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Looking to transition all programming for ESPN and ESPN2 networks to an MPEG-4 HD format, ESPN will use Motorola’s (News - Alert) video distribution solution.

All ESPN and ESPN2 programming will be processed with Motorola's SE-6601A high definition MPEG-4 AVC encoder capable of 1080p60 and 3D encoding, as part of the migration. The SE-6601A receives video content and converts it to the MPEG-4 format for distribution via satellite to ESPN’s (News - Alert) affiliates, designed specifically for markets requiring high quality MPEG-4 compression of real-time content.

Motorola’s system will distribute full resolution HD programming while simultaneously providing legacy MPEG-2 HD and SD services to ESPN affiliate operators, as both ESPN and ESPN2 transition to all MPEG-4 HD over the next several years. Motorola’s solution also positions ESPN to offer both 1080p60 HD and 3D TV programming when service providers are ready for it.

“ESPN’s early commitment to all MPEG-4 HD distribution is a pioneering step toward the realization of a full resolution 2D or 3D video delivery ecosystem,” noted Joe Cozzolino, senior vice president and general manager of Network Infrastructure, Motorola Mobility. “This is a revolutionary yet practical approach for ESPN to maintain support for existing cable delivery systems while enabling premium 1080p60 HD or 3D TV consumer experiences in the home.”

Preserving exceptional video quality while decreasing bandwidth consumption, the DSR-6100 integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) uses MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 transcoding to bridge to legacy operator services, and a highly flexible software control system. Motorola’s solution is comprised of the SE-6601A MPEG-4 encoder.

The company recently gave CEO Greg Brown (News - Alert) the additional role of chairman. He’s said to be the first executive to enjoy two titles simultaneously since Ed Zander left Motorola Inc. three years ago. He replaces Dave Dorman, former AT&T Corp. CEO, who will act as independent director of the board. Dorman was chairman and CEO of AT&T (News - Alert) from November 2002 until the completion of the AT&T Corp. and SBC Communications merger in November 2005.