Transcoding for program distribution

Transcoding for program distribution Integrated Networks with High Quality, Dense Transcoding Broadcasters and Programmers are continually looking to take advantage of technological advances that reduce their distribution costs. MPEG-4 AVC compression in conjunction with DVB-S2 satellite transmission is the perfect combination to achieve such transmission efficiency gains. However, many TV systems are locked into MPEG-2 technology for the foreseeable future. Such systems often include digital cable installations which were deployed with MPEG2 HD capability where no consumer USP exists to drive the need to swap out the deployed set-top box population. A similar technology problem also exists for MPEG-2 SD digital terrestrial systems where the deployed consumer equipment is wholly owned by the consumer and where the deployed STB population can run in to many millions of units.

rogrammer Headend

Traditionally the required format conversion between MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-2 has been achieved by decoding the MPEG-4 AVC services back to baseband video and then re-encoding the services as MPEG2. This decode-recode technology results in large, expensive and complex regional headends. The advent of transcoding technology brings about a simpler and more affordable network infrastructure. The Power of Transcoding As no “magical” mathematical translation between MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-2 algorithms exist, transcoding technology is still based around decode-recode techniques but is achieved in a more integrated solution that allows for a cost-effective and channel dense solution. Critically though, transcode technology allows for management of all the ancillary services and data that accompanies the elementary video stream. In this respect, transcoding provides a powerful solution to the ancillary service management problem that is difficult and complex to manage with traditional decode/recode infrastructure. Transcoding techniques allow for the passing of associated audio services, precisely maintaining lip-sync, remapping and manipulating elementary streams and data elements where required.

High Definition MPEG-4 AVC, DVB-S2

Satellite Distribution

High Definition MPEG-4 AVC, DVB-S2

Satellite Distribution

Legacy MPEG-2

Network Local Cable Headend

Legacy MPEG-2

Programmer Headend Local Cable Headend

Local Cable Headend

DVB-S2

MPEG-2, DTT

MPEG-2, DTT

Local Local Re-transmission Re-transmission

Network

Local Cable Headend

Legacy MPEG-2

Network

Network

MPEG-4 AVC, DVB-S2 MPEG-4 AVC,

Legacy MPEG-2

Broadcast Broadcast Center Center

MPEG-2, DTT

MPEG-2, DTT Local Re-transmission

Local Re-transmission

The RX8252 Program Transcoder The Ericsson RX8252 Program Transcoder allows legacy systems to continue MPEG-2 operation whilst allowing the Programmer to distribute using MPEG4 AVC compression by offering both dense and high quality transcoding from MPEG-4 AVC to MPEG-2. The RX8252 Program Transcoder offers a high level of transcode density and sophistication. The RX8252 can be configured to enable up to six transcodes of any combination of HD to HD and SD to SD transcoding - allowing the programmer to address all tiers of service providers. In addition to video processing, the RX8252 Program Transcoder also provides an unsurpassed level of flexibility in its network interfacing through a choice of service filtering and PID remapping capabilities. Digital MPEG-2 Infrastructure

Network Local Cable Headend

Analog Tier

Network

Whilst video systems have been progressing to an all-digital infrastructure for many years, the RX8252 Program Transcoder recognises the fact that alongside a legacy MPEG-2 network edge infrastructure there may also exist an even older analog network. The RX8252 provides the capability to decode (and downconvert to SD if necessary) a single video channel to baseband video.

Cost-Efficient Receiver Management - Director By Ericsson For distribution systems that incorporate large numbers of receive devices deployed over a large geographical area, the control of that receiver population can become a costly and difficult to manage. Director by Ericsson provides an integrated solution that manages all the deployed receivers from one central location. Director by Ericsson consists of three control elements: Content protection, Over-air control, Software updates. Each of these elements provide the network operator the freedom to manage their receiver population in a flexible manner whilst removing the need for locally deployed, high cost expertise at the remote locations. By integrating this flexibility with scheduled or instantaneous task management the network infrastructure can be managed in both a planned and reactive manner.

Content Protection Content Protection

Program content delivered over satellite is securely protected through the RX8252 Program Transcoder’s conditional access capabilities. The RX8252 is fully integrated to provide compatibility with DVB Common Interface and BISS CA. Conditional access and control ability canContent be further enhanced by employing Software Download Protection Director by Ericsson - a sophisticated CA and receiver population control and management system.

Software Download Software Download

Over-air Control of Receivers

Americas

Asia Pacific

Australasia

Ericsson Television Inc.

Ericsson Television Limited

Ericsson Television Pty Limited

Europe, Middle East, India and Africa

Telephone: +1 678 812 6300

Telephone: +852 2590 2388

Telephone: +61 2 9111 4999

Ericsson Television Limited

Email: [email protected]



Telephone: +44 (0)23 8048 4666

The content of this document is subject to revision without notice due to continued progress in methodology, design and manufacturing. Ericsson shall have no liability for any error or damage of any kind resulting from the use of this document.


© Ericsson AB 2012