Harmonic Intros IP-Enabled DiviCom Ion AVC HD Encoder

Harmonic (News - Alert) has introduced its DiviCom Ion MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) high-definition (HD) encoder, a new solution providing superior HD video quality for constant bit-rate (CBR) digital video services. The IP-based encoding solution delivers an optimized price to performance ratio and is ideally suited for IPTV (News - Alert) deployments as well as other switched video delivery applications.

 

The DiviCom Ion AVC HD encoder features four HD H.264 channels and up to four low resolution picture-in-picture (PiP) channels in a compact, one rack-unit (1-RU) chassis. At less than 75 watts per channel, the DiviCom Ion consumes less power than other alternatives. Thus, users get a more environmentally friendly product delivering outstanding performance while reducing costs and rack space requirements for operators.

 

Harmonic’s DiviCom FLEX video and audio decoding module can be easily integrated into the Ion AVC HD platform, enabling full decode and re-encode capabilities from any IP or ASI source within the Ion chassis, a key capability as service providers transition to all-IP headend architectures.

 

The Ion AVC HD solution leverages an advanced video compression engine with multi-pass LookAhead encoding to deliver broadcast quality HD at ultra-low bit rates.

 

“Harmonic’s DiviCom Ion AVC HD encoder further strengthens the company’s leadership position in HD AVC compression and delivers the superior video quality and reliability Harmonic is known for at a price point that a new subset of operators can afford,” said Elie Sader, Encoder product marketing manager, Harmonic. “This latest addition to our HD AVC solutions portfolio sets a new benchmark for real-time HD transcoding, delivering four channels per rack unit with no compromise on video quality.”

 

The DiviCom Ion AVC HD solution provides a targeted feature-set in-line with the requirements of telcos and others interested in adding a high quality HD video service to their line-up. The AVC solution maximizes network capacity and reduces bit-rates, enabling operators to roll out more HD programming and other advanced services. Additional benefits include flexible video, audio, and VBI format handling, support for multiple audio formats, and seamless management and control via Harmonic’s NMX Digital Service Manager.

 

The Ion AVC HD platform also provides a native IP interface that integrates seamlessly with Harmonic’s IP-based re-encoding, stream processing and asset management technologies, providing a powerful toolset for the deployment of highly scalable next-generation IP networks.