At the TelcoTV 2009 conference, TANDBERG Television showcased a number of available encoding solutions for delivering HD content to multiple platforms at the lowest bit rates. This allows telco operators to attract new subscribers by offering multiscreen TV services. Among these solutions were new features for the company’s multiformat HD/SD encoder/transcoder product line.
The iPlex UltraCompression-2 multiformat HD/SD encoder/transcoder, part of the iPlex video processing platform, offers a high degree of density for encoding, transcoding, transrating and video grooming of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC streams. Launched at TelcoTV, the addition of MPEG-2 HD and SD encoding and transcoding formats to the iPlex UltraCompression-2 modules enables operators to maximize their embedded MPEG-2 investment and supports a smooth migration to the latest MPEG-4 AVC-based services.
Also new at TelcoTV was triple stream processing enabling a main, either in MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 AVC format, a secondary version of the service (for hybrid IPTV/cable or over-the-top video delivery), and picture-in-picture (PIP) for each processed channel giving up to 18 streams within 1RU.
The modular design provides a significantly simplified system architecture allowing operators to upgrade functionality, reduce equipment count and add new services incrementally, avoiding costly headend upgrades. Extensive video preprocessing and an array of tools to fine-tune the encoding process provides superior picture quality. The iPlex UltraCompression-2 powers a complete IPTV headend video processing solution that includes MPEG-2/4 AVC SD and HD encoding, MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 and MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 SD/HD transcoding, HD to SD downconversion and picture-in-picture (PIP) service generation in a high-density, NEBS-certified, telco-designed chassis.
For operators transitioning to MPEG-4 AVC or adding HD services, the transcoding capabilities provide a ready to deploy method for adding local or national HD channels, whether they are received in either format. Instead of confining service providers to specific video architectures, the flexible, modular architecture of the iPlex allows for customization and upgradeability.
TANDBERG Television also showed how operators can efficiently drive content across all of their platforms with a single unified system, the WatchPoint content management system (CMS). WatchPoint CMS is a metadata and content library designed for the centralized management of any metadata format, content type and workflow process. The new centralized multiplatform CMS takes the management of nonlinear services to new levels, enabling content providers and operators to expand current services, introduce them on new platforms and accelerate new revenue streams.
