Harris Corporation Announces Launch of Videotek(R) QuiC(TM) Media Analysis Server at IBC2006

Harris Corporation Announces Launch of Videotek(R) QuiC(TM) Media Analysis Server at IBC2006

Unique, new system verifies and corrects file-based, compressed digital content

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) today announced the launch of the Videotek(R) QuiC(TM) media analysis server system, a fully automated test and measurement platform designed to verify the quality of video and audio content stored on servers and storage networks. Unique in the marketplace, the QuiC(TM) server not only verifies the quality of audio and video content at speeds faster than real time, but also provides file correction tools.

Ensuring content quality has become increasingly challenging for broadcasters as compressed digital content may be comprised of differing standards, formats and resolutions. The QuiC(TM) media analysis server technology, previewed to considerable acclaim at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in April 2006, is designed to provide broadcasters with a more efficient, consistent and cost-effective method of verifying content of all popular formats and parameters. The system supports many file formats, including MPEG2/IMX 50, MPEG-2, DV25, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO 100, VC1 (WM9) and MPEG4-H.264.

"Although content standards and formats continue to change, the broadcaster's responsibility to maintain content quality for viewers remains constant," said Tim Thorsteinson, president of the Harris Broadcast Communications Division. "The introduction of the QuiC(TM) media analysis server fills a critical gap that has existed up to now in the broadcaster's toolkit -- the ability to analyze file-based, compressed digital content and correct problems before the content is distributed."

While traditional stream monitors test for compression and syntax errors, the robust QuiC server checks visual (pixel by pixel) and aural (sample by sample) quality assurance (QA) parameters, including video and audio levels, video color space compatibility, audio phase, low audio and letter and pillar box limits. The process can be initiated manually via the intuitive user interface, or the QuiC server can be set to automatically process files by time or event.

"With the QuiC(TM) media analysis server, the quality assurance process progresses at rates faster than real time, providing broadcasters tremendous flexibility in managing their digital assets," continued Thorsteinson.

Once a media file is recognized by the QuiC(TM) media analysis server, the system tracks its status and builds a database of test results and any changes made to the file. This information is then encapsulated in the file's MXF metadata. The QuiC(TM) server then presents the "ready-to-air" status of files it has analyzed on the network, along with information about the file, in an easy-to-understand summary screen. In addition to the file manager summaries, QuiC(TM) also presents other information in easy-to-follow formats such as detailed video and audio quality checks for a single file, summary reports for all files in the database and user-inserted comments.

To ensure QuiC(TM) is able to meet a customer's future requirements, the system's hardware is scalable in numerous ways. First, slave servers can be added to the primary system in order to increase system throughput time. Control of the file QA process is possible on a remote View Station or locally on the monitor and control GUI. The View Stations, which incorporate Harris' patented Videotek(R) Q-SEE(TM) display technology, provide various ways of analyzing the file's video and audio content, including waveform, vector, audio level meter, gamut and picture displays, scrub control and error timeline. In addition, the View Stations provide uncompressed serial digital video and audio outputs of the file content, allowing for further monitoring and signal comparison.

Harris is currently taking orders for the Phase One release of the QuiC(TM) media analysis server.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. With headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual sales of $3.5 billion and nearly 14,000 employees -- including more than 6,000 engineers and scientists -- dedicated to the development of best-in-class assured communications(TM) products, systems, software and services. The company's operating divisions serve markets for government communications, RF communications, broadcast communications, and microwave communications. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

See Harris Broadcast Communications Division

IBC Stand 7:621 & M225

Source: Harris Corporation

CONTACT: Laura Whitaker, Vice President, Marketing Communications of
Harris Broadcast Communications Division, +1-408-782-1201, or
Laura.Whitaker@harris.com; or Meriam Khan of MKM Marketing Communications,
+44 (0)20 8141 4703, or Meriam@mkm-marcomms.com

Web site: http://www.harris.com/
http://www.ibc.org/

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