TANDBERG TV launches next generation MediaPath Content Delivery System at NAB 08

TANDBERG Television, part of the Ericsson Group, is launching its next generation MediaPath Secure Content Delivery System, which distributes content across ‘Any Platform to Any Device’, in its booth #SU4210 at the NAB Show . The system offers content providers, network operators, and their affiliates, a scalable, end-to-end solution for the secure point to multi-point delivery of non-linear digital HD and SD TV programs as well as any other file-based content including VOD programs, advertising, music, and games. The new MediaPath system enables content providers and cable, telco and satellite operators to closely collaborate to deliver more types of content, in more formats, more efficiently.

Using the next generation MediaPath system, media assets can be delivered to receiver locations serving set-top boxes, PCs, and mobile media players. Multiple delivery options include MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC. The MediaPath system offers a performance boost over its predecessor, and supports DVB-S2 to provide faster satellite delivery while simultaneously enabling terrestrial delivery via a shared network. Terrestrial unicast and multicast distribution are supported. Encryption software for security and error correction protects media assets throughout the entire delivery process. Proactive monitoring ensures content is flowing throughout the MediaPath system as well as the VOD and asset management systems downstream.

"Increasing amounts of HD content require a more efficient delivery method as that content is distributed to both traditional and new TV platforms. Consequently, TANDBERG Television expanded the features of the MediaPath Secure Content Delivery System," said Andrew Rowe, Vice President of Software Product Management at TANDBERG Television. "The next generation MediaPath system removes previous file limitations and now supports the delivery of media assets beyond VOD to also include non-VOD content such as advertising, music, and games. Its ability to simultaneously deliver content via satellite and terrestrially allows content providers and operators even more flexibility."

Components of the next generation MediaPath system include the Manager, Pitcher and Catcher. These components provide a high level of recovery and redundancy. The Manager provides a comprehensive set of tools to access details about inventory, scheduling, security, reporting, as well as the Pitcher, Catcher and packaging components of the system. The Pitcher provides robust and reliable simultaneous satellite and terrestrial (shared network) distribution. And, the Catcher receives content from the Pitcher and automatically delivers packages directly to an authorized asset management system or video complex, eliminating the need for costly manual processing.

The MediaPath Secure Content Delivery System, currently delivers media assets to 900 commercial deployments in the U.S. reaching millions of VOD-enabled subscribers. The next generation of this powerful system provides a quantum leap of performance and a seamless migration path ensures no service interruption for existing customers.