Comcast HITS Upgrades Satellite Platform for Smaller Ops
Company Will Convert Several SD Transponders to DVB-S2, Freeing Up Space
for More HD
By: Todd Spangler
Multichannel News
Feb 25 2013 - 3:59pm
http://www.multichannel.com/satellite/comcast-hits-upgrades-satellite-platform-smaller-ops/141905
Comcast’s HITS, which provides satellite video distribution to
independent operators, announced an upgrade to its HITS Quantum
technology platform that will enable it to add more MPEG-2 HD services
later in 2013.
The upgrade project, known as “Q2,” includes converting several HITS
standard-definition transponders to DVB-S2 technology. That will
increase the number of HD services offered in MPEG 2, and deliver the
entire programming lineup via a single satellite.
HITS said the upgrade will begin in the second quarter of 2013. When it
concludes, more than 70% of the HITS Quantum multiplexes will be using
256-QAM DVB-S2 technology. That will let operators add more SD and HD
signals using fewer satellite receivers with their existing
customer-premises equipment, and will free up to 25% of their bandwidth
for new services.
HITS said it expects to introduce new MPEG-2 HD services in the second
half of 2013.
Meanwhile, HITS and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC)
recently renewed their agreement to offer the next generation of the
HITS platform to their members. The majority of participating NCTC
members have already opted-in to the new deal for enhanced HITS
satellite services. Several programming groups have also signed on to
the upgraded platform.
“For 17-years, HITS has remained committed to improving how we meet the
needs of the independent cable operator,” said Leslie Russell, HITS vice
president and general manager. “Q2 leverages next-generation technology
that allows our affiliates to add more programming and reduce bandwidth
consumption without rebuilding their headends or replacing CPE.”
HITS is promoting the Q2 upgrade at the NCTC’s Winter Education
Conference, which runs Feb. 25-26 in Las Vegas.
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