NBC Universal taps Tandberg for support of HD networks

NBC Universal has chosen Tandberg Television, part of the Ericsson Group, to provide compression products and managed services for the launch of its new high definition (HD) channels, including Bravo HD, USA HD, Sci-Fi HD and CNBC HD, which premiered October 3rd. The deal enabled NBC Universal to expand its program offerings to cable, satellite and IPTV service providers throughout the United States.

“We benefit from a long standing relationship with Tandberg Television and value their innovative solutions which impact how content providers can more effectively distribute programming,” said Larry C. Thaler, Vice President, Distribution Technology Media Works, NBC Universal. “We were excited to leverage Tandberg Television’s expertise and products to deliver the highest quality HD experience for our viewers nationwide.”

For the first time in the US, Tandberg Television supplied its DVB-S2 8PSK modulators with Prekor to distribute programming to service providers. The DVB-S2 modulation standard is designed to increase the throughput of a satellite transponder, or increase downlink margins for better reception. Prekor, which recently won the award for best satellite contribution/distribution/transmission solution at the Cable & Satellite International Product of the Year Awards during IBC 2007, optimizes the use of DVB-S2 8PSK modulation by pre-correcting for distortions that can greatly reduce the maximum transmitted bit rate.

NBC Universal also deployed a Tandberg system that includes MPEG-2 HD multiplexes and the Tandberg Director network management and receiver control system. With best-in-class bandwidth performance, these market leading encoding solutions provide NBC Universal with scaleable, future-proofed solutions.

In addition, Tandberg Television also provided NBC Universal with its new Director Advantage service. Director Advantage is a turnkey managed IRD deployment solution that offers content providers warehousing, testing, packaging, shipping and installation assistance for receivers in addition to managing the entire authorization process from initial testing through to final operational performance at the receive location.

“We are at the cutting edge of innovation in the broadcast industry, and are thrilled to be working with NBC Universal to deliver its exciting new HD channels,” said Al Nu ez, president of the Americas, Tandberg Television, Inc. “We are committed to both media companies and service providers alike to provide high quality digital video solutions that bring an enhanced television experience to the home.”