AMSTERDAM — Sept. 11, 2009 — IBC 2009 Stands 7.J11 and 1.C61 — Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced it has teamed up with German audio specialists Jünger Audio Studiotechnik GmbH to bring Jünger's Level Magic automated audio level control technology to its broadcast, cable, satellite and telco customers through a unique integration with Harmonic's DiviCom Electra® and Ion™ encoders and ProStream™ 1000 stream processing platform with ACE™ technology. This solution addresses a critical issue plaguing program suppliers, broadcasters and subscribers alike — annoying audio level changes within a channel (during commercial breaks, for example) and when switching from one channel to another.
By utilizing the Level Magic audio technology within the encoder and stream processing platform, service providers do not need to invest in a separate chassis for audio leveling, and can more easily scale their services. This combined architecture eliminates the need to process audio channels at the baseband level, meeting the needs of the latest IP-centric headends and reducing capital and operational expenditures for operators.
"Jünger Audio sets the quality benchmark in audio leveling technology, and together we are able to more cost-effectively address this very challenging issue for service providers," said Patrick Waddell, Manager, Standards & Regulatory, at Harmonic Inc. "By bringing audio leveling directly into the encoder and the stream processing platform, we are able to offer a unique, high quality, dense and scalable audio leveling solution to the market."
Jünger Audio's Level Magic technology provides audio leveling as content is processed in the Harmonic Ion and Electra encoders and ProStream 1000 stream processing platform, smoothing the differences in digital audio operating points and dynamic range to adjust the accurate audio levels from any source without leaving audible artifacts. Level Magic relies on a sophisticated adaptive level control algorithm capable of adjusting the right audio level from any source at any time, with no pumping, breathing or distortion. Operators only need to set the desired audio levels for all channels once and then the system takes care of the rest, providing continuous unattended operation.
"Together, Harmonic and Jünger are combining best-in-class audio and best-in-class video processing solutions," said Peter Poers, Managing Director of Jünger Audio. "As audio specialists, we have spent many years developing technologies that address the 'loudness' issue for broadcasters and program suppliers. Harmonic's decision to integrate our Level Magic algorithm into its encoders and stream processing platform represents a major step forward for both companies and will bring enormous benefits to the industry. We are delighted that Harmonic has recognized Jünger Audio's expertise in this area and look forward to developing our relationship in the future."
Harmonic will demonstrate the new integrated solution with advanced audio capabilities at IBC 2009 in Amsterdam, September 11-15, in the Harmonic stand 1.C61.
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About Jünger Audio
Berlin-based Jünger Audio Studiotechnik GmbH specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality digital audio dynamics processors for recording studios, television and radio broadcasters. The company has developed a unique range of new digital processors to meet the demands of the professional audio market. Jünger Audio aims to design and produce the highest quality audio signal processors that are easy to operate. All products are developed and manufactured in-house ensuring that the highest standards are maintained throughout. For more information on Jünger Audio visit www.junger-audio.com.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic Inc. is redefining video delivery with the industry's most powerful solutions for delivering live and on-demand video to TVs, PCs and mobile devices. Harmonic's 20 years of technical innovation and market leadership enable the company to offer a unique and comprehensive solution portfolio — including encoding, transcoding, content preparation, stream processing, asset management, edge processing and delivery. Broadcast, cable, Internet, mobile, satellite and telecom service providers around the world choose Harmonic's IP-based digital video, software, and broadband edge and access solutions. Using these award-winning and industry-leading solutions, operators can reduce costs and differentiate their services by offering consumers a higher quality, personalized multi-screen experience.
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27(A) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21(E) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to: integration of the Jünger Level Magic algorithm into Harmonic encoders and stream processing platform representing a major step forward, the integration bringing enormous benefits to the industry, and looking forward to developing the relationship between Harmonic and Jünger in the future.
Our expectations and beliefs regarding the integration of Level Magic automated audio level control technology with Harmonic's DiviCom Electra™ and Ion™ encoders and ProStream 1000 stream processing platform and the benefits for customers may not materialize, and actual results could differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent Reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Harmonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.
EDITOR'S NOTE – Product and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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