ChannelPort(TM) Combines Branding, Clip Playback, and Master Control Switching; Integrates Seamlessly With Proven Spectrum Media Server
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Feb. 28, 2011 -- Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced the release of the ChannelPort(TM) integrated channel playout device for Spectrum media server systems. Combining channel branding and master control switching with clip playout on the industry's most trusted media server platform, the modular ChannelPort enables broadcasters, content owners, and service providers to speed the cost-effective deployment of new television channels through a simple incremental upgrade to their existing Spectrum architecture.
"As consumer desire for more content delivered to more devices increases, broadcasters, content providers, and cable and satellite operators are challenged to launch new branded channels and services -- while reducing costs," said Larry Kaplan, office of the CEO, co-founder Omneon, at Harmonic. "The newest member of the Spectrum media server family, ChannelPort simplifies the task of bringing new services to air quickly and affordably. It builds on users' existing infrastructure rather than forcing them to start from scratch. Using ChannelPort, a facility can add not only playout channels, but also functionality that traditionally has required five or six separate components in the transmission chain."
ChannelPort is a next-generation branded playout solution that combines clip playout functionality with critical channel-branding capabilities to simplify integration and workflow, lower equipment purchase expenditures, and reduce maintenance and operations costs. Because ChannelPort modules fit seamlessly into existing Spectrum media server systems and can be added incrementally at a very competitive price, broadcasters can extend their channel lineups quickly and with confidence. Support for a broad range of automation systems offers users the freedom to work with an existing solution -- or choose a new one that's best for their workflows.
Support for standard tools such as Adobe(R) Creative Suite(R) ensures compatibility with all standard graphical formats, as well as familiar operation for broadcast graphics designers, who can author on-air templates directly in Adobe Flash(R) Professional. Facilitating the addition of branding elements ranging from simple logos to complex effects and "live" text -- and built on Harmonic's market-leading media server technology -- the new ChannelPort device serves as a reliable and functionally complete branded-channel playout solution.
Like other Spectrum media server products, ChannelPort supports industry-standard video formats and wrappers. In addition to providing flexible format handling, the device boasts industry-leading channel density (up to four channels in 1 RU) and power consumption (100 W per channel) that allows broadcasters to keep operational expenses down long after channel launch.
Just as Spectrum led the way in modular playout, open-systems based file workflows, open API control, support for MXF, and AVC-Intra play/record, ChannelPort continues that tradition of industry firsts by offering breakthrough features with industry-leading density, power consumption, and deployment flexibility. The product is the first of its type to offer customers their choice of automation for branding and playout control, and the only one that can be deployed either as a small standalone system or as a large scalable solution using the same component.
Leveraging Harmonic's expertise in codecs and video processing, ChannelPort is built for efficiency using standard hardware components. All ChannelPort codecs, video processing, template execution, and graphics compositing are implemented in software, which can be updated in the field to deliver additional features as required, protecting the customer's long-term investment.
ChannelPort is available in three configurations: as a stand-alone half-RU device that adds branding capabilities to a Spectrum system; integrated in a MediaDeck 7000 chassis to function as a stand-alone branding server; and integrated in either a MediaPort 7000 or MediaDeck 7000 chassis to function with both those devices as a stand-alone branding server with media ingest capabilities.
More information about the ChannelPort integrated channel playout device and other Harmonic products is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
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About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) provides infrastructure that powers the video economy. The company enables content and service providers to efficiently create, prepare, and deliver differentiated video services for television and new media platforms. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to the anticipated capabilities and benefits of Harmonic's ChannelPort(TM) product. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that ChannelPort does not meet some or all of its anticipated capabilities or provide some or all of its anticipated benefits, such as rapid, cost-effective deployment of new television channels, simplification of integration and workflow, lower equipment purchase expenditures, reduced maintenance and operating costs, reliability and functionally complete solution, flexibility, efficiency, and industry-leading channel density and power consumption.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as those more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec.31, 2011, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
EDITOR'S NOTE - Product and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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