Bell Aliant selects Harmonic encoders for MPEG-4 upgrade

August 20, 2008 - Canadian telco Bell Aliant has selected Harmonic's DiviCom Electra 5400 standard-definition encoders for an MPEG-4 network upgrade that will enable the telco to enhance its "Aliant TV" IPTV service for customers throughout the Atlantic provinces of Canada.

Bell Aliant provides over 300 television and audio channels to major urban centres throughout Atlantic Canada, and with this upgrade its entire channel line-up is now operating on MPEG-4. Harmonic's single rack unit Electra 5400 platform delivers up to four MPEG-4 AVC SD channels and simultaneously generates up to four low resolution services for picture-in-picture or multi-channel mosaic applications.

"By transitioning to an MPEG-4 network, Aliant is investing in a platform for the future which brings even higher quality video to our Aliant TV customers," said Kevin Hastings, Chief Architect of Broadcasting Services for Bell Aliant. "Bell Aliant is committed to offering its customers more value, choice and convenience, and our next-generation IP network gives us tremendous flexibility in achieving these objectives. This upgrade allows our customers to simultaneously watch Aliant TV on up to three TV sets in their homes, while enjoying a superior viewing experience. Given our aggressive near-term and long-term objectives, Harmonic was the logical choice for this network upgrade."

Harmonic reports that to date it has provided video delivery solutions to over 100 telecoms operators worldwide, serving over 4mn subscribers globally.