PBS Using HD and SD Video Services from IDC

PBS, the U.S. Public Broadcasting Service, will deliver its non-real-time HD and SD video programming to member stations across the country using a next-generation satellite distrubution infrastructure from Ottawa's International Datacasting Corporation (IDC).

PBS and IDC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) launching the "alpha" phase of the project which includes the installation and configuration of head-end transmission equipment and deployment of an initial group of receive sites.

The next phase, roll-out to the 177 Public TV downlinks in the field, is expected to move forward in the first quarter of 2009. Content, including file-based HDTV programming, will be distributed using IDC's SuperFlex broadband DVB/S2-IP satellite datacasting system and the Datacast XD Content Management and Distribution software. IDC will also be providing expanded Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers as part of the receive site kits.

"This network is the culmination of years of research and work. It will enable PBS to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality HD programming and introduce efficiencies to make the system significantly more flexible and cost-effective," John McCoskey, Chief Technology Officer of PBS, said in a release.

"We are delighted to be associated with this prestigious network. PBS' reputation for technology leadership and thoroughness makes this a particular honor and reflects well on our products and team. Video content delivery is an important market for us and this helps underscore that we have the right products as the revolution in advanced video distribution picks up momentum," said IDC President and CEO Ron Clifton.

Source: MediaCaster