Hitachi-Comark is headed to NAB NY 2018 as a first-time exhibitor. The Comark Digital Services (CDS) division will demonstrate a live, end-to-end ATSC 3.0 solution, showing attendees the power of Next Generation Broadcast Television (NGBT).  The demo will feature the power of software-based encoding technologies. The Comark Digital Services (CDS) mission is to help broadcasters navigate the FCC repack and migrate to ATSC 3.0.

For instance, WKAR was the country’s first PBS station to receive authorization from the FCC to begin broadcasting ATSC 3.0, and time-to-market was crucial.  In July of 2018, WKAR ordered a turnkey ATSC 3.0 solution, integrated by CDS. The system was fully delivered and on-air on their September 1st deadline.

CDS provided a fully integrated “IP enabled” workflow of ATSC 3.0 equipment.  The solution includes the “CDS powered by TitanLive” software-based ATSC encoding solution configured with 4 HEVC encoded video services. The solution also includes a Broadcast Gateway / Scheduler, which was configured to provide 3 Physical Layer Pipes (PLP’s) that carry the various services. The system was designed to be compatible with WKAR’s existing ROUTE/MMTP server. CDS provided equipment integration, service level agreement, on-site installation, and training services to the WKAR staff.

“Having already provided ATSC 3.0 equipment to Dish Networks, the OneMedia Dallas SFN, and the Cleveland field trial, CDS has been positioned just for these types of projects,” says Dick Fiore, President and CEO of Hitachi Kokusai Electric Comark, LLC. “Our team worked very closely with the staff at WKAR to provide the right solution and we are extremely pleased to be part of this very important milestone in the transition to NGBT.”