TRE2000

TRE2000 is a system that converts audio and video in real time from the MPEG4 format to MPEG2.It works on standard Xeon™ processors and is a great and cost-effective replacement of expensive hardware based solutions.

Currently, some satelite broadcasters, in search of saving bandwidth on satellite transponders, change the encoding of their programs from MPEG2 video to H.264/MPEG4 AVC. Meanwhile, cable operators in Poland typically equip their customers with cost-effective devices capable of decoding only MPEG2. H.264 decoders are usually distributed only to subscribers of premium services (HD).

In this case, an operator has a choice: stop the redistribution of some channels or provide customers with newer set-top-boxes, that support H.264. The first solution is usually inacceptable, the second one can be extremely costly, even in small networks.

There is also a third option - transcoding the channels in the operator's headend. There are several hardware solutions available on the market, both as separate devices and modules for integrating into larger multiplexing systems. Those solutions are expensive, though reaching business sense when compared against replacement of several thousand set-top boxes.

We are pleased to introduce our completely software solution: tre2000 - the MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 transcoding system running on standard Intel XeonTM processors. Our system is an extremely cost-effective solution, not using any dedicated hardware for encoding or decoding MPEG. Instead, we use the well-tested libavcodec software codec library. The tre2000 architecture ensures trouble-free operation and automatic restart of transcoding process in case of an interruption in the input stream (ie. temporary disturbances in the satellite reception).

TRE2000 is a new version of its predecessor - TRE1000. It is even more stable and gives better video and audio quality.