The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) is to begin migrating its satellite-based contribution from MPEG2 to MPEG4 HD 4:2:2 compression using equipment from Adtec Digital, to help conserve bandwidth, writes David Fox.
The Adtec devices it is adopting include EN-81 multi-codec Encoder/Modulators and RD-60 multi-codec Integrated Receiver/Decoders.
According to an SRG SSR systems engineer, during testing “the Adtec devices provided the ultimate stability among all units in the test”. Adtec’s prices were also lower than their competitors. The engineer also added that it started by evaluating well known brands, as that provided a “feeling of security,” but after unsuccessful tests, “big names became less important,” he said. “It’s ultimately about quality.”
“The decision from SRG SSR to choose Adtec definitely sets standards in Switzerland and surrounding areas,” stated Hansgeorg Lichte, Director of Business Development for Adtec Europe.
“Due to Adtec’s perfect interoperability, SRG SSR can now exchange content not only from within in the country, but also from anywhere else – in any format, any codec, any colour space.”
The 1RU EN-81 is designed for Tier 1 satellite, ASI/fibre and IP contribution, and DSNG applications. It offers HD and SD MPEG2 and MPEG4 AVC encoding and has 16 audio channels. The 1RU RD60 (pictured) is a multi-codec low and normal delay MPEG2 and MPEG 4 AVC/H.264 high definition IRD. It is interoperable with other encoders making it suitable for mission-critical trunking, ad hoc OB, DSNG and teleport applications.
“We came with the right solution at the right time,” added Michael Armstrong, Adtec Digital sales manager for Northern Europe and the United Kingdom. “Adtec is one of the leading providers for contribution encoders and IRDs worldwide. We are glad to win SRG SSR as a partner for their migration path to MPEG4 HD 4:2:2 because the reliability of our equipment met Swiss standards.”
