Harmonic Unveils New DiviCom HD Encoder

Harmonic DiviCom Electra 8000 Harmonic will introduce the DiviCom Electra 8000, the world’s first encoding/transcoding platform to support MPEG-4 (H/264) and MPEG-2 codecs in SD and HD formats, up to full frame-rate 1080p 50/60.

The new encoder, the latest in the company’s long-running DiviCom encoder product line, provides superior video quality in a dense and power-efficient form factor —four channels per rack unit (RU), and using 40 percent less power than the industry average for HD AVC encoding. Cable operators can deliver up to four HD MPEG-2 services in one QAM, satellite operators can increase channel count per transponder, telco IPTV service providers can improve reach with constant bit-rate HD video at 5 Mbps or less, and ATSC stations can implement integrated HD/SD statistical multiplexing and PSIP remultiplexing.

Operators can use the Electra 8000 to decode and encode both MPEG-2 and AVC in one hardware platform, accommodating both existing and future architectures. For instance, the Electra 8000 can be used to receive AVC content and re-encode in MPEG-2, supporting the growing trend toward primary distribution of content in AVC and HD formats.

Harmonic will showcase the new encoder at its booth (ES-56) at The Cable Show in Washington, D.C., April 1-3 and in Booth SU7209 at The NAB Show, April 2-23.