APS Deploys Harmonic's DiviCom(R) Encoders to Take Satellite Broadcast Services Into the Future; Headend Win Extends DiviCom MV 100's Leadership as the Industry's Most Deployed Real-Time, Multi-Codec, Standard Definition Compression Platform.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) today announced that Astra Platform Services GmbH (APS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES ASTRA S.A. (LX:SESG) and Germany's largest satellite broadcaster, is deploying Harmonic's DiviCom(R) MV 100 multi-codec encoding platform to enable its next generation of satellite broadcast services. APS was formerly known as Digital Playout Center GmbH (DPC). This installation highlights the MV 100's versatility and extends its leadership as the most widely deployed real-time, multi-codec, standard definition video compression platform.

Supporting both satellite direct-to-home and signal master antenna distribution, APS provisions broadcast TV services that reach several million subscribers across Central Europe. Over the years it has established a reputation of uncompromised service and technical quality. Building on this success, APS is upgrading its complete standard definition TV infrastructure to expand its service offering and geographical coverage.

"In our business, meeting the constant demand for new and better services is complicated by the cost and capacity of satellite transponders," said Wilfried Urner, Chief Executive Officer, ASTRA Platform Services GmbH. "Our company offers services comprising play-out, multiplexing, encryption and satellite uplinks to broadcasters. Due to the wide variety of technology, our company is able to offer tailor-made solutions that address our different customers' requirements. The MPEG-2 compression efficiency and video quality of Harmonic's DiviCom MV 100 enables APS to go ahead in technological leadership."

Deploying Harmonic's DiviCom MV 100 encoding platform and DiviTrackXE(TM) closed-loop statistical multiplexing solution delivers key benefits not available from alternative solutions. The superior MPEG-2 compression efficiency makes it possible for APS to significantly increase the channel density while preserving picture-quality. The Harmonic solution also maintains full compatibility with the installed headend and subscriber equipment such as set-top boxes. In addition, the customer-installable MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) software gives APS the option of an extremely efficient and cost-effective route to even greater service carrying capacity well into the future.

"APS has become a leading satellite broadcaster in Central Europe because of its service and operational quality," said Patrick Harshman, President of the Convergent Systems Division of Harmonic Inc. "Their comprehensive evaluation of standard definition encoding systems is indicative of APS's uncompromised emphasis on quality and reliability. APS's selection of the DiviCom MV 100 is yet another validation of Harmonic's video compression capabilities and market leadership. It also highlights why thousands of advanced codec-ready MV 100 systems are currently powering real-time and offline encoding applications for satellite, cable, telco and terrestrial network operators worldwide."

In addition to advanced digital video solutions, Harmonic is providing integration services to establish an extensible architecture that will serve APS's long-term needs and accelerate its time to market. Harmonic's NMX Digital Service Manager(TM) is being used to monitor and control the new MV 100-based infrastructure as a series of services rather than discrete hardware and software elements, maximizing service availability and reducing operating costs.

About the DiviCom(R) MV 100

The DiviCom MV 100 encoding platform delivers compression efficiencies and video quality that redefine the meaning of ultra-low bit-rate encoding for MPEG-2 and advanced video compression technologies such as MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and SMPTE VC-1. With its innovative software architecture, massive processing capacity and multiple output options, the MV 100 is the engine behind emerging applications, such as MPEG-4 video-over-IP and cable digital simulcast services, as well as core ultra-low bit-rate broadcast and stored content applications. Approximately 4,000 advanced codec-ready DiviCom MV 100 systems are in service today for satellite, telecom, cable and terrestrial operators around the world, making it the world's most widely deployed encoding platform in its class.

About ASTRA Platform Services GmbH

A wholly-owned subsidiary of SES ASTRA S.A., ASTRA Platform Services GmbH operates one of the most modern European broadcasting centres. From its headend in Unterfohring, near Munich, the company currently transmits more than 150 analogue and digital television and radio programmes as well as data services to the satellites. In addition, APS also offers a comprehensive range of services concerning all aspects of broadcasting. Such services include signal processing based on the MPEG-2 standard, the playout of applications and software downloads, and many other services as well. In addition to Premiere Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG, other TV stations also share the broadcasting facility including ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, Home Shopping Europe (HSE), German sport television DSF, Tele 5, TV lastminute.de and sonnenklar TV. APS also operates the ip-sat Network(R), thus providing a broadband, satellite-based multicast data communications system for business data or multimedia data services.

About Harmonic Inc.

Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to cable, satellite, telecom and broadcast network operators. Harmonic's open standards-based solutions for the headend through the last mile enable customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.

Harmonic (Nasdaq:HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27(A) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21(E) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to: the DiviCom MV100 enabling the next generation of satellite broadcast services, the option of an extremely efficient and cost-effective route to even greater service carrying capacity well into the future, and the provision of integration services that will serve APS's long-term needs and accelerate the time to market.

Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results could differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent Reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Harmonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

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