Canal Satélite Digital Expands HD Services With Thomson

Thomson Video Networks (formerly the digital headend division of Grass Valley) has announced that Canal Satélite Digital, a division of Sogecable and Spain's leading provider of satellite broadcasting services, has expanded its installation of Thomson Video Networks infrastructure to support the addition of two new HD transponders.
Canal Satélite Digital, which broadcasts more than 100 channels under the Digital+ brand, has installed new Thomson VIBE EM3000 HD Encoders and NetProcessor 9030 multiplexers at its facility in Tres Cantos, Madrid. The new compression system was installed with in-site start-up services from Thomson, which provided seamless integration with the broadcaster's existing XMS network management system.
The award-winning Thomson VIBE video encoding range, through its extensive and efficient use of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 compression standards, sets the benchmark for delivering premium picture quality to all screen types and over all networks - from large 3D screens to portable devices. Based on the most advanced video compression engine on the market today, the VIBE EM3000 premium MPEG-4/2 HD encoder establishes a new standard for HD encoding, alongside extensive Dolby surround sound, offering the full benefits of MPEG-4 AVC compression. With the ability to use all available compression toolsets, including true High Profile, the encoder allows operators to broadcast high-quality HD content at bit rates as low as 4 Mbps.
The NetProcessor 9030 is an MPEG multiplexer, scrambler and IP streamer housed in a 1RU chassis. It provides a powerful solution for receiving, customising and transmitting a set of digital services. Its unprecedented integration of MPEG processing features and network interfaces dramatically reduces the amount of equipment required in the field.
Christophe Delahouse, President of Thomson Video Networks, said: "It's pleasing that Canal Satélite Digital continues to grow and add new premium services for its subscriber base. The VIBE EM3000 and NetProcessor 9030 offer the broadcaster a proven solution that delivers exceptional picture with ultra-low bandwidth consumption - the recipe all broadcasters seek to follow for business success."
(KMcA)