Harmonic Introduces Spectrum™ X Next-Generation Media Server System

Saturday, April 11, 2015

First Playout Server Offering SDI and IP I/O With Up/Down/Cross-Conversion in One Chassis Eases Transition to IP Playout, Provides Path to Ultra HD, Reduces TCO 

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure, today announced the launch of the Spectrum X next-generation media server system that elevates the industry’s most trusted server platform to new levels of flexibility, efficiency and reliability. Designed for production and playout applications, the Spectrum X media server system eases the transition to IP broadcast workflows by integrating SDI and IP I/O on the same chassis. The software-based system leverages Harmonic’s VOS™ technologies and combines file, baseband and transport stream ingest with comprehensive integrated channel playout (ICP) capabilities, including graphics and branding, DVE, master control switching and audio mixing. 

Supporting a broad range of SD and HD formats, and upgradable to Ultra HD, the Spectrum X system can operate as a true channel-in-a-box (CIAB), as an integrated channel playout server, or as a conventional I/O server connected to Spectrum shared storage infrastructure or internal storage. At Harmonic booth SU1210 during the 2015 NAB Show, the Spectrum X media server will be demonstrated providing playout with graphics and branding to Harmonic’s Ultra HD live workflow, making it the first Ultra HD CIAB solution.  

“As the first playout server to mix SDI and IP I/O with up/down/cross-conversion capabilities in the same chassis, the Spectrum X server not only facilitates users’ shift to IP playout, but also powers new revenue-generating services at a lower total cost of ownership,” said Bart Spriester, senior vice president video products at Harmonic. “Transitioning at their own pace, Spectrum X users can migrate smoothly and cost-effectively from the SDI workflows of today to the IP-based workflows expected to take off in the future. The software-based design of the system lends further flexibility to users by allowing them to reconfigure the Spectrum X system to suit the changing needs of specific channels, as well as providing a path to Ultra HD. Broadcasters immediately see new capabilities and benefits while avoiding the complexity inherent in deploying solutions built on single-function devices or single I/O interfaces.”

The Spectrum X server is an easy-to-deploy 1-RU ingest and playout system for up to four channels that fits seamlessly into any existing broadcast infrastructure, and can be operated as an SDI server within a conventional SDI infrastructure, an IP-based system or a hybrid of the two.
 
Unique among media server systems, the Spectrum X software-based media server is a single-platform solution that can quickly be repurposed for any mission-critical production and playout workflow through simple license keying and reconfiguration. The highly scalable system is ideal for a wide range of applications including CIAB and ICP workflows, integrated master control room (iMCR) deployments, hybrid baseband and IP playout environments, disaster recovery and Ultra HD playout. 
 
The system can serve as a true CIAB or as part of a Spectrum™ shared storage infrastructure featuring rich ICP capabilities. Operators can create integrated video graphics and branding without custom authoring tools, and the Spectrum X server’s integrated DVEs drive sophisticated content presentation. All functionality is available via software license keying, resulting in a highly flexible system that allows the easy addition of new codecs, CIAB functionality, IP I/O and other advanced features to baseband I/O when needed. 
 
Because the Spectrum X system effectively provides the functionality of a full ingest-to-playout air chain in a single chassis, it simplifies the deployment of new features, reduces the need to acquire and integrate new hardware, and requires much less rack space, cooling and power to run channels. These benefits serve to lower CAPEX and OPEX, and the corresponding reduction in workflow helps to minimize generational loss and improve video quality.
 
“The Harmonic Spectrum X server is ideal for media operations in transition — from SDI to IP, from traditional server to CIAB/ICP, and to or from internal storage or shared storage,” added Spriester. “As a flexible, Intel-based solution that uses COTS hardware to provide, in a single chassis, functionality that once required very complex chains of hardware, the Spectrum X server embodies Harmonic’s dedication to industry-innovation, reliability and dependability.”
 
Spectrum X media server offers full plug-and-play compatibility with Harmonic Spectrum MediaDirector™ media server controller, Spectrum MediaCenter™ media server with integrated storage, Harmonic Polaris™ playout management systems and the Harmonic MediaGrid shared storage system.
 
Further information about Harmonic and the company’s products is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

About Harmonic

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) is the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure for emerging television and video services. Harmonic enables customers to produce, deliver and monetize amazing video experiences, with unequalled business agility and operational efficiency, by providing market-leading innovation, high-quality service and compelling total-cost-of-ownership. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to the anticipated capabilities and benefits of the Harmonic MediaGrid shared storage system, Polaris™ playout management systems, Spectrum™ product family, and VOS™ technologies. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these products may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the products may not meet some or all of their anticipated capabilities or provide some or all of their anticipated benefits, such as new levels of flexibility, efficiency, high scalability, dependability, lower total cost of ownership, smooth migration, cost-effectiveness, and improved video quality.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as those more fully described in Harmonic’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec.31, 2014, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.