LAS VEGAS -- Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) today introduced the DiviCom® MV 500 encoder, a powerful new MPEG-2 high definition (HD) CBR/VBR compression solution. The MV 500 can offer up to a 25% improvement in MPEG-2 HD compression efficiency relative to previous generations and, with new technical innovations, further enhance HD picture quality. The system is ideal for cable, broadcast and satellite operators with a large base of MPEG-2 customers, as well as those broadband network operators with bandwidth into the home that is sufficient to provision an all-HD video, voice and data triple play. The industry’s first MPEG-2 HD encoder with native IP support, the MV 500 integrates seamlessly with Harmonic’s groundbreaking DiviTrackIP™ distributed statistical multiplexing solution to maximize the HD service capacity and availability.

Operators can take advantage of the substantial bit-rate savings offered by the MV 500 to increase the channel-carrying capacity or reclaim valuable bandwidth for additional services. As a result, they are able to implement emerging business models, expand their reach and generate additional revenue. Perhaps most importantly, these objectives can be achieved without replacing other key elements of the existing service infrastructure—the MV 500 preserves complete compatibility, from the headend to the set-top box in the home.

“The new DiviCom MV 500 is the most advanced MPEG-2 HD encoder available today,” said Arnaud Perrier, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Advanced and HD Encoding at Harmonic Inc. “As opposed to rate shaping which can result in a degradation of video quality, the MV 500 makes it possible for cable operators to deliver as many as four HD programs within a single 256-QAM channel. This represents a significant increase in channel density that can accelerate the transition to an all-HD world. Likewise, for terrestrial broadcasters seeking to increase viewership and revenue, the ability to introduce a second HD or additional SD channels in their allocated bandwidth opens up a range of new business models.”

In a separate release:



LAS VEGAS -- Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) today extended its solutions for the emerging mobile television market with the DiviCom® MV 60 mobile video encoder. This flexible platform, which complies with a broad range of network standards, including DVB-H, generates high-quality, ultra-low bit-rate video for the delivery of broadcast and on-demand services to cell phones and handhelds, or it can be utilized for high quality streaming video to the PC. The MV 60 makes the mobile triple play a reality as well as enriches the video, voice, data and mobile quadruple play for cable and telecom operators. It is expected to help service providers reduce subscriber churn, attract new users and increase lifetime customer value.

Many existing wireless and telco/IPTV network operators, as well as terrestrial, cable and satellite service providers, are evaluating how best to leverage and expand their current portfolio of services to provision mobile video. The possibilities for new business models and revenue sources from mobile TV applications are significant. Not only does mobile video give operators a value-added service that enriches existing subscriber packages, it offers a platform for delivering more advertising and other interactive features that can generate incremental revenue. And, as new devices and technologies come quickly to market, it is likely that even more innovative and dynamic applications for mobile video will develop.

“More and more often, we see LCD screens playing video in cars, to the point where automakers are now offering them as a standard option,” said Arnaud Perrier, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Advanced and HD Encoding at Harmonic Inc. “In addition, people are increasingly reliant on mobile devices, not only for telephony and data services, but also to consume and share rich media content such as photos, video and music. Together, these are compelling indications that mobile video, if properly packaged with good content, can be a viable and substantial business opportunity. The introduction of the MV 60 encoder is yet another example of how Harmonic is multiplying the power of TV by enabling video delivery to multiple devices, in multiple formats, resolutions and codecs.”

Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT)