Vubiquity is providing an integrated MPEG-2 /MPEG-4 linear television service for cable operators. Americable is the first customer.
Vubiquity is offering the service, called LiveVU, as a means for cable operators who are now delivering video in MPEG-2 to migrate gradually to MPEG-4 delivery by enabling them to deliver channels in both formats.
One option open to LiveVU customers is to use the service to add HD channels and other high-bandwidth services delivered on hybrid MPEG-2/MPEG-4 set-top boxes from a variety of vendors that include Evolution Digital and Samsung.
Vubiquity currently has 103 HD channels available, with more scheduled to be added throughout 2014.
Americable, which provides television service to US military personnel deployed in Asia, will be among the first to launch with the integrated LiveVU solution this month.
“Americable is always looking for ways to provide the best experience for our deployed service people,” said James Smith, CEO, Americable. “That means providing the best content from ‘home’ at the highest quality possible. With LiveVU from Vubiquity, we have an easy and cost-effective solution for achieving both, while scaling our systems for future growth.”
“Unlike other linear aggregation platforms, LiveVU provides SD channels in both MPEG2 and MPEG4, plus an extensive MPEG 4 HD lineup that continues to grow as our customers do,” said Jim Riley, CRO, Vubiquity. “Technology is advancing at warp speed, and the cost of rebuilding, maintaining and upgrading a headend is something many service providers find difficult to justify, and because Vubiquity has made a significant investment in our 10GB fiber ring platform, customers like Americable are now benefitting from it. We are proud to launch with our newest affiliate to ensure that their customers – American service men and women – receive the best content at the highest quality – now and into the future.”