altum    

 MPEG-2/H.264 SD/HD Encoders and Decoders

ALTUM is the family of Broadcast encoders (models AHExxx10) and decoders (models AHDxx10) manufactured and designed by SAPEC with the capacity to work with MPEG-2 / H.264 compressions both in standard definition (SD) and in high definition (HD).

It has two transport interfaces to be able to transmit or receive the Transport Stream (TS) generated either in DVB-ASI and/or in IP. The IP interface admits sending both in Unicast and Multicast. It accepts UDP / RTP transmissions and offers the possibility of emitting FEC for error correction under the SMPTE2022 standard.

ALTUM allows for setting any type of profile for both of the compression algorithms, 4:2:0 for distribution and 4:2:2 for contribution as well as the rest of intrinsic parameters of the algorithms such as GOP size, GOP structure, resolution, aspect ratio and bandwidths. They support the encoding of up to 16 embedded audios and up to 4 channels in AES/EBU in MPEG-1 Layer II, MPEG-4 AAC, Dolby AC3 or Dolby EAC3 as well as offering the possibility of broadcasting audios transparently (SMPTE302M) or performing a pass-through of both Dolby formats. The different audio algorithms can coexist in the same TS.

ALTUM processes the vertical blanking interval (VBI) for Teletext, OP47, Closed Caption, AFD, WSS, etc. and allows Ancillary Data. Encoders have extra features such as logo insertion or internal pattern generator that bring added value to the devices. It has two latency modes that allow for working with lower delays for contributions through ASI or IP. These devices can be managed and configured in a simple and user-friendly manner through their Web GUI in addition to meeting the SNMP v1/v2 standard for their integration in generic management systems governed by this protocol.

ALTUM is a versatile family with a strong presence in the national and international market for the last few years which results in an excellent delivery performance. The encoders are capable of generating the necessary tables for DVB and ATSC distribution, as well as offering the possibility of BISS encryption, which means they are prepared to be used in satellite or terrestrial head-ends.

It offers the possibility of including in the encoders the N+1 redundancy feature with no external server, the encoders themselves managing this redundancy, which leads to cost savings as well as the minimisation of errors due to these external elements. Although they only need one power source to operate, it has the option of redundant hot-swap power supply.

ALTUM also manages with ease in contributions through its ASI interface and particularly in IP networks, where the interface is dual and allows for sending the TS to two different destinations and even through different connectors to establish path redundancy. In de decoder part, said interface includes a network analyser where we can view the network jitter and the statistics of packets lost, disorganised, corrected,… and the configured FEC, as well as the effect caused by the entry flow providing the percentage of corrected packets. Furthermore, the decoder offers the possibility of setting the re-emission of the entry flow to another IP address.