Lifetime selects Scientific-Atlanta's PowerVu technology

Lifetime Television has selected a Scientific-Atlanta PowerVu digital video compression system to shift its U.S. programming distribution from analog to digital.

Starting this fall, Lifetime's west coast affiliates are scheduled to begin receiving their program feeds through PowerVu receivers.

Lifetime will deploy the PowerVu Program Receiver (Model D9850). The cable channel has made special arrangements with Scientific-Atlanta for its affiliates to purchase additional receivers for back up.

The new encoding system, scheduled to be operational in fall 2003, will include PowerVu encoders, statistical multiplexers and modulators, all controlled by the PowerVu Network Center management software. Currently, more than 400 Scientific-Atlanta PowerVu digital video compression systems are transmitting over 2,000 channels of digital programming into more than 175 countries.

The PowerVu system also includes:

• Less rack space in headends - 1RU high PowerVu Program Receiver

• Automatic ad insertion for local advertising - affiliate revenue opportunities

• Flexible audio options - Dolby Digital(R) (AC-3) balanced audio and SAP second audio program channels

• Smooth programming migration to digital tier when needed

To streamline the deployment and authorization of Lifetime digital receivers for those affiliates using the network's west coast satellite feed, Scientific-Atlanta's SciCare Broadband Services is providing a suite of PowerVu receiver deployment and database management solutions. The centerpiece of this solution is PowerVu Connect, an integrated, Web-based system that automates the receiver authorization process to enable each one to receive the Lifetime signal.

Lifetime's program origination site in New York City will deliver programming to the new PowerVu digital encoding system.

In fall 2003, the 2:4 system is scheduled to begin a 45-day analog/digital simulcast transition period, during which Lifetime's west coast affiliates may make the necessary changes needed.