IP-Based DiviCom® Ion™ AVC Encoder Offers Dense Four-Channel Platform for Constant Bit-Rate Video Compression
Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ:HLIT) today expanded the market-leading family of DiviCom® compression solutions with the introduction of the Ion™ AVC encoder. Able to deliver four simultaneous MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) standard definition (SD) channels in high and low resolution formats, the IP-based Ion AVC encoder offers operators a dense, cost-effective and high quality platform for constant bit-rate (CBR) video delivery. The new one rack-unit (1-RU) encoder also includes 12 audio channels and can be easily managed and controlled by Harmonic’s NMX Digital Service Manager™.
The Ion AVC encoder is designed for operators that need to meet the increasing demand for high quality digital video services and the requirement to reduce capital and operating expenditures. In switched telco and cable architectures, for example, it is an ideal choice for “long tail” program delivery. Leveraging the technology innovation of Harmonic’s industry-leading compression solutions, the new system provides superior video quality and bandwidth performance in comparison with other encoders and transcoders in its class.
“Service providers of all sizes, in all regions around the world, are faced with the need to add more programming to satisfy consumer demands,” said Elie Sader, Encoding Product Marketing Manager for Harmonic Inc. “This service expansion can include national, international and local broadcast channels. Being able to expand the channel lineup and reduce bit-rates in order to support advanced services in as cost-effective a manner as possible is a critical requirement for these operators. The Ion AVC addresses these needs and facilitates the transition to a flexible, scalable and reliable IP-based architecture.”
Harmonic’s full range of DiviCom encoders also includes the Ion MPEG-2 multi-channel encoder and the market-leading Electra™ family of multi-service encoders, providing operators with the highest performance solution for ultra-high quality video delivered at ultra-low bit-rates. The 1-RU Electra encoders support multi-channel and multi-format delivery for up to four full resolution and four simultaneous low resolution video outputs in HD H.264, SD H.264 or SD MPEG-2. Harmonic’s DiviTrackIP™ distributed statistical multiplexing further enhances bandwidth efficiency of Electra variable bit-rate (VBR) encoders by allowing bandwidth to be dynamically allocated among geographically dispersed encoders according to complexity of the content.
The Ion AVC encoder and Harmonic’s full range of compression solutions — encoding, transcoding and statistical multiplexing — will be on display at Harmonic’s booth #1.361 at IBC 2007, being held in Amsterdam from September 7-11.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of versatile and high performance video solutions that enable service providers to efficiently deliver the next generation of broadcast and on-demand services including high definition, video-on-demand, network personal video recording and time-shifted TV. Cable, satellite, broadcast and telecom service providers can increase revenues and lower operational expenditures by using Harmonic’s digital video, broadband optical access and software solutions to offer consumers the compelling and personalized viewing experience that is driving the business models of the future.
Harmonic (NASDAQ:HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company’s customers, including many of the world’s largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27(A) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21(E) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to: increasing demand for high quality digital video services and the need to add more programming to satisfy customer demands.
Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results could differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Harmonic’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent Reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Harmonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.
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