Thomson Video Networks has introduced Flextream 2.0, the latest development of its statistical multiplexing technology, which integrates ancillary services within the multiplexing pool. Flextream 2.0 frees up bandwidth provisioned for the processing of service components such as audio, teletext, subtitling, and closed-captioning, allowing it to be reallocated to improve video quality. With Flextream 2.0, users of Thomson’s ViBE encoders have the capability to activate new Flextream mechanisms to boost overall statistical multiplexing system performance and efficiency while simplifying operations through easier configuration and monitoring. Flextream 2.0 delivers better bit-rate performance and allows greater flexibility of architecture for system deployments involving hybrid statistical multiplexing for all-embracing services delivery, including multilanguage audio and multichannel subtitling. Flextream 2.0 addresses most architectures – in particular, those that carry the communication within the statistical multiplexing pools on the video backbone infrastructure itself, making the system highly fault-tolerant. Flextream 2.0 makes it easier to use free bandwidth by avoiding complex and risky automation tasks when operating a service plan to tune the bandwidth according to the current channel lineup. Instead, for each service selected in the Flextream 2.0 pools, eligible components automatically start freeing unused bandwidth. Using Flextream 2.0, operators configure an all-inclusive channel lineup and leave the system to adapt itself automatically to real-time conditions. “This substantial advance once again demonstrates Thomson Video Networks’ lead in compression and multiplexing technology,” said Hervé Congard, chief operating officer at Thomson Video Networks. “Year by year our innovations set the agenda for the industry and give broadcasters the tools to achieve greater profitability while delivering better pictures to their audiences.” Flextream 2.0 is available as a software upgrade to operators of Thomson ViBE encoders, NetProcessors, and XMS management systems, configured as a comprehensive statistical multiplexing system.
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