TELEVISION MAGAZINE · MAY 2011 · Nº 14

IkusiNews is starting a new era, with more pages and more content. We want to become a source of relevant information to the sector. For this reason, from now on, it will not only address issues related to our equipment and developments. Our purpose is to address multiple issues to provide a global vision, covering the many facets of everyday life and the future of this sector, subject to profound transformations, which we want to experience at firsthand with all our readers.

A successful case.Joe Bonavia interview. Ikusi AustraliaP.2

Ikusi… I have a question. P. 2

Sky Channel contracts Ikusi solutions. P. 3

Interview with Germán Agúndez, Director of the Ikusi TV Business Unit. P. 4

DVB World: the future of the TV.P. 6

High Definition has arrived:What about the audio? P. 7

New developments in Ikusi. P. 7

May 3-5 will see 420 exhibitors from 34 coun-tries taking part in a new edition of the Anga Cable fair. A must for everyone working in the world of television. Although here at Ikusi we have been operating for over 60 years in this sector which recognizes us as a technologi-cal reference, we do not want to stop there. Ikusi is much more than technology. Ikusi is confidence, Ikusi is innovation Ikusi is service and customer relations. A cocktail of ingre-

dients that we will showcase to all our current and future customers at Anga Cable.

But, of course, we will be attending the event with specific proposals: innovative equip-ment that had been developed over the last few months and which covers the complete television cycle, from the reception and pro-cessing of the signal to its further distribution and use.

SUMMARY

Ikusi at Anga Cable: Much morethan technology

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Sky Channel contractsIkusi solutions

Ikusi continues to strengthen relations with TV operators around the world and is currently involved in an important project being deve-loped in Australia.

Ikusi is working with the Sky Channel a divi-sion of Tabcorp one of Australia’s leading ga-ming corporations. Sky Channel specialises in Satellite broadcasts of horse and greyhound racing events and special related sporting events over their own transponder.

Sky has taken a major step forward in the dis-tribution of their program content. Through the implementation of a new concept, Sky will be delivering its programs digitally to TV sets

located in clubs, racecourses, betting esta-blishments; in general, all premises related to this favourite pastime. In order to achieve this project, Sky has placed its trust in Ikusi and in collaboration; an agreement has been reached for the supply of three thousand SKY-T-MODS® to be installed across the country. The SKY-T-MOD® is a device that will trans-late the Sky Channel satellite signal broad-cast to be received by any Digital Terrestrial TV sets. Since Sky Channel’s contents are encrypted, IKUSI is working in collaboration with SMiT a PCMCIA manufacturer to decrypt the programs through the SKY-T-MOD®. As Australia is a vast continent, Sky Channel has requested that the device must be able to be

remotely controlled via a 3G connection. In collaboration with Call Direct an Australian 3G Modem manufacturer, IKUSI is incorporating a specially built 3G router within the SKY-T-MOD® to facilitate this process.

In brief, Ikusi will be providing SKY CHAN-NEL a complete tailored solution to achieve its goal; and allow the company to deliver a free to air terrestrial solution that will enable its program content to reach basic digital tele-visions within venues decrypted and in digital quality.

We have talked with Joe Bonavia, exdirector of Ikusi ANZ, about this project.

“We were chosen because of our technical capacity here in Australia and the depth know how of our own product.”

Ikusi continues to strengthen relations with TV operators around the world and is currently involved in an important project being develo-ped in Australia. Ikusi is working with the Sky Channel, a division of Tabcorp one of Australia’s leading gaming corporations. Sky Channel spe-cialises in Satellite broadcasts of horse and gre-yhound racing events and special related spor-ting events over their own transponder.

Which ones were in your opinion the charac-teristics of Ikusi´s proposal that made Sky adopt our solution?

Basically the characteristics why we were cho-sen is because of our technical capacity here in Australia and the depth know how of our own product. We are Ikusi ourselves, not the agent of distributor of the company.

We had big opposition from many companies offering similar and sometimes more superior product, but we won because of what I pre-viously mentioned.

How did Ikusi approach this project form the point of view of a supplier or a technology partner?

Always as a technology partner with in depth knowledge about the product that we manufac-ture.

What specific problem means working for a major player like Sky?

It’s been quite easy working with Sky. We should be very thankful for the extensive coo-peration and support that we have had working with Sky themselves. They have been always very understanding and do their very best to work along side with us in the delivery of this product to them.

Has the project carried out for Sky con-solidated Ikusi´s position in Australia as a company capable of managing complex projects?

Well the SkyTMod project has done a lot for Iku-si in this country as it has established the com-pany as a real tailored solutions provider. It has also shown to the rest of our competitors that Ikusi is a very capable company with excellent capabilities that they are unable to match.

At the same token, a lot of other major players who could be our customers are now looking at our capabilities and our performance with a serious eye.

We have proven that we have taken the fight to the end and we are now showing them that we are delivering a product that the customer is proud of.

Can I download the DSA field meter measurementsinto my PC?

Of course. You just need to install the software, which can be easily downloaded on ikusi’s website, and connect the meter to your PC with the USB cable that comes supplied with the meter.

I installed the MAC-201 modulator and I want to change the channel name that appears on the TV. How can I do it?

It’s simple. You have to connect the MAC-201 with an RJ45 cable to a PC, and via the web configurator you can change this and other parameters.

I have a poor signal quality, what if I fit an amplifier?

If you fit an amplifier, you will have more signal, but in no case will be improved the values of the signal quality.

Where can I get the CE product certificate?

You’ll find all the necessary information on the Ikusi website. If you put the model of the product you are looking for in the “search” section on the top, you will see all the information rela-ted to this product.

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Interview with Germán Agúndez, Director of the Ikusi TV Business Unit

“Ikusi has to support the revitalizationof the sector”

The first self-installable amplifier with programable filters

Self-installableThe push-button auto-installation function facilitates the

configuration of the entry filters in an optimal way.

How does Ikusi gauge the current Spanish market?

The profound crisis that is hurting the cons-truction market has caused a significant decli-ne in activity levels associated with new deve-lopments. So much so that we have returned to the levels of construction of a decade ago. In this context, the advent of DTT allowed us to energize our industry, generating high levels of activity for all players in the value chain.

With the switchover at an end, here at Ikusi we are optimistic about the new scenario the im-mediate future presents: The Digital Dividend and HD will be new sources of activity that we are sure will raise employment levels and, ulti-mately, rates of confidence in our market.

Here at Ikusi we are working on this context. We realize that at critical moments like the pre-sent, a reference mark such as Ikusi should support the revival of the sector, and for this we are implementing new processes and te-chnological designs to provide dynamism and modernization to meet these new challenges.

And from now, what elements are going to permit the development of the Spanish market?

Soon we will have the new Digital Dividend. This is a process we continue to follow at first-hand with permanent contact with customers, associations and institutions. As a result, Ikusi will continue to be at the forefront of these new scenarios.

Let´s focus on Ikusi, how has it developed the financial year in 2010 and how will it address this new year we have already started?

Our presence in the different international mar-kets has enabled us to maintain high levels of activity last year. This diversification continues to provide high standards in the face of a te-chnology renovation and the satisfaction of the most demanding quality standards.

In any case, noteworthy in 2010 is our effort in gearing ourselves towards providing a so-lid foundation to continue serving our custo-mers properly. In this sense, let me highlight the important modernization carried out in our production processes, which puts us at the cutting edge where quality and manufactu-ring flexibility is concerned. A renewal process

that has not been without difficulties, but once completed and we will be able to cover the highest standards in quality and service with maximum guarantees.

How will the Ikusi customer perceive these changes in the production systems?

The improvements implemented in our produc-tion processes have given us greater flexibility to meet market demand due to high rates of productivity provided by the new automated means, which at the same time significantly improve the quality of our products thanks to the incorporation of artificial vision systems in the packaging and adjustment processes. To illustrate this I would highlight that, once this

process of modernization has finished, at Ikusi we will have doubled our production capacity.

These changes are embodied in the Strategic Plan 2010-2013, where our vision is focused on technology leadership and innovation, and constitutes the first phase of the innovations we will introduce to provide an optimum level of service to our customers.

We are also convinced that these improve-ments will provide our customers with a diffe-rential that will result in the strengthening of their own level of activity and quality of service.

What, is in your opinion, the differential va-lue Ikusi will be able to offer the market in the coming years?

The market recognizes Ikusi for its technolo-gical leadership. And we have a history to su-pports that. As leaders in innovation our cha-llenge is focused on extending our leadership calling to all areas of our value proposal.

The services offered and customer manage-ment will be the cornerstones of our action on which we will focus our attention, deploying new management practices through which the customer will be provided extra quality throug-hout the process regarding Ikusi. And all this without forgetting the levels of quality and te-chnological innovation that have always cha-racterized our products.

Ikusi, from a corporate standpoint, has un-dergone a major milestone in the union with the Ormazabal Group. How will this union be reflected in the Company´s television business?

Indeed, in 2010 the Ikusi and Ormazabal groups have come together to explore new business opportunities and increase their global presen-ce and ability to innovate. Without doubt, this milestone brings mutual reinforcement.

Both companies will look for new markets and opportunities, combining their complementary knowledge, while their businesses will conti-nue to operate independently.

In short, the union will bring business solidity to the project, but will not alter the identity of the Ikusi TV Business Unit in their vocation for leadership in technological innovation, in ser-vices, and service care to the telecommunica-tions professional distributor and installer.

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High Definition has arrived:What about the audio?Digital Terrestrial Television has been a reality for some months now. Now the industry is loo-king to new horizons and one that is about to take off is HD. Today we are already enjoying some channels offering these emissions, with their new image quality. The video of these emissions follows the MPEG4 part 10 stan-dard, also known as H264 or AVC, but what about the audio accompanying the pictures?

In this section there are at least three options for compressing audio. On the one hand, there is the possibility of using the same standards used in SD broadcasts. These standards are MPEG-1 Layer I/II and MPEG2 Layer II. Any STBs include the ability to support these au-dios. An example of use of this standard is Tele5 HD in Spain.

Another option is to use audio-based AAC or HE-AAC. This stands for Advanced Audio Coding and High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding. This is a standard described in the MPEG4 Part7 regulation and allows an audio quality greater than the popular MP3. In the Spanish TDT emissions it is not very normal, but in other countries such as Portugal or the United Kingdom it has been the standard adopted. For example, BBC HD in the United Kingdom.

Finally there is the possibility of using AC3 or AC3+, also called Dolby Digital or Dolby Digi-tal Plus. This is a standard created by Dolby and used, especially when offering surround

sound broadcasts generally with 5 audio chan-nels (front right, centre, front left, rear right and rear left) plus one additional one for low frequency sounds (subwoofer). TFI HD channel in France uses this audio compression system. At the moment, not all receivers available on the market are capable of supporting all three types of audio described. In fact, all support the first option, but supporting AAC and AC3 increases the cost of equipment and, therefo-re, is usually only incorporated in middle to top of the range TV or STBs. Something similar happens with field meters. Therefore, as a re-commendation, if you want to work with audio in particular, you must make sure that the ma-nufacturer provides a model that supports it.

Speaking of HD, audio is not a minor issue, as it is the high definition audio that makes it a true HD experience.

DVB World:the future of TV This year again experts from around the world have gathered at the DVB World, held from 7 to 9 March in Nice, to exchange experiences and thoughts about the future of television. Ikusi was there.

One topic for debate raised at the meeting was the possibility of survival of airborne TV as opposed to cable television, Internet, etc. For Veena Rawat, former president of the Commu-nications Research Centre of Canada the an-swer is clear. In her view, the survival of airwave television broadcasts using hertz waves is di-rectly related to the size of the population to whom it is directed. From this point of view, the situation differs greatly by country. For exam-ple, in Canada only 10% of the population re-ceives television signals over the air, while in Spain the figures are the opposite and reach 91%. In this sense, it seems clear that in the Spanish market, at least in the short to medium term, the traditional Hertzian wave transmis-sion will continue to be the dominant system.

But in terms of tech talk in the long run it is always a risky mission, so prudence requires you to be attentive to the models that are being followed in other geographical areas. A state-ment that acquires more relevance if we add to this initial reflection of the high economic value of the spectrum that is currently being used for transmitting the TV signal.

In Spain “digital dividend” is already operating and will bring with it the release of frequencies of between 61 to 69 channels that will have to be vacated by broadcasters and occupied by broadband mobile phone service. To give us an idea, according to the European Commission this process will mean an added value to the te-lecommunications sector between 12,000 and 16,000 million Euros. These figures will allow us to understand the difficulty of maintaining the current spectrum for use with television which in some cases can be considered as a minority. So, countries like the United States are already addressing a second “digital dividend”.

Reports heralding the decline of television are exaggerated

There is no doubt that what we mean by tra-ditional TV faces many challenges. Work has already been carried out in the merger of mo-bile phone standards with those of television and the Internet continuing to gain popularity. However, experts like Alex Pryde from the BBC said at the meeting in Nice that “reports heral-ding the decline of television are exaggerated.”Pryde states, that today there are still large groups of people accustomed to traditional TV.

Within this framework for example are older people, but also young people have not sto-pped watching TV, although now they do it at the same time alongside consoles or Internet access. On the other hand there are groups that have acquired new habits and, for exam-ple, record TV programs.

There are many who see the Internet as the greatest threat to the future of television. However, in Pryde´s view, the Internet can be an opportunity and proposes taking control, for example, by incorporating a “red button” into the television remote control as a dynamic way to switch from TV to the Internet without leaving your armchair and using your television as a monitor, but always controlled by the TV industry.

The future is yet to come and time will tell how the industry will evolve. Manufacturers, such as Ikusi, must be alert to changes and oppor-tunities that may be occurring along the way. However, there are areas in which the habitual industry players can start working to ensure the survival of the current TV model. These are aspects that lead us directly to the brand new Digital Terrestrial Television. A process in which our country has been largely successful but which can still be moved forward, by offe-ring a higher quality digital image. Many people complain about the poor quality of content and the DTT image. We cannot allow our television to be considered worse than others. And that is exactly where installers come in. They are obli-ged to “provide a good image.”

MAC, the first autonomous digital modulator

The MAC family comes in two versions: the MAC 201 and MAC 401, with two or four A/V inputs with COFDM output. Unlike other models, the MAC range modulators are characterized by being autonomous; they have their own power supply and can be pro-grammed without the need for external control. They provide broadcast quality, allowing images to be distributed with an exce-llent signal; they also have remote control via the web, upgradea-ble software and a replaceable power source.

CODEX, the new CATV and IPTV compact headend

CODEX is a modular platform for high-density transmodulation for CATV and IPTV networks with real time streaming. Grows with business needs, without growing in size: only 1U 19” rack. Becau-se the complete solution need not be complex, CODEX includes an internal switch for cordless interconnection and to simplify maintenance. All this and a very energy efficient unit which redu-ces power consumption and temperature.

CODEX allows DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T and DVB-ASI inputs, in both standard definition (MPEG-2 video) and HD (MPEG-4 AVC video), and multiple audio formats. CODEX is hot-swap enabled for changing modules.

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HEADQUARTERS · IKUSI - Ángel Iglesias S.A. · Tel.: +34 943 44 88 00 · television@ikusi.com

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