Envivio to introduce virtual headend

Encoding specialist Envivio will introduce a virtual, all-software headend for satellite, terrestrial, cable TV, broadband and wireless IP networks at IBC.

According to Envivio, the platform will enable video providers to now deliver traditional TV and multi-screen services from a single encoder.

Envivio’s platform is optimized for Intel architecture. The company says that operational improvements are delivered via three Envivio products.

First, it includes virtual software processor Envivio Muse, which is available as software/virtual instance or embedded in a server and supports MPEG-2, AVC, and HEVC, from SD to UHD with the latest audio coding and advanced statistical rate control (SRC).

Envivio Spark is a new all-software multiplexer, which enables integration with legacy transmission equipment. As an advanced IP gateway, it demodulates, descrambles, and de-multiplexes for signal reception and for distributing the live channels over IP networks. As a multiplexer, it ingests the various channels over IP produced by the headend and performs multiplexing, scrambling, and signal modulation as required for each type of signal transmission.

Finally, it includes Envivio Guru, its network management system which monitors each service end-to-end.

Unlike the traditional headend, where a proprietary interface is required between the encoder and the multiplexer, there is no interface with Envivio: a control module is embedded in Envivio Muse, the company says. Envivio’s statistical multiplexing technology requires 1Mbps or 30% less bandwidth for the same reliable video quality normally transmitted in 1.5 Mbps, the company claims.

The converged all-in-one headend can deliver live or offline content in all current formats; and provides functionalities such as content replacement – ads or blackouts – live stream monitoring, seamless input switching, and a complete service view. All of these enhancements are delivered with up to 67% less rack space required while using up to 40% less power, according to the company.

“The most demanding video service providers around the globe trust our solutions. We can significantly reduce costs, hardware needs, and even energy consumption without sacrificing video quality in both the TV and multi-screen worlds,” said Julien Signés, CEO, Envivio. “We believe we have just raised the bar for the whole industry.”

Envivio will exhibit at IBC on stand 1.D73