Intelsat has introduced a new satellite-based content delivery and management service targeting telcos looking to enter the Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) markets, the company announced April 12. Dubbed Ampiage, the service also is designed for use by multiple system operators (MSO) in North America seeking to upgrade and convert their video streams from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4.

“This is a game-starter for phone companies looking to launch IPTV services for their subscribers and make a video play,” David McGlade, CEO of Intelsat, said in a statement. “Separately, it is also a cost-effective way for cable companies to upgrade to MPEG-4 without having to invest new capital in equipment.”

The service originates from Intelsat’s Video Operations Center, where video and audio signals are received and processed for distribution to telco and MSO hubs via the Intelsat Americas satellite fleet. The operators then distribute this programming content via DSL, fiber, conventional cable and other broadband networks to residential subscribers.

“A small telco would find it difficult to build an infrastructure that has the suite of capabilities afforded by Ampiage at a cost that would yield a profitable business case,” Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s senior vice president, sales and marketing, said. “Additionally, an MSO would need to invest millions of dollars on new equipment for each head-end to upgrade to MPEG-4, whereas using Ampiage will allow them to realize amplified cost-savings quickly.”