Capitol Broadcasting Stations Use Harmonic DTV Solution to Simultaneously Deliver Multiple Programs
DiviTrackXE(TM) System Powers Multichannel Broadcast Capabilities for WRAL and WRAZ
Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) today announced that its DiviTrackXE(TM) statistical multiplexing system is on-air at Capitol Broadcasting Company Inc.'s stations WRAL and WRAZ. This comprehensive digital television (DTV) solution, which also includes Harmonic's DiviCom(R) digital video encoders, powers the simultaneous delivery of multiple TV programs. The stations' new services, launched in time to broadcast the NCAA basketball tournament games, represent another example of how broadcasters are embracing digital broadcasting to deliver more programs with higher quality video and audio as well as increase advertising and other revenue generating options.Capitol Broadcasting Company owns and operates a number of television stations in North Carolina. Two of its stations, WRAL and WRAZ, have begun using Harmonic's DiviTrackXE system to statistically multiplex high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) TV programs in their 19.4 Mbps digital channel. In the future, the stations plan to use DiviTrackXE to enhance their existing data services.
"We have been extremely impressed with Harmonic's broadcasting expertise and its DiviTrackXE based solution," said Jim Goodmon, President and CEO of Capitol Broadcasting. "The system allows us to extend our programming options without compromising the video quality for our viewers. In essence, it lets us more effectively use our bandwidth and increase our revenue potential."
WRAL and WRAZ Use Harmonic's DiviTrackXE System for Multichannel Broadcasts
In 1999, Capitol Broadcasting became one of Harmonic's first customers for its DiviCom MV400 HD encoding system. Today, they are the first to broadcast multiple concurrent TV programs using the recently enhanced version of DiviTrackXE software. This system enables the stations to combine HD, SD and data streams in one statistical multiplex.
"We originally chose the DiviCom encoders because of their superior performance and efficiency. The elegant design of these systems allows an in-the-box software upgrade path as new features and improvements are introduced," said Tom Beauchamp, Director of Engineering at WRAL. "We are reaping the benefits of this design, because the DiviTrackXE software enables us to maximize the available bandwidth. WRAL and WRAZ were able to extend their DTV environment without throwing away their existing investment in Harmonic equipment."
DiviTrackXE is a multi-channel system featuring DiviCom encoders, the MN20 digital video remultiplexer and the DataTrack data multiplexer. The DiviTrackXE software enables the multichannel broadcasting of digital broadcast services. By tightly integrating communication between the encoders and multiplexers, DiviTrackXE allocates and manages bandwidth more efficiently than other approaches.
"Capitol Broadcasting is a long-recognized pioneer in the area of high definition broadcast television. As innovators, they consistently use our technology to creatively expand their programming and revenue sources," said Dr. Yaron Simler, President of Harmonic's Convergent Systems Division. "WRAL and WRAZ are superb examples of how broadcasters are pursuing the opportunities available with digital television. We look forward to working with them as they add data services to their broadcasting mix."
About Capitol Broadcasting Company (to be updated as required)Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL-Digital, WRAL-FM, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, DTV Plus, and Wolfpack Sports Marketing in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WFVT- TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV, WRAL-DT and the Durham Bulls Baseball Club in Durham, NC; and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Club in Myrtle Beach, SC. Visit www.wral.com for more information.
About Harmonic Inc.Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to cable, satellite, telecom and broadcast network operators. Harmonic's open standards-based solutions for the headend through the last mile enable customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.
Harmonic (Nasdaq: HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, increasing advertising and other revenue potential, plans to deliver data services, the introduction of new features and improvements, and working with WRAL and WRAZ to add data services, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in documents that Harmonic files with the SEC, including reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Editor's Note: Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
CONTACT: Aries MarketMasters
Dawn Danaher, 714/378-5841
(Media Relations for Harmonic)
danaher@keymaster.com
or
StreetConnect
Michael Newman, 408/542-2760
(Investor Relations for Harmonic)
mnewman@stct.com
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