***PixStream Announces Launch of VDS2000 Video Networking
Platform
(April 7)
PixStream announced the PixStream VDS2000 video networking
platform. PixStream will display the VDS2000 at the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB) annual convention at the Sands
Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 17- 22, 1999, in booth
S759.
The PixStream VDS2000 was designed to give network service
providers and enterprises the ability to offer high-quality video
distribution services to their customers.
PixStream has been shipping trial versions of the VDS2000 to its
customers since October 1998. They have also been collaborating
with several suppliers and manufacturers such as Newbridge
Networks to integrate the VDS2000 with network equipment and
management software.
The VDS2000 is a manageable multi-channel platform for delivering
MPEG-2 compressed video (4:2:0 Main Profile at Main Level) over
broadband networks. Unlike single channel systems, the chassis-
based VDS2000 has a lower cost per channel and is more compact,
fitting twelve video encoders in the space that most systems fit
one. The VDS2000 accommodates up to twelve different function and
interface cards including MPEG-2 encoders and decoders, and ATM
and IP multicast network interfaces. As with all PixStream video
networking solutions, the VDS2000 can be integrated seamlessly
into terrestrial, satellite, cable and wireless infrastructures,
it can be used in a variety of broadband networks and it supports
emerging modes of transport such as xDSL, Gigabit Ethernet and
LMDS.
The PixStream PS2015 low latency encoder provides real-time MPEG-
2 audio and video encoding and is capable of sustaining data
rates up to 15Mbps. This encoder accepts analog video through a
BNC or S-Video interface, and automatically detects and supports
NTSC and PAL video signals. Close captioning information and two
channels of analog audio (MPEG Layer I/II) are included in the
MPEG-2 transport stream, and full control over the group of
picture (GOP), image resolution and sample bit rate is provided.
An optional video only encoder is also available.
The PixStream PS2000 low latency decoder provides real-time MPEG-
2 audio and video decoding and is also capable of sustaining data
rates up to 15Mbps. This decoder provides output in NTSC or PAL
composite video via BNC or S-Video interfaces. Analog stereo
audio output is generated via RCA connectors. The PS2000 also has
a VCXO precision variable clock that automatically locks to a
broadcast encoder to accommodate network jitter.
ATM network interfaces for the VDS2000 include the PixStream
OC3/STM1 Single-mode Interface, the PixStream OC3/STM1 Multi-mode
Interface and the PixStream DS3/E3 Interface. These interfaces
provide MPEG over ATM and IP multicast over ATM support. IP
multicast network interfaces include the PixStream 10/100Mbps
Ethernet Adapter that provides IP multicast support, automatic
speed sensing and switching.
The standard configuration for the PixStream VDS2000 includes the
rack mountable VDS2000 4U system chassis with 13 available single
width CompactPCI expansion slots, the system controller and the
power supply. The PixStream system controller allows a high
degree of manageability and control via industry standard SNMP-
based management tools such as HP OpenView and/or PixStream
VDSmanager. The VDS2000 also integrates seamlessly with Newbridge
MainStreetXpress 45020/46020. The PixStream power supply is
capable of 300 watts of high efficiency output and is hot
swappable. When two power supplies are used, an (N+1) level of
redundancy is added to the system.
The PixStream VDS2000 is available now, directly from the
company. Pricing is dependent on the number of video channels and
type of network cards selected. A typical VDS2000 system costs
US$25,000 to US$200,000.
www.pixstream.com
Wave Issue 9039 X/XX/99 Article 8-01