APPLICATIONS

High-performance computing technology provides new access for HD content on more devices in more locations: At IBC 2008 International Conference today, Broadcast International (“BI”) announced the availability of CodecSys AVC, the first broadcast-quality video encoder product based on the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) multi-core processor. Targeted at the burgeoning global video delivery market, the new encoder will enable content providers to deliver live high-definition television at compression levels six times greater than is possible with the MPEG2 equipment in common use today, allowing more HD video onto devices with limited bandwidth – such as mobile devices and kiosks. CodecSys AVC is comprised of Broadcast International’s ultra-high speed video compression software running on IBM’s BladeCenter QS21 server, powered by the breakthrough Cell/B.E. processor. Originally developed by IBM, Sony and Toshiba to provide the computing power for cutting-edge gaming applications, the Cell/B.E. processor on the QS21 helps CodecSys AVC set a new standard for H.264 encoders, giving the broadcast industry the ability to handle a high volume of premium quality video and a large number of video channels. “We’re at the beginning of a global video revolution that will require video providers to purchase solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but adaptive to change,” said Rod Tiede, CEO, Broadcast International. “Upgradeability and scalability should be foremost in the minds of these buyers, since the entire video infrastructure is undergoing a rapid transition and will continue to change for the foreseeable future. Our new encoder, based on our unmatched video compression software, accelerated by the Cell processor in a flexible IBM BladeCenter environment, offers the fastest, lowest bandwidth, most adaptive solution on the market.” The new product is the first video encoder with the CodecSys “future-proof” software architecture that can accommodate emerging codecs and standards through easy, economical software upgrades. The underlying IBM BladeCenter hardware platform is also highly flexible and scalable, enabling customers to add additional processing power by simply adding extra servers. The design of the CodecSys AVC encoder contrasts sharply with that of other video encoders on the market, which are based on tightly coupled, embedded hardware/software architectures that cannot be upgraded, and therefore require costly, full replacement. “Video encoders are not only one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure required for IPTV, they also require the most advanced, most efficient and most flexible technology to satisfy today’s discerning customers,” said Jim Comfort, vice president, IBM Systems & Technology Group. “Together with Broadcast International, IBM’s Cell-based solutions are able to bring a new standard of performance for today’s video broadcast needs and beyond.” “Consumers are demanding digital video across a range of end-point devices, from giant HDTV sets to Laptop PCs to handheld devices,” said Gerry Kaufhold, principal analyst with InStat in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Professional encoders need to ride a technology treadmill to deliver more and better video through constrained bandwidth. IBM and Broadcast International have teamed up to provide a high-performance software-based encoding platform that can be continuously updated using innovative software, runs on off-the-shelf IBM Blade Servers, and benefits from the on-going investments being made in the Cell Processor. This approach provides a winning combination of technology, reliability and support.” CodecSys AVC also features technology from NextIO that solves one of the most important challenges encountered by high-speed HD video transmission – limited input/output (I/O) throughput. The ultra-high speed connections provided by the NextIO’s PCI Express-based ExpressConnect solutions allow maximum and scalable data flow to the system, commensurate with the processing power of the IBM BladeCenter environment. IPTV: At the heart of the video revolution The delivery of high-quality video over an IP broadband network, is the wave of the future, especially among the younger generation looking to computers and mobile devices for their video entertainment. IPTV initiatives are underway all over the world, and have made the most significant headway in Europe where new infrastructures are being built out specifically to accommodate IPTV, such as those from France Telecom and British Telecom. In the U.S., many telecommunications companies have major IPTV initiatives underway, such as U-Verse from AT&T and FiOS from Verizon, which will enable them to compete with cable companies for a share of the consumer TV/video market. Broadcast International’s new CodecSys AVC encoder is targeted at traditional satellite and cable providers as well as at IPTV providers looking to deliver the highest quality video experience using the least bandwidth possible. This will enable them to deliver more HDTV and digital entertainment services over limited IP bandwidth. Ultra-low bandwidth video compression, such as that provided by CodecSys AVC, will soon enable video “placeshifting” – the ability for consumers to watch video on demand, wherever and whenever they want, from any video-capable device including computers, cell phones and PDAs. The ability to adapt to change in an IP environment is particularly critical for video compression technology, one of the most important and rapidly changing components of the video infrastructure. For example, the latest codec standard, H.264 -- which is incorporated on the CodecSys AVC software -- is not a single standard, but a rolling standard with important advances expected on a frequent basis. As the standard evolves and new codecs become available, the CodecSys AVC encoder will be able to accommodate these changes through simple, economical software upgrades, enabling providers to stay current and competitive with the latest technology. CodecSys AVC pricing and availability The CodecSys AVC encoder will be generally available later this year. Beta trials of the system are now in progress at major telecommunications companies and video providers in Europe. Pricing for the new encoder starts at $30,000 per HD channel. IBM and Broadcast International will jointly support installations. The new encoder will also be publicly demoed at the 2008 IBC Conference in Amsterdam, Sept. 12-16, 2008, in the IBM Stand No. 2.A31/2.A30.