Tata Communications and Harmonic deliver cloud-based transcoding

Media services provider Tata Communications has teamed up with video technology provider Harmonic to create a cloud-based broadcast-quality video transcoding and delivery service. 

According to Tata Communications, the service is being used by Viacom and Network18 Group joint venture Viacom18 to provide HD content transcoding and delivery.

Viacom18 is using the service to transcode and deliver HD master copies of Indian soap operas to customers in Pakistan for same-day syndicated playouts. Previously the content was only available after a delay that encouraged some viewers to access the shows via illicit sources, according to Tata Communications.

“Content creators, service providers and media professionals are under tremendous pressure to maximise the return on their investments, as pirated content can be so easily accessed on illegal websites. By speeding up monetisation of creative content through more efficient production and distribution of digital content globally, we are helping the industry to bridge the gap between broadcast and the Internet, and to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital media economy,” said Sameer Kanse, business head of Tata Communications’ media service.