Deployment of the high-performance DiviCom MV50 MPEG-2 digital video encoding systems and the DiviTrackXE statistical multiplexing solution enables Media Overseas to reduce the distribution cost per channel and increase the number of channels offered over a single satellite transponder.

Use of the Harmonic systems has enabled Media Overseas to upgrade its services without having to lease more satellite transponder capacity.

Media Overseas, a subsidiary of Vivendi Universal, delivers digital television services to the French Overseas Territories and French speaking West African countries. These regions include the West Indies, Indian Ocean, South Pacific, Central and West Africa. Media Overseas has created a number of multi-channel service offerings specific to each region.

"Proactively addressing the needs of our customers is a top priority at Media Overseas. A geographically diverse subscriber base combined with the bandwidth constraints of satellite broadcast networks make this quite a challenge," said Dominique Fagot, CEO, Media Overseas.

"After carefully evaluating the possible technology options, we determined that Harmonic solutions offer the greatest scalability, network efficiency and picture quality. With Harmonic, we can increase value to the subscriber while minimizing service operating costs."

"To remain at the forefront, Media Overseas has established the digital headend infrastructure needed to easily introduce new and different television programming and services. At the same time, the cost of delivering these services can be more carefully managed to maximize their return on investment," said Dr. Yaron Simler, President of Harmonic's Convergent Systems Division. "Media Overseas exemplifies how Harmonic solutions make it possible to gain both a competitive and economic advantage."

Harmonic's DiviTrackXE Solution Gives Media Overseas Nearly 30 Percent More Broadcast Capacity

The Harmonic solution deployed by Media Overseas is built around the DiviCom MV50 digital video encoders, DiviCom MN20 remultiplexer and DiviTrackXE statistical multiplexing system.

This scalable solution allowed Media Overseas to expand the number of channels it broadcasts by nearly 30%, increasing from 14 to 18 channels, without compromising video quality. The MV50's advanced noise reduction and video compression capabilities significantly lower the bandwidth required by a video stream.

The statistical multiplexing solution optimizes the use of transponder bandwidth to support more channels of Media Overseas' variable bit-rate PAL format programming. Better bandwidth utilization eliminated the high cost associated with leasing capacity on another satellite transponder by enabling Media Overseas to expand its programming options within the same bandwidth.

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