Harris Corporation to demonstrate its high-definition integrated broadcast workflow solutions at CabSat 2008

The conference is being held March 4-6, 2008, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (stand no. ZC-21 Zabeel Hall).

Making its début in the Middle East, NEXIO AMP pairs a high-performance, high-definition/standard-definition (HD/SD) server architecture with best-in-class content protection.

Said Bacho Managing Director of Harris Broadcast Middle East

"CabSat forms a pivotal part of Harris Broadcast's local strategy in the Middle East. Our company has attended the show since its inception when it was indeed a very small event. It has since grown to be one of the leading worldwide events and now draws key figures in broadcasting and telecommunications from across the region to one location and provides a true opportunity to discuss business. CabSat is also key to cementing our relationships with customers as it offers a forum to meet new and existing customers from the region - and allows us to get closer to our customers and build those intimate relationships. Harris works as a technology partner with its customer and this event is definitely a major part of doing this - and a key event in our company's worldwide events calendar."

The new system combines the highest levels of I/O, data pathway and storage redundancy with all the features broadcasters have come to expect in NEXIO servers — including integrated software codec support and automatic up/down/cross conversion.

In the near future, the platform is also expected to have the ability to host software-enabled media applications, which will allow customers to reduce hardware expenditures and improve overall workflow efficiency

For the first time since the acquisition of Zandar Technologies in November, Harris will be showcasing its wide range of HD multiviewers to Middle East customers at CabSat 2008.

This includes the award-winning CENTRIO multiviewer. CENTRIO is available as a standalone platform or as part of a system solution integrated with the Harris Platinum router. Combining superior graphics, industry-proven architecture and integrated test and measurement tools, the CENTRIO multiviewer enables unique new capabilities and simplified system designs that can reduce the cost and complexity associated with traditional, large-system monitoring implementations.

Visitors to the Harris stand also will see Zandar's newly enhanced Predator series of multiviewers for HDTV monitoring in production environments and CCTV/Security and the FusionPro+ series multiviewers, which are designed for mission-critical environments where flexible configuration of multiple input sources is required for centralised monitoring.

Harris also will demonstrate its H-Class family of media and operation control software products that support the workflow within a media operation, from proposals and sales through to media playout and delivery. H-Class provides one system of interoperability whereby customers can add software applications, compliant third-party products or extended licensing capabilities to expand their businesses beyond current revenue models.

Visitors to the Harris booth will see several H-Class applications in action, including the Broadcast Master scheduling and sales system. Developed to meet the specific needs of clients in the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific regions, Broadcast Master drives sales and traffic operations at some of the world's leading media companies. Visitors to the Harris stand also will see demonstrations of H-Class™ ADC playout automation. ADC playout automation is a premier production room tool for automated dubbing, material management and program playout. Ideal for small- to mid-size broadcasters, ADC playout automation controls a full range of devices, including the latest integrated switchers and branding equipment, and manages complex effects and playout tasks.

Also on display will be the H-Class™ Invenio digital asset management system. Invenio digital asset management provides a suite of software applications for the ingest and management of rich media assets. The system acts as the front end to the workflow engine by providing consolidated metadata that makes it easy to find, utilize, manage and present ingested content. The newest member of the H-Class family of interoperable media software applications is the Comperio digital asset management system. This product serves as a low-cost browser based on Invenio and will also be highlighted at the show.

In the area of channel release, look for Harris Corporation's leading graphics and branding products, including the IconMaster v2.0 master control and branding solution, which provides the high level of control needed in the multiservice, multiformat world; the Inscriber G3, an HD/SD-selectable graphics system designed to meet the demands of fast paced, live-to-air production including live news, sports, elections and entertainment; and the Inscriber RTX HD/SD custom on-air graphics system, which boasts a rich multilayer environment for the simultaneous display of text, graphics, animation, video, DVE, rolls, crawls and more.

To further improve customer workflow, Harris also has added new data-analysis parameters and file-correction tools to its Videotek QuiC media analysis server, which will enable customers to analyze files during ingest, correct certain file problems on the fly with no operator intervention and significantly improve efficiency.

Harris also will demonstrate the advanced audio processing and fully functional 3 Gb/s capability across the Harris signal processing and distribution products — including the Platinum and Platinum MX line of routers — providing cost-effective, HD-compatible products supporting emerging standards such as 1080p. New enhancements in the signal processing product line further extend the portfolio breadth and include an HD audio/video frame synchronizer and processor; an SD aspect ratio converter in the 6800+ platform that is firmware-upgradeable to a utility- or broadcast-quality upconverter; and a 3D decoder for composite signals in the 6800+ platform with integrated audio capabilities.

In addition, colour correction functionality and a loudness management solution have been integrated with the X75 multi-path converter/synchronizer. Visitors to the Harris stand also will see expanded functionality in its OPTO+ fibre optics product line including L-Band, analogue transport and Studio-in-a-Module available in WDM, CWDM and DWDM wavelengths. Harris also is showcasing the cross-portfolio control of its NUCLEUS™ control panel and CCS Navigator™ control and monitoring application.

CabSat 2008 also will represent the introduction in the Middle East of the new, portable HD-SDI and SD-SDI generator and monitor, HD-STAR, and the VTM-2400 HD/SD on-screen monitor — a 1RU, multifunction precision test instrument that adds a low-cost alternative to the Videotek VTM Series.

For media transport workflows, Harris will showcase a suite of HDTV H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10) compression products for the NetVX platform that will enable new applications and services by allowing lower-bandwidth operation of HD services over satellite, terrestrial and IPTV delivery platforms.

Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions that span the entire broadcast delivery chain. The Harris ONE approach brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and for customers upgrading media operations to digital and high-definition services.