New Telstra Network Set To Revolutionize Broadcast Industry
A new national network known as the Telstra Digital Video Platform (DVP) is set to revolutionize the Australian broadcast industry. The DVP provides an efficient, reliable and flexible digital video network capable of carrying high definition TV. It allows broadcasters to transfer various types of compressed or non-compressed digital video signals with high security. Telstra provides a comprehensive network management system to ensure high levels of reliability that are critical to broadcasters. This system allows configuration, network routing and testing to be performed from one point across the whole network. Telstra Business Solutions Group Managing Director, Lindsay Yelland, said the Telstra DVP would enable broadcasters to control and direct signals efficiently in variable bandwidths to suit their needs. ""Broadcasters currently use a combination of terrestrial, satellite and privately owned networks to move video and audio signals around Australia. ""The Telstra DVP is a fully managed digital one stop shop,"" Mr. Yelland said. The Telstra DVP is due to commence operation throughout the Seven Network and will be used to deliver the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games to Seven Network viewers throughout Australia. Contracts have also been signed with the Nine and Ten Networks."" Mr. Yelland said the introduction of DVP was timely as broadcasters are required by Government to broadcast digital signals by 2001. Regional areas have until 2004 to meet the legislation requirements. ""The Government has indicated that at least 20 hours programming per week will be produced in high definition in the first two years of digital TV in Australia,"" Mr. Yelland said. Seven Network Director of Operations, Judi Stack, said the Telstra DVP will assist Seven to implement digital television services in a cost effective manner. ""It allows the distribution of high definition and standard definition video signals and 5.1-channel DolbyÆ Digital surround sound Australia-wide,"" Ms. Stack said. ""The quality of the material passing through the network is far superior to the system it replaces and provides Seven with greater flexibility and control over its distribution network. ""Seven can reconfigure the network itself, as well as send material from any destination and improve its program distribution network. ""With complete control, we can switch between pictures as required, allowing us to respond to different market, region or State demands,"" she said. ""The unmatched network control function of the Telstra DVP provides a user friendly 'point and click' network routing capability. ""We are really pushing the edge of technology and when it is completed, it will be one of the best networks in the world,"" Ms. Stack said. The Telstra DVP is believed to be the most advanced system of its type in the world. It was designed by Telstra engineers in partnership with Phillips, which was selected as the Systems Integrator to provide this leading edge digital video technology platform. Engineers from the Seven and Nine Networks were also directly involved in the design of the network. About Telstra Corporation Limited Telstra Corporation Limited is the leading fully integrated, full service electronic communications and information services provider in Australia, and a major telecommunications player in the Asia Pacific region. Drawing on its 50 year-involvement in the global telecommunications industry, Telstra provides expert advice on worldwide networking to international and multinational companies. Telstra owns and operates one of the most technologically advanced networks, offering end-to-end solutions ranging from broadband, IP, mobile and intelligent network services, to voice and data network hubs, call centers, and advanced multimedia and e-commerce applications. A top tier global carrier with annual revenue of A$18.2 billion (US$11 billion), Telstra placed 62nd in Business Week's 1999 Global 1000 ranking of the world's most valuable companies by market value.