Harmonic Releases MPEG-2 HD Encoder

Harmonic introduced a new MPEG-2 high definition (HD) CBR/VBR encoder that can offer up to a 25% improvement in MPEG-2 HD compression efficiency relative to previous generation platforms. The new DiviCom MV 500 encoder offers and integrates seamlessly with Harmonic's DiviTrackIP distributed statistical multiplexing solution.



Harmonic said the new DiviCom MV 500 makes it possible for cable operators to deliver as many as four HD programs within a single 256-QAM channel. This represents a significant increase in channel density that can accelerate the transition to an all-HD world.



It also features a "LookAhead" multi-pass architecture, motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF) and unique adaptive coding techniques enable the MV 500 to generate superior quality HD video at bit-rates previously unattainable with MPEG-2.



In VBR (variable bit-rate) mode, the MV 500 can be seamlessly added into an existing multiplex utilizing Harmonic's DiviTrackXE, an ASI-based closed-loop statistical multiplexer, to provide an immediate improvement in bandwidth efficiency and video quality.



The MV 500 supports both 1080i and 720p video resolutions as well as various audio formats including MPEG Audio Layer II, Dolby Digital AC-3, AAC, aacPlus and Dolby E.

http://www.harmonicinc.com