Sep. 11, 2015
 
NASA, Harmonic Launch First Non-Commercial UHD Channel in North America
 
NASA TV launches first ever non-commercial consumer ultra-high definition
(UHD) channel in North America
 
Credits: NASA TV/Mark Hailey
 
NASA is partnering with Harmonic, a worldwide leader in video delivery
infrastructure, to launch NASA TV UHD, the first ever non-commercial consumer
ultra-high definition (UHD) channel in North America. The partnership is the
result of a Space Act Agreement between Harmonic and the agency's Marshall
Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
 
Using an end-to-end UHD video delivery system from Harmonic, NASA Television
will have the capability to deliver linear 2160p60 video content, allowing
viewers to enjoy footage on a wide range of television and internet-connected
devices. The new UHD channel is expected to launch on Nov. 1, following
preliminary tests.
 
"Partnering with Harmonic gives NASA an outlet for its UHD content, which has
four times the resolution of HD and is the next iteration of digital
television," said Robert Jacobs, deputy associate administrator for NASA's
Office of Communications at the agency's headquarters in Washington.
 
Leveraging the 8-megapixel resolution of UHD, the channel will showcase the
breathtaking beauty and grandeur of space. NASA TV UHD video will be sourced
from high-resolution images and video generated on the International Space
Station and other current NASA missions, as well as re-mastered footage from
historical missions.
 
Harmonic currently is in discussions with pay TV operators to carry the
channel on the satellite, cable and optical networks for consumer access. The
channel also will stream on the Internet, which will require at least 13 MBps
access connectivity to receive the signal and enjoy the UHD experience.
 
"As NASA reaches new heights and reveals the unknown, the NASA TV UHD channel
can bring that journey to life in every home. And as organizations at the
forefront of innovation, together we are leading the adoption of this exciting
technology," said Peter Alexander, chief marketing officer at Harmonic. "As
the leader in UHD development, Harmonic provides a complete solution for Ultra
HD video production and delivery, enabling content and service providers to
offer better video quality at a low total cost of ownership."
 
For more information on NASA TV programming, visit:
 
 
http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
 
 
-end-
 
 
 
Karen Northon
 Headquarters, Washington
 202-358-1540
karen.northon@nasa.gov
 
 
Last Updated: Sep. 11, 2015
 
Editor: Karen Northon
 
 
Regards,
 
Roger

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