HITS New HD Release
Denver, CO
HITS®, a division of Comcast Wholesale, today announced plans to further expand the new HITS Q2™ MPEG-2 satellite-based content distribution platform. The advanced encoding technology available on the newly upgraded platform delivers more channels using the same bandwidth. The upgraded technology allows HITS to add 10 new HD channels and three new SD channels to its HITS Quantum SD/HD lineup. This brings the total number of HD channels on HITS Quantum to 34 - a 42 percent increase in the number of HD networks available to cable operators.
Ten new HD channels will be added to the expanded HITS Quantum HD lineup in the third quarter of 2013, including 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 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. “In addition to creating an opportunity for expanding HD channel lineups, these savings in bandwidth can free up valuable spectrum on the local cable plant so operators can allocate more capacity to new business applications.”
In addition to the new HD services, HITS announced the launch of three new SD services including Fuel TV, Nick2 and MSG National as part of the recent “Q2” upgrade. Launched in April, the upgrade uses 256 QAM DVB-S2 technology on 75% of the HITS multiplexes. By freeing up as much as 25% of local bandwidth using existing MPEG-2 architecture, the upgrade enables cable operators to add more SD and HD signals using fewer satellite receivers and their existing customer premise equipment (CPE).
About HITS
HITS is a division of Comcast Wholesale. Recognized for helping cable systems serving smaller markets bridge the digital divide, HITS provides its customers with a wide range of content management solutions for linear television, video on demand (VOD), and advanced services. In addition to the economies of scale provided by its cloud-based solutions, HITS helps cable MSOs innovate and expand upon traditional cable services to remain competitive. More information about HITS is available at www.hits.com.
About Comcast Wholesale
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Comcast Cable, Comcast Wholesale offers third party businesses access to services and technologies developed and proven by an industry leader. From content distribution and media management to advertising delivery and IP services, Comcast Wholesale’s service portfolio helps businesses launch new products and remain competitive through lower up-front investment, improved efficiency and faster time to market. For more information, visit www.comcastwholesale.com.
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Comcast and HITS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Andy Holdgate
720.270.1325
Holdgatepr@comcast.net
