SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

Of Interest To SatBroadcasting™ Professionals…


  • Arqiva broadcast infopage
    Arqiva has secured a satellite distribution deal for Channel 4 HD. The new arrangement facilitates transmission of Channel 4 HD for the first time on Freesat (from April 2011) while maintaining the channel’s presence on the Sky platform. Arqiva provides encoding, teleport services and satellite capacity to enable Channel 4 HD to be uplinked simultaneously to both platforms via one transponder. The service, which began on the February, 18, 2011, takes advantage of Arqiva’s technologically advanced DVB-S2 MPEG-4 encoding platform on Eurobird EB1. This enables Channel 4 to more efficiently deliver the high quality HD signal. Arqiva has also installed the necessary compression equipment at Channel 4’s Playout Centre and is providing the necessary Sky adaptation and Freesat EPG insertion. Channel 4 HD was launched on Sky+ HD in 2007, Virgin Media in 2009, and Freeview in 2010. The channel carries the same programming as the Channel 4 SD service, making it the UK’s first high definition channel from a terrestrial broadcaster. Channel 4 HD will also show original programming in HD.


  • EVS XT3 infopage
    EVS has introduced the XT3 production server, the nexgen of its legendary XT series server, available with significant number of improvements to meet the most demanding live and near-live production requirements. The new system will be available from 2 to 8 supported channels capabilities.
    • Increased number of supported channels: Up to 8 channels in 6RU and 7 channels in 4RU version
    • More audio tracks: Up to 96 audio tracks (16 audio tracks per video channel)
    • New “Mix on One” Channel features
    • Up to 3Gb storage bandwidth
    • Up to 550Mbps per video channel
    • Flexible configuration: In/Out channels, 2D/3D, native codec switch without hardware change (including Panasonic AVC-Intra, Avid DNxHD®, DVCPro50/HD, IMX, Apple ProRES)
    • Full 3D/1080p support including 3D SuperMotion replay
    EVS will also present the XS Studio Production & Playout Server and XTnano Replay Box in 6 channels mode at NAB.


  • Product info
    Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) has introduced Omneon Spectrum™ MediaCenter, a new multichannel media server with integrated low-cost storage and support for Spectrum MediaPort modularity and scalability. Designed specifically for the needs of local and regional broadcast stations, as well as remote playout facilities, MediaCenter delivers exceptional value for operations requiring from four to 12 channels in a single video server configuration. The MediaCenter system unit includes up to 16 TB (more than 600 hours at 50 Mbps) of integrated SATA storage and supports 600 Mbps of real-time channel bandwidth – enough for 12 channels of multiformat record and play for material at 50 Mbps. The system operates with all Spectrum-compatible software applications, and supports up to six externally connected Spectrum MediaPort I/O modules for real-time ingest and playout of video and audio content. Equipped with integrated storage, the system not only simplifies deployment by eliminating external Fibre Channel storage cabling, but also reduces space and power requirements by collapsing the rack space required for ingest and playout. MediaCenter provides the highest degree of reliability and serviceability through redundant and hot-swappable components, such as power supplies and disk drives. Additionally, the new MediaCenter system unit maintains full compatibility with all Spectrum APIs and media formats, ensuring complete operational and media file compatibility with other Spectrum system configurations. The Omneon Spectrum MediaCenter will be on display at NAB 2011 in Last Vegas, April 11-14, in booth SL2005 as part of Harmonic’s comprehensive range of production and playout solutions. The company’s line of video distribution and delivery solutions will be on display in booth SU4909.


  • Homepage
    HighPoint will be present in booth number SL8224 in Las Vegas Convention Center — South Lower Hall for the upcoming NABShow 2011. Representatives will be on hand to answer any questions you regarding HighPoint Technologies the Company’s wide-range of storage solutions. This year’s NAB display focuses on the firm’s new Hybrid Storage products, Storage Solutions, and SATA 6Gb/s PM, as well as the 6Gb/s SAS and 6Gb/s SATA HBA’s. HighPoint’s RocketHybrid HBA’s combine the superior performance of an SSD, with the cost-effective, high-capacity value of a SATA HDD, into a single storage device know as a Hybrid Drive. Hybrid Drives are optimized for high-performance computing, and deliver 80 percent of the SSD’s performance boost, with 100 percent of the HDD’s capacity. The Smart Hybrid Storage Solution provides the perfect blend of performance and capacity, without sacrificing affordability; satisfying the needs of gamers, digital image editors and their power-hungry application. Performance : 80 percent of SSD Performance (PCMark) — Price : 1/3 the cost.


  • ScheduALL’s NAB infopage
    Mushrooming complexity, tightening deadlines and mounting scrutiny of expenditures and ROI continue to challenge the broadcast, media and entertainment industries, intensifying the demand for powerful software solutions that leverage resources, improve operating efficiencies and enhance collaboration across the global marketplace. ScheduALL, a global provider of Enterprise Resource Management and collaboration software solutions tailored to the needs of these industries, will showcase its proprietary, best of breed technologies at the 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 11 – 14, 2011. ScheduALL will appear at booth #SL1705 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. ScheduALL’s theme for the show will be “Community. Connectivity. Collaboration.” to reflect some of the benefits its industry-leading products provide. For more than two decades, ScheduALL’s innovative integrated software solutions – the most sophisticated and robust in the industry – have continued to adapt and evolve to meet the financial and operational challenges of its 1,200-strong client base, comprised of the leading broadcasters, transmission providers, production companies and post-production firms in 39 countries. ScheduALL’s holistic suite of products continues to revolutionize traditional industry practices by significantly streamlining workflow, increasing productivity and enhancing seamless data sharing and communication, from project inception through delivery. In addition to these key benefits, ScheduALL’s clients consistently realize improved operating efficiencies, reduced redundancies and most importantly, maximized profitability.

    Being shown at NAB will be… ScheduALL’s groundbreaking ERM application (ERMa) enables ScheduALL clients to connect and collaborate across a global network in real time. mAVvA (Accurately Verify Vendor Availability) is a free, Web-based collaboration cloud that enables media and broadcast industry players, from independent contractors through enterprise-level organizations, to connect and partner on any project in real time. ScheduALL’s core product is a powerful and scalable ERM system that, for 22 years, has overwhelmingly been the number one scheduling, tracking and reporting choice of the world’s most successful broadcast, media and entertainment organizations. ScheduLINK, ScheduALL’s advanced transmission management and optimization software solution, is the industry leader and system of choice of the world’s largest satellite bandwidth and transmission providers, television broadcasters and cable networks. Network Circuit Selection module, the newest release in the ScheduLINK family of products, enables terrestrial networks to effectively plan, configure and manage transmissions, bandwidth and occasional-use circuits.