Harmonic Ships Multiservice Encoder

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT - News) -- the leading provider of broadcast-grade, real-time, advanced codec-enabled compression solutions -- today introduced the one rack unit (1-RU) DiviCom® Electra(TM) 5000 multi-service encoding platform. As the first to enable the simultaneous encoding of multiple channels in multiple formats using multiple video/audio compression standards, the Electra 5000 offers an unprecedented level of flexibility and establishes the new category of multi-service encoding. Now, from a single 1-RU encoder, operators have the ability to deliver broadcast video services to a variety of devices, from a standard definition television in a home to a mobile phone, enhancing scalability while, at the same time, dramatically simplifying the entire service infrastructure.

Continuing a long tradition of product innovation -- which includes the first standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) encoders able to compress video using MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) or SMPTE VC-1 -- Harmonic's DiviCom Electra 5000 ushers in the era of multi-service encoding. Going well beyond single-codec multi-channel encoding, the Electra 5000 makes it possible for operators to rapidly introduce new services -- such as advanced picture-in-picture, personalized mosaic program guides, high-quality PC streaming and TV to the hand-held -- over more types of networks, greatly expanding their geographical reach, customer base and revenue potential. This state-of-the-art encoding platform provides superior channel density with the best video quality irrespective of the operator's chosen compression standard, bit-rate and resolution.

"Harmonic's new DiviCom Electra 5000 delivers the ultimate compression performance and flexibility for existing and emerging applications," said Patrick Harshman, President of the Convergent Systems Division of Harmonic Inc. "The versatile system supports video delivery to a growing array of devices, and simplifies the way operators build and scale their video service infrastructure. Because it provisions any combination of MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC and SMPTE VC-1, it's an outstanding solution for operators that need a more staged migration to an advanced codec. The Electra 5000 also opens the door to mobile TV applications, like DVB-H, which represent greenfield opportunities for video service providers and wireless communication operators. The results of a recent European mobile TV trial found the majority of users believe these services will be popular and consumers will have a high propensity to purchase."

The Electra 5000 can be easily configured to meet a wide range of service requirements -- including standard definition TV, codec migration, picture-in-picture and channel mosaics, broadcast-quality streaming video to the PC and mobile video -- and provides seamless integration with both traditional and IP-based headends. Basic configurations simultaneously encode two full resolution standard definition channels using MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC and/or VC-1 while others support the addition of multiple low resolution channels. The Electra 5000 can encode a single channel in multiple formats, multiple channels in a single format or multiple channels in different formats, without compromising the video quality or performance of any channel. Software options that add new features and capabilities are field installable, giving operators the ability to quickly and cost-effectively expand service in accordance with competitive and customer demands.

"The combination of the Microsoft TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform and Harmonic's Electra 5000 multi-service encoder will enable operators to offer a premium viewing experience, encompassing virtually an unlimited number of video channels and value added applications such as picture-in-picture interactivity and a personalized program guide, over an IP network," said Phil Corman, director of Worldwide Partner Development for Microsoft TV Division. "This highly scalable service infrastructure reduces deployment and operational costs as well as eliminates complexity throughout the network."

Harmonic Inc.