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Veldhoven, September 7, 2007
For the expansions of its digital head-ends, CanalDigitaal in the Netherlands selected Simac Broadcast to supply, integrate and service compression solutions from Harmonic Inc. The total project covers the implementation of three fully redundant Harmonic compression systems and distributed statistical multiplexing for the new MPEG4 Standard Definition (SD), MPEG4 High Definition (HD) and MPEG2 SD services. The project will cover multiple locations from CanalDigitaal in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium.
System Architecture
In close cooperation with Harmonic Inc., Simac Broadcast implemented a full demonstration system for CanalDigitaal to test and verify the functionality requested. During the evaluation process, continuous collaboration by all parties delivered a verified design for a future proof head-end based on MPEG-over-IP.
The CanalDigitaal headend includes Harmonic’s DiviCom® Electra™ 7000 HD MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) encoders and Electra 5000 series SD encoders. In addition to the outstanding bandwidth efficiency and picture quality available with the Harmonic compression solutions, CanalDigitaal is utilizing Harmonic’s DiviTrackIP™ distributed statistical multiplexing to further improve service carrying capacity and manage the satellite transport channel lineups in a more flexible manner.
“The IP based system will provide the versatility needed to adapt to the fast changing demands in the market, providing a future-proof system that can be expanded where seen fit,” Dick Hamann, Managing Director at Simac Broadcast says. “The cooperation with CanalDigitaal is a natural fit to both organisations. Within a very short time frame we have worked together and created the architecture requested. The selection of Harmonic as the supplier for the solution is a reflection of the high quality of Harmonic’s solutions and the strength of our strategic partnership.”
Kees Färber,Chief Operating Officer at CanalDigitaal says: "With the introduction of MPEG-4 encoding techniques we have looked again at the different vendors of compression and multiplexing equipment and after extensive tests we have come to the conclusion that Harmonic offers us the best solution for our current needs in respect to encoding efficiency and system architecture. Also the local presence of Harmonic via its partnership with Simac Broadcast played an important role in our decision. We believe that with this new relation we are equipped to deliver the market new services in MPEG-4 both in Standard and High Definition TV."
“CanalDigitaal’s new service adds HD and expands the SD program offerings for their customers, which are critical requirements for revenue growth and customer satisfaction,” said Glen Sakata, Vice President of EMEA Sales for Harmonic Inc. “Harmonic and Simac continue to work together to provide service operators around the world with innovative digital video solutions that support next generation video services and optimize bandwidth efficiency.”
Service and Support
Simac Broadcast has a well-established partner network, enabling a true one-stop shop service and support center for CanalDigitaal. Local presence was of key importance in the decision to select the new system.
“With Simac Broadcast as our system integrator, we found a party who can take the turn-key responsibility to supply, integrate and service the system. We have full confidence in the service capacities of Simac Broadcast,” says Robert Bungener – Manager Transmission and Decoders at CanalDigitaal. “The Service Level Agreement signed with Simac Broadcast lasts for four years, providing us the uptime guarantees needed for the system.”
About CanalDigitaal and TV-Vlaanderen
CanalDigitaal and TV-Vlaanderen are combined the largest provider of digital TV in the Benelux with more than 800,000 customers. CanalDigitaal and TV-Vlaanderen operate via direct broadcast satellite, providing customers access to all the Dutch and Flemish public and commercial broadcasters, premium sports and movie services, thematic channels and a wide range of free-to-air channels in various languages currently available on Astra (more than 200).
CanalDigitaal delivers "excellent quality of picture and sound" (according to the Dutch Consumers Society in 2005) when compared to other types of digital TV. For more information on CanalDigitaal and the offered services, please visit www.canaldigitaal.nl.
About Harmonic Inc.
Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of versatile and high performance video solutions that enable service providers to efficiently deliver the next generation of broadcast and on-demand services including high definition, video-on-demand, network personal video recording and time-shifted TV. Cable, satellite, broadcast and telecom service providers can increase revenues and lower operational expenditures by using Harmonic's digital video, broadband optical access and software solutions to offer consumers the compelling and personalized viewing experience that is driving the business models of the future.
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.
About Simac Broadcast
Simac Broadcast, a subsidiary of IMPEQ Technologies, is a true service company in the world of digital television, with a proven track record of delivering round-the-clock service, high quality products and knowledge to customers across the globe.
IMPEQ Technologies’ core activities are focused on Consultancy, System Integration & Support, Test & Measurement and Product Development.
IMPEQ Technologies and Simac Broadcast are headquartered in The Netherlands and has regional support offices in Italy, the United Kingdom, India and Singapore. Visit www.impeq.com or www.simacbroadcast.com for more information.
Contact information:
Maarten van Alphen
Marketing and Communication for Simac Broadcast and IMPEQ Technologies
t: +31 40 258 2050
f: +31 40 258 2055
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