18 April 2016

Intelsat S.A. and Harmonic announced the expansion of their linear 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) demonstration channel, HVN Intelsat UHD, to include the Latin American region. 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.   

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.

“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.”

Intelsat and Harmonic will display the HVN Intelsat UHD channel at the Intelsat booth (SU3110) during the 2016 NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 18 -21, 2016.  

“Harmonic’s linear UHD workflow, comprised of the SpectrumTM media server and ElectraTM X3 advanced media processor, enables satellite operators such as Intelsat to cost-effectively deliver higher quality video, and quickly bring new UHD and HDR services to the marketplace,” said Bart Spriester, Senior Vice President, Video Products, Harmonic. “With Harmonic’s video delivery innovation and Intelsat’s satellite and terrestrial globalized network, together, we continue to support the industry’s widespread deployment of higher quality content by providing media customers in the Americas an ideal testing environment for further enhancing the end-to-end delivery of UHD and HDR content to consumers.”