Foxtel deploys Harmonic video processing for Ultra HD

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020
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Foxtel Expands Ultra HD Services with Harmonic

  • Market-Leading Electra® Media Processor Employs AI Encoding to Improve Bandwidth Efficiency

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that Foxtel, a leading subscription-TV provider in Australia, has deployed Harmonic’s software-based Electra® XOS live video processor to increase efficiencies in its Ultra HD service offering. Utilizing the AI-powered Electra XOS solution, Foxtel is able to deliver additional Ultra HD programming using the same fixed bandwidth capacity.

“Video delivery technologies have evolved tremendously over the past few years, enabling even greater efficiencies,” said Darren Windus, distribution systems manager at Foxtel. “As a longstanding Harmonic customer, transitioning to the Electra XOS solution allows us to take advantage of advanced technologies, such as AI, and as a result deliver richer Ultra HD content with amazing quality at low bitrates.”

Harmonic’s Electra XOS solution, part of Harmonic’s market-leading Electra family, brings together industry-leading expertise in video algorithms and the latest in AI innovation to deliver exceptional video quality when bandwidth is limited. The solution supports streaming and broadcast formats, HDR processing, uncompressed and compressed IP inputs, and integrated packaging to simplify live video workflows. The software-based Electra XOS platform allows for continual updates with the latest technology advancements, ensuring that Foxtel stays ahead of the curve.

“Today’s viewers expect to watch Ultra HD channels, especially for live sports. But delivering higher resolution content can put a significant strain on the operators’ network capacity,” said Tony Berthaud, vice president of sales and video services, APAC, at Harmonic. “Foxtel trusted Harmonic’s expertise in high-efficiency encoding to simplify the launch of its Ultra HD programming. This successful deployment at Foxtel is a clear demonstration of the world-class video quality, optimized bandwidth and system reliability that the Electra XOS solution provides.”