MultiChoice is putting in place headend solutions from Harmonic as part of its pan-African DVB-T2 network.
The new DVB-T2-based distribution system, supplied by local reseller and integrator African Union Communication, relies on Harmonic Electra multifunction HD/SD encoders, ProStream stream processing technology, and ProView integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) to reduce the cost of transmission through more efficient use of satellite bandwidth, while bringing localized content to viewers throughout Africa.
“Harmonic digital video headend solutions provide the bandwidth efficiency, video quality, and reliability required to meet our needs for this extensive DVB-T2 network rollout,” said Gerdus Van Eeden, chief technology officer at MultiChoice. “The new distribution system allows us to reliably transmit HD/SD MPEG-4 content over satellite for retransmission on the DVB-T2 network, providing improved regional programming while maintaining excellent video quality.”
Harmonic Electra 8000 MPEG-4 HD and Electra 5400 MPEG-4 SD encoders are used by MultiChoice Africa to deliver high video quality at low bitrates, and the ProStream 1000 stream processing platform with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing is used to deliver high-quality services while maximising bandwidth. The operator has also deployed Harmonic ProView 7000 IRDs for content reception at regional towers across the continent, and the NMX Digital Service Manager to monitor and control the complete headend system.
