Singapore: MediaCorp Launches HD on Omneon Server System

Omneon Video Networks this week said Singapore's MediaCorp has deployed its Spectrum HD server system to support streaming MediaCorp HDTV via a terrestrial network covering the entire city-state. The server system, being supplied by integrator Ascent Media Network Services, is providing MediaCorp with a platform for its first HD trial broadcast service that launched last summer.

The Spectrum system employs scalable architecture that was designed to permit relatively easy expansion of HD services over the next year, Omneon said. The companies said MediaCorp is the first broadcaster to conduct HD trials through a terrestrial network in Southeast Asia.

The HD server system is mirrored and supports up to six channels. Content for MediaCorp HDTV (mostly documentary and entertainment programs) is ingested from a tape machine via a Snell & Wilcox Memphis HD encoder. The 50 Mbps HD MPEG content is stored on the server with a QuickTime wrapper. The Omneon server system is controlled by Harris D-Series automation.