[SatelliteTODAY 02-25-13] HITS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Cable, has announced an upgrade to the HITS Quantum Platform. The next generation of the platform, which supports existing MPEG-2 infrastructure, includes converting several HITS standard definition (SD) transponders to DVB-S2 technology, increasing the number of HD services offered in MPEG 2, and delivering the entire programming lineup via a single satellite.

   The HITS Q2 upgrade improves the efficiency of MPEG-2 services, allowing operators to use their existing technology as well as update their equipment at a lower cost than other plant upgrade options.

   HITS and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) have recently renewed their agreement to offer the next generation of the HITS platform to their members. The majority of participating NCTC members have already opted-in to the new deal for enhanced HITS satellite services. Several programming groups have also signed on to the upgraded platform.

   “Q2 leverages next-generation technology that allows our affiliates to add more programming and reduce bandwidth consumption without rebuilding their headends or replacing CPE,” said Leslie Russell, vice president and general manager for HITS.  

   The upgrade will begin in the second quarter of this year and once it is completed, more than 70 percent of the HITS Quantum multiplexes will be using 256 QAM DVB-S2 technology, which enables cable operators to add more SD and HD signals using fewer satellite receivers. Additionally, the upgrade provides a cost-effective solution for cable systems looking to convert any remaining analog channels to digital using their existing MPEG-2 architecture. New MPEG-2 HD services are planned for the second half of 2013.