Harmonic Amps Up Video Streaming Efficiency with New Origin Capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) has unveiled new origin capabilities for video streaming, introducing a breakthrough solution that combines cloud and on-premises storage functionality. The innovation is available through their VOS® family and XOS Advanced Media Processor.

The hybrid approach leverages VOS360 Media SaaS and VOS Media Software to utilize cloud storage for less accessed content while maintaining on-premises storage for fresh video assets. The system automatically transfers older content, including nPVR assets, to cloud storage.

For broadcasters, Harmonic has integrated live and time-shift origin capabilities within the XOS Advanced Media Processor, enabling direct content streaming to CDNs using a single appliance. This streamlined solution reduces operational complexity and hardware costs while offering easy deployment for live and time-shift content.

Positive

• New hybrid storage solution reduces cloud storage costs
• Streamlined single-appliance solution decreases hardware expenses
• Automated content management system improves operational efficiency
• Enhanced scalability for managing large asset repositories

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Harmonic's new origin capabilities for its VOS and XOS platforms represent an incremental product enhancement that could strengthen its competitive position in the video streaming infrastructure market. The innovation addresses two critical business challenges: cost optimization and operational efficiency.

The hybrid cloud/on-premises approach is financially significant as it potentially shifts Harmonic's revenue mix toward more predictable cloud-based recurring revenue while preserving on-premises deployments where appropriate. This balanced strategy aligns with the industry's gradual migration toward cloud services while acknowledging the reality that complete cloud transitions remain impractical for many media companies.

For service providers, the solution's automatic content migration between storage tiers could meaningfully reduce cloud storage costs, which typically represent a substantial operational expense. For broadcasters, the consolidation of functions into a single appliance reduces both capital expenditure and operational complexity.

While the announcement lacks quantifiable metrics regarding expected revenue impact or customer adoption targets, the strategic timing ahead of the NAB Show positions Harmonic to capitalize on industry attention. The emphasis on cost reduction and operational efficiency is particularly relevant in the current media landscape where streaming profitability remains challenging for many providers.

Technology Expert

Harmonic's origin capabilities announcement represents thoughtful architectural improvements rather than revolutionary technology. The hybrid origin solution intelligently addresses the limitations of pure-cloud approaches by keeping frequently accessed content on-premises while leveraging cloud elasticity for long-tail assets and nPVR storage.

The technical consolidation of origin functionality into the XOS Advanced Media Processor is particularly notable. By collapsing the streaming workflow and enabling direct-to-CDN delivery from a single appliance, Harmonic has eliminated integration points that typically introduce complexity, potential failure points, and additional hardware costs.

The unified user interface across cloud and on-premises components addresses a common pain point in hybrid deployments—operational complexity from managing multiple systems. However, the real-world performance improvements and actual cost savings remain unquantified in this announcement.

Competitors like AWS Elemental, Synamedia, and MediaKind offer similar hybrid approaches, so Harmonic's differentiation will likely depend on implementation quality and integration depth rather than the conceptual approach itself. The timing aligns with the industry's ongoing quest to optimize streaming infrastructure costs as services scale, but this represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary progress in video delivery technology.

New Video Streaming Innovation Delivers Unmatched Flexibility and Cost Savings for Service Providers and Broadcasters

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced a breakthrough in video streaming innovation with the launch of new origin capabilities. Service providers and broadcasters can tap into the new origin features through Harmonic's VOS^® family and XOS Advanced Media Processor to optimize efficiency and flexibility while driving down costs. The origin advancements will be showcased in the Harmonic booth at the 2025 NAB Show.

A Hybrid Origin Solution for Service Providers
Harmonic's new origin capabilities combine cloud and on-premises storage by leveraging VOS360 Media SaaS and VOS Media Software. This hybrid approach taps into the efficiency and elasticity of the cloud for less frequently accessed content while using on-premises storage for fresh video assets. Older content, including nPVR assets, is automatically moved to cloud storage.

The cloud-native solution is easy to configure, as it utilizes the same intuitive UI for all media processing capabilities. Service providers can efficiently scale storage based on demand by utilizing on-premises infrastructure for fixed workloads and leveraging cloud scalability for large asset repositories. This balanced strategy improves flexibility and reduces cloud storage costs.

Streamlined Playout to Delivery for Broadcasters
Harmonic is also introducing live and time-shift origin capabilities within its XOS Advanced Media Processor. By collapsing the origin functionality into the XOS Media Processor, Harmonic enables broadcasters to stream live content directly to CDNs using a single appliance, minimizing operational complexity and reducing hardware costs. The plug-and-play solution is ideal for live and time-shift content, providing users with an easy-to-deploy, cost-effective option.

"We're redefining what's possible with a streaming solution that combines everything from playout to compression, origin and delivery," said Gil Rudge, senior vice president, products and Americas sales, video business at Harmonic. "Optimizing origin functionality and associated storage costs is a considerable challenge for service providers and broadcasters. With our latest innovation, we are enabling customers to deploy their streaming services efficiently and profitably — an essential advantage in today's competitive environment."

Harmonic will demonstrate its new origin capabilities at the 2025 NAB Show, April 6-9, in booth W2821. More information about Harmonic and the company's solutions is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com. 

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Photo Link: www.202comms.com/Harmonic/Harmonic-VOS360 Media SaaS.jpg
Photo Caption: Harmonic VOS^®360 Media SaaS

Photo Link: www.202comms.com/Harmonic/Harmonic-VOS360-Ad-logo.jpg
Photo Caption: Harmonic VOS^®360 Ad SaaS logo 

Photo Link: www.202comms.com/Harmonic/Harmonic-XOS.jpg
Photo Caption: Harmonic XOS Advanced Media Processor

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SOURCE Harmonic Inc.

FAQ

What new features did Harmonic (HLIT) announce for video streaming in March 2025?

Harmonic announced new origin capabilities combining cloud and on-premises storage through VOS® family and XOS Advanced Media Processor, enabling more efficient content management and cost reduction.

How does Harmonic's new hybrid origin solution manage content storage?

The solution stores fresh video assets on-premises while automatically moving older content and nPVR assets to cloud storage, optimizing costs and efficiency.

What benefits does the new XOS Advanced Media Processor provide for broadcasters?

It enables direct streaming to CDNs using a single appliance, reducing hardware costs and operational complexity for live and time-shift content delivery.

When will Harmonic showcase its new origin capabilities?

Harmonic will demonstrate the new capabilities at the 2025 NAB Show, April 6-9, in booth W2821.