Harmonic Electra™ X Advanced Media Processor
The Harmonic Electra™ X advanced media processor is the industry’s first fully converged platform to support graphics, branding and playout functionalities, as well as industry-leading video quality and full-frame Ultra HD (UHD) live encoding for broadcast and multiscreen services. Featuring real-time encoding of SD, HD and 4K/UHD media, integrated high-quality branding and graphics, and transport stream playout, Electra X offers users market-leading video quality, unparalleled function integration and increased operational flexibility in a cost-effective appliance.
Two models are available: the 1-RU Electra X2, ideal for all SD and HD media processing applications, and the 2-RU Electra X3, designed specifically for UHD encoding. At the heart of both units is the Harmonic PURE Compression Engine™, an advanced encoding technology that supports SD, HD and UHD formats and MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC and HEVC codecs for broadcast and over-the-top multiscreen delivery. Developed for our VOS™ virtualized media processing platform, the Harmonic PURE Compression Engine powers Electra X with superior video quality at minimum bandwidth.
Harmonic’s industry-leading Intelligent Function Integration™ achieves its highest level to date in Electra X2. On-board video graphics and branding bring new levels of workflow efficiency to the video delivery chain, a capability that also preserves video quality by removing the need to inject baseband components into the IP workflow. Transport stream playout capabilities on Electra X2 include channel origination, linear ad insertion and SCTE automation control. Rich audio functionality on both Electra X2 and X3 includes encoding of Dolby® Digital Plus (E-AC-3) content and integrated audio leveling. For premium UHD encoding applications, Electra X3 delivers real-time, broadcast-ready content at resolutions up to 2160p60 via HEVC.
As a next-generation media processing system, Electra X offers a new approach to encoding and channel playout. With its superior video quality, function integration, bandwidth efficiency and workflow flexibility, this multi-service, multi-codec, multi-function platform is sure to simplify the video delivery infrastructure, reduce costs and drive new revenue-generating services.
Benefits include:
Reduced CAPEX and OPEX: The broad capabilities of Electra X media processors converge broadcast and multiscreen encoding and delivery functionality onto a single appliance, providing a low total cost of ownership.
Simplified Workflows: With Electra X2, multiple encoding and playout operations can be controlled from a single interface. Reducing the number of discrete boxes in the broadcast chain reduces complexity, making operation easier to set up, manage and maintain.
Accelerated Revenue Generation: The Electra X3 provides real-time UHD and HEVC encoding capabilities so service providers can offer viewers the latest viewing experience. The integrated multi-function capabilities increase operational flexibility and efficiency, accelerate the launch new revenue-generating services, such as OTT streaming of live and time-shifted content, and the broadcasting of new HD channels. Additionally, onboard graphics can be used to reinforce on-air branding.
Pay as You Grow Scalability: Media processing capabilities are controlled through firmware licenses, assuring that users pay for only those features they need, enabling them to add new capabilities as business requirements change.
