HITS, Comcast's (Nasdaq: CMCSA) wholesale division that provides satellite-based content to independent cable operators, will expand its HITS Q2 satellite-based content distribution platform, making it possible to deliver more channels using existing bandwidth. Specifically, the technology will let HITS add 10 new HD channels and three new SD channels to its HITs Quantum SD/HD lineup. This will increase the number of HITS HD networks available to cable operators to 34, which is a 42 percent increase.
The 10 new HD channels will be added in the third quarter and will include Bio HD, Bravo HD, CNBC HD+, DIY Network HD, E! HD, Hub HD, Investigation Discovery HD, MSNBC HD, Nat Geo Wild HD and OWN HD. The three new SD services will include Fuel TV, Nick2 and MSG National.
"The advanced video compression technology used on the upgraded HITS Quantum platform allows cable operators to offer more HD channels using significantly less bandwidth, without compromising the viewing experience," said Leslie Russell, vice president and general manager for HITS.
Last April, HITS upgraded its encoding technology to 256 QAM DVB-S2 on 75 percent of the HITS multiplexes. The upgrade freed 25 percent more local bandwidth allowing cable operators to add more SD and HD signals using fewer satellite receivers and their existing customer premise equipment.
For more:
- See this press release
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