Cabletime introduces a new product in its MediaStar Evolution family of IP products:
The LAN-Caster, a Digital Video Broadcast --Terrestrial (DVB-T) to LAN(IP) gateway product.   

The LAN-Caster allows an organisation to connect live digital terrestrial broadcasts (DVB-T) directly into a LAN to deliver TV and Radio to any networked PC or display device such as a plasma or LCD to view live news, sports and entertainment channels.

The MediaStar Evolution DVB-T LAN-Caster is available in two models:

• The MediaStar Evolution 776 DVB-T LAN-Caster is standalone unit;
• The chassis-mounted MediaStar Evolution 773 DVB-T LAN-Caster Blade utilises a MediaStar Evolution 770 chassis with integrated power and ventilation that is able to house 9 MediaStar Evolution 773 LAN-Casters (DVB-T) or MediaStar Evolution 772 MPEG-2/4 Encoder blades.

The Evolution 773 LAN-Caster is accompanied by a 3U, 19” chassis that will allow users to incorporate a “mix and match” scenario with other MediaStar Evolution products that delivers digital terrestrial TV as well as MPEG-2/4 streams from local sources. 

One LAN-Caster blade can be connected to a digital video terrestrial source to deliver up to eleven channels of live TV and Radio, while additional MediaStar Evolution blades can be added to allow users to receive further channels from sources such as a Sky satellite decoder, UK Freeview service and Cable, or even MPEG-2/4 streams from cameras or DVD players.  Up to 9 blades can be housed in the chassis to enable a potential 99 channels from just one chassis in a ‘plug and play’ manner. 

Any networked PC using the MediaStar Evolution desktop viewing software, or video display device using the MediaStar Evolution EvoNet IPTV decoder, will gain access to the myriad of new channels and services offered by digital TV.

The LAN-Caster receives the digital terrestrial off-air DVB signals and extracts the digital data out of the MPEG-2 streams, re-packetises the data in a format suitable for transmission over an IP based network/LAN.  Channels can be selected or deselected depending on viewing preferences and are controlled via an easy HTML browser interface. There is no need to reset the LAN-Caster during a power down or reset, as the unit saves and maintains all channels settings and network multicast settings for easy and efficient management.

Designed to suit a myriad of applications from banking and corporate to retail and hospitality, any organisation with an IP network requiring access to UK Freeview, terrestrial TV and radio channels would benefit from this solution.  Amongst the many applications suitable for MediaStar Evolution are corporate communications, which often require a one-to-many multicast to local, national or international audiences. This may involve the delivery of live TV channels, specific training programmes and messaging.  It brings the potential of visual communication to every desktop, every screen and every display within an organisation.  Staff will feel better informed, empowered and involved with information delivered right into the heart of an enterprise quickly and efficiently. 

LAN-Caster is the newest addition to the Evolution range of IP products delivering video to the screen and offering the same high quality as other MediaStar products. 

FEATURES:

• Linux based for consistent, robust performance
• SD and HD support
• RF loopthrough for connection to additional DVB-T LAN-Caster units. 
• Management and control via a 10/100 Base-T interface to an on-board HTML browser, an RS232 serial port interface, or USBv1.1 for configuration. 
• Ability to scan through available DVB-T multiplexes
• Different ‘mux’ addresses can be selected for output as a MPEG-2 video stream, using unicast, multicast, UDP, RTP, or RTSP protocols. 
• Maintains channels and network multicast settings following power downs or rebooting; no need to reset
• Password protection
• Enablement coding
• Ability to field upgrade