Harmonic’s digital video processing powers German free-to-air DTV service

Germany's ASTRA Platform Services chose Harmonic's IP-based MPEG-2 SD DiviCom Electra 5000 encoders and DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing to support its digital free-to-air TV service for Kabeldienstleistungs. The infrastructure upgrade lets APS and its Luxembourg-based satellite service operator SES ASTRA deliver up to 22 additional digital free-to-air channels to subscribers through the cable headends.

The Electra 5000 supports up to four simultaneous MPEG-2 SD channels in a 1RU chassis, reducing the cost per channel, power consumption, space requirements and overall operating costs. The DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing technology is designed to maximize the number of channels per transport stream while maintaining high picture quality.

For more information, visit www.harmonicinc.com.