NBC Universal Taps Tandberg for HD Compression

Bravo HD, USA HD, Sci Fi HD, CNBC HD+ to Use Compression, Satellite-Transmission Technology

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/29/2007 10:58:00 AM

Tandberg Television announced that NBC Universal is using its compression and satellite-transmission technology for new high-definition channels Bravo HD, USA HD, Sci Fi HD and CNBC HD+.

NBCU’s new HD channels, which premiered earlier this month, are using Tandberg MPEG-2 HD multiplexes and the Tandberg Director network-management and receiver-control system, along with DVB-S2 8PSK modulators. Tandberg’s DVB-S2 8PSK modulators incorporate the company’s Prekor technology, which optimizes the use of DVB-S2 8PSK modulation by pre-correcting for distortions that hamper the efficiency of the satellite signal, thus delivering the maximum transmitted bit rate per transponder.

NBCU is also using Tandberg’s Director Advantage service, a complete turnkey managed solution for the deployment of integrated/receiver decoders at its cable, satellite and telco affiliates, and a multiservice decryptor fully integrated with the Director System.

“We were excited to leverage Tandberg Television’s expertise and products to deliver the highest-quality HD experience for our viewers nationwide,” NBCU vice president of distribution technology, Media Works Larry C. Thaler said in a statement.