Harmonic, a provider of video solutions, has introduced the Ellipse family of encoders for advanced digital video contribution applications.
Two models of the Ellipse line are the Ellipse 1000 for fixed line contribution and the Ellipse 2000 with DVB-S2 for digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG).
According to the company, the Ellipse 2000 facilitates mobile operations for live news or event coverage by providing low-latency encoding technology to DSNG vehicles.
The Ellipse 1000 encoder features dual GbE IP, DVB-ASI, as well as optional DVB-PDH or G.703 outputs to enable video contribution over wired communication links, such as a connection between a network’s headquarters operation and a remote news bureau or sports/entertainment venue, said Harmonic. Pro-MPEG COP3/SMPTE 2022 forward error correction technology reportedly helps to minimize packet loss for reliable, error-proof transmissions over IP networks.
Harmonic claims that by supporting compression standards ranging from MPEG-2 SD to MPEG-4 AVC HD/SD, the Ellipse platform enables a smooth MPEG migration path for broadcasters as they continue the transition to HDTV operations.
Both encoders can operate in standalone mode, without the need for an external PSI-SI generator or multiplexer. They provide broadcast quality video encoding at data rates of up to 50Mbps and advanced audio encoding. As with other Harmonic digital video applications, the Ellipse 1000 and Ellipse 2000 are built on a modular pay-as-you-go architecture that enables customers to invest in features as needed, through firmware upgrades, the company noted.
David Shamir, product marketing manager for Harmonic, said: Broadcasters need to cost-effectively maximize bandwidth utilization and facilitate content contribution, and our new Ellipse encoders deliver on these requirements. Using AVC and MPEG-2 compression technology packed in a small, low-power footprint, with simultaneous IP/ASI outputs and advanced multiplexing capabilities, the Ellipse encoders increase channel reliability while significantly reducing capital and operating expenses.
