Harmonic Introduces Ellipse™ Encoder Product Line for Fixed Contribution and DSNG

– Contribution Encoders Strengthen Harmonic’s Product Offerings with High Quality, Low Latency AVC Compression and DVB-S2 Modulation –

Las Vegas — NAB 2009 Booth #SU7209 . - Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) today introduced the Ellipse™ family of encoders for advanced digital video contribution applications. Two models of the Ellipse line will be demonstrated at NAB 2009—the Ellipse 1000 for fixed line contribution and the Ellipse 2000 with DVB-S2 for digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG). Based on the market-leading Scopus contribution platform, and combined with Harmonic’s video quality expertise, Ellipse greatly expands Harmonic’s ability to serve the fixed and DSNG contribution segment. The new Ellipse AVC low latency compression options will be available in Q3 2009.

“Broadcasters need to cost-effectively maximize bandwidth utilization and facilitate content contribution, and our new Ellipse encoders deliver on these requirements,” said David Shamir, Product Marketing Manager for Harmonic. “Using state-of-the-art AVC and MPEG-2 compression technology packed in a small, low-power footprint, with simultaneous IP/ASI outputs and advanced multiplexing capabilities, the Ellipse encoders increase channel reliability while significantly reducing capital and operating expenses.”

The Ellipse 2000 facilitates mobile operations for live news or event coverage by providing state-of-the-art low-latency encoding technology to DSNG vehicles. The Ellipse 2000’s latency of less than 300 milliseconds, combined with the bandwidth efficiency gains of AVC compression and DVB-S2 modulation, makes this system the ideal choice for DSNG operators looking for a cost-effective yet high quality investment.

The Ellipse 1000 encoder features dual GbE IP, DVB-ASI, as well as optional DVB-PDH or G.703 outputs to enable video contribution over wired communication links, such as a connection between a network’s headquarters operation and a remote news bureau or sports/entertainment venue. Pro-MPEG COP3/SMPTE 2022 forward error correction (FEC) technology helps to minimize packet loss for highly reliable, error-proof transmissions over IP networks.

By supporting compression standards ranging from MPEG-2 SD to MPEG-4 AVC HD/SD, the Ellipse platform enables a smooth MPEG migration path for broadcasters as they continue the transition to HDTV operations. Both encoders can operate in standalone mode, without the need for an external PSI-SI generator or multiplexer. They provide broadcast quality video encoding at data rates of up to 50 Mbps and advanced audio encoding. As with other Harmonic digital video solutions, the Ellipse 1000 and Ellipse 2000 are built on a modular “pay-as-you-go” architecture that enables customers to invest in features as needed, through firmware upgrades.