DirecTV Taps Harris for HD Networks

Harris Corp. is now delivering NetVX HD video networking equipment to DirecTV for HD contribution encoding and transport, helping the DBS provider continue its rollout of HD channels.

DirecTV began using NetVX transport systems in 2005 for backhaul of local market programming content. The NetVX design allows a broadcaster to install multiple encoders in a single chassis with a common-signal output, further reducing equipment costs by providing an all-in-one device for encoding, multiplexing, and network adaptation.

Hanno Basse, vice president of Broadcast Systems Engineering at DirecTV, said the NetVX HD solution was selected for its feature set and superior performance.

“The NetVX HD solution provides the best overall picture quality and platform flexibility for our HD contribution and transport operation,” said Basse. “Harris’ commitment to DirecTV’s present and future technical requirements proved highly valuable and has allowed us to meet our schedules for national HD content acquisition.”

DirecTV now offers 95 national HD channels to more than 16 million subscribers and plans to offer local-into-local HD content in more markets, ultimately providing local HD by February 2013 in all the markets where the company provides local service.