RealNetworks has released a new version of its Helix Media Delivery Platform, including tools to rapidly build and deploy Mobile TV services to subscribers.
A number of partners, including Sky and SFR, have run extensive trials of the Helix Platform. RealNetworks says its beta customers have successfully streamed video – including live sports events, news and user-generated content – to tens of thousands of concurrent subscribers using 3GPP-compliant devices, such as the iPhone. Further, system integrators such as Atos, Nokia Siemens Networks, F-Secure (formerly Steek) and Thomson have selected the Helix Platform as the foundation of their mobile video offerings to operators.
Quality and reliability are among the top concerns when delivering our content to mobile network operators, says Ben Nielsen, Product Manager, Mobile TV at Sky. Because the Helix Media Delivery Platform is deployed both at the MNO and here at Sky, we can use Helix splitting technology to ensure our content looks great, conserves bandwidth and provides the best end user experience.
The Helix Platforms new features include ehanced monitoring and control for both live and on-demand video in the new Helix Session Manager, enabling operators to better understand and manage the ways their network is being used for on- and off-deck video.
Live rate adaptation ensures subscribers have the same consistent video quality with live events that they have for on-demand content in fluctuating networks, while play-list creation functionality provides operators with ad-insertion capabilities and thus the opportunity to experiment with business models for mobile video. This also allows both end users and operators to create custom video channels that imitate linear programming
Finally, multi-format live and on-demand support enables delivery of video to any 3G/4G-enabled device.
RealNetworks develops software for encoding, delivery, management and playback of digital audio and video over mobile and broadband networks. The company notes that Helix is the choice of more than 100 mobile operators and many Global 1000 enterprises Theres more information about the Helix platform here. 
