Broadstream Communications, a start-up based in Seattle, announced a turn-key video headend service for telcos planning to offer triple-play services. Broadstream will outsource the head-end infrastructure so that telcos pay only a monthly fee, avoiding the cost of building their own headend facilities. The Broadstream service will also provide the digital TV programming — including broadcast network content, specialty channels, movies, sports and local programming — as well as digital music programming. Broadstream initially plans to offer over 100 video and audio programs through agreements with major broadcasters across the country. Broadstream will commence its service in Q1 2004.
Broadstream’s edge platform — located typically at the telcos Central Office — will incorporate SkyStream Networks’ Mediaplex-20 Video Delivery Platform — a multi-channel, high-density switched video headend system that provides advanced encoding with built-in pre-processing, video multiplexing and de-multiplexing, video rate-shaping, transrating, stream replication, DVB to IP gateway and ATM to IP and DVB/ASI conversion, in a single chassis. Broadstream and SkyStream have formed a strategic alliance targeting the U.S. telco triple play market.
http://www.broadstream.tvhttp://www.skystream.com
