Despite the glowing promises of television delivered worldwide on theInternet, many industry analysts say the delivery of hundreds of channelsof high-quality video and audio will remain the province of cable and satelliteprogram distributors for a long time to come. In this program, we're goingto hear about the latest technology that's makes possible current and futuresatellite TV programming origination.
Sony Electronics' System Integration Center in San Jose, Californiaplays an important role in the design and construction of satellite broadcastfacilities around the world. We'll hear the story of the construction oftwo of the largest systems ever built, ASkyB and DirecTV Japan. We'll geta tour of Sony's newly completed $5 million Satellite Broadcast Test Facility,which the company uses to support hardware and software testing and developmentfor the satellite centers it builds and services.
ASkyB, located in Gilbert, Arizona, near Phoenix, is a $150 millionplant that is being built for Rupert Murdoch's American Sky BroadcastingCo. Its planned 320-channel capability has the potential to be upgradedto 640 channels.
Also in the final testing stages, with an on-air date of 1 December1997, is the new DirecTV Japan, located in Mito, Japan. The 192 channelfacility is similar to the U.S. DirecTV system, located in Castle Rock,Colorado, that Sony designed and built for Hughes TV.
The new satellite broadcast test facility in San Jose is a scaled-downversion of the control rooms at ASkyB and DirecTV Japan, including Sony'slatest digital video equipment with MPEG-2 video servers and SDI and SDDIdigital routing switchers.
If you've ever worked at a TV station, you know the problems keepingone channel on the air. Imagine trying to keep 192 or 320 or 640 channelsgoing at once! Come and see the latest software and hardware that accomplishesthis amazing feat.
Sony Electronics
3300 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA
... just north of Montague Expressway. Enter the building at the main lobby.
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Free admission. Guests and non-members always welcome. Free refreshments.