HP Broadcast Servers Installed in Largest Digital-Broadcast Facility
in Australia and New Zealand
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1997--
Multiple Servers with Fibre Channel Backbone Provide 30 On-air
Channels for FOXTEL
Hewlett-Packard Company today announces it has installed eight HP MediaStream Broadcast Servers at the FOXTEL
Management, Pty., Ltd. facility, the largest digital-broadcasting site in Australia and New Zealand. The FOXTEL facility,
based in Sydney, Australia, went operational with the new servers in October and presently is running more than 16
channels to-air.
"Today's broadcasting environment demands that leading suppliers play a more prominent role in supporting the business
objectives of their customers," said Peter Smart, FOXTEL's director of engineering and technology. "We chose HP after
establishing its commitment to the broadcast industry, and its understanding and support of our desire for a technology
partner. With the industry leadership HP has shown in digital broadcast, we are confident that HP will continue to play a
vital role with FOXTEL as we consolidate our position as the premier pay-TV service in Australia."
The installation at FOXTEL consists of seven HP MediaStream Broadcast Servers connected via a Fibre Channel
network. Each server delivers one input channel and five output channels and will accommodate up to 15 hours of spot
and promotional insertion material. This provides FOXTEL with the capability for up to 30 on-air channels. Additionally,
an eighth HP broadcast server manages spot and promo insertions for the FOXTEL music/video channel. All servers are
controlled by Louth Automation software.
A PROVEN SERVER SOLUTION
FOXTEL conducted an in-depth evaluation of solutions from leading industry vendors. Among the vendor requirements
was a superior networking solution that could move content between any and all servers faster than real time. HP's Fibre
Channel networking capability -- which permits flexibility in acquisition and playout functions -- was a key differentiator in
FOXTEL's evaluation. The HP technology for frame accuracy and trimming of MPEG-2 video files also was important,
according to FOXTEL. Because FOXTEL had an aggressive installation schedule, it took into account HP's proven
track record for timely server installations.
"HP has demonstrated its leadership in broadcast-server technology in such key areas as Fibre Channel networking,
peer-to-peer communication, MPEG quality and functionality, integrated RAID and efficient use of RAID storage,
number of channels and a reliable operating system," said Don Brooks, an engineering manager for FOXTEL. "We knew
HP could deliver a state-of-the-art solution that FOXTEL could rely on."
LOUTH AUTOMATION FOR SUPERIOR CONTROL
The HP MediaStream Broadcast Servers being used by FOXTEL are controlled with the Louth Automation system
using Louth's video-disk-control protocol. This system provides control of all output channels and all eight HP broadcast
servers. In addition, many peripheral devices, such as cart machines, switchers and routers, also are controlled by the
Louth system. The FOXTEL system incorporates Louth's Windows Client Workstation and Turbomedia database- and
media-management systems.
ABOUT HP
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services,
communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support.
HP has 121,900 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at hp.com .
Note to Editors: Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.
Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and
specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.
If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to
Hewlett-Packard Company, Test and Measurement Organization, P.O. Box 50637, Palo Alto, Calif. 94303-9512.
CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Company
Christine Martino, 408/553-3945
christine_martino@hp.com
Cate Rejman, 61-3-9210-5418 (Australia)
cate_rejman@hp.com |
