New PowerVu encoder from SFA. I assume that it (tries to) compete with DiviCom's MV-40 encoder......
biz.yahoo.com
Scientific-Atlanta's New PowerVu Plus Products
Include Statistical Multiplexing and 4:2:2 Encoding
Extensive New Products and Features Introduced at IBC Show in Amsterdam will Widen Market
Appeal of PowerVu System and Provide Expanded Capabilities For Programmers, Broadcasters,
and Service Providers
ATLANTA, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific-Atlanta (NYSE: SFA - news) today announced the introduction of PowerVu
Plus(TM) digital video compression products, the fourth-generation platform of its popular and widely used satellite television
distribution system. Currently, more than 300 PowerVu(TM) systems deliver approximately 1000 channels of digital television
in more than 170 countries around the globe.
''The PowerVu Plus platform will support new, advanced video compression applications well into the 21st century,'' said
Perry Tanner, president of the Satellite Television Networks business unit at Scientific-Atlanta. ''We focused our research and
development activities on these new products, their features, and the applications they support. They are the culmination of our
combined television transmission talent and experience, blended with extensive, detailed input from our customers. We have
analyzed the trends of the marketplace and developed the products that will deliver the features and revenue generating
services and applications needed by all of the markets we serve -- programmers, broadcasters, and service providers.
''Programmers will benefit from our statistical multiplexer's ability to increase channel-loading within a given multiplex to
deliver more channels without sacrificing video quality. Broadcasters can deliver improved picture quality to their viewers using
the additional chroma sampling delivered by 4:2:2 profile support in the PowerVu Plus products. And, as service providers
seek new revenue opportunities, our PowerVu IP(TM) solution will enable them to deliver exciting video, audio, and data
applications directly to desktop PCs using a high-speed, high-volume satellite link.''
In addition to the new capabilities they deliver, the compact design of the new PowerVu Plus products will provide
space-saving benefits to all users. For example, the new PowerVu Plus Advanced Multiplexer and Advanced Encoder
provide over a 50 percent savings on rack space compared with current equipment.
Features for programmers, broadcasters, and service providers
The new PowerVu Plus digital products, which all support MPEG-2, DVB, ATSC, AC-3 audio, and standard DVB/ASI
interfaces, will include:
PowerVu Plus Advanced Encoder - This encoder will provide versatile
performance and high-quality images through its powerful video pre-
processing capabilities. It supports both the 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 profiles in
a 2U configuration. A new PowerVu Professional Receiver is also available
for single or multiple channel reception of 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 video streams.
PowerVu Plus Professional Receiver - Capable of receiving either 4:2:2
or 4:2:0 signals, this new receiver is capable of single or multiple
channel operation. Its features include support for 525-line NTSC or 625-
line PAL-M/B/N formats for use in virtually any location around the globe.
PowerVu Plus Advanced Multiplexer - The new PowerVu Plus Advanced
Multiplexer will support intelligent statistical multiplexing for
providing an increased number of channels as well as optimized bandwidth
usage in the transport stream. In addition, the new PowerVu Plus Advanced
Multiplexer will support up to 22 channels of video plus two backup
channels, is high-definition (HD) television-ready, and has a small,
space-saving 3U profile.
PowerVu Plus Network Centre - A new version of the system's network
management, security, and subscriber management system provides higher
capacity and increased operating power in a workstation environment. The
PowerVu Plus Network Centre's open environment on a powerful, high-
capacity Sun SPARC/Solaris platform has ample capacity and performance
capabilities to support future generations of new features and
applications our customers will require.
The recently announced PowerVu HD(TM) Encoder and Decoder products for HDTV and SDTV applications are designed
to operate with the PowerVu Plus platform and are especially well suited for use by television broadcasters as they migrate
from analog to digital distribution. In addition, the PowerVu IP(TM) product, a PC card solution designed to meet the growing
demand for delivering high-speed Internet access, data broadcast and video-to-the-desktop applications via satellite, is a
complementary product line to the PowerVu Plus system environment.
Backward compatibility with installed base
The PowerVu Plus system is designed to be backward-compatible with current PowerVu IRDs enabling the large global
installed base to receive 4:2:0 signals encoded and processed by the new PowerVu Plus system. The new PowerVu Plus
products will be available beginning in December 1998. ''Existing PowerVu systems can be easily upgraded to add powerful,
enhanced new features to networks without impacting the installed base of PowerVu IRDs,'' added Tanner.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (http://www.sciatl.com) is a leading supplier of broadband communications systems, satellite-based
video, voice and data communications networks and worldwide customer service and support.
''Forward-looking statements'' as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news
release. A variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ from the anticipated results expressed in such
forward-looking statements. Investors are referred to the Company's Cautionary Statements (Exhibit 99 to the Company's
most recent Form 10-Q), which statements are incorporated into this news release by reference.
PowerVu is a registered trademark, and PowerVu Plus, PowerVu HD, and PowerVu IP are trademarks, of
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
SOURCE: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. |
