KHLM-LP Chooses Harmonic To Increase Channels

KHLM-LP Houston (DMA 10), owned by Lotus Communications Corp., has deployed Harmonic Inc.’s video processing solutions to increase channel capacity from six channels to eight within the 19.39 Mbps ATSC stream. The increased channel capacity is providing KHLM with more virtual channels, giving viewers more content choices and bringing new revenue opportunities to the station.

“Harmonic’s video encoding, stream processing, and service management technologies work together to provide high quality video at low bit rates, enabling a unique business model for low-power stations,” said Jim Kalmenson, president of Lotus Communications. “Our expanded channel capacity allows us to grow revenues through additional advertising opportunities and the ability to lease sub-channels to content providers who want to offer their own programming.”

Harmonic’s Electra multiservice encoders, the ProStream 1000 stream processing platform and NMX Digital Service Manager, which are used together to compress and manage the eight video channels. A major factor in providing broadcast video quality at a low bit rate is Harmonic’s DiviTrackIP statistical multiplexing technology.