Ericsson launches compression platform powered by new video chip

Ericsson’s first-ever professional video chip powers the most advanced video processing platform for TV delivery
Enables all broadcasters, TV service providers and operators to achieve greater velocity and efficiency in deploying new video services that meet consumer demand
TELUS to introduce new platform to further enhance viewers’ quality of experience
With more content available to more video-enabled devices than ever before, maximizing video delivery over available bandwidth and multiple networks is vital to the success of current and future consumer TV experiences. NAB 2013 (booth SU821) will see Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) launch a new high performance compression platform which raises the bar for efficiency and flexibility in the delivery of TV services over all networks. The AVP 4000, powered by Ericsson’s first-ever in-house developed programmable video processing chip, is a unique single platform addressing multiple applications, regardless of codec, resolution or network.

"The AVP 4000 is the most powerful compression platform of its kind and offers a truly multi-platform solution without compromise on picture quality or development flexibility. Core to this step change in performance is our own professional video chip. This programmable chip gives us the performance and the control necessary to develop and implement the algorithms required to achieve the highest bandwidth efficiency across all delivery networks," said Dr. Giles Wilson, Head of TV Compression Business, Ericsson.

"For the past twenty years we have developed and driven the best and most advanced compression and video processing algorithms and always invested in the best technology to support them. Developing our own chip is the next logical step and came as a result of technology advances that allow us to package our algorithms into silicon and the opportunity we have to leverage Ericsson’s deep experience of chip development."

With the need to balance consumer demand for new services and costly upgrades of existing delivery infrastructures, Ericsson’s customers will benefit from the highest performance available to maximize the efficiency of any current and new platform. Built on Ericsson’s own technology, the AVP 4000 ensures operators can remain innovative and responsive by leveraging leading technology and a professional relationship.

Ibrahim Gedeon, TELUS’ Chief Technology Officer says: "TELUS is continuing its long-standing relationship with Ericsson and already trialing the new AVP 4000. The performance of new encoder will enable us to build a TV platform for the future and further enhance our customers’ experience, with better picture quality and improved services."

By addressing all applications, codecs, resolutions and profiles, Ericsson’s AVP single platform eases integration, expansion, re-purposing, training, repair and upgrades, considerably lowering the overall cost of ownership. It offers the highest performance and broadest capability in the industry on a single platform across all applications, from SD to HD, 1080p50/60, 3DTV and Ultra High Definition TV (UHDTV), and all codecs, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC and JPEG2000, with 4:2:0 and 4:2:2, 8-bit and 10-bit all supported.

Ericsson predicts that by 2020, there will be 50 billion connected devices, 15 billion of which will be video enabled. To meet the changing consumer demand, operators must deploy new services within the often-tough constraints of bandwidth, spectrum and legacy networks.

"Our knowledge of the consumer landscape ensures that we are firmly positioned to see what the current trends are, and what the demands of tomorrow will be," said Ove Anebygd, Vice President and Head of TV, Ericsson. "We know that convenience and high quality are hugely important to consumers, and as a result we understand that video performance and network efficiency are crucial to broadcasters, TV service providers, and operators. Ericsson has been developing chips for a long time in mobile devices and networks, and as a result we are perfectly positioned to build upon this expertise to support our customers with the real-time video processing and compression solutions they require today."

This unique product is built on Ericsson’s 20 years of compression heritage. The compression team has been instrumental in developments that helped trigger the transformation of the TV landscape and has been recognized with multiple Emmy® awards – including one in 2008 for pioneering development and deployment of MPEG-4 AVC systems for high-definition television.

Ericsson will launch the AVP 4000 solution at NAB 2013 in Las Vegas, USA, April 8-11, 2013, on its booth at the show (SU821).

Notes to editors

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press.