PHILADELPHIA—Comcast is reporting that it has reduced the electricity it takes to deliver each byte of data across its network by 40% since 2019. 

The efficiency gains have been achieved through Comcast’s ongoing nationwide network transformation to virtualized, cloud-based technologies that deliver faster broadband speeds and greater reliability with less equipment, less space, and less energy per byte, the operator explained. 

“By moving more computing power to our edge cloud, we can leverage leaner, greener technology to process more customer traffic with less electricity,” said Elad Nafshi, executive vice president and chief network officer at Comcast. “These next-generation technologies will further drive efficiency through real-time performance visibility that can detect issues and self-heal – delivering a service that is better for both our customers and the planet.”

Comcast has a goal to be carbon neutral by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its global operations. With purchased electricity accounting for the majority of its emissions, Comcast is investing in clean, renewable energy to power its network and operations, as well as continuing to improve network energy efficiency.

Comcast decreased the electricity per consumed byte from 18.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per terabyte (TB) in 2019 to 11.0 kWh/TB in 2023. 

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve achieved through Comcast innovation, but we’re not stopping here,” Nafshi added. “We’re continuing to work with business partners to embed energy efficiency into future generations of technology so that we continue on the path to a greener, cleaner internet.”

Comcast set a goal to double network energy efficiency by 2030, cutting the electricity per consumed byte of data in half. 

Comcast also reported that business partners like Hewlett Packard Enterprise are supporting Comcast’s network transformation to a virtualized cable modem termination system (vCMTS) with new energy efficient technologies that deliver more network traffic at a fraction of the physical footprint and energy load of previous generation technologies. 

"Our innovation with the HPE ProLiant DL110 drives network transformation with open, high-performance, energy-efficient solutions, and we’re proud to have collaborated with Comcast to advance its initiatives and support its sustainability goals,” said Phil Cutrone, senior vice president & general manager, Service Providers, OEM, Telco, Major Accounts at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “The collaboration demonstrates the impact across the value chain – from cutting the carbon footprint of technologies that drive the network, to improving the end customer experience."

For more information on Comcast’s environmental efforts, visit the environment page at Comcast.com. 

PLYMOUTH, Wis.—Heartland Video Systems (HVS) has announced that it is working with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to offer broadcasters new ATSC 3.0 datacasting solutions. 

The datacasting offering will provide 3.0 broadcasters with new revenue streams from businesses who want better options for sending firmware, software, and increasingly important data, the companies said. 

BIA Advisory Services and industry executives have identified datacasting as one of the most potentially profitable applications of NextGen TV, aka ATSC 3.0. 

This collaboration combines HVS' broadcasting technologies with HPE's global IT expertise to offer a comprehensive ATSC 3.0 datacasting solution, the companies said. 

"Our collaboration with HPE is a pivotal moment for HVS. This collaboration melds our profound broadcasting knowledge with HPE's exceptional data management prowess. The result is a superior ATSC 3.0 datacasting solution that ensures efficiency, accessibility, and notably, enhanced profitability for broadcasters," said Dennis Klas, founder and president at HVS.

"We see datacasting as a unique opportunity for broadcasters to exploit new business models,” added said Paolo Ceccherini, worldwide business lead, digital video solutions, at HPE Communications Technology Group. “Early adopters who have already selected our industry-first, award-winning Broadcast Core Network solution — which is based on decades of experience in broadcast automation and orchestration — have provided extremely encouraging feedback. We are excited to collaborate with HVS to accelerate this industry transformation further," 

The companies also stressed that the solution will provide broadcasters with increased bandwidth, unmatched reliability, and advanced customization.

More information on the new ATSC 3.0 datacasting solution is available at www.hvs-inc.com. 

BOSTON—EditShare has announced a new partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that will see the HPE ProLiant servers extend the security, performance and versatility of EditShare hardware, per a press release.

This OEM collaboration will provide EditShare customers with reliable, integrated systems built on HPE ProLiant servers to meet growing demands, said Phillip Curtone, vice president and general manager of Service Providers, OEM, and major accounts, HPE.

“As video production becomes a more integral component of every company’s business, it’s important to offer an enterprise level storage and asset management solution that meets these needs,” said Marci Maddox, IDC research director, digital experience strategies. “EditShare’s alignment with HPE meets these requirements.”

EditShare plans to begin shipping its tech for HPE ProLiant servers on Feb. 1. For more information, visit www.editshare.com.  

BALTIMORE—Brian Bark has joined Sinclair Broadcast Group as vice president/CIO and will be responsible for the broadcaster’s workplace technology strategy, the station group announced this week. Bark will report to Chris Ripley, Sinclair president and CEO.

Sinclair also announced the appointment of Mike Kralee to the positon of vice president/Technical Operations and Deputy CTO. He will be responsible for broadcast and information technology operations. Before this appointment, Kralee was Sinclair vice president/Data Systems and Information Technology services. He will report to Del Parks, senior vice president/CTO.

In addition to creating a vision and goals for its IT-enabled business-related capabilities, Bark will be involved in enabling Sinclair’s digital strategy, developing a next-gen traffic system, identifying ways to monetize ATSC 3.0 and improving workflow through automation.

“This is an exciting time for Sinclair and the broadcast industry, particularly with the deployment of the transformational ATSC 3.0 and other new technologies that allow broadcasters to automate and transact more easily with their partners,” said Bark.

Before joining Sinclair, Bark was Chief Business and Innovation Strategist, Office of the CTO, at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Prior to that, Bark held various CIO and executive leadership positions with Smiths Group.