UDcast and Rohde & Schwarz are jointly offering a playout system that enables DVB-H network operators to broadcast up to 40 percent more programs. Already in active use by some DVB-H operators, the playout system expands operators' capacities, reduces costs and increases the number of programs that can be transmitted over a single channel.
The playout system includes the R&S AVE264 audio/video encoder and R&S AVP264 multiplex manager. Using statistical multiplexing, the encoder optimizes transmission channel use. The system is compatible with UDcast’s IPE-10 IP encapsulator and integrates into DVB-H networks.
The AVE264 encoder uses a variable bit rate and statistical multiplexing to take advantage of DVB-H transmitting multiple programs with different data rates over a single channel.
The R&S statistical multiplex manager coordinates the audio/video encoder’s requirements so the transmission channel is used at maximum or near-maximum capacity — allowing up to 14 programs per DVB-H channel instead of the usual 10. If it's not being used to broadcast additional programs, the multiplex manager can instead improve transmission quality.
UDcast’s contribution to the solution is an IP encapsulator, the IPE-10, which offers adaptive time-slicing functionality without manual alignment. The IPE-10 inserts the IP data stream from the encoder into a DVB-H transport stream it creates. Programs are processed using constant and variable bit rates suitable for statistical multiplexing.
Additional CBR services, ESG and other data services can be integrated, and a statistical multiplexer can be added to an existing DVB-H system at any time. The playout system scales by adding audio/video encoders, allowing network operators to enhance the usable data rate to transmit more content.
For more information, visit www2.rohde-schwarz.com/en/products/broadcasting/product_categories/playouts/ and www.udcast.com/products/udcast_products.htm.
