Arqiva improves DTT with Tandberg tech

Arqiva has introduced Tandberg Television's MPEG-2 video compression technology to improve picture quality and add new channels on UK digital terrestrial television.

Under the arrangement, the DTT transmissions firm will use Tandberg's MPEG-2 platform - including a test platform and two live platforms - and also receive associated systems management and multiplexing from the Ericsson subsidiary.

The deal also includes the Tandberg EN8100, claimed to be the world's most powerful high density MPEG-2 broadcast encoder, which enables Arqiva to add two brand new channels for each UK DTT multiplex.

The EN8100 also improves picture quality on Freeview to offer greater choice and quality of service for customers, as well as greater incremental revenue for Arqiva.

"We are delighted with the performance of the new Tandberg MPEG-2 platform, it has delivered results beyond our expectations," said Arqiva director of digital platforms Michael Finchen.

"Tandberg Television's commitment to MPEG-2, the close relationship we have with their engineering and commercial teams and the unprecedented performance of the EN8100 were critical factors in our selection of the company, and key contributors to the success of this project."

Tandberg executive vice-president of compression systems Roger Bolton added: "We have a strategic relationship with Arqiva and are delighted that our technology is helping them to launch new services and achieve better quality.

"The EN8100 is ideal for digital terrestrial operators such as Arqiva because of the performance it delivers and its ability to support legacy MPEG-2 set top boxes. We are fully committed to the DTT market and to MPEG-2."

Tandberg business development director Simon Frost also indicated that gaining efficiency from existing MPEG-2 multiplexes will most likely increase in importance during the expected "big push from operators wanting to deploy HD using DVB-T2".