The Public Broadcasting Service, which is among the largest digital satellite TV distributors in the United States, has given the nod to Harmonic's MPEG-2 digital video abilities for the public broadcaster's Next Generation Interconnection System.

The systems include the firm's DiviCom MPEG-2 HD and SD encoders, its DiviTrackXE statistical multiplexing, and the NMX Digital Service Manager. Harmonic said their system will employ "ultrahigh compression efficiency," and enable PBS to reduce costs by adding more channels per transponder.

NGIS is the primary distribution system for delivering up to 10,000 hours of HD/SD content annually to its member stations in 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Harmonic is providing support and training for the PBS system.