content distribution feature
• Live TV on the Internet and mobile devices. • Live sporting events on the Internet and mobile devices.
• Video on Demand on the Internet. • Teleclub Sport Flash on the Internet and mobile devices.
• High definition TV.
outstanding performance and reliability, with a field-upgradeable codec library.
The system architecture for Swisscom TV air is unique. ProStream 4000 simultaneously transcodes each channel into a multi-resolution, multi-bit-rate, and multi-language stream. The streaming servers then convert this stream into multiple formats for iPhone 3.0, Silverlight, and 3GPP-compliant mobile devices.
The chart in Figure 1 is a simplified view of the video delivery segment of the Swisscom TV air solution. Harmonic’s ProStream 4000 multi- screen transcoder and NMX Digital Service Manager perform the live transcoding functions. The Harmonic solution was able to overcome the most pressing challenge - live transcoding of multiple formats that were coming into the system from a variety of sources, followed by preparation for delivery to multiple devices over a variety of delivery networks and streaming protocols. For example, mobile sessions can be in native 3GPP or Apple’s adaptive streaming format, and using different types of streaming servers, such as 3G, Apple and IIS-7. The Swisscom installation was the first Silverlight Smooth Streaming service launched with H.264, using multiple audio languages. Harmonic’s ProStream 4000 was the ideal solution to address the broad range of formats and protocols, with the extra benefit of being able to add more formats and functionality as needed through a simple license upgrade. “Harmonic’s compelling convergence solution and technology roadmap enables delivery of TV to our web and mobile customers,” said Volker Dietzel, head of TV & portal development at Swisscom Switzerland Ltd. “The ProStream 4000 transcoder delivers the performance, flexibility and scalability for the successful extension of our TV proposition.”
By deploying Harmonic technology to deliver the first three-screen TV service in Switzerland, Swisscom has gained a distinct competitive advantage in the market and greatly increased customer satisfaction and retention. The ProStream 4000 was designed specifically to support mobile and web video applications and, as part of Harmonic’s MediaPrism convergence suite, can be used as part of a complete and integrated TV, PC and mobile delivery architecture.
The ProStream 4000’s advanced capabilities enable Swisscom TV air to deliver:
As demonstrated with the Swisscom TV air rollout, Harmonic’s highly flexible solutions integrate seamlessly with existing architectures and network equipment providing significant cost and time-to-market advantages. Additionally, this flexible solution helped Swisscom achieve a vital milestone in integrating its infrastructure. Customer ordering, support and billing are now much more convenient for both the company and its customers, with previously separate operations and services brought together into one converged business platform.
For greater reach and revenue, this new system also provides the flexibility to allow Swisscom TV air services to be delivered over- the-top across more devices that are gaining traction, including Apple’s iPad, as well as Flash and Android devices.
Meeting the demand
The successful rollout of Swisscom TV air has resulted in a steady, ongoing stream of new subscribers for the innovative service. Swisscom is relying on the ProStream 4000’s scalable design to keep pace with the expanding subscription count and the resulting explosion in the number of concurrent video streaming sessions. “Creating an innovative service like Swisscom TV air was like being in the Wild West, and we needed partners we could trust,” continued Dietzel. “Harmonic brought the leadership, experience and technological know-how to successfully navigate the risks inherent in this new TV landscape. Harmonic brought the critical components to successfully meet this exciting video delivery challenge.”
Swisscom has a presence throughout Switzerland and offers a full range of products and services for mobile, landline and IP-based voice and data communication. Massive investments in network infrastructure ensure that this will remain the case in the future. With Swisscom TV, customers too have become increasingly aware of the trend towards multimedia.
Harmonic continues to work closely with leading operators like Swisscom to make the vision of ‘anytime, anywhere’ video a reality for subscribers. The company offers a comprehensive, innovative and market-leading portfolio of video infrastructure solutions, spanning content production to multiscreen video delivery. Harmonic customers can efficiently create, prepare and deliver differentiated video services over broadcast, cable, Internet, mobile, satellite and telecom networks, while simplifying end-to-end asset management, reducing costs and streamlining workflows.
www.ibeweb.com l march/april 2011 l ibe l 57
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