Harmonic accelerates all-IP headend migration, simplifies re-encoding with new DiviCom FLEX technology
Telephony
Apr 9, 2008 1:43 PM
Harmonic has introduced DiviCom FLEX technology, a new universal video and audio decoding module that delivers on the promise of an all-IP headend by adding video decoding capabilities to Harmonic's DiviCom Electra and Ion encoders. The new module can be easily inserted into the existing Harmonic encoder chassis for a simple upgrade that enables full IP processing across all headend devices. The dense, single-platform solution provides operators with a new level of agility with real-time "any-to-any" video and audio format re-encoding. With FLEX technology, service providers can reduce capital expenses, power consumption and overall system cost while maintaining high video quality. FLEX also offers IP input functionality that further enables deployment of geographically distributed headend architectures and allows operators to source content from IP networks or IP-ready RF demodulators/descramblers. The DiviCom FLEX solution supports MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) streams in both HD and SD formats and supports the reuse of incoming stream information.
"Our broadcast, cable, satellite and telco customers are embracing video over IP technology at a rapid pace, and they are looking to eliminate baseband audio and video wiring, switching and routing in their operations," said Elie Sader, product marketing manager at Harmonic. "We are transitioning to a model where content is acquired over IP networks or IP-enabled devices and then translated into formats suitable for the operator's delivery platform. Harmonic's FLEX technology, combined with the Electra and Ion encoders, enables a fully IP-based infrastructure across the entire video processing chain from content acquisition to retransmission. The integrated solution provides our customers with a powerful tool that lowers the cost and complexity of headend operations."
FLEX allows operators to quickly and efficiently launch new services and rebalance current lineups by enabling access to both IP- and ASI-based content. This solution is ideally suited for telco, cable, broadcast and direct broadcast satellite operators looking for a high-quality, multiformat, multiresolution re-encoding solution. Harmonic's new FLEX decoding technology will be featured at the NAB Show.
