GlobeCast, a global satellite services supplier, PanAmSat, a global satellite operator, and Scientific Atlanta, a supplier of content distribution systems, have joined forces to offer a turnkey high-definition television (HDTV) satellite distribution platform on the Galaxy 13 North American spacecraft. By integrating the end-to-end resources necessary to enable quality HDTV transmission, the service will allow programmers to beam HDTV signals via satellite to cable and broadcast affiliates for live or pre-scheduled events such as sports, concerts, or PPV, as well as full-time HDTV channels.
GlobeCast will manage end-to-end HDTV transmissions and connect customers from its digital media teleport in Los Angeles, using Scientific-Atlanta®s state-of-the-art PowerVu® HD encoding and digital content distribution system and PanAmSats Galaxy 13 satellite.
Established cable networks and start-up channels can tap this sophisticated HDTV program delivery platform as well as a variety of associated GlobeCast services including master control, playout, ad and live feed insertion, remote video production, studio, and post production services. The service is ideal for delivery of live or pre-scheduled HD events on a part-time or occasional basis.
PanAmSats Galaxy 13 satellite will support the Globecast HD platform, offering ubiquitous C-band coverage over the United States. Specially designed to support HD transmissions, Galaxy 13 has double the power of its predecessor. Located at 127 degrees west longitude in the U.S. cable arc, Galaxy 13 is part of PanAmSats Power of Five antenna program, which provides qualified cable operators with simultaneous access to five Galaxy neighborhood satellites. It is also one of the industrys most advanced satellites and the nations strongest HDTV cable neighborhood. Its roster of HD programmers includes Cinemax HD, HBO HD, Encore HD, Fox Sports HD, NFL HD, STARZ! HD, TNT HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies and WealthTV.
HD programmers, Hollywood studios, and production facilities can easily feed HD signals to the platform via GlobeCasts HD-ready local access ports at key video exchange hubs in Los Angeles. Programmers in New York or Miami can seamlessly access the platform by entering GlobeCasts virtual teleport network through points-of-presence in those cities. GlobeCasts teleport offers full domestic arc and international satellite reception and uplinking, as well as the ability to connect to the HD platform from Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa via the companys global fiber ring and five-continent teleport network.
The platforms HD offerings include:
HD teleport services downlink, uplink and turnaround
Satellite space segment
PowerVu HD encoding 1080i, 720p, 480i/p and MPEG or Dolby AC3/4/5.1 audio
MPEG-2/DVB transmission
Conditional access
Additional transmission and content management services available include:
Record, store and playout services
Remote video production for live events
GlobeCast Studios and post production
HD – SD conversions
Transmission: rate changing, muxing, de-muxing, “cherrypicking”
Professional HDTV satellite receiver equipment optimized for the platform is available through Scientific Atlanta.
www.PanAmSat.com
www.scientificatlanta.com
www.globecast.com