Pixel Power delivers graphics for first UK HD channel

Pixel Power Ltd has announced it will provide the HD graphics for Red Bee Media’s new HD channel due to launch in May for the World Cup.
The deal for two Clarity 5000 hybrid SD/HD graphics systems sees Pixel Power and Red Bee offering the UK’s first publicly available HD service.
Pixel Power will provide the graphics solutions to display captions, scores, logos and statistics throughout the competition.
“Pixel Power has the longest history of HD character generator development and makes the ideal partner for this landmark HD launch,” said Red Bee Media CTO Chris Howe. “Our initial trial enabled us to gain valuable insight into the viability of various formats and operating processes and positioned us to pioneer HD best-practice.”
The new channel will use MPEG4 encoding for superior reception. Red Bee will also use content originally captured in HD rather than ‘up-resing’ content originally captured in SD to HD. The HD channel launch follows the success of the two companies’ proof-of-concept HD test channel showcased at IBC 2005.
“Pixel Power understands the importance of creating original graphics in HD for HD transmission,” said Pixel Power Managing Director James Gilbert. “Red Bee and Pixel Power have already demonstrated that their technology is ready to fulfil HD ambitions and I look forward to providing HD graphics to broadcasters across the UK and around the world.”
(GB)