Japan's NTT Data developed for Sky Italy the new "NRT encoding" that allows an optimization of the encoding in Mpeg 4, with savings of up to 40% in terms of bit-rate, with the same quality of vision. All this translates into more bandwidth and more HD channels without having to change the decoder. Sky Italy has applied for a patent-
NTT DATA announces that it has developed a solution for Sky nominated NRT Encoding that by applying innovative processes to the video compression of linear channels broadcast via satellite , can reduce up to 40% bandwidth consumption necessary , for the same quality . The debut of NRT Encoding - with the first channel on the Sky platform transmitted thanks to new technology - is expected by June and by December 2013, the solution will be extended to other channels.
"We are satisfied with the solution that we have developed in collaboration with NTT DATA as potential applications are numerous and provide us with a significant competitive advantage over other operators ," said Massimo Bertolotti , Head of Innovation and Engineering , Sky Italy . " NRT Encoding is a project that has significant value for Sky Italy has always been attentive to invest in technology , and for its innovative features , we have initiated the process to obtain the patent . "
" We are partners of Sky Italy for several years and just starting experience gained in the development dell'encoding VOD , used to offer Sky On Demand on all screens (PCs, smartphones, tablets and TV) , was born l ' idea of exploiting the encoding techniques to process an offline linear signal , "said Riccardo Ferrari , Senior Manager, NTT DATA in Italy . "Based on our research and to our knowledge , there are no similar solutions on the market today ."
A technology that optimizes then the compression phase in Mpeg 4 (H.264 ), obtaining encodings up to 40% more "read" with the same quality , without requiring the adoption of a new codec (see H.265 ) and that Sky will allow to further increase the range of HD channels in the same bandwidth and without having to change the entire park Sky decoder of its subscribers (Sky has confirmed the compatibility of the existing HD set top box , which will receive a firmware update " on-air "). Some have speculated that the NRT Encoder could be adopted by Sky to broadcast content in Ultra HD resolution , adding that even in this case the current HD decoder would be compatible : Ok the possibility of using the improved encoding , but do not see how the current decoder can convey signals Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 dots) at 50 Hz , both for computational limits of existing decoder chip integrated , and because the built-in HDMI would not be compatible . Not to mention that broadcasting in HD Ultra could see the adoption of 10 -bit color space REC.2020 .
For more information: Sky Forum
