IRIS Networks has installed a Harris Corp. NetVX MPEG-4/H.264 video encoding system to deliver standard- and high-definition television programming to rural independent telecommunication companies.
IRIS Networks is a Tennessee-based member-owned organization made up of 11 independent telephone companies in that state, as well as in Kentucky and Virginia. The operation’s Nashville point-of-presence distributes 16 channels of local off-air programming from both Nashville and Knoxville to rural communities underserved by other cable television service providers.
The Harris headend gear installed in Nashville includes Harris Videotek ATSC demodulators and NetVX MEPG-2 decoders, as well as NetVX MPEG-4/H.264 encoders for delivery of television programming via the company’s fiber-based IP backbone.
“The ability to offer television service to existing and potential subscribers is extremely important for local and regional independent telecommunications companies to compete against larger cable and satellite service providers,” said Peter De Bono, director of engineering for IRIS Networks. “The Harris IPTV headend solution provides a technically superior yet cost-effective solution that allows us to get up and running quickly with local TV services to ultimately create a more attractive consumer product.”
