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NTT Electronics Products Shine in CBS Testing; High Definition MPEG-2 Encoder/Decoder Demonstrate Aptitude for Electronic News Gathering Use

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 July 2006, 12:00 CDT

NTT Electronics(NEL), an industry leader in image compression technology, today announced that it had submitted high-definition MPEG-2 encoder/decoder products for testing by CBS, one of the three major network broadcasters in the United States, and that the products have demonstrated their suitability for high-definition TV electronic news gathering (ENG) use.

In the testing, CBS measured the microwave signals containing HD data from an ENG van parked up to 35 miles away from its receive site atop the Empire State Building. CBS experienced 100 percent success at HD data rate ranging from 18 to 28 megabits per second (Mbps), while it had to pass through the maze of buildings that are a feature of the Manhattan landscape. The tests, carried out in these most difficult of topographical and environmental conditions, demonstrated the feasibility of news gathering by ENG van where previously only satellite news gathering (SNG) was possible.

The ENG van used in this testing was equipped with an NTT Electronics HE3000 MPEG-2 HDTV encoder, performing MPEG-2 data compression from HD-SDI to DVB-ASI. On the receiving end, the HD3000 MPEG-2 HDTV decoder was used to decode the received signals to HD-ASI for passing on to the video monitor. The data transfer along the signal route made use of Microwave Radio Communications technology.

The HE3000 MPEG-2 HDTV Encoder and HD3000 MPEG-2 HDTV Decoder used in the testing are highly regarded both in Japan and overseas for their excellent image quality. They support a variety of image formats, from 1080i to 720p and 480i, and can encode up to two audio systems for a total of 8 channels. Operations are readily accessible from the front panel, and the system boots up quickly. A major advantage is the zero phase difference between image and sound. The small form factor (1U height and half-rack width) and light weight (2 kg, or 4.4 lbs) make these products easily transportable.

Comments Tsuneo Okubo, head of NTT Electronics Multimedia System Division, "NTT Electronics' encoder and decoder solutions have a proven track record, being widely adopted by the broadcasting industry in Japan and elsewhere and earning a reputation for high reliability. These test results are the latest example of the excellent feedback we are receiving from users in North America. I am confident that our powerful and reliable solutions can provide strong backup to HDTV broadcasting in all kinds of settings, delivering realistic live sound and images, and operating in difficult topographical locations."

Taking advantage of the worldwide expansion of high-definition digital broadcasting, NTT Electronics will be actively promoting sales of its encoder/decoder products, supporting high image quality, to overseas broadcasting networks like CBS.

About NTT Electronics:

NTT Electronics is an industry leader in image compression technology. Our solutions for high-definition broadcasting, in particular, are winning high praise in the Japanese and world markets. Our outstanding technologies make it possible to transmit, edit, and deliver broadcasting content of the highest image quality.

Please visit http://www.nel-world.com/digital_video/top.html for details about NTT Electronics.

About CBS Broadcasting Inc.:

CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS.A/CBS) is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry. The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets. It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and UPN), cable television (Showtime and CSTV Networks), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Paramount Television and King World), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), theme parks (Paramount Parks), digital media (CBS Digital Media Group and CSTV Networks) and consumer products (CBS Consumer Products). In Fall 2006, UPN will cease operations and The CW, a new fifth broadcast television network, will launch as a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment. For more information, log on to www.cbscorporation.com.

Source: Business Wire

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