#USA #San Jose #Harmonic #XOS Media Processor #CentralCast

CentralCast and Harmonic Transforming U.S. Public Broadcasting

CentralCast, the centralized master control facility for United States public media, has joined forces with Harmonic to significantly enhance broadcasting efficiencies for more than 170 channels across the nation. By leveraging Harmonic's cutting-edge XOS Advanced Media Processor, CentralCast is now able to deliver exceptional video quality to over half of U.S. public media viewership while minimizing both operational costs and their system footprint.

A Game-Changer in Media Processing

As public broadcasting stations continue to grow, the collaboration between CentralCast and Harmonic is poised to redefine industry standards. Steve White, chief technology officer at CentralCast, underlines the importance of this partnership: “As we support an increasing number of PBS stations, teaming up with Harmonic provides us with a robust media processing foundation that allows for flexible scaling to meet our members’ evolving needs.”

The innovative design of the XOS media processor sets it apart. It boasts a higher channel density compared to previous platforms, greatly reducing operational costs while ensuring that the pristine video quality expected by member stations remains uncompromised.

Unified Media Processing

The XOS media processor integrates all media processing and distribution functions, enabling CentralCast to manage 176 transport streams effectively. This cloud-native technology simplifies equipment requirements, resulting in reduced power consumption and cooling expenses. Importantly, it lowers the per-channel bitrate, allowing stations to incorporate additional services within the fixed ATSC bandwidth without sacrificing quality.

To additionally accommodate the specific audio needs of CentralCast, Harmonic's system supports an automatic switch between embedded 5.1 and 2.0 audio sources, guaranteeing smooth audio transitions for viewers.

Comprehensive Support for Quick Deployment

Harmonic doesn’t stop at just providing technology; they also offer a broad spectrum of professional services, including system configuration and testing, which accelerate the deployment timeline and optimize operations for public media stations.

Gil Rudge, senior vice president at Harmonic, expressed pride in contributing to the advancement of CentralCast’s master control model. “By partnering with CentralCast, we help public broadcasters maintain control over their brand, identity, scheduling, and long-term business strategy. The XOS media processor allows for delivering more channels and services using fewer hardware resources, energy, and space—clearly demonstrating the future potential of efficient, software-defined broadcast operations.”

Upcoming Showcase at NAB Show

Harmonic will unveil the XOS media processor at the 2026 NAB Show from April 19-22 in Las Vegas, where attendees can experience firsthand the transformative capabilities of this technology. For those interested in learning more or scheduling a meeting, additional details can be found on Harmonic’s official website.

About Harmonic

Founded on the premise of reinventing video streaming and broadband delivery, Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) has established itself as a global leader. Through their innovative solutions, they enable media companies and service providers to offer ultra-high-quality video streaming services. From their pioneering virtualized broadband systems to enhancements in OTT video delivery, Harmonic is continuously redefining how media content is monetized and experienced by viewers worldwide.

For further insights into Harmonic and its ground-breaking solutions, visit www.harmonicinc.com.