Ericsson video compression supports Associated Press migration to High Definition

AP content seen by over half world’s population daily
Flexible, future-proof solutions for first ever all HD global news service
Ericsson video compression solutions enable high quality news coverage
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has supplied The Associated Press (AP),with video acquisition and delivery solutions to enable AP to migrate its news operations to high definition. In the largest rollout of HD by any news agency globally, AP completed the transition to HD ahead of the 2012 London Olympics in July and the U.S presidential election in November.

AP is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP delivers world news, entertainment, SNTV (sport) and lifestyle video to broadcasters. Given the market demands of its viewers, who are increasingly moving to high definition, AP has responded by upgrading its infrastructure to HD.

To ensure AP maintained a competitive edge by delivering news content as quickly as possible, Ericsson has supplied its AVP 3000 Voyager DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) solution and RX8200 modular professional receiver. These enable AP to deliver the highest picture quality with rapid turnaround times. “Our customers expect us to be responsive to the way the news world is changing, which means reacting to the increase in demand for video news, providing it in better quality,” said David Hoad, AP director of global video technology. “In the case of HD, we have invested ahead of the market need, making it easier for broadcasters and digital publishers around the world to make the move to HD. Our existing relationship with Ericsson left us in no doubt that it had the newsgathering solutions we needed to meet AP’s needs and in the future.”

Ericsson’s AVP 3000 Voyager represents the most advanced DSNG unit on the market, equipped for the multiplatform, multiscreen world. The solution offers greater usability, flexibility and future-proofing compared to others available on the market. As well as enabling high-definition newsgathering, it offers AP the potential to repurpose the equipment for the news services of the future.

“TV viewers have become used to watching content in high definition, be it drama, sport or movies, and now expect that high quality to be matched across all programming, including news and current affairs,” said Dr. Giles Wilson, Head of TV Compression Business, Ericsson. “The Ericsson name is synonymous with leadership in the newsgathering and content distribution market. We are pleased to have enabled The Associated Press to be the first to make the important move towards all HD operations.”

Ericsson will demonstrate its market-leading portfolio of solutions for content acquisition, exchange and distribution at IBC 2012, Amsterdam, September 7-11, at its new stand, 1.D61.

Notes to editors

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press.

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