment channel to include news and current affairs as well.

  • Over 200 First-Time Exhibitors Join NAB Show

    Over 200 First-Time Exhibitors Join NAB Show

    MUMbai: More than 200 companies will exhibit for the first time at the 2014 NAB Show, home to the world’s largest gathering of vendors driving the future of media and entertainment. These companies will offer a first-look at new products and next-generation technologies through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and technology-focused pavilions. NAB Show, held April 5-10 (exhibits open April 7-10) in Las Vegas, is the annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage and distribute entertainment across all platforms.

     

    The 2014 NAB Show’s 204 first-time exhibitors will join a wide variety of NAB Show exhibiting veterans on the 850,000+ square feet of space that make up the NAB Show exhibit floor. The debuting NAB Show exhibitors include AMD-Advanced Micro Devices, Clearleap, Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Giga Entertainment Media, Siemens Convergence Creators GmbH, This Technology and Ustream. There are also several new exhibitors within Intel’s new Partner Pavilion. A full list of NAB Show first-time exhibitors can be found here.

     

    “These are transformative times for professionals who employ audio and video technology to communicate, educate and entertain. Nowhere will that be more evident than at NAB Show,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Conventions and Business Operations Chris Brown. “The multitude of first-time exhibitors this year is reflective of NAB Show’s ability to adapt and deliver fresh perspectives on the industry’s most innovative companies and cutting-edge technologies.”

     

    The 2014 NAB Show exposition will comprise 1,550+ companies, including 550+ international exhibitors and some of the world’s leading brands and companies, including Accenture, Amazon Web Services, AVID, Canon U.S.A., Cisco, Clear Channel Satellite, Deluxe, Dolby Laboratories, Dome Productions, Ericsson, Evertz, FUJIFILM, General Dynamics, Grass Valley, Harmonic, Harris Broadcast, Hitachi, HP Enterprise Services, IBM, JVC, Microsoft Corporation, Panasonic, Piksel, Ross Video Limited, Sony Electronics, Technicolor, Toshiba, Verizon and The Vitec Group.

     

    Also on the exhibit floor this year, the new Interactive Television Pavilion will present innovations in technology, content/ad applications and services that provide personalized and consumer- controlled video experiences delivered with and through the television, mobile devices, PC and emerging digital video distribution systems. In addition, the expanded SPROCKIT program will feature a pavilion showcasing a unique collection of up to 30 market-ready startup companies positioned to transform the media and entertainment industry.

     

    NAB Show’s sales division reports that space is currently sold out for several exhibit communities including: Central Hall (Acquisition and Production, Radio and Pro Audio), Lower South Hall (Post Production and Display Systems) and Outdoor (Mobile Media).

  • SES pioneers first Ultra HD transmission

    SES pioneers first Ultra HD transmission

    MUMBAI: Global satellite operator SES has announced that, together with its partners Harmonic, which offers video delivery infrastructure, and Broadcom which offers semiconductor solutions, it has pioneered what it says is the first Ultra HD transmission in the new HEVC standard live from an Astra satellite at 19.2 degrees East. The HEVC standard features an up to 50 per cent encoding efficiency improvement, compared to previous test broadcasts in MPEG-4 AVC (H.264).

    The end-to-end demonstration which was presented at the SES Industry Days in Luxembourg used Harmonic’s ProMedia Xpress and a HEVC decoder reference-design system based on Broadcom’s BCM7445 device for receiving HEVC encoded Ultra-HD television transmission. The signal was broadcast in DVB-S2 using a data rate of 20 Mbit/s.

    The live demonstration for the first time broadcasts a full 3840×2160 pixel Ultra HD picture in HEVC, while previous demonstrations were either broadcast in H.264 or using 4 HD pictures in parallel. SES first live-broadcast a full 3840×2160 pixel Ultra HD picture using the MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) standard at IBC 2012.

    SES VP reception systems Thomas Wrede said, “We are very proud to present the first Ultra HD demo in the HEVC standard on satellite. SES has once again taken a leadership role in the industry by broadcasting the first real Ultra HD picture in a commercially realistic bandwidth.

    “We are convinced that the HEVC standard will become the option of choice for TV operators broadcasting Ultra HD content and expect the industry to develop prototype Ultra HD receivers in the coming months. With this initiative SES will be significantly driving the Ultra HD ecosystem forward and provide a 24/7 test channel to its industry partners.”

    Harmonic senior director of emerging technology, strategy Ian Trow said, “SES has achieved an important industry first with Harmonic and Broadcom. This DVB-S2 transmission clearly demonstrates the benefit of HEVC encoding using the Harmonic ProMedia in a live to air Satellite application. A significant compression improvement has been achieved using HEVC when compared to previous Ultra HD deployments using MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)”

    Broadband Communications Group associate product line director Joseph Del Rio said, “Broadcom is working to advance the adoption of HEVC technologies – and ultimately the distribution of UltraHD content – with SES. HEVC is the catalyst that will drive UltraHD television with its telepresence-like resolution to consumers.”