Today Harmonic took the wraps off of its DiviCom Flex technology, which is a new universal video and audio decoding module that adds video decoding to the company’s DiviCom Electra and Ion encoders.

The new module can be inserted into the existing Harmonic encoder chassis for an upgrade that enables full IP processing across all headend devices. The DiviCom Flex module supports MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-2 streams in SD and HD, and “delivers on the promise of an all-IP headend by enabling full IP processing across all headend devices,” according to Harmonic.

The Flex module also offers IP input functionality that Harmonic said further enables deployment of geographically distributed headend architectures and allows operators to source content from IP networks or IP-ready RF demodulators/descramblers.

"Our broadcast, cable, satellite and telco customers are embracing video over IP technology at a rapid pace, and they are looking to eliminate baseband audio and video wiring, switching, and routing in their operations," said Elie Sader, product marketing manager at Harmonic. "We are transitioning to a model where content is acquired over IP networks or IP-enabled devices, and then translated into formats suitable for the operator’s delivery platform.”

Harmonic also announced today that India-based Eenadu Television (ETV) picked Harmonic for its MPEG-4 digital headend upgrade.

ETV, which is both a content programmer and broadcaster, reaches an estimated 60 million homes. By upgrading to an IP-based MPEG-4 network, ETV is increasing its network capacity and is investing in a scalable platform that can support additional channels or other revenue-generating services.

ETV distributes its channel lineup via satellite from its headend facility to regional cable headends throughout India. For the upgrade, ETV chose Harmonic's DiviCom Electra 5400 SD encoders, ProStream 1000 stream processing with DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing and NMX Digital Service Manager.

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