Harmonic Expands Multiscreen Video Delivery Capabilities With ProStream 4000 Enhancements

Harmonic has announced enhancements to its carrier-grade ProStream 4000 multiscreen transcoder optimised for adaptive streaming applications that enable operators to meet growing demand for OTT and mobile TV services, while improving the video viewing experience.
New capabilities include increased scalability, premium H.264 video encoding, multi-encapsulation and expanded compatibility with a range of content distribution networks (CDNs) and digital rights management (DRM) software. This solution is easily integrated into existing video infrastructures and can be controlled and monitored through Harmonic's NMX Digital Service Manager.
To manage the complexity of multiscreen and OTT applications, ProStream 4000's high-density configuration now supports the simultaneous processing of up to 48 video inputs and 48 legacy mobile phone, 18 iPhone, 12 SD or four transcoded HD video outputs per single rack unit (1-RU). The ProStream 4000's new built-in multi-encapsulation feature enables operators to encode once and encapsulate to a variety of target video formats, such as Apple HTTP Live Streaming, Microsoft Smooth Streaming and Adobe HTTP Dynamic Streaming, as well as mutli-bitrate transport streams for NDS and Widevine Adapative Streaming.
Video quality is enhanced thanks to Harmonic's expertise in H.264 compression, including implementation of LookAhead and VBR technology enhancements and specifically engineered for adaptive streaming delivery. Additionally, the ProStream 4000's new multimachine synchronisation capabilities improve the HD multiscreen viewing experience.
Thierry Fautler, Senior Director, Convergence Solutions at Harmonic, said: "Harmonic continues to enhance its solution offerings that enable service providers and content creators to meet the growing demand for Internet and mobile video services. Our award-winning ProStream 4000 is a powerful, versatile solution for live transacting to multiple screens, with support for variety of ecosystems, and includes technology advances that effectively address streaming quality to significantly enhance Internet and mobile TV services."
Harmonic has extended the flexibility of ProStream 4000 through integration with industry-leading CDNs for a variety of adaptive streaming and legacy protocols. A new open Key Management System (KMS) interface allows operators to connect to multiple DRM systems. The ProStream 4000 also boasts improved carrier-grade management capabilities through support for N+M redundancy and Harmonic's NMX software for network monitoring and control.
Since its introduction, the ProStream 4000 has been successfully deployed for new Internet and mobile TV services by leading satellite, telco, cable and broadcast operators in North America; major cable, telco and mobile operators in Europe; and a key CDN operator in the Middle East.
The ProStream 4000 will be on display at Harmonic's stand 85 during the IP&TV World Forum taking place between March 22-24 in London. The ProStream 4000 will also be on display as part of Harmonic's comprehensive range of video distribution and delivery solutions at the 2011 NAB show in Las Vegas, April 11-14 in Stand SU4909. The company's line of production and playout solutions will be on display in Stand SL2005 during NAB.
(KMcA/GK)