Intelsat, Harmonic launch UHD demo channel
April 19, 2016
By Chris Forrester
Intelsat and Harmonic used the giant NAB show to announce the launch of an Ultra HD linear demonstration channel, ‘HVN Intelsat UHD’.
The channel will be beamed over North and South America. “The HVN Intelsat UHD channel was created to showcase and facilitate the introduction of compelling UHD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content and its ability to create viewer interest and loyalty,” says a joint statement.
“In addition to being broadcast via C-band from Intelsat’s premier HD and cable distribution neighborhood for North America, the Galaxy 13 satellite located at 127˚ West, HVN Intelsat UHD is now available to media customers in Latin America via C-band on the Intelsat 14 satellite located at 315˚ East, an emerging media platform in Latin America,” says the statement.
“As UHD gets closer to becoming mainstream, there is an increased likelihood that UHD and HDR technologies will be combined to provide an optimal immersive viewing experience,” said Peter Ostapiuk, Intelsat’s Head of Media Product Services. ”HVN Intelsat UHD will provide a platform for multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and cable programmers in the Americas to test their content, equipment and workflow for both technologies. In addition, the free-to-air linear channel will now be broadcast via Intelsat 14, which will enable MVPDs and cable programmers operating in Latin America to test their consumers’ appetite for varying forms of high-quality content.”
Harmonic is already supplying a NASA-branded all UHD channel in some regions of the world, including North America and Europe.