HP Leads the Way in MPEG Compression Technology for On-air Broadcast Applications

Strategic Insights -

Hewlett-Packard Company is at the forefront of MPEG compression technology, announcing 4:2:2 capabilities for its MediaStream Broadcast Server and Disk Recorder family. This milestone marks a significant advancement in digital-TV up-conversion and content origination, allowing for four or more generations of compression. HP's extensive experience with MPEG has led many other companies to follow suit, indicating a sound technology decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • HP's MediaStream Broadcast Server and Disk Recorder family now supports 4:2:2 capabilities, making it the first company to deliver a proven, full-featured, field-tested MPEG 4:2:2 solution.
  • The 4:2:2 implementation enables applications such as digital-TV up-conversion and content origination, which typically require four or more generations of compression.
  • HP's extensive experience with MPEG has led many other companies to follow suit, indicating a sound technology decision.
  • HP offers a reliable, feature-rich broadcasting solution, including bit rates of up to 30mbps with a full IBP group-of-pictures (GOP) structure.
  • The company provides jog and shuttle capabilities, as well as HP's patented "CleanCut" frame-accurate cuts-editing, which uses dual decoders.
  • Existing HP MediaStream customers who require the new 4:2:2 compression capability are offered a 20 percent discount on the cost of an upgrade.
  • HP MediaStream Broadcast Servers and Disk Recorders with 4:2:2 capability are expected to be available for order beginning March 1, with shipments expected to begin in May.
  • Pricing for the new capability starts at $65,000, depending on configuration.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 MPEG channels are currently operational on six continents, demonstrating HP's significant presence in the industry.
  • HP has been reportedly on-air with MPEG since 1994.
  • The new 4:2:2 capability offers enhanced chroma resolution, making it ideal for applications requiring four or more generations of compression.
  • HP's products with the new capability are offered at the same price as current MediaStream Broadcast Server and Disk Recorder products.
  • The company's MediaStream Broadcast Server delivers up to six channels and 50 hours of storage, while the compact Disk Recorder offers up to five channels and 18 hours of storage.

Sources:

  • HP's press release, February 19, 1998
  • http://www.hp.com/go/broadcast
  • http://www.golinharris.com
  • HP MediaStream Broadcast Server and Disk Recorder specifications and pricing information.