AXE-2000 Specifications

The AXE-2000 Series of ATSC Encoder / Mux combos – built to your exponential needs!

The AXE-2000 generates an ASI output from multiple audio, video and metadata sources. It sets a new standard for picture quality, functional integration and technology innovation for ATSC digital broadcast encoders and multiplexers. Its state-of-the-art parallel processing platform provides exceptional performance and cost, as well as the ability to add new features and functions as your needs evolve. The highly integrated, multi-channel AXE-2000 helps to shrink rack space requirements and reduce power consumption, leading to lower operating costs and a better bottom line.

Innovative Video Encoding Technology

AXE-2000 encoders may be scaled to meet a wide variety of customer applications. The AdaptiVideo MPEG-2 encoder uses intelligent scene analysis, adaptive decision logic and non-linear quantization to achieve excellent quality video, even with multiple video programs and challenging bandwidth constraints. Its statistical multiplexer applies sophisticated multi-layer control algorithms to optimize encoding bit rates of multiple MPEG-2 data streams, ensuring high utilization of available bandwidth to provide great looking images on your highest priority channels.

Integrated Broadcast Control System

Beyond the primary mission of video encoding, audio encoding and building the ATSC multiplex, the AXE-2000 offers integrated add-on functions, such as video format conversion, remote monitoring, and ASI re-multiplexing.

Gigabit Ethernet & Optical Network Interfaces

The AXE-2000 incorporates extensive networking connectivity with standard Gigabit Ethernet and optional optical media connections, supporting a variety of IP ingest and transmission applications.

Network-Enabled Performance Upgrades

Adding program capacity, installing new features, and updating the performance of the AXE-2000 are simple. New firmware may be installed in the AXE-2000 from an SD memory card or from its local network connection.

Low Power Consumption & Maintenance Costs

The AXE-2000 uses a high reliability power supply with a single board computing platform that consumes less than 80W in operation. Optional network-based remote monitoring, diagnostics and management helps station engineers confidently manage multiple broadcast sites in different locations.

Technical Specifications

Multi-Channel MPEG-2 Encoder

The AXE-2000 provides ATSC-compliant ISO/IEC 13818-2 MPEG-2 (MP@ML, MP@HL) video encoding, supporting these video formats:

Video Format

1080i

720p60

720p30

480p30

480i

Resolution HxV

1920 x 1080

1280 x 720

704 x 480

Scan Style

Interlaced

Progressive

Interlaced

Frames Per Sec

29.97

59.94

29.97

• Chroma Coding: 4:2:0
• Aspect Ratios: 4:3, 16:9
• AFD pass-through supported for video programs received on HD-SDI and SD-SDI inputs.
• The AXE-2000 supports a wide variety of video encoding configurations, including the example configurations listed below.

Maximum Simultaneous Channels Supported

1080i or 720p60

720p30

480i or 480p30

Total Channels

Please note that the picture quality of the encoded video depends largely on the motion and detail level of the video content. Review your application with a Linear sales consultant in order to assess the suitability of packing more than six standard definition video programs into a single 19-Mbit ATSC multiplex.

Multi-Stream Dolby® Audio Encoder

• Receive Audio via Embedded SDI, AES/PCM or Analog Audio with NTSC or SDI video
• Analog audio digitizer: 24 bits at 48kHz
• Audio Encoding Formats: Dolby Digital AC-3
• Audio Pass-Through Formats: Dolby 5.1, AC-3
• Encoding Capacity: 8 stereo (16 mono) programs

Dynamic PSIP

Dynamic PSIP is supported using one of the following methods:
• Use the EZ-PSIP software to manually update program guide data
• Use an external PSIP generator, such as GuideBuilder from Triveni or PSIP Pro from DTV Innovations
• Use the GN Option to ingest program guide data directly from Tribune Media or BIM / TitanTV and generate the PSIP data internally
• Use the GN Option to ingest program guide data directly from a traffic management system using PMCP-format XML files.

Statistical ATSC Multiplexer

Adaptive bandwidth allocation adjusts video encoder rate controls to optimize use of 19.4Mbit ASI stream.
• ATSC multiplex programs from audio and video streams, paired as received by encoder
• Select additional audio programs from encoded or pass-through audio streams
• Dual ASI outputs
• Passes both CEA-708 and EIA-608 captions embedded within video streams received

Integrated EAS Cut-Over Switch

Maps primary program audio and video to special channels upon detection of EAS alert tones or receiving command from external EAS receiver using a dry contact closure.

AMXE-2000 System Management

• Embedded web pages allow interactive configuration of the AMXE-2000 settings
• DVI port (HDMI via adapter cable) for real time monitoring of active programs during operation
• Firmware updates and upgrades provided through a secure internet connection, local network connection, or on a physical memory card, which is inserted in the SD CARD socket on the rear panel

Optional Features

AXE-2000 Optional Features

Optional features provide unique functionality and unparalleled flexibility. Optional features are enabled by the license file and firmware installed in each AXE-2000 unit. Factory options are installed on the AXE-2000 before shipment. Field upgrades allow users to increase capacity or add new features to existing AXE-2000 units already operating in the field. Most optional features only need a new license file and/or firmware, but some features may require factory installation of additional hardware.

Program Guide Ingest (GN Option)

Program Guide Ingest enables the AXE-2000 to upload native format program guide files from Tribune Media or BIM / TitanTV and to automatically generate the dynamic PSIP tables for the output multiplex. AXE-2000 units with the GN option may also ingest PMCP format XML program guide files, generated by a broadcaster’s traffic management system.

Streaming Gigabit Network (TG Option)

The Streaming Gigabit Network option provides an additional Gigabit Ethernet interface on the AXE-2000 unit that supports transmission of UDP data streams to a specific IP address destination. The TG option enables a AXE-2000 unit to send its ATSC multiplex data stream to a specific network IP address, allowing remote viewing and monitoring of the multiplexer output by a computer running VLC or an equivalent video display application. The IP-based multiplex stream may also include FEC and be received by specific, qualified IRD equipment.