Home >> News: February 5th, 2015 >> Story
Satnews Daily
February 5th, 2015

Of SatBroadcasting™ Interest—@ NAB Show 2015: Blonder Tongue Product Preview... + A Giveaway


[SatNews] At the 2015 NAB Show, Blonder Tongue will demo its latest range of MPEG-2 encoders, transcoders, TV signal analyzers, and MPEG transport stream analyzers—all designed to optimize video distribution.

All attendees who stop by the Blonder Tongue booth to see a demonstration will be entered into a drawing for a free HDE-4S-PRO encoder, AQT8 transcoder, or MTSA-PRO analyzer.


Blonder Tongue's High Definition
Decoder Module.

At the 2015 NAB Show, Blonder Tongue will introduce the HDDM, a low-cost professional video decoder capable of decoding MPEG-2 and H.264 video content into HD/SD-SDI, HDMI, component, and composite outputs from a digital off-air 8VSB signal, clear-QAM signal, or IP MPEG-2/H.264 transport stream source. By offering video professionals a solution that decodes both digital and analog video distributed over managed networks, the HDDM increases operational efficiencies.

Offering support for a wide range of inputs (e.g., 8VSB, QAM, IP) and outputs (e.g., HD-SDI, HDMI, component, composite), the HDDM is the ideal solution for broadcast and professional video applications that require high-quality decoding of video signals from a wide variety of sources, particularly live video in multiple formats. The HDDM features a web-based GUI that is accessible via a dedicated RJ-45 control port, simplifying setup and remote management. Through its compact design, which supports two decoders in a single rack unit, the HDDM reduces operational and capital expenses.


Blonder Tongue's Scalable
Transcoder-Encoder Platform.

A key highlight at the 2015 NAB Show will be Blonder Tongue's new Scalable Transcoder-Encoder Platform (STEP), capable of performing high-quality HD/SD MPEG-2 or H.264 encoding, HD/SD MPEG-2 to H.264 and H.264 to MPEG-2 transcoding, HD to SD downscaling, as well as creating adaptive bit rate live profiles supporting popular HTTP streaming protocols such as HLS, HDS, and IIS for any-screen video delivery. Available as a 1RU, 2RU, or 3RU integrated system, STEP helps operators meet the latest video requirements and migrate to next-generation video network architecture by carrying out a variety of scalable video processing tasks. The flexible platform supports multiple video quality encoding bit rates, multiple audio formats, and text scrolling. STEP is compatible with any industry media server or digital rights management software, and can be easily integrated into CDN providers, offering users a tailored solution based on customer needs.

Also at the 2015 NAB Show, Blonder Tongue will also introduce the FlexCoder, a versatile new solution that combines edgeQAM, off-air transcoding, and IP grooming technology into one integrated package. Using the FlexCoder, broadcasters can convert IP video streams into QAM or ASI in addition to translating 8VSB (digital off air), clear-QAM, or ASI-to-IP signals. By providing a wide range of functionality in a compact solution, the FlexCoder brings remarkable cost savings to broadcast operations.

Blonder Tongue will additionally demonstrate the HDE-8C-QAM, a high-performance MPEG-2 HD encoder designed to deliver superior motion optimization for programming such as fast-paced live sporting events at an attractive price per channel. Using the encoder, operators can broadcast high-quality video content with extremely low latency. The encoder is capable of accepting programs from up to eight component or composite inputs, including satellite receivers and cable set-top boxes (STBs). In addition, the encoder supports Dolby Digital audio encoding and closed captioning (EIA-608). It is also equipped with an Emergency Alert System (EAS) interface.

Blonder Tongue will showcase a comprehensive range of the company's test and measurement analyzers, designed to help operators in the broadcast, cable, satellite, and IPTV markets deliver high-quality video and audio content. Blonder Tongue's new analyzers provide operators with reliable, flexible, and affordable tools for detecting transport stream issues. Featuring a unique compact and lightweight design, the powerful analyzers can be used anywhere to ensure a superior quality of service.

On display will be Blonder Tongue's BTPRO-7000S, a tablet-based test signal analyzer that helps operators analyze and log HD/SD QPSK/8PSK satellite, 8VSB, QAM, and analog television or radio signals in real time. The BTPRO-7000S offers a broad frequency range of 4 to 2250 MHz, making it suitable for multiple applications, including TV, CATV, radio, and satellite.

Blonder Tongue will also demonstrate the MTSA-PRO MPEG transport stream analysis device, which enables system engineers to monitor and control all aspects of RF and IP video streams within a network. Using the MTSA-PRO, operators can measure QAM, IP, and ASI signals, as well as play out saved transport stream files, in order to troubleshoot problems from outside sources.

The Blonder Tongue infosite is readily accessible at http://www.blondertongue.com/