HBO Latin America, which operates its own satellite distribution network, is looking to expand its HD options for subscribers with a new software upgrade. Eventually, all programming will be available in HD.
“Demand for high-definition programming continues to grow in Latin America," said Emilio Otermin, vice president of operations and engineering at HBO Latin America. “Working closely with Motorola, we designed an advanced digital distribution system to meet our unique needs and those of our affiliates."
Specifically, the broadcaster will soon upgrade its satellite network using MPEG-4 video encoding and DVB-S2 8PSK advanced modulation from Motorola Mobility to launch all MPEG-4 programming.
HBO Latin America will utilize Motorola’s SE-5100 encoder to process HD video content and convert it to MPEG-4 format for distribution via satellite to affiliates. At the affiliates’ downlink sites, the content will be received and processed real-time with Motorola's new DSR-4460 digital satellite receivers and DSR-6300 multi-channel integrated receiver/transcoders (IRDs) as part of the consolidated network-wide upgrade to MPEG-4.
“Motorola’s advanced digital distribution solution leverages bandwidth-efficient compression and modulation techniques to address the unique needs and challenging demands of HBO Latin America’s customer base," said Jorge Duron, vice president and general manager for Latin America at Motorola Mobility. “It is the most advanced digital delivery system ever deployed in the region, yet remains very economical due to the advanced technologies that HBO Latin America developed in close cooperation with Motorola and have applied to their network."
HBO Latin America will use Motorola’s uplink control system to execute a technology transition strategy. The new multi-format IRDs can be signaled to seamlessly transition from MPEG-2/QPSK to MPEG-4/8PSK services. The DSR-6300 IRD features a three-service MPEG-4 HD input that efficiently delivers content to the home in QAM-friendly transport bitrates, significantly increasing the number of services that can be delivered over a standard cable 256-QAM feed. The DSR-6300 also utilizes AFD (Active Format Descriptor) to translate input HD services to an appropriate standard definition (SD) service with proper aspect ratio and resolution. The DSR-4460 includes an MPEG-4 HD or SD input and a composite video SD output that also utilizes AFD. Both models of satellite receivers derive SD channels from the HD source, allowing programmers to free up additional bandwidth by transmitting the HD signal.
