Ascent Media Systems & Technology Service has announced that it has completed the transition and upgrade of six Discovery television networks to high definition (HD) video.

 

According to the agreement—which is part of an ongoing relationship between Discovery Communications and Ascent Media—Ascent has been responsible for the design and construction of Discovery’s HD infrastructure at its Sterling, Virginia origination facility within an accelerated, six-month timeframe.

 

At present, the facility supports the origination of programming for four Discovery networks, including, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC and The Science Channel. 

 

Pointing out that in order to meet affiliate and subscriber demand for HD content, his company needed a partner with design and execution expertise and supplier relationships necessary to complete the stated project on an extremely tight timeline, John Honeycutt, executive vice president and chief media technology officer at Discovery Communications, said in a press statement, “Ascent Media was able to meet those needs while making sure our customers and viewers received the superior video product they expect from Discovery.”

 

Tom Canavan, executive vice president at Ascent Media Network Services, pointed out that the pledges of cable system operators and satellite providers to deliver 100 or more HD channels in the near future represent a tremendous opportunity for programmers like Discovery. He added, “We’re pleased that they have recognized the value and scope of Ascent Media’s capabilities, and look forward to helping Discovery transition its high production and programming standards into the high-definition era.”

 

Ascent Media Systems & Technology Services offers consulting, design engineering, and systems integration for broadcast, cable, Telco, satellite, broadband, government and other electronic media industries. Part of Santa Monica, California-based Ascent Media Network Services, the group has facilities and offices in London, UK; Dubai, UAE; and Munich, DE, and several strategic locations in the US.

 

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