[Satellite TODAY 01-06-10] International Datacasting Corp. (IDC) finalized a contract with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to provide equipment supporting PBS’ next-generation interconnection system (NGIS), IDC announced Jan. 4.
    The NGIS will use IDC’s DVB-S2/IP satellite infrastructure and file transfer system to distribute video to about 180 of PBS’ public TV licensees. IDC also will provide ongoing consulting services and join a team of PBS partners working on the design and integration of the system.
    IDC previously had been working under a memorandum of understanding with PBS while the overall NGIS design was reviewed and finalized. The project is now in an alpha testing phase and is expected to begin beta testing early this year. Full rollout will take place over the next 18 months, IDC said.
     "File-based workflows will be the industry’s next giant advance in video production and distribution technology," IDC CEO Ron Clifton said in a statement.