Scalable Turnkey Solution Speeds Channel Launches, Simplifies Playout and Processing, and Enables Independent Branding of HD and SD Channels
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Aug. 5, 2014 -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure, today announced that FOX International Channels (FIC) Philippines has installed a turnkey playout solution from Harmonic to enable streamlined and cost-effective media storage, channel branding, and origination of HD and SD channels. The complete solution features a Harmonic Spectrum MediaDeck(TM) integrated media server system, equipped with Spectrum ChannelPort(TM) integrated channel playout, Harmonic MediaGrid shared storage systems, ProView(TM) 7100 integrated receiver-decoders (IRD), Electra(TM) 9200 multiservice encoders, and ProStream(R) 9100 high-density stream processors.
"With its rich portfolio of proven media storage and processing products, only Harmonic was able to provide a complete and readily scalable solution for playout of FOX International Channels here in the Philippines," said Jude Turcuato, SVP and general manager of FOX International Channels Philippines. "Particularly valuable to our operations was the smooth integration of the ChannelPort system with our existing automation system, which made it easy for us to realize the functionality needed to deliver quality branded broadcasts to our customers."
The ChannelPort system speeds the deployment of SD and HD television channels and reduces equipment costs by integrating branding and master control switching with clip playback on the Spectrum(TM) media server platform. The ChannelPort system fits seamlessly into FIC Philippines' existing production and playout infrastructures, including a Pebble Beach automation system, allowing the broadcaster to reduce the complexity of its operations. As FIC Philippines expands its channel lineup, it will be able to launch additional channels simply with the further addition of ChannelPort modules.
Within the new end-to-end workflow at FIC Philippines, the Harmonic ProView 7100 IRD is used to accept FIC contribution feeds. Content, including incoming feeds, is edited and the resulting files are transferred to the MediaDeck server system for playout. Operators at the FIC Philippines Makati City facility use the ChannelPort system to enhance video with rich multilayer graphics and to key dynamic text over live and recorded video. The ChannelPort system's audio downmix functions support the output of audio tailored to both HD and SD services. The final compression, statistical multiplexing and delivery stage is provided by Electra 9200 and ProStream 9100 media processing solutions to maximize use of the satellite transponder capacity.
"The Harmonic video delivery solution deployed at FIC Philippines serves as a successful model for how similar broadcast facilities can quickly and affordably bring compelling branded channels to air," said Eric Mok, regional sales manager at Harmonic. "Because expansion of the system is straightforward, users such as FIC Philippines can grow in accordance with business drivers and strategy."
Harmonic will showcase its market-leading video delivery solutions at IBC in Amsterdam, Sept. 12-16, on stand 1B20, and at BIRTV in Beijing, Aug. 27-30, on stand 8A28. Further information about Harmonic and the company's products is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
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About FOX International Channels
FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX's international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports, movie, and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa in 45 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.6 billion cumulative households worldwide.
In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 30+ channel brands, including the FOX, STAR, and National Geographic brands, with more than 100 feeds across 14 markets. As the leading pay-TV network in the region, we reach more than 550 million cumulative subscribers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia, and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.
About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) is the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure for emerging television and video services. The company's production-ready innovation enables content and service providers to efficiently create, prepare, and deliver differentiated services for television and new media video platforms. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to the anticipated capabilities and benefits of Harmonic's ChannelPort(TM), Electra(TM) 9200, MediaDeck(TM), MediaGrid(TM), ProStream(R) 9100, ProView(TM) 7100, and Spectrum(TM) products. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these products may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the products do not meet some or all of their anticipated capabilities or provide some or all of their anticipated benefits, such as reduced complexity in operations, reduced equipment cost, quick and affordable deployment, and seamless integration into existing production and playout infrastructure.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as those more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec.31, 2013, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
EDITOR'S NOTE - Product and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
