Harmonic, Nagra join forces for MPEG-DASH multi-screen
Nagra and Harmonic are laying the foundation for what they claim will be the world’s first commercial MPEG-DASH over-the-top service.
The service is being jointly offered by Spanish infrastructure telecom operator Abertis Telecom and Nagra. The multi-screen hosting service is already in use by Spanish broadcasters for their HbbTV-based services and will be enhanced to become what is expected to be the world’s first commercial deployment of MPEG-DASH, a standards-based adaptive streaming protocol that supports multiple DRM systems via common encryption, as well as the first deployment of HbbTV 1.5.
As part of the multi-screen platform, Harmonic’s ProMedia suite and Nagra’s MediaLive Multiscreen solution provided the Abertis Telecom-Nagra cloud service with an integrated video infrastructure capable of delivering OTT applications, including live, VOD and time-shifting, to TVs, PCs, tablets, smartphones, set-top boxes and other IP-connected devices.
“Nagra is committed to providing flexible solutions required to cost-effectively deploy multi-screen services that address future market needs. With this MPEG-DASH and HbbTV 1.5 deployment, Nagra and Harmonic continue to lead the industry in supporting innovative television services,” said Jean-Michel Puiatti, vice president of multi-screen products for Nagra. “The multi-DRM support provided by Nagra MediaLive Multiscreen simplifies the encryption of video content to multiple devices and lowers capital and operating costs for service providers.”
Harmonic’s ProMedia performs a broad range of processing and streaming tasks – including capture, transcoding, packaging and origin server functions – to enable multi-platform video creation and delivery. The platform can scale to support hundreds of simultaneous streams, simplifying the deployment of the live OTT service.
“As a member of the DASH Industry Forum and recent participant in the first live, public MPEG-DASH trial at the London Olympic Games with European broadcaster VRT, Harmonic is excited to continue its support of the industry’s premier standard for streaming multimedia over the Internet. By launching the world’s first OTT service supporting MPEG-DASH, Abertis Telecom and Nagra are breaking new ground and helping to build the future of multi-screen delivery,” said Thierry Fautier, senior director of convergence solutions at Harmonic.
Verimatrix, Envivio, NXP demo VCAS for DASH
Verimatrix has unveiled VCAS for DASH, the world’s first commercial-grade MPEG-DASH secure delivery solution. Extending the Verimatrix range of over-the-top solutions opens up the universe of multi-network, multi-screen delivery to DASH standard-compliant smart devices, helping accelerate the growth of new services and revenue streams for multi-network operators.
Verimatrix demonstrated VCAS for DASH in collaboration with ecosystem partners Envivio and NXP Software at IBC 2012, highlighting the benefits of a broadly supported rights management delivery architecture. The end-to-end delivery demonstration illustrated DASH encoding and ISO standard encryption using the Envivio Muse Encoder, Envivio Halo Network Media Processor and NXP Software’s LifeVibes QuickPlayer.
“Verimatrix is offering a solution that enables operators to leverage the flexibility and power of the Halo Network Media Processor to quickly extend its range of supported devices and deliver secure streaming services in DASH format,” said Boris Felts, vice president of product marketing at Envivio. “With the new options that MPEG-DASH makes available and its growing market adoption, we anticipate that robust DASH support will become a competitive differentiator for multi-network operators. We are delighted to have collaborated with Verimatrix on this important project.”
“Verimatrix VCAS for DASH enables a rapid deployment of new standards-based services protected by a trusted brand,” said Peter Van de Berg, director of marketing and sales at NXP Software. “We are excited to contribute the living room experience and extensive device coverage of QuickPlayer as part of this project that is fueling the premium multi-screen services of the future.”
SeaWell adds support for MPEG-DASH
SeaWell Networks has introduced an MPEG-DASH-based system that provides ad insertion for both live and on-demand content.
With new support for DASH, along with previous support for Smooth Streaming, HLS and HDS, network operators are now able to use SeaWell’s Spectrum software to convert all major streaming formats dynamically and deliver IP video content to any connected device.
Spectrum is a session control solution for adaptive bit rate (ABR) streaming video that enables operators to deliver content to any connected device while arming them with the power and personalization of dynamic ad insertion, stream management and analytics.
SeaWell director of product management Brian Stevenson claimed that Spectrum is currently the only system that provides universal ABR conversion and delivery.
Miranda debuts its new NV920 router controller
Miranda Technologies launched its new Nvision 920 purpose-built, enterprise-class router controller, as well as an upgraded Nvision 8140 router. Both are designed with no-compromise functionality at the heart of their compact cores.
The 1RU NV920 is specifically designed to control Miranda and third-party routers in demanding, space-constrained broadcast applications and includes redundant power supplies, front service capability and flexible configuration options, making it suited for production trucks and small studios.
The NV920 is available as a single controller that can be easily upgraded in the field to redundant control with the addition of a second control module. Because NV920 modules are user-replaceable from the front, there is no need to access the rear of the unit to remove cables, wires or screws. This enables quick changes to additional or spare modules on the fly, with no interruption to service.
Miranda’s NV8140 is the latest addition to the NV8500 series of enterprise-class routers and takes advantage of technologies that already exist in that series.
What makes the NV8140 a standout addition to the NV8500 series is its support for hybrid audio/video routing with standard coax or fiber connectivity via a rectangular 144 x 288 matrix, all housed in 8RU. Like the new controller, this router is an ideal option for mobile production vehicles and smaller studios.
RGB Networks beefs up TV Everywhere stable
RGB Networks showed off its new TransAct Encoder/Transcoder, which is integrated with RGB’s existing TransAct Transcoder product line, and offers the ability to ingest uncompressed SDI-sourced live content, as well as IP and file input, for live or on-demand IP video delivery to smartphones, tablets, PCs and connected TVs, as well as traditional set-top boxes. The new product is an expansion of RGB’s Enhanced Video Intelligence Architecture (eVIA).
“The addition of the newly revamped TransAct Encoder/Transcoder to our eVIA ecosystem gives providers the key building blocks they need to stay on the leading edge of multi-screen video delivery,” said Nabil Kanaan, senior director of product marketing for RGB. “The strengthening of eVIA opens up new opportunities for video service providers to develop compelling live and on-demand services, which increase both subscriber retention and revenue generation, and ultimately ease their transition to a monetized, multi-device video environment.”
The TransAct Encoder/Transcoder features several input and output choices, including SDI input and output for live video; packaged formats such as Apple HLS, Microsoft Smooth Streaming, Adobe HDS, MPEG-DASH or RTMP; and a mezzanine format for “just-in-time” packaging.
GreenPeak launches 1st dual-protocol ZigBee chip
GreenPeak Technologies launched the new GP710, a dual-protocol ZigBee communications controller with simultaneous support for ZigBee RF4CE and ZigBee IP/ZigBee PRO protocols.
The GP710 communication controller is targeted for set-top boxes, gateways and Smart Home controllers and is designed for simultaneously supporting ZigBee RF4CE applications, such as remote controls, as well as ZigBee IP or ZigBee PRO Smart Home applications, such as security, home care and energy management.
The benefits of this GreenPeak dual-protocol communication chip are a simpler product design, cost reduction of the total product bill of material (single silicon), and a less complex PCB and antenna that makes it simpler and faster for developers to integrate ZigBee into their set-top box or gateway designs.