Spectrum ChannelPort Boasts New Features Which Increase Flexibility and Efficiency for Broadcast Production and Delivery
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- April 2, 2013 -- At booth SU1411 at the 2013 NAB Show, Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure, will debut enhancements to its Spectrum(TM) ChannelPort(TM) branded channel playout solution. ChannelPort now delivers dual digital video effects (DVE) capabilities, extended codec support, and Pitch Blue compatibility. With these additions to its robust feature set, it enables even greater efficiency and flexibility in taking quality programming and services to air.
"Harmonic's ability to combine proven reliability and high-value function integration while minimizing rack space and operational expense have established Spectrum as the leading media server in the broadcast playout market," said Tom Lattie, vice president of product management at Harmonic. "The new advanced graphics and branding capabilities being demonstrated, such as dual-DVE support, provide greater efficiencies by eliminating steps and equipment in the workflow. System flexibility is also increased with the ability to choose between ChannelPort's new Onboard Playout Control or an external automation vendor."
The ChannelPort system speeds the cost-effective deployment of new SD and HD television channels by integrating branding, master control switching, and intelligent media fetch with integrated playout control of live and clip sources on the trusted Spectrum media server platform. The integration of rich graphics -- including the keying of multilayer motion graphics, DVE, and dynamic text over recorded or live video -- eliminates the need for external graphics devices and simplifies playout workflows, enabling powerful channel branding capabilities. Enhancements to the module include the addition of dual-DVE capability, independent branding of simulcast channels, support for external key/fill and live feeds, voiceover from live or file-based sources, and on-board closed caption file insertion.
With the addition of the dual-DVE function, broadcasters can play out two simultaneous programs on the branded channel, typically a squeeze-back on credits during the end of one program, alongside a preview of upcoming attractions on the other. Additionally, independent branding for simulcast channels enables broadcasters to create unique looks for a channel that airs in multiple formats or on multiple platforms and screens.
Harmonic extended the flexibility of ChannelPort by leveraging its open design to support the Pitch Blue file-based playout system for native playout of H.264 HD content. Pitch Blue support enables users to realize a seamless, efficient file-based workflow for content delivery to a growing number of broadcast stations. Extended codec support includes both AVC-Intra and ProRes 422. Like the ChannelPort system, the Spectrum MediaPort(TM) 7000 module now also provides ProRes 422 codec support.
Further information about Harmonic and the company's full product line is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
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About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) is the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure for emerging television and video services. The company's production-ready innovation enables content and service providers to efficiently create, prepare, and deliver differentiated services for television and new media video 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 Spectrum(TM) ChannelPort(TM) playout solution. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the products do not meet some or all of their anticipated capabilities or provide some or all of their anticipated benefits, such as reliability, minimization of rack space, reduction in operational expense, cost-effectiveness, simplification of workflow, and increased system flexibility.
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, 2012, 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.
NOTE TO EDITOR - Product and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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