Major League Baseball MLB Network Launch Powered by Motorola
Motorola experience with sports programming distribution helps fast track MLB Network launch
today announced that MLB Network has selected the Motorola modular uplink system and Motorola integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) to distribute its lineup of new sports programming. Chosen for its exceptional quality in the delivery of demanding video content such as live sporting events, Motorola equipment processes high quality video with very efficient distribution. MLB Network – the new 24-hour cable network devoted to Major League Baseball and other baseball programming – launched in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009.
The delivery of video content with a high proportion of high speed action as seen in sports poses challenges for programmers and distributors alike as they strive to exceed consumer expectations for high definition video quality and clarity. To meet these needs, Motorola will provide top of line HD and SD MPEG-2 encoders as part of a complete end-end system for MLB Network which will compress, multiplex, encrypt, modulate and receive satellite-delivered programming. MLB Network was able to ‘mix and match’ equipment from Motorola’s extensive portfolio to configure the most effective solution for current needs with an eye toward future expansion flexibility. The IRD products chosen for the network are common throughout the industry so that cable operators receiving the MLB Network signals will already be familiar with the downlink equipment required.
"With many complex deployments in the field, Motorola has an excellent reputation in the sports programmer space," said Mark Haden, vice president of engineering and IT at MLB Network. "We’ve seen how Motorola’s solutions can manage multiple virtual networks and that gives us a comfort factor for long-term growth and stability. In addition, the Motorola team has had first-hand experience with sports networks so we could rest assured that both our quality targets and aggressive timeframe to launch could be accommodated."
"Motorola has a great deal of experience in providing programmers with content distribution solutions where high picture quality and overall system availability are key factors," said Bob Wilson, general manager for Motorola’s Networked Video Solutions, Broadband Home Solutions business. "We’ve also continued to advance our video delivery portfolio which has the depth to meet a wide variety of distribution requirements with very efficient distribution. As a result, MLB Network will be able to implement an end-to-end system that is customized to meet its exacting demands."
WTF? Is that a giant penis-bat?
Beav, Good eye! thx!