Innovation Showcase a Centerpiece at Canadian Summit
SCTE (www.scte.org) will host its first Innovation Showcase March 9 in conjunction with its Canadian Summit in Toronto. The following vendors will participate in the inaugural Showcase:
ARRIS (www.arrisi.com) will show its Moxi whole home media solution featuring the Moxi HD DVR, Moxi Mate multi-room players and Moxi Portal, and will showcase the ability to time- and place-shift digital content throughout the home- Kindsight (www.kindsight.net) will demonstrate how its paid and no-cost/ad-funded services can provide identity theft protection for broadband subscribers and a revenue opportunity for operators
- Motorola (www.motorola.com) will demonstrate how its solutions enable the delivery of personal media experiences
- Sandvine (www.sandvine.com) will show how its latest technology can help service providers deliver transparent differentiated usage management policies to their customers
- Vecima (www.vecima.com) will showcase how its Terrace MDU gateway reclaims analog bandwidth to the outer edge of the cable network, including MDUs and household service groups, and enables the transition to all-digital operation
ARRIS Completes Testing of Digital Ad Splicing
ARRIS (www.arrisi.com) announced that it completed interoperability testing for the EGT VIPr ad splicing solution with its ConvergeMedia SkyVision digital advertising system, as well as with other ad system suppliers. According to ARRIS, these interoperability tests validate that the EGT VIPr ad splicer supports cable operator dynamic ad insertion in full compliance with the SCTE 30 and 35 specifications.
In addition to ad splicing capabilities, the EGT VIPr can rate-shape the video traffic while maintaining the highest video quality through a unique, patent-pending, encoding capability called “Intelligent Recode.” This feature provides full program decode and re-encode, closed loop Statistical Multiplexing, SD and HD programming.
Current rate-shapers typically have limitations on the amount of bit rate reduction before causing video degradation. The EGT VIPr is said to not suffer from such high bit-rate video limitations. It reportedly can routinely process high bit-rate video while preserving the best possible video quality for both the program content and the actual ads being spliced.
Clearfield Gets Clear on Fiber Protection
Clearfield (www.clearfieldconnection.com) recently rolled out its Clearview xPAK cassette. xPAK unfolds to a flat, single piece element in which all required components for fiber protection are integrated.
“When landing small port count fiber, we went back to the field and asked broadband service providers what they needed,” Johnny Hill, Clearfield’s COO says. “They told us they had the highest standards for fiber protection and reliability – but deployment needed to be fast, intuitive, small count and small form factor. And the product needed to be so inexpensive, that techs could conveniently keep small lot counts in their trucks and deploy as service calls were scheduled.”
“We get into a lot of buildings that were built more than 100 years ago, and the communications space inside those buildings is a premium,” explains Alan Shaw of Time Warner Cable’s Business Class team. “As we bring business class services to these tight spaces, Clearfield’s xPAK design delivers the functionality we need.”
Infinera to Show Off New ATN Metro Platform
Infinera (www.infinera.com) will showcase its new ATN metro edge platform at the SCTE (www.scte.org) Canadian Summit in Toronto. The ATN platform is designed to interwork with Infinera’s DTN platform to provide point-and-click services across a cable network.
The Infinera DTN is a digital ROADM based on large-scale photonic integration. With the new ATN platform, Infinera says it offers an end-to-end solution providing scalable optical transport from the metro edge through regional networks and across the national backbone. The ATN has been deployed by service providers in the U.S. and Europe, including one of the top five U.S. cable operators. Infinera also reports that the DTN is already widely deployed by MSOs, including all of the top five U.S. cable operators.
The Infinera ATN will be on display at the Canadian confab, along with a 3D interactive virtual screen that will allow visitors to view the Infinera platforms from any angle and “fly” inside the system to explore the components and product architecture.
Antronix Rolls Out MoCA Product Family
At the SCTE (www.scte.org) Canadian Summit, Antronix (www.antronix.net) will showcase a new line of products specifically designed to address applications in the MoCA pass band from 1,125 to 1,525 MHz. All enable the deployment of services over a MoCA compliant backbone, while maintaining performance in the legacy band.
Three MoCA product lines will be on display:
- Blocking filters – Installed at the point of entry, these devices are designed to keep MoCA signals within the residence. They offer the dual benefit of minimizing MoCA signals from appearing on the outside plant while preventing interference between homes that employ MoCA technology. Constructed with a solid brass, nickel-plated housing, the unit is suitable for outdoor installations.
- Splitters – Included is a full line of splitters, optimized for use in the MoCA band from 1,125 to 1,525 MHz, while continuing to provide excellent performance in the legacy band. All offer 6 kV surge protection and SCTE compliant F ports.
- Residential amplifiers – A feature selectable family of amplifiers geared to address end user topologies and applications. Available configurations include internal isolation filters, triplexers for MoCA signal bypassing and forward and return gain selections. An all ports down housing reportedly allows for ease of installation.
In related news, Antronix also announced two new VoIP residential amplifiers: the VRA50, a five-port device featuring a passive VoIP port and four amplified output ports with unity gain in the forward direction and passive return; and the VRA900, a nine-port device featuring a passive VoIP port and eight amplified output ports with unity gain in the forward and return directions.
Both offer a passive VoIP port providing for reliable service, even when power to the amplifier is disrupted, according to the company. These amplifiers employ the Antronix patented CamPort auto seizing F-port, ensuring maximum contact area and reliability for multimedia applications. The all ports down configuration allows for ease of installation in a NID enclosure.
Jones/NCTI Takes Aim at Contact Center Profitability with New Tool
Jones/NCTI (www.jonesncti.com) unveiled the LogiCALL Smart Path, a decision tree methodology screen guide that directs contact center agents through a series of questions and answers, enabling them to resolve customer inquiries and issues in a more effective and timely manner.
Accessed through an agent’s desktop, Jones NCTI says the LogiCALL Smart Path provides the tools necessary to enable agents to make better real-time decisions in resolving problems, while standardizing and ensuring accurate resolutions across the organization. It eliminates the time and expense of incorrect diagnoses and miscommunications while reducing the length of call times by keeping the call more focused, the company reports.
In addition, Smart Path’s administration screen allows company administrators to create and edit text, modify fonts, insert links and manage processes, including billing, sales and troubleshooting flows. It also can integrate with other applications currently used by employees.
Features include:
- Session ID: Captures the slides viewed by an agent on each call
- History Navigation: Displays each slide viewed during the current session
- Information Aids: Presents agents with easy access to documents and other helpful resources
- Session Notes: Provides agents the ability to record information about a specific session
BigBand Outlines Centralized IP Video
BigBand Networks (www.bigbandnetworks.com) says it will discuss the cable’s evolution to a centralized IP video delivery system where video is video, regardless of its destination and can be delivered seamlessly to multiple platforms at the SCTE (www.scte.org) Canadian Summit 2010, March 9-10, 2010, in Toronto.
As part of the company’s participation, Jay Chambers, principal engineer for BigBand Networks, will present his paper, Challenges in Migrating Cable Networks to IPTV, during the session, IPTV—Enabling Next-Gen Service Delivery on March 10. Chambers will discuss the evolution of today’s networks into a centralized IP video delivery system and dig into specific technologies that are needed today to help bridge the migration to full IP networks using DOCSIS 3.0. He will also consider a variety of technical considerations including platform selection, bandwidth availability, edge QAM technology, in-home equipment strategy, personalization and implementation.
EBIF-Enabled TV Caller ID Application is Ready for Commercial Launch by Ops Using HITS AxIS
MediaFriends (www.mediafriendsinc.com) and HITS announced that an EBIF-enabled MediaFriends’ TV Caller ID application is now available for commercial launch by cable systems using the HITS Advanced Interactive Services (AxIS) product suite to offer ITV applications. The HITS AxIS centralized service model supports the development, launch and operation of interactive applications using the enhanced TV (ETV) and Tru2way architectures and provides cable operators, programmers and application developers an efficient and cost-effective entry into the ITV market.
MediaFriends’ TV Caller ID is an EBIF-enabled ITV application that delivers personalized caller ID notifications with on-screen call logs to multiple TVs in a home and is fully controlled by the user. MediaFriends enables users to personalize caller ID notifications with nicknames and send them to multiple TVs and PCs in the home. HITS is also working with MediaFriends on field-testing their EBIF-enabled Social TV application – MediaFriends Chat.
CableLabs (
Mixed Signals (
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Ericsson (
FourthWall Media (
DVEO (
Jones/NCTI (
SCTE (
Product News: March 18, 2010
Product News: March 18, 2010
Cisco Tees Up for Next-Generation Internet
With that current and closely looming reality in mind, Cisco (www.cisco.com) unveiled its CRS-3 Carrier Routing System (CRS), which the company’s CEO John Chambers says is specifically designed to serve as a foundation of the next-generation Internet. The vendor reports that the system boasts more than 12 times the traffic capacity of the nearest competing system.
The CRS-3 triples the capacity of its predecessor (the CRS-1) with up to 322 Terabits per second, which enables the entire printed collection of the Library of Congress to be downloaded in just over one second; every man, woman and child in China to make a video call, simultaneously; and every motion picture ever created to be streamed in less than four minutes.
The CRS-3 enables unified service delivery of Internet and cloud services with service intelligence spanning service provider Internet Protocol Next-Generation Networks and data center. Cisco also points out that it “provides unprecedented savings with investment protection for the nearly 5,000 Cisco CRS-1 deployed worldwide.” AT&T recently tested the Cisco CRS-3 in a successful completion of the world’s first field trial of 100-Gigabit backbone network technology, which took place in AT&T’s live network between New Orleans and Miami.
The Cisco CRS-3 is currently in field trials, and pricing starts at $90,000.
For more technical details and support information, visit www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5763/index.html.
Moxi Shines at SCTE Innovation Showcase
Steve Irvine, VP, technology for EastLink Cable Systems (and contact for the Innovation Showcase), believes the Moxi HD DVR and Moxi Mate provide a compelling solution for cable ops for the following reason: “Providing MSOs with the ability to convert standard SD and HD broadcast video to IP within the home, and to offer whole-home DVR, remote recording, access to online content and an award-winning guide makes the Moxi solution a very attractive prospect.”
Five different vendors demonstrated during the showcase — running the gamut from content management and bandwidth usage management to bandwidth reclamation and identity theft. Summit attendees picked the winner via mobile text messaging.
The ARRIS presentation featured the Moxi UI, Moxi media platform with Moxi HD DVR and Moxi Mate multi-room players and Moxi Portal. It spotlighted the ability to time- and place-shift delivery of media content, whether via digital cable, the home network or integrated Internet services throughout the home.
BigBand Doubles Down on HD and Stream Processing Capacity
The Broadcast Video Services Software 3.0 enhancements are said to reduce power costs and free up rack space. For existing BMR deployments, customers benefit from increased splicing, clamping and rate shaping with no need for additional hardware. The new software upgrade further reduces configuration complexity for ease of deployment and management.
Mixed Signals Beefs Up Video/Audio Error Resolution Capabilities
Reason Codes are an enhancement to Mixed Signals’ Audio and Video QoE Scoring System – which gauges the severity of errors – and provide added detail to show the causes of impairment behind a particular QoE score. The Reason Codes will be available in an upcoming software update that will support already deployed Sentrys and will come standard with new models.
Blonder Tongue Extends Digital and Encoder Lines
Blonder Tongue Laboratories (www.blondertongue.com) will demonstrate some of its newest solutions at NAB in Las Vegas in April.
The HDE-2H-QAM (2xHDMI/YPbPr Encoder), shipping in the second quarter of this year, is a 2:1 encoder and multiplexer that accepts and auto-detects up to two inputs in HDMI and YPbPr (component) formats, digitizes and MPEG-2 encodes each into a HD-1080i/720p stream, and multiplexes the resulting two streams into one QAM output. Any combination of input multiplexing is allowed, for example, 2xHDMI, or (1xHDMI) + (1xYPbPr ). The encoder supports Dolby Digital AC-3 encoding and closed captioning (EIA-608), and is equipped with an EAS interface and an ancillary ASI output port.
The MDDM-860 (Micro Digital Demodulator), which is currently shipping, accepts one input in 8VSB (digital off-air) or QAM 64/256 (digital cable) format, and delivers one output in NTSC composite video and analog L/R audio formats. A number of features such as auto-scan, adjustable picture size, closed captioning (EIA-608), and mono/stereo/SAP audio modes are available as standard. MDDM is designed for a one-to-one replacement of the company’s MIDM analog demodulators for seamless migration to digital applications.
The AQC (Agile QAM Converter), which also is currently available, is a modular digital QAM upconverter designed for data-over-cable and digital VOD applications. The unit supports 44 MHz IF input with a fully agile output frequency range of 54-864 MHz. Compact design allows up to six modules in 2RU.
New Associates of Applied Science Degree Offered by Jones/NCTI
The Jones/NCTI College Program is the only distance-learning, accredited higher education program designed specifically for the broadband, cable and telecom industry. It allows you to apply an associate’s degree toward a bachelor’s and master’s through Jones/NCTI’s sister school, Jones International University. Students who complete the AAS degree will be accepted as juniors at JIU if they continue studies.
RGB Adds to Broadcast Network Processor Line
The BNP3xr utilizes a new, 2RU chassis design that enables dual hot-swappable, redundant power supplies and fan modules to ensure uninterrupted operation in the unlikely event a failure should occur; and support for DVB conditional access SimulCrypt encryption – which is particularly relevant in international markets.
The product supports grooming, statistical multiplexing, transrating, digital ad and overlay insertion, digital emergency alert system (EAS) notification, operator messaging and program substitution, and can simultaneously process more than 760 MPEG-2 and MPEG-4/H.264 video streams.
Cable Show Technical Program Features Top CTOs, CIOs
Appearances by leading cable industry CTOs and CIOs will highlight a deep technical program at The Cable Show 2010 in Los Angeles, May 11-13.
With a thematic focus on the future of television, the show will offer 12 technology-themed panel discussions, including plenary sessions featuring CTOs and CIOs from top cable operating companies. They’ll discuss investment priorities and key initiatives for 2010 and beyond.
Also new to the show this year are field engineering panels geared toward local and regional staff. They’ll cover best practices for network management, among other subjects. Additionally, the show’s CIO:IT program offers perspectives from top industry CIOs and selected vendor companies who will discuss the state of the art in information technology and its industry contributions.
Technology also plays a prominent role among the show’s general sessions, which touch on issues related to the show’s “future of television” theme. Bringing together top executives from the cable, content, consumer electronics and technology sectors, the sessions will include discussions of the interplay between technology and content creation, and implications of the cable-powered movement toward anytime, anywhere media access.
Registration for The Cable Show is open now at www.thecableshow.com
And for more details, visit http://2010.thecableshow.com/international?utm_source=bgr7&utm_medium=text&utm_
Clearfield Intros New WDM Packaging
The packaging alternatives include:
New VoIP Team: Sigma Systems, Cedar Point
“Our next-generation operator customers continue to transform their service offerings with innovative bundles, and delivering advanced residential and commercial VoIP services is a key competitive differentiator,” Preston Gilmer, VP of marketing at Sigma Systems, says.
Jeff Walker, VP of marketing at Cedar Point adds that the partnership will allow customers “to roll out reliable services with productivity enhancing features quickly and economically.”
Sigma Systems reports that its Service Management Portfolio of fulfillment solutions has demonstrated interoperability with Cedar Point’s SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System in a live, residential VoIP service offering with a major cable operator. A truly successful rollout of a commercial services offering will require tight integration. Sigma Systems and Cedar Point will be working together to provide this integration in the form of a complete end-to-end commercial voice solution for that same cable operator.
IneoQuest Expands Microsoft Mediaroom Line and IPTV Support Solutions
The IQDialogue Mediaroom Platform Manager interfaces directly with the Microsoft Mediaroom Web-Service Framework to evaluate set-top box performance and identify when a fault occurs. From a centralized network management location, IQDialogue Mediaroom Platform Manager performs automated analysis of devices on the network through an intelligent scheduler system. Based upon configurable and user-definable categories, alarm notifications can be issued so problems can be promptly addressed and trending reports provided to facilitate network planning.
The new IQDialogue IPTV probe provides the ability to monitor and troubleshoot VOD servers and subscriber service. The probe enables providers to analyze all network signaling protocols by tapping directly into the video control flows.
Quintech Debuts RF Matrix Router
The QFM’s operating frequency range covers L-Band 950-2150 MHz and IF 50-200 MHz. It also offers manual and automatic AGC modes with a range of -10dBm to -50 dBm with optional LNB power and individual port control to support all modulation formats. The front panel LEDs allow monitoring of power supply and alarm status information.
• Latens (www.latens.com) recently signed a partnership agreement with Coship (www.coship.com). The focus is to work together on delivering solutions based on Coship’s range of set-top boxes with Latens software conditional access and ECO Middleware.
• SCTE (www.scte.org) reports that its annual Canadian Summit held in Toronto earlier this month saw significant increases in attendance (more than 17%) and vendors (nearly 75%) over figures for the inaugural summit in 2009. Sponsors of the 2010 confab included Alpha Technologies, ARRIS, ATX, Aurora Networks, Capella Telecommunications, Cisco Systems Canada, CommScope, Concurrent, ECI, Fujitsu, Hammond Manufacturing, JDSU, Juniper Networks, Maxxian, Power & Tel, Sigma Systems and Trilithic.