NBC Universal went with Tandberg Television’s video-compression technologies in order to launch HD on its cable networks.
NBC Universal used a combination of compression products and managed services to launch HD on Bravo HD, USA HD, Sci-Fi HD, and CNBC HD, which premiered Oct. 3. NBC Universal said the deal with Tandberg allowed it to expand its program offerings to cable, satellite and IPTV service providers throughout the United States.
“We benefit from a long standing relationship with Tandberg Television and value their innovative solutions which impact how content providers can more effectively distribute programming,” said Larry C. Thaler, vice president, distribution technology media works, NBC Universal, in a statement. “We were excited to leverage Tandberg Television’s expertise and products to deliver the highest quality HD experience for our viewers nationwide.”
The deal with NBC also marked the first time that Tandberg has supplied its DVB-S2 8PSK modulators with its Prekor product in the U.S. to distribute programming to service providers. The DVB-S2 modulation standard is designed to increase the throughput of a satellite transponder, or increase downlink margins for better reception. According to Tandberg, Prekor optimizes the use of DVB-S2 8PSK modulation by pre-correcting for distortions that reduce the maximum transmitted bit rate.
NBC Universal also deployed a Tandberg system that included MPEG-2 HD multiplexes and the Tandberg Director network management and receiver control system. In addition, Tandberg also provided NBC Universal with its new Director Advantage service, a turnkey managed product for the deployment of IRDs, and a multi-service decryptor fully integrated with its Director System.
