October 6, 2005
Newsroom
BBC Broadcast transmits HD to IBC2005
Oct 6, 2005 1:52 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Providing a glimpse into Europe’s HDTV future, BBC Broadcast transmitted an MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 HD test channel simultaneously from its Broadcast Center in West London to the RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre in Amsterdam during IBC2005.
Received and displayed at several locations on the exhibition floor, the specially crafted HD signal carried a variety of programs, including sports, drama, arts, nature and current affairs programming, designed to show off the visual appeal of high definition.
The test channel was broadcast using the Eutelsat EUROBIRD 1 satellite. Transmission from the Broadcast Center to Amsterdam was made possible with help from systems integrator TSL, and equipment from Axon, Miranda, Omnibus, Pro-Bel, Snell & Wilcox, Trilogy, JVC, Omneon Video Networks, Pixel Power, Screen Subtitling Systems, Tektronix and Vistek.
TANDBERG Television supplied MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC HD encoders and professional receivers, with connectivity and uplinking provided by Siemens.
Eutelsat provided a full transponder on EUROBIRD 1, and MPEG-4 HD receivers were supplied by Pace Micro Technology and Eldon Technology.
For more information, visit www.bbcbroadcast.com.
DAB makes mark as video platform
Oct 6, 2005 1:56 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) made its presence felt in Amsterdam at IBC2005 with demonstrations that included the latest application of the technology in support of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB).
On air in the RAI Center in Amsterdam, a pilot DMB network delivered content from local commercial and public broadcasters. The Dutch Ministry of Communications Affairs assembled the network, which was used by the University of Twente for research.
The European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI) recently approved the DMB application.
RadioScape delivered transmission service for the DMB application, and Plisch provided the transmission network infrastructure with DMB encoders. Samsung, LG and Perstel supplied receivers for the demonstration.
IBC2005 also provided a venue for demonstration of another DAB-based delivery technique based on Enhanced Packet Mode and IP (both WorldDAB approved standards), and Digital Rights Management technologies from Microsoft.
BT Livetime demonstrated TV to mobile devices. Currently participating in a pilot deployment to 1000 DAB enabled Smartphone users in the United Kingdom, BT Livetime delivers TV channels that included news, sports and entertainment. The company’s service also enables interactive services, and a DAB Electronic Program Guide (EPG).
DTV Marketplace
Leitch unveils ICON master control
Oct 6, 2005 2:00 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Leitch Technology introduced its new ICON master control and branding family of SD/HD products, including the ICONMASTER.
ICONMASTER, based on Leitch’s NEO modular platform, combines critical master control functions with multi-layer integrated branding. ICONMASTER can be combined with other applications, such as the NEO SuiteView multi-viewer series or the new NEO XHD up-, down-, cross- and multi-path converter series, to create a plug-and-play system, all in the same frame.
A two NEO-slot solution, ICONMASTER allows users to choose the best configuration and options to create a complete, self-contained channel release system, while providing room to grow as user requirements evolve.
ICONMASTER is available in either SDTV or HDTV versions, and the SDTV version is easily field-upgradeable to HDTV.
For more information, visit www.leitch.com.
SeaChange introduces edge server for mobile production
Oct 6, 2005 2:06 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
SeaChange International has unveiled its SeaChange Edge Server.
Configured with six 73GB, 147GB or 300GB hot-swappable disk drives, the SeaChange Edge Server (ES-4012) is a compact 2RU chassis that scales from 15 to 370 hours (1.47TB) of multiformat file storage including, MPEG-2, MPEG-2 IMX, DV-25 and DV-50.
The edge server offers on-air performance with redundant, hot-swappable power supplies, as well as RAID-5 content protection.
For more information, visit www.schange.com.
ND SatCom eases satellite acquisition with automatic access systems
Oct 6, 2005 2:08 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
ND SatCom has introduced the Automatic Pointing System (APS) and the Antenna Pointing Assistant (APA) for automatic satellite acquisition in the field.
APS points motorized antennas worldwide within a few minutes at any location without a pilot signal or reference satellites. A one-button operation permits handling even by non-technical personnel and ensures that all monitoring and control functions are performed. Thus, exact antenna pointing takes only a few minutes.
The company’s new APA is designed for non-motorized fly-away antennas and runs on a PDA using a wireless connection to ND SatCom’s SkyWAN, SkyARCS or SkyVIP indoor units. The interface provides all information and instructions to point the antenna within a few minutes. No spectrum analyzer, pilot signal or reference satellites are required.
For more information, visit www.ndsatcom.com.
Advent Communications rolls out HD encoder/modulator, upconverter
Oct 6, 2005 2:19 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Advent Communications unveiled a new encoder/modulator and L-band upconverter that incorporates software control for HPAs at IBC2005.
The new encoder/modulator is based on an HD encoder engine developed by Link Research. It provides full 4:2:2 MPEG-2 contribution encoding with multistandard input formats. It has been fully integrated into the Advent HDVE 4000 satellite package.
The L-Band upconversion and HPA control match the existing standard of the group's current satellite products and are supplied as a compact 1U or 19in rack solution for both fly-away and drive-away solutions.
For more information, visit www.adventcomms.com.
ADB 7200CX integrates NDS XTV technology
Oct 6, 2005 2:22 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Advanced Digital Broadcast has integrated and launched a DOCSIS-based PVR incorporating NDS’s XTV technology.
The 7200CX is a digital cable receiver designed to support high-quality digital recording and playback functionality.
The 7200 series provides operators with an advanced PVR solution, featuring automatic recording of a favorite program, as well as recording two channels while watching another recorded event from the disk. The platform facilitates the delivery of enhanced, interactive television optimizing the high-bandwidth, DOCSIS return channel to deliver interactive applications.
For more information, visit www.adbglobal.com.
SkyStream unveils DVB S-2 support for SMR
Oct 6, 2005 2:39 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
SkyStream has announced the availability of DVB S-2 support in its Source Media Router (SMR) line of IP encapsulators that enable efficient, reliable delivery of IP video and data content over DVB and ATSC-based networks.
DVB S-2 is a critical technology standard to enable the implementation of new satellite-based video and data services, such as two-way Internet over satellite, VOIP, video on demand, high-definition television, and for broadcasting more local channels. It is also a key solution to enable the transmission of an ever-increasing volume of data.
The technologies and techniques defined in the new DVB-S2 standard enable an up to 30 percent bandwidth improvement for satellite transmission systems. This improved efficiency lowers transmission costs and provides system operators the opportunity to grow revenue from offering these advanced services.
For more information, visit www.skystream.com.
Stratos highlights BGAN satellite service
Oct 6, 2005 2:45 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Stratos Global showed its next-generation Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) mobile satellite service at IBC2005.
BGAN will offer near-global coverage using a small, lightweight satellite terminal about the size of a small laptop computer. BGAN will provide both IP and circuit-switched services to support voice telephony and a range of high-bandwidth data services, including Internet access, streaming content, videoconferencing, LAN and other services, at speeds faster than any existing mobile satellite service.
For more information, visit www.thepowerofbgan.com and www.stratosglobal.com.
Rohde & Schwarz unveils handheld TV analyzer
Oct 6, 2005 2:50 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Rohde & Schwarz debuted its R&S FSH3-TV analyzer in a size that makes it well suited for mobile use.
The R&S FSH3-TV combines the features of a spectrum analyzer with the functions of a TV test receiver. All measurements essential in the field can be performed with one instrument. The R&S FSH3-TV is robust and weatherproof and can be powered from its NiMH battery.
The analyzer comes equipped with a TV board, a preamplifier and a tracking generator. It supports all common analog TV standards such as B, G/H, D/K, N, I, L, M/NTSC and M/PAL, and can be upgraded any time for DVB-C, J.83/B or ATSC/8-VSB.
For more information, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com.
Volicon Observer streamlines monitoring
Oct 6, 2005 2:57 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Broadcasters and cablecasters seeking to replace analog-based monitoring systems can view and log multiple broadcasts and monitor transmissions from numerous stations using a desktop PC and the Internet with the Volicon Observer system.
The Observer is a video monitoring solution that enables customers to perform monitoring and video logging applications from desktop computers. It is based on MPEG-4 video streaming technology and is tailored for video storage, retrieval and analysis.
Users can log their own broadcasts for government compliance, to monitor competitors’ broadcasts and to retrieve and analyze video clips based on as-run-log data.
For more information, visit www.volicon.com.
TMD MediaTraX monitors media
Oct 6, 2005 3:03 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
TMD showed its MediaTraX off-air compliance logging and media monitoring at IBC2005.
Designed for the off-air recording of multiple channels, the system lets broadcasters and media monitoring companies and departments do away with tape-based methods. MediaTraX can be delivered in either Windows Media 9 format or MPEG-1, both in time-code frame-accurate streams.
MediaTraX uses industry standard servers and commodity disks. Capture of the video and audio is achieved through encoder cards from IPV. The system is scalable from one to many channels with each channel having up to four audio tracks.
For more information, visit www.tmd.tv.
GIST launches mobile TV EPG
Oct 6, 2005 3:08 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
GIST Communications has introduced UGuide, a mobile electronic program guide that analyzes TV viewers’ program preferences and delivers personalized recommendations to a cell phone or other mobile device.
UGuide lets viewers use their cell phones to schedule recordings on PVRs at home. The UGuide can be deployed as a resident application on a cell phone or PDA, or as a Web-based product.
The service is installed on mobile phones globally and provides personalized recommendations based on users’ individual profiles. With a click on UGuide’s record button, consumers can program their recording device. The service distributes recording instructions through any digital distribution platform such as cable, satellite or the Internet.
For more information, visit www.gist.com.
RTW introduces a new audio vectorscope
Oct 6, 2005 3:11 PM
At the IBC2005, RTW launched the DigitalMonitor 10500, an audio vectorscope, peak program meter and status monitor that interfaces to professional digital production environments, such as video editing suites, workstations or broadcasting studios.
The instrument is connected via XLR connectors and accepts signals up to 24-bit, 96kHz. All essential parameters and displays are permanently visible.
For more information, visit www.rtw.com.
TAMUZ introduces SD, HD LCD broadcast monitors
Oct 6, 2005 3:39 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
 Members of the Grey Owl series include the FLM 108, FLM 115, FLM 117W and FLM 120. |
TAMUZ has unveiled its FLM Grey Owl series of monitors at IBC2005.
The Grey Owl series combines the quality of the existing BCM series LCD monitors with a newly developed digital front-end.
Members of the Grey Owl series include the FLM 108, FLM 115, FLM 117W and FLM 120. All are 19in rack mountable and equipped with three digital inputs and one analog VGA input. The selected digital input is switched to the selected output for further use.
The monitors come with an automatic alignment and calibration function.
For more information, visit www.tamuz.tv.
TI announces DaVinci DSP
Oct 6, 2005 3:42 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
Texas Instruments has unveiled DaVinci, a semiconductor technology for digital video products.
DaVinci technology, a DSP-based solution tailored for digital video applications, provides video equipment manufacturers with integrated processors, software and tools to simplify the design process.
DaVinci will allow digital video designers to choose a signal processor designed for their needs and select from a menu of production-ready software.
For more information, visit www.thedavincieffect.com.
Boardroom
KPN relies on TANDBERG Television for MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC
Oct 6, 2005 3:51 PM, Beyond The Headlines e-newsletter
TANDBERG Television has signed a contract with Siemens to provide Dutch telco KPN with an EN5930 encoding system that can simultaneously transmit MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC SD television.
KPN is adding IPTV to its existing communications services and plans to introduce digital television over its DSL network for the first time this year.
With the TANDBERG Television system, KPN will be able to grow its range of television services. KPN will begin transmitting MPEG-2 content and will be poised for a smooth transition to MPEG-4 AVC once convinced of the technical availability and stability of all required components.
TANDBERG Television will provide a headend system that will enable KPN to seamlessly transition to the delivery of content using MPEG-4 AVC, with a potential bandwidth saving of 50 percent over MPEG-2.
Once the transition to MPEG-4 is complete, KPN will be able to double the number of channels it delivers.
For more information, visit www.tandbergtv.com.
Sumners buys VCube HD 2K player/recorders
Oct 6, 2005 3:59 PM, IBC Update e-newsletter
 The VCubes have dramatically increased the efficiency of the post house’s Davinci 2K grading suite. |
Sumners, a Manchester post-production house has added two Merging Technology VCube HD 2K hard disk based high-definition video player/recorders.
Capable of uncompressed 1920x1080 high-definition video resolution and more than 30 different SD/HD video formats, the machines were supplied by the company’s United Kingdom distributor Total Audio Solutions and integrated into the a Davinci 2K Suite by TAS business manager Paul Mortimer.
The VCubes have dramatically increased the efficiency of the post house’s grading suite.
