Entel Bolivia deploys DBS service with Harmonic
Telecommunications operator Entel Bolivia has deployed an integrated headend solution from Harmonic to power its direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) service. Using Harmonic’s scalable video infrastructure solutions, Entel Bolivia can now deliver 124 SD MPEG-4 AVC, 20 HD MPEG-4 AVC, and 30 radio channels with high bandwidth efficiency. The Harmonic solutions allow Entel Bolivia to offer additional services, with improved video quality, while lowering operating expenses and providing a seamless migration path toward IPTV delivery.
“To be the most competitive telecommunications operator in Bolivia, we needed to provide viewers with superior video quality and a wider range of services. We decided that deploying an MPEG-4 DBS system with a redundant teleport would be the most affordable way to offer this type of experience,” said Emilio Evia, national projects manager at Entel Bolivia.
“Harmonic is the only vendor that offers a fully integrated solutions approach to video delivery with advanced capabilities such as statistical multiplexing, enabling us to provide more SD and HD channels now, at a lower total cost of ownership, while simplifying our transition toward offering an IPTV service in the future. Since deploying a new headend from Harmonic, our video quality has improved leaps and bounds, increasing satisfaction for our existing customer base while also attracting new subscribers.”
Entel Bolivia is using Harmonic’s Electra encoders for low-bandwidth MPEG-4 AVC encoding and DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing of SD and HD video content. Leveraging the ultra-dense, high-performance encoders — which support up to eight HD output services per chassis — the operator has freed up bandwidth for additional service offerings. The Electra encoders include a primary and secondary output, increasing operational efficiency while driving down CAPEX. The encoders’ ‘pay-as-you-grow’ approach to scalability will enable Entel Bolivia to easily upgrade SD channels to HD via licensing.
The Electra encoders are integrated with Harmonic’s ProStream stream processors for multiplexing, scrambling and statistical multiplexing purposes. Utilizing the ProStream processor for statistical multiplexing, Entel Bolivia can support up to 100 services per statistically multiplexed pool, 16 pools per platform and three pools within a single transport stream in order to boost bandwidth efficiency. The ProStream processor guarantees the protection of Entel Bolivia’s video content by supporting scrambling of DVB Simulcrypt applications. The ProStream platform is based on a highly robust, extensible and scalable design that lowers Entel Bolivia’s operating expenses through reduced rack space and power requirements.