NTT Electronics Reveal the New H5100 Series HDTV Encoder/Decoder - the World’s First 16-Channel Audio Input

Greatly Enhanced Flexibility for HDTV Relay, with Dolby E Encoding and IP Interface Built In

TOKYO (November 14, 2006) - NTT Electronics Corporation (NEL; Tomoyuki Toshima, CEO), is pleased to announce the release of the new H5100 series all-in-one HDTV encoder/decoder, the world’s first 16-channel input. For use in contribution and content distribution, it comes equipped with built-in audio processing functionality, including up to 16 PCM channels of audio input and Dolby E or Dolby Digital processing.

The new H5100 series is successor to the existing H3100 series, renowned for its high image quality and increasingly adopted by broadcasters throughout the world for HDTV relay of sports and various international events, as well as for content distribution. The new H5100 series responds to growing demands for multi-channel audio transmission at least 5.1 channel or preferably 8 or more channels in order to achieve dynamic, true to live program creation. Also, current boost of IP transmission required the encoders with built-in IP function.
Such needs are met by equipping the new H5100 series with up to 16 channels of audio input capability, a built-in Dolby E or Dolby Digital encoder module, as well as IP interface and other options. As a result, this single unit takes the place of three or more separate pieces of equipment, greatly enhancing flexibility.

Moreover, the new H5100 series comes with a BISS-1/E scrambling function to protect data on satellite links from unauthorized viewing. It adopts HTTP menus for browser-based user operations, and further improves user-friendliness via SNMP functions that make maintenance easy.

The new H5100 series offers encoder, HE5100 and decoder, HD5100, and these are developed in collaboration with Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
For video encoding H5100 series incorporates “VASA”, high quality MEPG-2 single chip codec LSI developed by NTT Electronics, which contributes to the light weight and compact size of this unit, along with its fast startup when powered on.

“The new H5100 series is aimed at both the Japanese market, where IP broadcasting and multi-channel audio are already advanced and in use, and at promoting adoption for programming use overseas. When combined with the AVC/H.264 products now next generation model is under development, it will further strengthen NTT Electronics’ spectacular lineup.” said Mr. Tsuneo Okubo, general manager of the Multimedia System Group of NTT Electronics.

Features of the new H5100 series

1. Enhanced audio functionality
   • A built-in Dolby E or Dolby Digital encoder module (option) No external Dolby encoder needed, saving space and improving operation ease
   • 8-channel audio I/O; 16 channels optional
   • Dolby Digital pass through function
2. Installed Ethernet interface for IP transmission (option)
3. Installed HTTP menus to enable SNMP functions for ease of maintenance
4. BISS-1/E to protect data on satellite links from unauthorized viewing (option)
5. RoHS Compliant Model

HE5100 MPEG-2 HDTV/SDTV Encoder