Envivio is unveiling the latest version of its multichannel IP encoder for IPTV and Internet TV at IBC 2007 in its stand #4.260. Part of the Envivio Convergence Generation headend supporting an all IP infrastructure, the 4Caster C4 encoder can now support both IPTV standard definition video resolutions as well as CIF Internet TV resolutions, simultaneously. The C4 can also simultaneously encode in AVC / H.264 as well as in the Windows Media and QuickTime formats.

In an IPTV system, television content is received to television sets via set-top boxes by residential and corporate viewers through technologies used for computer networks instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats. IPTV services are typically supplied by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure instead of the public Internet. To address the bandwidth limitations of offering high quality video content over IPTV networks, the 4Caster C4 can output real time standard definition streams in market leading MPEG-4 video quality with up to a 60 percent reduction in bandwidth compared to state-of-the-art MPEG-2 encoders. The quality and bit rates supported by the C4, make IPTV services a technically competitive alternative to traditional cable and satellite networks.

Internet TV, the application whereby video content is delivered over a public Internet or private network to a computer, provides an opportunity for content creators and service providers to reach millions of potential viewers using Windows Media or QuickTime encoding. To support this ever expanding application, 4Caster C4 outputs real-time streaming video in the formats required for optimal viewing at the highest quality. Content may be played live or saved to video servers for scheduled broadcasts or video-on-demand services.

4Caster C4 Offers a "Future Proof" Investment to Service Providers

By enabling both IPTV and Internet TV services from the same encoder, a service provider offering both services and using the 4Caster C4 will only need to invest in one headend rather than two, and only one redundancy system and one management system, resulting in significant cost savings. Using one encoding platform to provide these two services also reduces the risk to a service provider with respect to interoperability and compatibility of devices tied to these services. For those service providers intending to offer only one of the services enabled by the 4Caster C4, the encoder affords them the flexibility to add the other service at a later date by simply expanding their existing headend or reconfiguring their existing C4s to have them offer the other service.

4Caster C4 uses Intel's Latest Generation Multicore Processors for IP Video Convergence Solutions

Based on the latest quad-core Intel processors, the flexible architecture adopted by Envivio for the 4Caster C4 allows the service provider to receive firmware upgrades from Envivio to quickly react to market demands for new features. New features and functions can be added easily to each encoder without the need to replace units deployed in the field. The unique and flexible architecture of the 4Caster C4 encoder will ultimately bring together the Envivio MPEG-4 video compression expertise and industry leading video quality to offer a multi-channel, multi-service encoder capable of addressing Mobile TV, Internet TV, and IPTV at extremely low bandwidths.

Powering its vision of a converged world, Envivio continuously strives to introduce advanced compression products for traditional and emerging media by offering solutions to service providers which reduce their operational costs while offering subscribers compelling video services anytime and anywhere. In 2007, Frost & Sullivan recognized Envivio's convergence vision by awarding it the 2007 Entrepreneurial Company of the Year award in the world digital media infrastructure market.