Harmonic and Dimetis partner for DVB-T2 HEVC trials

Harmonic and Dimetis have partnered to create a next-generation TV field test system designed to “accelerate the distribution of next-generation terrestrial television services in Germany.”

The system is designed to let video content and service providers easily migrate to the new DVB-T2 and HEVC video compression standards and reduce capital and operational expenses.

The field test system will use a combination of Harmonic’s Electra X2 advanced media processor, ProStream 9100 high-density stream processor, DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing technology, and NMX Digital Service Manager. It will be integrated with the Boss Broadcast Manager from Dimetis.

Video delivery infrastructure firm Harmonic and German IP broadcast specialist Dimetis say that transitioning to the DVB-T2 standard will provide broadcasters with a wide range of benefits, including improved spectrum efficiency, SD to HD service enhancement, superior video quality, Dolby Digital Plus/AAC audio support, and DVB subtitles.

Using HEVC, the DVB-T2 standard enables broadcasters to deliver more services per channel at a low total cost of ownership with high video quality, the companies claim.

“The German TV market is just on the cusp of making the jump from DVB-T to DVB-T2 terrestrial television distribution. Developing an integrated DVB-T2 HEVC solution with Dimetis, we are helping to facilitate this next-generation television experience,” said Bart Spriester, senior vice president of video products at Harmonic.

Joachim Kniesel, CEO at Dimetis, added: “Relying on Germany’s current terrestrial TV distribution system, which is comprised of DVB-T and MPEG-2, TV service providers are ill-equipped to support the sophisticated requirements of today’s flat-screen television sets.”

Harmonic and Dimetis will exhibit at IBC on stands 1.B20 and 1.B30