Motorola intros MPEG-4 encoders

LAS VEGAS, USA: Motorola has released two MPEG-4 encoder solutions that will dramatically enhance the operational efficiency of distributing high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video for service and content providers.

The new multi channel NE (network encoder) MPEG-4 AVC SD encoder family joins the successful 1RU SE (single channel encoder) series MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) HD and SD encoders to offer a complete encoder product line that satisfies the content distribution needs of a broad range of service providers.

In addition, encoders in the 1 RU SE family will receive a firmware update making these AVC Multi-Format Video Encoders more efficient to deliver services at lower bit rates, enabling service providers to deliver more simultaneous HD streams per household. As a result, consumers will be able to watch and record multiple HD programs -- or watch different HD programs on different HDTV sets.

Bandwidth improvements of up to 25 percent for high action sports are possible with SE encoders, meaning that operators can increase the number of simultaneous services delivered to the home, while maintaining customers' video quality expectations.

The new NE series comprises real-time, full-resolution multi-channel standard definition encoders that deliver high quality CBR video services at exceptionally low bit rates. The NE series features two channels in a single rack unit chassis for a high density solution designed to deliver IP-based multi-channel services, ideal for headend environments. This IP-centric platform delivers flexibility and value. It dramatically enhances headend architectures, reducing box count, simplifying signal routing and redundancy support by accepting MPEG-2 content streams over IP as the input source and eliminating the need for external decoders.

The rich NE feature set includes Constrained Fidelity CBR, a capped VBR mode for IPTV environments, and a low resolution proxy output stream (PIP) for program guide or monitoring applications. Additionally, specific NE models are Microsoft Mediaroom conformance tested with a Linux-based platform that is ideal for demanding CBR applications.