Harmonic Joins Pearl TV and Ecosystem Partners in Industry-First ATSC 3.0 Test Bed

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in video delivery technology and services, today announced its participation in the Phoenix Model Market Initiative, the first collaborative single-market effort to implement ATSC 3.0. Led by Pearl TV and broadcast stations owned by E.W. Scripps Company, Fox Television Stations, Meredith Local Media Group, Nexstar Media Group, TEGNA, Telemundo Station Group and Univision, the initiative will test advanced business models enabled by the next-generation broadcast television standard. As part of the comprehensive ecosystem with technology partners, Harmonic will provide participating stations in Phoenix with its Electra™ X ATSC 3.0 media processor, which integrates its market-leading encoding solution and statistical multiplexing technology, and a DASH packager, to ensure seamless distribution of ATSC 3.0 broadcasts.

"This unique initiative is the first time that a single market will test the ATSC 3.0 standard and provide a framework to the industry," said Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. "Partnering with forward-thinking technology providers like Harmonic, Pearl TV can validate groundbreaking improvements for over-the-air broadcasting and experiment with innovative use cases that ATSC 3.0 enables. All of that is possible in a real-life broadcast environment."

Harmonic's Electra X media processor is a fully software-based solution that combines two decades of codec and statmux technology developments with Harmonic's DASH and OTT expertise. The Electra X system supports HDR, and also performs the important task of decorating ATSC 3.0 channels to ensure they are suitable for targeted ad insertion. Beyond over-the-air (OTA) transmission, the Electra X media processor connects to Harmonic VOS™ 360 SaaS platform in the cloud to enable hybrid OTA/OTT services.

"Having a software-based solution for ATSC 3.0 is critical for broadcasters as they enter a new era of television with the post-auction repack and ATSC 3.0," said Tim Warren, senior vice president and chief technology officer, video business, at Harmonic. "Harmonic's software-centric approach to video delivery is flexible, cost-effective and future-proof. Our software-based solutions, combined with deployment experience in OTT and cloud, makes it easy for broadcasters to comply with the next-generation broadcast standard, as well as ATSC 1.0 in the short term. We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and power the delivery of new broadcast services."

Harmonic will demonstrate its ATSC 3.0 solutions at the 2018 NAB Show, April 9-12, in Las Vegas at booth SU810. Further information about Harmonic and the company's products is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in video delivery technology and services, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality broadcast and OTT video services to consumers globally. The company has also revolutionized cable access networking via the industry's first virtualized CCAP solution, enabling cable operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet service to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) technologies, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet cable services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and VOD content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com. 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Harmonic Inc.