At IBC2009, Appear TV launched an MPEG-2/4 SD and HD decoder that decodes up to 30 channels in one 4RU chassis in either MPEG-2 SD/HD 4:2:0 or MPEG-4 AVC SD/HD format. It also supports SD/HD-SDI output with embedded audio.
As uptake of HD increases, it is likely that some operators will want to move to an HD-only approach in the contribution backbone but still need to continue providing SD and analog services for viewers who have not made the transition. By allowing HD-to-SD downconversion, the new Appear TV decoder enables operators to fulfil all their customers’ service requirements as well as future-proof for an HD experience.
