Mario Rainville, Vice President of Product Marketing, Scopus Network Technologies, replied to the following questionnaire concerning the possibility –and growing trend--to build networks of contribution based on IP protocol.
How strong is the trend towards IP-based contribution systems?
--The trend towards IP-based contribution is quite strong. IP simplifies network operations and represents a more universal form and unified to transport video, voice and data services.
Can they be built IP-based contribution systems today? What would be the elements?
"Yes, of course it is possible. Although some think that IP contribution requires codecs (encoder-decoder) very advanced, this applies more or distribution systems. The use of IP as transport is completely independent of the codec Used. Therefore, it is now possible to make a contribution over IP with MPEG-2. In the future, using exactly the same infrastructure, more advanced codecs can be used. The "building blocks" on the video side are video encoders, video processing (conditioning) and IP decoders. IP switches they constitute the essence of IP infrastructure.
How does the IP-based network management?
--It varies, of course, in that the network management is simplified when used IP-based technology for network transport. In addition, it is they can carry different types of services over the same network. It's also easier to share bandwidth between these services.
Is there a tendency to migrate to MPEG-4 protocol parallel to migration to IP-based contribution systems?
--You always need to save the valuable bandwidth. In the contribution, the important thing is deliver the best possible quality. Therefore, the goal does not it is precisely to reduce the bandwidth too much. The the use of advanced codecs would undoubtedly allow save bandwidth and maintain an equivalent level of quality video.
What can we expect in what about new applications when migrating to IP-based networks? (Reuse of content, streaming, VOD, etc.)
--Many applications can benefit from an IP transport network. The VOD already uses a IP transport mechanism on your main network. You have to have in says that in existing video networks --such as cable--, the last link, that is, delivery to homes, still you have to use a native MPEG-2 transport to maintain the compatibility with currently installed systems.
How complicated will it be? the implementation of these systems? Will it require the total cancellation of the current contribution system?
--The implementation of these Systems will not require shutting down the current system. The period Transitional may need, temporarily, a greater width of band.
What does Scopus offer in this sense?
--Scopus is committed to the establishment of IP networks. Scopus introduced architecture IVN (Intelligent Video Network). The IVN is an architecture that uses video processors distributed to deliver video signals over architectures IP-based. All Scopus products --encoders, processors (groomers) and decoders -- have IP interfaces and are part of the Scopus IVN architecture.
