Harmonic has confirmed its video processing technologies are to power the new free-to-air platform being established by Astra Platform Services on behalf of Kabel Dienstleistungs (KDL).
An additional 22 digital free-to-air channels will be delivered into Germany’s independent cable operators that between them serve several million subscribers. SES Astra subsidiary APS has selected Harmonic’s IP-based MPEG-2 standard definition DiviCom Electra 5000 encoders with an eye on reducing the bit-rates and ultimately saving on capacity.
“Harmonic continues to support APS’ technology and business objectives, most recently to establish KDL’s new free-to-air TOPP (transponder optimised program packages) service provided to independent and private cable operators by KDL,” said Jörg Eich, VP DVB/CA, APS. “Harmonic’s highly advanced digital video solutions enable us to offer an optimized service and provide outstanding flexibility, a critical requirement to launch new value-added services as quickly as possible.”
“Harmonic is at the forefront of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC video processing,” added Ian Graham, vice president of EMEA sales and service, Harmonic Inc. “APS’ selection of Harmonic for this project reflects the inherent strength of our Electra compression platform, which is playing a critical role in the digitisation and advancement of video delivery networks across Europe and the world.
The Electra 5000 supports up to four simultaneous MPEG-2 SD channels in a one rack-unit (1-RU) chassis.