[Satellite Today 04-20-09] Antenna Technology Communications Inc. (ATCi) has unveiled a digital broadcast system designed for local channels and DMA extension systems which aims to cut the costs of satellite high-definition (HD) broadcasting, ATCi announced April 17.
   ATCi said that the advent of MPEG-4/DVB-S2 and H.264 technology enabled the company to design and implement a custom system for cable operators to transmit HD programming via MPEG-4 over satellite.  The system also transcodes signals through ATCi’s legacy MPEG-2 format allowing signal delivery to existing set top boxes.
   “Instead of using the traditional two transponder solution to distribute HDTV local channels throughout a traditional DMA, we have been able to provide services direct to translators and headends. This cost savings really allows all communities to receive equal services," Gary Hatch, ATCi CEO, said in a statement.