Streambox supplies advanced encoding solution

Streambox, a leading supplier of real-time video over IP solutions for broadcasting, satellite, and cable, has announced that WVPT - Virginia's Public Television - is using Streambox SBT3 encoding and decoding solutions to distribute real-time, broadcast programming to the Washington, DC market.
The Streambox systems provide a cost-effective solution for transmitting high-quality video and audio over a dedicated LAN to Dish Network and DirecTV, the distribution channels for WVPT in the DC area.
"We tested six different codec sets using our 'compression-buster' test, and none of the other solutions came close to the quality and functionality provided by Streambox," said Tony Mancari, Chief Operations Officer at WVPT. "In addition to exceptional video quality, the Streambox systems offer real-time analogue and digital outputs, as well as variable compression schemes up to 3 Mbps. Unlike other systems, the Streambox gear produced video with very few artefacts, passed closed captioning correctly, and provided flexible output options without the need for external conversion gear. It performed flawlessly."
Signal interference prevented WVPT from using its over-the-air system to deliver an acceptable broadcast signal to the Washington/Hagerstown DMA. It also was unable to tap into a TV1 line to deliver to Dish Network or DirecTV operation terminals. To achieve the best results, WVPT opted for distribution through a dedicated LAN, comprised of bonded T1 copper landlines.
A single Streambox SBT3-7100 encoder installed at WVPT accepts the entire programme stream fed as an SDI input with embedded audio, and provides an analogue or digital output as required for monitoring, recording, or distribution. The encoder sends separate digital video signals to Dish Network and DirecTV points of presence, each of which is equipped with a Streambox SBT3-5100 decoder. The signal provided by the Streambox solution is unusually clean, enabling superior performance for recompression and delivery over satellite. Support for closed captioning transport helps WVPT meet FCC requirements. Genlock on output ensures smooth, accurate signal mixing.
(GB)