Discovery Communications Expands Omneon Spectrum(TM) System for Ingest, Preview, and Playout

July 28, 2009

Source: Omneon

Leading Media Company Extends Omneon Media Server Systems Supporting Latin America/U.S. Hispanic Channels

Omneon announced that Discovery Communications has expanded the Omneon Spectrum(TM) media server systems at the Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic headquarters in Miami, from which 12 media brands reach nearly 130 million cumulative subscribers across 34 countries and territories.

Discovery has standardized on Omneon media servers worldwide, and the systems' solid performance, flexible configuration options, and easy extensibility have enabled Discovery to increase its channel offering, including the recent launch of Discovery HD Theater across Latin America.

"We've worked with Spectrum systems in our Miami facility since 2003, and during this time, the modular design of Omneon server solutions has enabled a straightforward expansion strategy of our network distribution, including a calculated launch of HD services throughout the Latin American region," said Joe Walker, vice president of engineering at Discovery Communications.

"Omneon provides reliable, scalable server platforms that enable highly automated workflows across a broadcast plant. Because these solutions are backed by responsive customer service, we're able to customize our server configuration easily and grow our ingest, review, and playout capacities incrementally to meet our operational needs."

Discovery reconfigured and expanded the Miami facilities' existing mirrored SD ingest/playout system in two phases. The company first extended its original Spectrum media server system to create a mirrored SD playout system and a separate SD ingest system. Next, Discovery added a mirrored HD playout system to its operations and upgraded the ingest system to accommodate both SD and HD content.

The easy HD upgrade path provided by Omneon server systems has allowed Discovery to expand the capabilities of its ingest and playout systems and introduce the Discovery HD Theater channel to the Latin American market.

"Omneon server systems are designed to provide a flexible platform for today's digital media workflows, and Discovery has employed the versatility of our Spectrum products to upgrade its Miami transmission facilities both in terms of capacity and format support," said Geoff Stedman, Omneon senior vice president for products and markets. "Broadcasters across Latin America are looking to provide viewers with popular programming in HD, and our modular server systems support Discovery's leadership in meeting that demand."

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