1

MSOs Shift Encode Gears

A potent combination of strong

demand, technical complexity

and market confusion character-

izes the encoder business.

Service and content provid-

ers of all stripes are hungry for

products that can encode as well

as decode and re-encode--or

transcode--digital video. As Leslie

Ellis put it in a recent column,

this category is en fuego.

Against that heat lie the com-

plexities of encoding technology.

Ask an expert about MPEG life

cycles and you’re liable to get not

only the obligatory lecture defin-

ing the multiple parts of these

standards (see sidebar) but also

an analysis of “multi-stripe” vs.

“single-slice” implementations,

differing proprietary approaches to

group of pictures (GOP) structures

and the awesome power of the

MPEG-4 toolset.

The technical story translates

into confusion, but so does the

business of key players, espe-

cially cable operators. Direct

broadcast satellite (DBS) service

providers suffer less because

of a neat correlation between

network encoding and customer

premise-based decoding technol-

ogy. Telco providers of video have

started from a relatively clean

slate. Programmers are answer-

ing their own questions.

For the multiple system oper-

ator (MSO) however, the equa-

tion is knotty.

There is the discontinu-

ity between MPEG-2’s age and

ubiquity and MPEG-4’s youthful

and largely inaccessible supe-

riority. There are the various

ways--broadcast, switched and

on-demand--of transmitting video

to customers, each with its own

technical constraints. And there

is the structural variety of cable

systems, some linked via fiber

backbones, some not.

Then there is the profusion of

products that aim to solve piec-

es of this multivariate equation.

July 2008

INSIDETHIS ISSueAdtec, Blankom, Cisco, page 1EGT, Harmonic, .............. page 6 Harris, Motorola ........... page 8Radiant, Tandberg ........ page 9Thomson, , Scopus ..... page 10

EnCodERTechGuIde

By Jonathan Tombes

HD quality matters to members of the AV Science Forum (www.avsforum.

com) where one analysis of comparable screenshots from Verizon and

Comcast appeared in April. Which is which? (Reprinted with persmission.)

MPEG-1: Audio and video

compression standard used

for compact disc digital video;

includes the MP3 audio com-

pression format.

MPEG-2: Multi-part standard

for audio, video and transport

for broadcast-quality television.

Part 2 provided support for

interlaced video. Part 6 included

the digital storage media,

command and control (DSM-

CC) protocol. Part 7 defined

advanced audio coding (AAC).

MPEG-3: Dropped as an early

HDTV standard in favor of

MPEG-2 extensions.

MPEG-4: A developing standard

with more than 20 parts that

defines methods (including

“profiles” and “levels”) of

compressing multimedia audio

and video. It adds a large set

of analysis and compression

tools. Commonly indicated in

common parlance is Part 10,

which is also referred to as the

advanced video coding (AVC).

MPEG-4 AVC is identical to

ITU-T H.264.

MPEG-7: An XML-based meta-

data standard.

MPEG-21: Another XML-based

standard, focused on digital

rights and rules.

MPEG Primer

continued on page 3

Experience

Leadership

Innovation

© 2008 Harmonic Inc. All rights reserved.

For 20 years, Harmonic has been helping cable operators set the pace with solutions that enable superior quality, more efficient and highly advanced video services.

The world’s first and most innovative edgeQAM. Best-in-class compression. Fiber-deep HFC and FTTH solutions.

For more information visit www.harmonicinc.com/cable.

3

editorial Jonathan Tombes (301) 354-1795, jtombes@accessintel.commanaging editor Ron Hendrickson (303) 422-3373, rhendrickson@accessintel.com

design/productionsenior graphic designer Vince Limsenior production manager John Blaylock-Cooke

Access Intelligence4 Choke Cherry Road, 2nd Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850

Some, though certainly not all,

can be found in this guide,

which aims by cataloguing fea-

tures to dispel at least a mea-

sure of the confusion surround-

ing this market.

COnSuMEr hEatThat MSOs need to encode--

i.e. compress--and transmit as

much high-quality digital video

as possible to their consumers

is no secret. The catch is that

both quantity and quality have

become watchwords.

This market heat translates into

something almost too hot to han-

dle. Cable and DBS fight over the

number of high-definition televi-

sion (HDTV) channels vs. choices

and file lawsuits over competing

claims of quality. Savvy consum-

ers also are scrutinizing video as

never before.

An example could be found

in a posting earlier this year on

the AV Science (AVS) Forum that

analyzed and compared screen-

shots from Comcast and Verizon

HDTV offerings. (See page 3.)

That such postings can be

dispassionate is noteworthy.

(Cable-haters are easier to dis-

miss.) Even more significant is

that as services--such as 1080p

programming--advance, there

will be more for such observers

to observe.

aCCElEratinG tEChnOlOGyAt the core of the cable indus-

try’s dilemma is the rise of

MPEG-4 and the decline of

MPEG-2.

A good indicator of this trend

is the answer vendors give

to the question of how much

R&D is going into these respec-

tive technologies. “I won’t call

it research, but fine-tuning of

MPEG-2 products,” said Brian

adtec Digital (www.adtecinc.com)

Product name Key Features

mediaHUB MPEG-2 HD encoder

mediaHUB HD is a real-time, broadcast-quality MPEG-2 HD 1080i and 720P encoder. HDSDI (SD and HD) video input is stan-dard along with composite (SD) and an optional Firewire (SD) video input. Audio support includes multiple stereo MPEG Layer 2 and Dolby Digital audio encoding with optional Dolby 5.1 and Dolby E pass-though. Control 9 Pin RS422 (Sony Protocol) devices frame accurately for studio applications or operate the encoder in a 24x7x365 mode for distribution with constant capture. MediaHUB HD includes an HD-capable decoder and 750 GB hard drive that provides a frame-accurate capture of files for studio applications, or provides and maintains a constant capture of broadcasts. It can be used for HD time-delay applications.

Blankom (www.blankom-usa.com)

Product name Key Features

VEA 107 MPEG-2 encoder/mul-tiplexer

The VEA 107 is a three-channel MPEG-2 encoder/multiplexer with integrated Web-Server. It features encoding and compression of three A/V sources into ASI transport stream; ASI interface for interconnecting up to three VEAs to encode and compress up to nine A/V signals to a single ASI-TS; local and remote control and operation; generation of NIT and other DVB - tables; and excel-lent system performance

Cisco Systems (www.cisco.com)

Product name Key Features

Model D9034 MPEG-2, MPEG-4 SD encoder

The D9034 is a 1RU encoder that simultaneously encodes standard definition content to MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 part 10. It fea-tures support for IP statistical multiplexing; pre-analysis with 3:2 pull-down inversion; ASI and IP streaming outputs; a Web-based GUI and SNMP management interface for interfacing to third-party management systems; low power consumption; and a dual power supply

Model D9054 MPEG-4 HD encoder

The D9054 is an MPEG-4 high definition encoder that supports IP statistical multiplexing, up to 25 Mbps MPEG-4 part 10 HP@L4 video compression; PreSightPlus pre-analysis; single-slice, fully programmable HD AVC encoder; closed captioning support; HD-SDI embedded audio support; Web-based GUI and SNMP management interface for interfacing to third-party management systems; and dual-power supply.

Model D9858 PowerVu receiver transcoder

The D9858 is an advanced receiver transcoder that converts MPEG-4 input feeds to MPEG-2 format on the output. The D9858 can decrypt and transcode of up to two programs for digital transport output; features closed-loop statistical multiplexing of output streams for efficient QAM loading; four L-band inputs; DVB-S demodulation for QPSK; DVB-S2 demodulation for QPSK and 8-PSK; PowerVu conditional access with DES or DVB descrambling; and PowerVu uplink control of transcoding configuration and management

continued from page 1

You’re headed toward an HD-rich world that can put incredible pressure on your network. We’re already helping operators overcome their bandwidth challenges with MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) and Transcoding Solutions. MPEG-4 AVC from Cisco improves encoding by more than 50% compared to MPEG-2, and versatile transcoding technology converts MPEG-4 AVC HD video streams to MPEG-2 HD to protect the cable operator’s investment in installed set-tops. Deliver more HD content than ever before. We can show you how.

Need to Deliver More HD Than Ever Before?

Squeeze More Performance from Your Network with more than 50% Improvement in Video Encoding

Caught in a Bandwidth Crunch?

The Cisco MPEG-4 AVC Encoder (Model D9054) is the right choice for any operator who wants to compress high definition programs while maintaining superior video quality.

Multiple Cisco receivers (Models D9858/D9854) deliver versatile capabilities to support transcoding, downconversion, HD, SD, analog, ASI, or MPEGoIP applications.

Learn more at www.cisco.com

While many things have changed at the Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group (SPVTG/formerly Scientific Atlanta) since SPVTG shipped its first video encoders in 1985, one capability has remained constant – high-quality, high-performance video encoding. Today, service and content providers continue to focus on compressing more video and audio into a digital stream using the smallest amount of bandwidth while maintaining superior picture quality.

MPEG-4 AVC Encoders Deliver More HD

Today, Cisco MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) HD encoders (Model D9054) deliver more than 50 percent more content over existing bandwidth compared to earlier MPEG-2 encoders. This breakthrough in compression efficiency is extremely valuable given the rise in demand for high-definition (HD) programming. Deployed at multiple sites around the world, Cisco next-generation MPEG-4 AVC HD encoders allow providers to transmit more HD and more content using the minimum amount of bandwidth.

For the best possible HD video quality, Cisco encoders employ extensive pre-analysis, truly full intra/inter search, and advanced rate control. Cisco’s latest-generation encoders also support optional closed-loop statistical multiplexing to allow encoders in a multiplex pool to dynamically share and allocate bandwidth where it is most needed at a given moment. The Cisco performance advantage also uses a software-driven design for rapid encoder feature enhancements through software upgrades of new DSP/FPGA code.

Cisco Transcoding Technology Complements Advanced Coding

A new Cisco receiver with the ability to transcode an incoming MPEG-4 AVC HD video stream into MPEG-2 HD helps extend the useful life of the vast installed base of MPEG-2 set-tops, while allowing the programming to be delivered using the most up-to-date, bandwidth-saving MPEG-4 AVC technology.

The Cisco Advanced Receiver Transcoder (Model D9858), recipient of the prestigious Broadcast Engineering “Pick Hit” award, provides vital transcoding capabilities for the efficient satellite delivery of HD content to headends using MPEG-4 AVC video compression and DVB-S/S-2 technology.

The receiver’s support for the DVB-S2 modulation standard, together with the bandwidth improvements of Cisco’s MPEG-4 AVC HD encoders, this allows service providers and programmers to deliver considerably more HD content over today’s satellite transponders.

By taking advantage of bandwidth-saving advanced encoding technology, transcoding video for use with existing MPEG-2-based set-tops, or implementing other bandwidth optimization initiatives, Cisco has the skill and scale to meet the challenges of the HD-rich world of today and tomorrow.

Learn more at www.cisco.com

MPEG-4 AVC Encoding - More HD Content. Better Quality. Bandwidth Savings.

6

EGt (www.egtinc.com)Product name Key Features

Encore and Quartet MPEG-2 encoders

Encore and Quartet are both MPEG-2 dual-pass encoders that include a DSP-based programmable processing engine, simulta-neous ASI and IP outputs, embedded multiplexing, four channels of hot-swappable encoding per rack unit, two stereo pair per video audio encoding, full support for closed caption services and advanced video data services, SNMP monitoring and control interface and integrated element manager and redundancy control.

Encore additionally includes advanced pre-processing and pre-filtering, SDI and composite video inputs. Quartet is designed for high-density, local encoding.

Alto MPEG-4 encoder

Alto is an MPEG-4 part 10 encoder with AAC and high-efficiency AAC audio encoding. Like both Encore and Quartet, it has a DSP-based programmable processing engine, simultaneous ASI and IP outputs, two stereo pair per video audio encoding, full support for closed caption services and advanced video data services, SNMP monitoring and control interface and integrated ele-ment manager and redundancy control.

Alto additionally includes advanced pre-processing and pre-filtering and SDI and composite video inputs (like Encore) as well as DTMF and contact closure cue trigger detection. Alto has two channels of hot-swappable encoding per rack.

HEMi edge encoder

Head End Micro is designed as a cost-efficient multi-channel edge encoder used for insertion of local channels in MDUs and closed community markets. HEMi allows operators to meet contractual obligations while supporting their digital rollout by converting existing analog local insertion channels to digital. Supporting from one to eight channels, HEMi includes an embedded multiplexer with add/drop channel replacement capability; multi-mode integrated modulator (64- or 256-QAM); frequency-agile upconverter (50-860 MHz); remote management, monitoring and upgradeability; RF bypass mode (passive loop-through) and GUI driven configuration and management.

VIPr-TRx MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 transcoder

The VIPr-TRx is a network video transcoding platform that offers MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 intelligent transcoding. It features 3:1 closed-loop efficiency, three HD channels in one QAM; integrated transcoding and statistical multiplexing; highly flexible pro-cessing platform; decoupled from receiver, reuse standard satellite receivers; broadcast, SDV, PCTV and mobility applications; integrated rate control; the capability of transporting MPEG-4 throughout the plant and transcoding closer to the edge; HD to SD intelligent downconversion; conversion of over-the-air HD broadcast "must carry" channels to SD to support existing customers; downconversion from one master copy to support both HD and SD tiers; MPEG-2 to MPEG-2 intelligent recorder; parameter re-use, maintaining original MPEG-2 data to maximize video quality; superior performance over requantization and decode/re-code solutions; advanced preprocessing and prefiltering; CBR for SDV applications; local multiplex configuration management; support for HD and SD transcoding or recording; VBR for 3:1 HD; SD + HD multiplexing

harmonic (www.harmonicinc.com)Product name Key Features

Common to all products listed:

All of the following one-RU products from Harmonic contain these features: Multi-pass LookAhead encoding; ENRGY integrated noise reduction with Motion; compensated Temporal Filtering with noise level estimation; constant bit rate; fade/dissolve and scene cut detection; ATSC and DVB compliance; inverse telecine support; 525 line VBI support: CC/XDS, TVGuide, AMOL, AFD/Bar Data; 625 line VBI support : Teletext, WSS, VPS; advanced GOP control: fixed, variable and capped; adaptive I-frame and B-frame insertion; support for SC TE104 DPI triggering; support for SCTE35 cue messages insertion with vbv level control; sup-ported by Harmonic's NMX Digital Service Manager.

DiviCom MV 500 (MPEG-2 HD Encoder)

The DiviCom MV 500 is an MPEG-2 high definition (HD) encoder with seamless MotionTrack image processing; multi-format sup-port (1080i and 720p); 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 encoding; VBR with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing; capped VBR; native dual DVB-ASI output; 100/1000baseT IP outputs option; EIA 708 VANC Closed Caption extraction; multi-format audio encoding (MPEG-LII stereo; Dolby Digital ((AC-3)), stereo or 5.1; AAC/aacPlus stereo; Dolby E pass-through mode); and analog and digital audio inputs

DiviCom Electra 5000 MPEG-2 SD Multichannel Encoder

The DiviCom Electra 5000 is an MPEG-2 standard definition (SD) encoder with single or dual channel configuration. Its features include multi-pass Hierarchical LookAhead encoding; VBR with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing; capped VBR; analog and digital audio/video inputs; advanced filtering (impulse noise reduction, non-linear spatial filtering, edge adaptive texture filtering); border processing; native MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3, AAC and aacPlus audio encoding (stereo/mono); Up to 10 stereo or 20 mono audio channels; Dolby-E/AC-3 5.1 transcoding option; native 100/1000baseT IP outputs with MPEG-2 TS/UDP or RTP/UDP over IP; and DVB-ASI output option

DiviCom Electra 1000 MPEG-2 SD Multichannel Encoder

The DiviCom Electra 1000 is an MPEG-2 encoder, with single, dual or quad channel configuration. It features analog and digital audio/video inputs; advanced filtering (impulse noise reduction, non-linear spatial filtering, edge adaptive texture filtering); border processing; VBR with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing; native MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3, AAC and aacPlus audio encoding (stereo/mono); up to 10 stereo or 20 mono audio channels; Dolby-E/AC-3 5.1 transcoding option; and native 100/1000baseT IP outputs with MPEG-2 TS/UDP or RTP/UDP over IP.

DiviCom MV 100 MPEG-2 SD Encoder

The DiviCom MV 100 is an MPEG-2 standard definition encoder. It features analog and digital audio/video inputs; advanced filter-ing (impulse noise reduction, non-linear spatial filtering, edge adaptive texture filtering); border processing; VBR with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing; capped VBR; native dual DVB-ASI outputs; 100/1000baseT IP outputs option; up to six stereo or 12 mono audio channels; and Native MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3, AAC and aacPlus audio encoding (stereo/mono).

DiviCom Ion MPEG-2 SD Multichannel Encoder

The DiviCom Ion is an MPEG-2 standard definition encoder, with single, dual or quad channell configuration. It features DiviTrackMX—a multichannel, closed-loop statistical multiplex within the chassis--no external multiplexer required; native MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3, AAC and aacPlus audio encoding (stereo/mono); up to 10 stereo or 20 mono audio channels; native 100/1000baseT IP outputs with MPEG-2 TS/UDP or RTP/UDP over IP; DVB-ASI output option; and Web-based user interface

7

DTV HDTV VOD IPTV

8

harris (www.broadcast.harris.com)Product name Key Features

ENC-A11SD MPEG-4 encoder module

The ENC-A11 module encodes either analog composite or SMPTE-259M SDI component video signals as MPEG-4 Part 10/H.264, L3. With this module, the NetVX can provide up to eight identical real-time MPEG-4 encoded streams from a single input source. The ENC-A11 also generates a low-resolution secondary stream for use in Picture-in-Picture (PIP) electronic pro-gram guides (EPG). The ENC-A11's primary and secondary stereo audio inputs accept AES3, balanced analog, or audio embed-ded in the incoming SDI signal. Every ENC-A11 encodes one stereo pair of audio using AAC-LC or HE-AAC. Feature keys activate up to three stereo pair of either Dolby AC-3 or MPEG-1 L2 (Musicam) audio compression. The module also supports audio input in the lossless SMPTE-302M audio format.

ENC-A21HD/SD MPEG-4 encoder module

The ENC-A21's internal video and audio codecs are software-keyed, board-level features. Each module's software key distin-guishes it as either an ENC-A21-HD MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile L4 video encoding module, or as an ENC-A21-SD AVC Main Profile L3 video encoding module. The ENC-A21 also generates a low-resolution secondary stream for use in PiP electronic program guides. The ENC-A21 features three AES3 stereo audio inputs, and it can disembed and encode audio embedded in the incom-ing SDI signal. Every ENC-A21 encodes one stereo pair of audio using AAC-LC or HE-AAC. Additional feature keys can activate either Dolby AC-3 or MPEG-1 L2 (Musicam) compression. The module also supports audio input in the lossless SMPTE-302M audio format.

ENC-S21SD encoder module

The ENC-S21 is optimized for multi-channel operations. It features MPEG-2 DVB and ATSC 4:2:0 Main Profile at Main Level; CBR or VBR encoding; statistical multiplexing with other NetVX encoders; adaptive noise reduction; spatially adaptive edge-preserving filters; Motion-Compensated Temporal Filtering; multi-pass encoding using Scene Change/Fade/Flashbulb detection and handling; external or embedded audio; multiple pre-stored configurations; support for 1+1 or n+1 redundancy; low power consumption (< 33 W); and hot swap plug-in module

harmonic (continued)Product name Key Features

DiviCom Electra 7000 MPEG-4 HD encoder

The DiviCom Electra 7000 is an MPEG-4 high-definition encoder. It features single, dual or quad configuration, digital audio/video inputs; multi-pass Hierarchical LookAhead encoding; ultra-low bit rate encoding; advanced MPEG-4 AVC HP@L4 video compres-sion; support for multiple HD formats, including 1080i, 720p and 1080p/24; single slice encoding; VBR with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing; capped VBR; and low resolution for applications such as PIP, dynamic mosaics and streaming to the PC; native AC-3, AAC and aacPlus 5.1 encoding; up to 10 stereo or 20 mono audio channels; Dolby-E/AC-3 5.1 transcoding option; native 100/1000 baseT IP outputs with MPEG-2 TS/UDP or RTP/UDP over IP; DVB-ASI output option; and Web-based user interface.

DiviCom Electra 5400 MPEG-4 SD encoder

The DiviCom Electra 5400 is an MPEG-4 standard definition encoder. It carries the same features as the Electra 7000, with the exception of video compression being at MPEG-4 AVC MP@L3 and no support for HD formats.

DiviCom Ion MPEG-4 SD encoder

The DiviCom Ion is a standard definition, MPEG-4 encoder with quad channel configuration. It features low bit-rate encoding, advanced MPEG-4 AVC MP@L3 video compression; digital audio/video inputs; support for MPEG-1 Layer II and AC-3 audio encoding (stereo/mono); AAC/aacPlus encoding option; option for simultaneously delivering low-resolution channels for PiP; up to 10 stereo or 20 mono audio channels; native 100/1000base T IP outputs with MPEG-2 TS/UDP or RTP/UDP over IP; DVB-ASI output option and Web-based user interface.

Motorola (www.motorola.com)Product name Key Features

SE-3000 MPEG-2 HD encoder

The SE-3000 is a 1RU, MPEG-2 high definition encoder that features audio support of Dolby brand AC-3, 5.1 channel audio with precompressed inputs and on-board processing of AC-3 stereo audio; ASI and IP outputs; and fexible formats, including 1920 x 1080 interlaced and 1280 x 720 progressive resolutions

SE-2000 MPEG-2 SD encoder

The SE-2000 is a 1RU, MPEG-2 standard definition encoder that features analog or digital input; DVB-ASI, DS3 or IP output; simple, front panel or SNMP Ethernet control and monitoring; 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 video encoding modes; Dolby brand AC-3 and MPEG layer II audio coding support; Motorola PurePixel processing dual-pass encoding capability and statistical multiplexing capability with the use of external Motorola TMX-2010 multiplexer

SE-4011/4050SD AVC encoders

The SE-4011 and 4050 are real-time, full-resolution, standard definition AVC (MPEG-4) 1RU encoders. They feature support for Main Profile Encoding @ Level 3; multi-pass CBR encoding; input flexibility; baseband SDI MPEG-2/UDP/IP compressed input; over-the-air RF input (on SE-4050); low power; motion compensated noise reduction (MCTF) in SD mode for enhanced video quality; ad insertion support, HD upgrade option; four Ethernet ports; digital turnaround for MPEG-2 inputs; SNMP interface with published MIB and Web browser interface.

SE-4100/4150SD AVC encoders

The SE-4100 and 4150 are real-time, full-resolution standard definition AVC (MPEG-4) 1RU encoders. They carry the same features as the 4011/4050 family (apart from HD upgrade option). The 4150 takes over-the-air- RF input. The 4100/4050 encoders additionally feature Constrained Fidelity (CF) capped VBR mode; statistical multiplexing capability and are Microsoft Mediaroom conformance tested.

9

Motorola (continued)Product name Key Features

SE-5011/5050 HD/SD AVC encoders

The SE-5011 and 5050 are real-time, full-resolution standard and high definition AVC (MPEG-4) 1 RU encoders. They feature support for Main Profile Encoding @ Level 4 for HD services and Main Profile Encoding @ Level 3 for SD services; multi-pass CBR encoding; input flexibility: baseband SDI/HD/-SDI (selectable HD/SD), MPEG-2/UDP/IP compressed input, and over-the-air RF input (on SE-5150); inte-grated low-resolution proxy (PIP); motion compensated noise reduction (MCTF) in SD mode for enhanced video quality; ad insertion support; four Ethernet ports; digital turn-around for MPEG-2 inputs; SNMP interface with published MIB and Web browser interface.

SE-5100/5100 AVC HD/SD encoders w/multiplexers

The SE-5100 and 5150 are real-time, full-resolution, high and standard definition AVC (MPEG-4) encoders with integrated multi-plexing. The 5100 and 5150 carry the same features as the 5011/5050 family, with the addition of Constrained Fidelity (CF-CBR) capped VBR mode; statistical multiplexing capability; and Microsoft Mediaroom conformance testing. Over-the-air RF input is available on the SE-5150.

DSR-6050, /6010MPEG-4, MPEG-2 HD/SD receiver transcoders

The DSR-6050 is an integrated receiver/transcoder that enables MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 high-definition transcoding. It features advanced modulation support with DVB-S2 and 8PSK Turbocode; GigE and dual ASI transport outputs; eight RF inputs (L-Band); variable tuning from 4 MHz to 36 MHz; VBI and Ancillary Data support; DigiCipher II conditional access control; quick disconnect screw terminals for easy installation; 10/100 BaseT Ethernet port for SNMP monitoring and control and NTSC video and analog audio outputs for confidence monitoring. The DSR-6010 enables standard-definition transcoding.

VODxchange MPEG-4 SD/HD encoding system

VODxchange is a real-time, multi-format MPEG-4 SD/HD encoding system for live and file-based content. It features a graphi-cal user interface; integrated RAID storage; RS-422 VTR control; input source preview with mark-in/mark-out; support for a wide range of input file formats; batch processing of transcode jobs; metadata creation and packaging support; logo insertion; SNMPv2 or HTTP for integrated facility management; ad-insertion support; and real-time monitoring and QC tool

radiant Communications (www.rccfiber.com)Product name Key Features

QRF5000 series SD, HD encoders

The QRF series of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) encoders are single and dual channel standard definition encoders designed for MDUs and hotels. The QRF5000-HD model encodes for high definition. The DQ models include QAM channel dele-tion. The QRF encoders are expandable with QRF-5010 and feature front panel or GUI interface for monitoring and configuration, embedded hardware solution in rackmount unit, agile channel output and low power usage.

VL4400 MPEG-2 encoder

The V4400 series converts baseband audio and video to a stream of real-time MPEG-2 compliant video. Designed for transport over Ethernet in unicast or multicast mode, the series features a front panel or GUI for monitoring and configuration. The The V4410-T encoder can be paired with the V4420-R decoder for viewing as a baseband signal.

VL3420 MPEG-4 encoder

The VL3420 is a single channel, low-cost MPEG-4 encoder designed for point-to-point or point transport over Ethernet. Baseband signals can be transmitted from below 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps. It features a front panel, GUI for monitoring and configuration. The VL3410 encoder is paired with the VL3420 for viewing baseband video signals.

tanDBErG television, part of the Ericsson Group (www.tandbergtv.com)Product name Key Features

E5770 series MPEG-2 SD encoders

The E5770 utilizes multi-pass MPEG-2 encoding for performance with Reflex statistical multiplexing. The series supports local and remote statistical multiplexing. The 1RU E5770 encoder features one physical expansion slot for hardware options and has a range of software enabled options for flexibility to suit specific applications. The E5775 is a 2RU version of the multi-pass encoder and features four physical expansion slots.

Both E5770 models include the following features: “Multi-pass” processing to optimize bit-rate allocation during critical scenes; support for remote statistical multiplexing when used with the MX8400 multiplexer; SDI and composite video inputs; analog, dig-ital AES-EBU and embedded SDI audio input; MPEG-1/-2 Layer II Audio encoding; Dolby Digital (AC-3) 1-2 channel encoding and 5.1 channel pass-through; Dolby E pass-through; “Pixel Perfect” fully exhaustive motion estimation; extensive pre-processing fea-tures; support for a range of VBI data formats; closed caption support input via RS-232 (SMPTE 333) or SDI (Line 21 or SMPTE 334; conversion of CEA 608 captions and line 21 Services to CEA 708 DTVCC format; support for splice points (SCTE 35) and special features for VOD ingest; three ASI outputs plus range of optional telco interfaces; control via front panel, SNMP, RS-232/RS-485, Web browser or TANDBERG nCompass Control systems; film mode detection (3:2 pull-down); data insertion supporting RS-232 data and RS-422.

E5780 series MPEG-2 SD/HD encoders

The E5780 supports a range of SD and HD formats. The 2RU chassis allows up to four option cards and supports a 12-key alphanumeric key pad, eight hot keys and video input confidence monitor. It has an option for stand-alone VBR operation and an option for Reflex statisti-cal multiplexing. It supports mixed SD and HD statistical multiplexing systems including multi-pass statistical multiplexing.

The E5780 series features include internally generated static PSIP and PSI; input interface for insertion of dynamic PSIP/SI; front panel control and operation for SPTS applications; advanced hierarchical motion estimation; professional grade noise reduction (eight levels); film mode detection (3:2 pull-down); closed caption support input; conversion of CEA 608 captions and line 21 services to CEA 708 DTVCC format; MPEG-1/-2 Layer II Audio; Dolby Digital (AC-3) 1-2 encoding and 5.1 channel pass-through; Dolby E pass-through; Data insertion supporting RS-232 data and RS-422; flexible expansion support (four slots available); AFD ready to support control of picture aspect ratio in downstream decoders.

10

thomson Grass Valley (www.thomsongrassvalley.com)

Product name Key Features

ViBE MPEG-2 (dual pass) SD encoder

ViBE MPEG-2 standard-definition dual-pass encoders feature encoding in CBR or VBR mode for Flextream software; switch-able A/D video input; MPEG-1 Layer II audio compression; Dolby 2.0 (AC-3 stereo) audio compression; AAC (LC and HE) audio compression; Dolby 5.1 or Dolby E in transparent mode; DVB common scrambling with BISS modes 1 and E; dual 100baseT IP transport-stream interface; SPTS or MPTS generation with radio services; up to four encoders in a 1RU chassis or 10 in a 5RU chassis. Encoders are available with IP or ASI outputs.

ViBE MPEG-2 (single pass) SD encoder

ViBE MPEG-2 single pass encoders feature encoding in CBR or VBR mode with Flextream software; four latency modes, down to 100 ms end-to-end; MPEG-1 Layer II audio compression; Dolby Digital 2.0 (AC3 stereo) audio compression; Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Digital E in transparent mode; DVB common scrambling with BISS modes 1 and E; SPTS or MPTS generation, including radio services; and support for XMS eXtensible Management System.

ViBE MPEG-4 SD encoders

ViBE MPEG-4 multi-channel, standard definition encoders feature four SD channels in 1 RU chassis; ASI and Gigabit Ethernet interfac-es; MPEG-4 @ Main Profile L3 video compression; SDI and analog video inputs; control and monitoring via Web browser or Thomson XMS eXtensible management system; and options including four PiP channels and dual audio per video channel. ViBE premium SD MPEG-4 encoders also feature single SD channel in 1 RU chassis; advanced pre-processing; complete MPEG-4 toolset; dual-pass encoding, CBR or VBR mode with Thomson Flextream software; MPEG-4 AVC @ Main Porfile L3, High; Profile L3 video compression.

ViBE MPEG-4 HD encoder

ViBE MPEG-4 high-definition encoders feature advanced pre-processing; support for multi-channel audio compression; Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus support; ASI and IP streaming, including FEC; local and remote statistical multiplexing via Thomson Flextream software; control monitoring and redundancy control via Thomson XMS eXtensible management system.

Scopus Video networks (www.scopus.net)Product name Key Features

UE-9000 series MPEG-2, MPEG-4, SD/HD encoder

The UE-9000 is designed for MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 migration, allowing either or both formats to be transmitted concur-rently over ASI and IP networks. It can be integrated into open or closed-loop statistical multiplexing architectures. It fea-tures dual-channel MPEG-4 SD/HD encoding; simultaneous MPEG-4/MPEG-2 encoding; two dual-pass MPEG-2 channels; CBR/VBR capped VBR support; simultaneous IP and ASI outputs; up to eight audio stereo channels or 16 mono channels; advanced multiplexing for cascading and multi-services; integrated SCTE-35 detection; and DVB/ATSC compliance.

UE-9200 series MPEG-2 encoder

The UE-9200 MPEG-2 encoder features up to four-channel MPEG-2 encoding; 4:2:2/4:2:0 encoding profiles; CBR/capped VBR support; up to eight audio stereo channels or 16 mono channels; simultaneous IP and ASI outputs; advanced multi-plexing for cascading and multi-services; management via embedded Web server, external SNMP application or Scopus NMS-4000 solution; integrated SCTE-35 detection; and DVB/ATSC compliance

UE-9215 MPEG-2 encoder

The UE-9215 professional encoder features TriplePass look-ahead mechanism for superior encoding and multiplexing; VBR/CBR modes; advanced preprocessing; MPEG-2 and DVB/ATSC compliance; support for IP and ASI outputs; redun-dancy for high service availability; integrated SCTE-35 detection; tletext and VBI support; and control via front panel, Web browser and SNMP

tanDBErG television, part of the Ericsson Group (continued)Product name Key Features

iPlex MPEG-4 IPTV over DOCSIS Processing Platform

The iPlex is a high density, multi-functional, high performance IPTV video processing platform designed for IPTV over DOCSIS infrastructure. It has a 1RU form factor with up to eight encoded or 36 transrated streams. The processing options supported by the platform include self-managed 1:1 hot-standby redundancy configuration available, also n+m redundancy with TANDBERG nCompass Control; software and hardware upgrades with no system downtime when using 1:1 redundancy; two built-in Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for traffic I/O; two built-in Fast Ethernet interfaces and serial port for management; up to eight submodules for video processing and additional input and output interfacing; up to four MPEG-4 AVC UltraCompression encoders and up to four MPEG-4 AVC UltraCompression transcoders.

EN8030 series MPEG-4, MPEG-2 encoders

The EN8030 provides MPEG-4 and optional MPEG-2 encoding of the same source, enabling migration from MPEG-2 or broad-casting across simultaneous multi-networks. The features include optional PiP generation up to CIF resolution, Main Profile at L3; SDI and composite video inputs. Vdeo preprocessing includes optional noise reduction, optional input deblocking filter for MPEG-2 turnaround; resolution changing; 1/4 to full D1 NTSC/PAL resolutions; CBR encoding from 0.250 Mbps to 10 Mbps; optional VBR and Reflex statistical multiplexing support; stereo audio encoding; MPEG-1/-2 Layer II and Dolby Digital (AC-3); options for advanced audio encoding; digital, analog and SDI embedded inputs; contorl and monitoring via Web browser, front panel or TANDBERG nCompass Control; MPEG-2 transport stream (ASI) output; optional dual IP NIC output.

EN9090 series MPEG-4 HD, SD encoders

The EN8090 encoder supports a range of horizontal resolutions at 1080i and720p. Picture quality is supported at under 6 Mbps with improved visible artifact removal. MPEG-4, high-definition, real-time video encoding features include: HIgh Profile at L4, HD-SDI video input, CBR encoding from 1 Mbps to 20 Mbps. MPEG-4 standard-definition real-time video encoding features include: Main Profile at L3, SDI and analog video inputs, CBR encoding from 0.250 Mbps to 10 Mbps, optional simultaneous SD MPEG-2 encoding with E5710 features. For options on video pre-processing and stereo audio, as well as for input, monitoring and output feature, see EN8030 series.

11

Scopus Video networks (continued)Product name Key Features

UE-9310 MPEG-2 SD encoder

The UE-9310 is designed to provide simultaneous MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 standard definition encoding and features CBR/capped VBR support; simultaneous IP and ASI outputs; support for HE-ACC audio encoding; up to eight stereo channels or 16 mono channels; advanced multiplexing for cascading and multi-services; control via front panel, Web browser and SNMP; Integrated SCTE-35 detection and DVB/ATSC compliance.

UE-9400 MPEG-4 SD (HD) encoder

The UE-9400 series features up to two channel MPEG-4 encoding. High definition upgradeable, the series supports HE-ACC audio encoding; up to eight stereo channels or 16 mono channels; advanced multiplexing capabilities; simulta-neous IP and ASI outputs; and CBR and capped VBR. It is upgradeable to H.264 TriplePass statistical multiplexing and includes management via embedded Web server, external SNMP application, Scopus NMS-4000 solution or local front panel; cascading via ASI including passive ASI loop-through and DVB/ATSC compliance

UE-9800 MPEG-4 HD/SD encoders

The UE-9800 series provies up to two channels of MPEG-4 encoding in high definition and standard definition in a 1RU chassis. The encoders feature Dolby Digital, MPEG-1 Layer 2 and HE-ACC encoding; ASI and IP outputs for channel redundancy and network support; integrated advanced multiplexing capabilities; and management via embedded Web server, external SNMP application, Scopus NMS-4000 solution or local front panel.

Morris, VP of American for digi-

tal media networks in Cisco’s

Scientific-Atlanta division.

“If you go to the MPEG-4 side

of the house, it’s a totally new

equation,” he continued. “The tool

sets that are inside MPEG-4 are

maybe 50 times more powerful

than the toolsets that were avail-

able in MPEG-2 compression.”

Vendors agree that MPEG-2

still has legs, if older and slower

ones. “MPEG-4 AVC is about

midlife now,” said Matthew

Goldman, vice president of tech-

nology, compression systems,

for Tandberg Television.

“The technology improvement

is on a lot more of a--no pun

intended--compressed timetable,”

Goldman said. “MPEG-2 took ten

years to become mature; AVC is

going to take less than half that

to become mature.”

That accelerating timetable is

one reason for MSOs to figure

out how best to ride this wave. To

some extent, the industry’s hand

is being forced.

PrOGraMMEr-lED MiGratiOnThe decision of premium pro-

grammers, led by HBO, to

transmit programming via a

combination of the advanced

DVB-S2 satellite modulation

and MPEG-4 compression is

perhaps the closest brush that

MSOs have had with this tech-

nology. (See sidebar for sum-

mary of an HBO trial.)

In that implementation, HBO

worked with Motorola, using the

vendor’s SE-4000-class encoders

and the DSR-6050 receiver and

MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 transcoder, a

product first announced last fall.

Motorola has not been alone

in aiming to help MSOs cope

with MPEG4 content. Cisco and

Scientific-Atlanta first showcased

its concept at NAB in April 2007.

The result of that development

has been the D9858 PowerVU

receiver transcoder.

Another entrant, launched

at this year’s CableTec Expo,

EGT’s VIPr-TRx, a transcoding

platform that promises MSOs

“the capability of transporting

MPEG-4 throughout the plant

and transcoding closer to the

edge.” Additional vendors,

including Harmonic, are talking

about receiving and re-encoding

in one box.

Video experts will debate the

question of whether transcoding

is the same as re-encoding. The

need nonetheless exists.

MOrE quEStiOnSIn addition to evaluating these

transcoding technologies,

their respective price points

and capabilities, MSOs have

a range of related questions

to answer:

Can we consolidate video pro-

cessing (as via the Comcast

Media Center) and benefit

from pooled resources?

If so, can I use better (dual or

triple pass) encoders?

What are my SD and HD

requirements?

What encoders can handle

both in either format?

What combination of inputs

and outputs best fits my

architecture?

Are there niche HD applica-

tions that encoders can fill?

If I’m planning to deploy

switched digital video (SDV),

what kind of CBR require-

ments do I have?

What is the optimum mix

of multiplexing and encoding

technologies?

How will my on demand plat-

form best handle multiple

encoding formats?

How does advanced compres-

sion factor into any plans for

video over high-speed data

that I have on the roadmap?

Good luck with the answers!

—Jonathan Tombes

Conclusions from 2008 NCTA

Technical Paper on Field

Test of DVB-S2 and MPEG-4

HD Deployment, by HBO

Engineering Manager Andrew

Levine:

RF transmission link using

DVB-S2 is “extremely stable.”

A FEC rate of 5/6 will yield

a transponder data payload

of 72 Mbps, which is “suit-

able for successful headend

reception performance with

an average size downlink

antenna.”

The DSR-4410 MD “per-

formed well with no major

issues.”

“Stability and operational

issues with the DSR-6050

transcoder have been

addressed.”

HBo Field Test

continued from page 1

MAXIMIZE BANDWIDTH WHILE DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY VIDEO CONTENT

Mot

orol

a M

PEG

-4 E

ncod

ing

Solu

tions

Motorola’s MPEG-4 encoding solutions optimize networks, meeting the demand for increased bandwidth in constrained networks. Consumer demand for high quality video content is increasing and service providers are under added pressure to maintain competitive services.

With up to 50% bandwidth reduction, MPEG-4 allows service providers to offer quality programming at lower bit rates than MPEG-2 and retain exceptional video quality. Operators can maximize bandwidth in their networks while delivering more high quality video content.

Motorola is the leader in IPTV and digital headend deployments: - Worldwide support and integration services - Highly integrated headend design - Simple installation and maintenance

Motorola introduced digital HDTV to the world in the early 1990s and has been innovating and improving the technology ever since. The result: highly effi cient, high video quality MPEG-4 systems. Trust Motorola to provide your network’s MPEG-4 technology and deliver stunning quality programming to your subscribers.

To learn more about Motorola MPEG-4 Encoding Solutions, please visit motorola.com/mpeg4encoding

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Offi ce. © Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.

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