DIRECTV Replaces Legacy Satellite Systems with Harmonic's VOS Software
DIRECTV has chosen Harmonic's VOS Media Software to modernize its U.S. direct-to-home (DTH) video platform. The new unified, software-based architecture, running in DIRECTV's private data center, will replace legacy systems for video ingest, playout, branding, ad insertion, and statistical multiplexing. The goal of the transformation is to reduce operational costs and improve scalability for delivering linear and pay-per-view content via satellite.
Key Takeaways
- Harmonic's VOS software will consolidate video ingest, playout, branding, ad insertion, and statistical multiplexing into a single platform.
- The new architecture will run in DIRECTV's private data center, not a public cloud.
- The platform's playout capabilities are designed to support ad insertion across high-value linear, live event, and pay-per-view channels.
- DIRECTV's existing automation, storage, and monitoring systems will integrate with Harmonic's software via APIs for scheduling and operations control.
Why It Matters
This move signals a significant infrastructure overhaul for a major satellite operator, shifting from legacy hardware to a unified, software-based architecture to lower operational costs. While much of the industry focuses on OTT, this investment shows the continued importance of optimizing the economics of satellite distribution. The decision to deploy in a private data center, rather than public cloud, points to a strategy focused on controlling long-term costs for stable, large-scale linear workflows. The key metric to watch will be any disclosed impact on DIRECTV's operational expenditures in future financial reports.
Read full article at 4rfv.co.uk