IBM Streams HD Video at 3Mbps

A new encoding system that offers the ability to stream HD video at 3Mbps is being launched by IBM.

The system, which was developed by IBM and Broadcast International will be on display at the National Association of Broadcasters conference, which takes place in Las Vegas this week.

It uses a combination of Broadcast International's encoding software and a BladeCenter server featuring IBM's CellBE processor. It is claimed that this combination, allows for an 80 percent reduction in the amount of bandwidth needed to stream HD videos.

"Our demonstrations shatter the bandwidth barrier completely, offering unprecedented compression and transcoding in both live and real-time environments," Ron Tiede, Broadcast International's chief executive said.

Tiede also claims the software is upgradable, ensuring users won't have to go through costly upgrades when new standards and specifications change.

"You don't have to throw out your computer every time Microsoft launches a new version of software. Why should you have to throw away a $50,000 piece of equipment like an encoder?" added Tiede.