Harris Corporation Announces European Launch of H.264 Broadcast Encoding Capabilities for Satellite, Terrestrial and IPTV Delivery

At IBC2007, Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, announces the European introduction of new H.264 broadcast encoding capabilities that enable lower-bandwidth operation of video services over satellite, terrestrial and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivery platforms.

Harris is launching the NetVX™ ENC-A21 high-definition/standard-definition (HD/SD) encoders, which bring the latest high-performance H.264 video encoding technology into its successful NetVX™ video networking system. In conjunction with UK-based Vidanti Ltd., Harris will showcase a live demonstration of the ENC-A21 module’s encoding capabilities in an innovative, multipurpose IPTV/DVB-T headend. Visitors to IBC2007 will see the NetVX™ in a demo performing compression, multiplexing and broadcast DTH (direct-to-home) of both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 SD and HD services — in the same multiplex, over both terrestrial broadcast and IPTV, and from the same unified headend.

The NetVX™ ENC-A21 module is a third-generation compression system architecture tailored specifically to encoding of HD video under H.264 Main Profile Level 4.1. The module includes advanced preprocessing, integrated look-ahead technology and multi-resolution processing to support picture in picture and other ancillary streaming applications in addition to the main HD or SD channel. Supporting the video, audio and data features for contribution and distribution applications, along with low-bandwidth delivery applications such as IPTV, the NetVX ENC-A21 module saves network bandwidth and satellite transponder cost compared to MPEG-2 systems.

In addition to video processing, the NetVX™ ENC-A21 module supports audio compression standards prevalent worldwide, including the new Advanced Audio Coding-High Efficiency (AAC-HE) compression. Captions and other ancillary signals are processed in accordance with ATSC, DVB, and other related standards to provide the highest possible interoperability. This new NetVX™ module also provides a small form-factor solution for electronic or satellite newsgathering.

The NetVX™ ENC-A21 encoder is part of the media transport offerings in the Harris Broadcast Communications ONE initiative to deliver interoperable workflow solutions that span the entire broadcast delivery chain. The unique Harris approach brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and for customers upgrading media operations to digital and high-definition services.

See Harris Broadcast Communications at IBC2007 Stand No. 7.621.