Archives

January 2001 Issue

Marketplace

Leakage Detector
ComSonics recently added the "Sniffer Shadow" to its line of Sniffer leakage detectors. The Sniffer Shadow is small, with a simple one-button operation, and the flip-up LCD cover also functions as an antenna. The Shadow may be fix-tuned to one of 40 possible channels and possesses two modes of operation—monitoring and measuring—as well as the trademark Sniffer warble when leakage is detected.

For more information, contact ComSonics at or on the Web at www.comsonics.com.

End-to-End VoIP Platform
Terayon Communication Systems has launched its new BandLeader end-to-end voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) platform for cable operators to transport carrier-class voice services over large-scale hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks. The BandLeader solution is delivered through a switched VoIP architecture that supports PacketCable standards.

BandLeader’s switched VoIP architecture, consisting of an access gateway and embedded media terminal adapter (eMTA), allows operators to leverage current broadband infrastructures to deliver simultaneously telephony, data, video programming and other broadband services over cable networks via a cost-effective VoIP solution.

For more information, contact Terayon at or on the Web at www.terayon.com.

Field Analyzer
Agilent Technologies’ CaLan Cable Advisor, a field analyzer that combines multiple digital and analog cable system test instruments, is now available. CaLan Cable Advisor integrates analog and digital services testing, network sweep capabilities, proof-of-performance and Internet protocol (IP) service testing and a general purpose spectrum analyzer in a single instrument. These combined capabilities are meant to help cable system operators reduce test system costs, while equipping their field technicians to install, activate, maintain and troubleshoot services.

For more information, contact Agilent Technologies at or on the Web at www.agilent.com.

Interactive TV Software
Rachis, an interactive TV software solutions provider and systems integrator for Microsoft TV, has introduced its first software product for network operators and one of the first add-on applications for interactive TV based on the Microsoft TV platform. The product will allow peripheral vendors and network operators to open new sales channels and offer subscription services to consumers.

For more information, contact Rachis at or on the Web at www.rachis.com.

Retroplate
Electroline Equipment has announced the availability of a second version of its RetroPlate product, which converts Antronix Milenium passive taps into addressable ones. The latest version complements the first RetroPlate introduced two years ago, which is compatible with General Instrument FFT passive taps. The introduction of the Antronix Milenium model makes addressability more accessible and helps decrease the costs of upgrading and modernizing cable networks. The RetroPlate is a 1 GHz outdoor addressable tap that facilitates the installation procedure for upgrading passive taps into addressable ones, especially beneficial for use in high-density urban areas with multiple dwelling units (MDU).

For more information, contact Electroline Equipment at or on the Web at www.electrolinequip.com.

Filters
Eagle Comtronics has unveiled two new additions to its Eagle Elite Filter Series. The Eagle Hard Line Filter (EHLF) is designed to pass AC power and accommodate a wide range of filter applications. This filter allows users to install a hard-line filter into their distribution plants to supply a selective frequency band to the end customer. The new EZHP high pass filter features a reduced diameter that fits inside congested lock boxes and between tightly spaced tap ports.

For more information, contact Eagle Comtronics at or on the Web at www.eaglecomtronics.com.

Cable Modem Termination System
Cadant’s C4 cable modem termination system (CMTS) is now available. The architecture combines the support of DOCSIS 1.1 and features found historically only in true carrier systems, such as Class 4 toll-switching equipment.

For more information, contact Cadant at or on the Web at www.cadant.com.

Intuitive Remote Control
Interlink Electronics’ IntuiTouch broadband interface technology enables one-touch navigation of electronic program guides (EPGs), video on demand (VOD) and other interactive services. The technology enables text entry without a keyboard, thus reducing capital costs inherent in deploying such services. The technology supports the hand signing of electronic signatures and is positioned to drive future developments, such as remote-control driven voice-mail and telephony applications.

For more information, contact Interlink at or on the Web at www.interlinkelectronics.com.

VOD Solution
Concurrent Computer’s MediaHawk Model 2000 Video Server uses RAID5 technology to store more than 1,200 feature-length films in a single rack. Capable of delivering over 200 Mbps per output card, the compact server features an embedded kernal (versus traditional operating system), integrated quadrature amplitude modulators (QAMs) and RF upconverters, redundant power supplies and rotational sensing cooling fans. The server is integrated with the MediaHawk video-on-demand (VOD) BackOffice Business Management System (BMS).

For more information, contact Concurrent Computer at or on the Web at www.ccur.com.

Personal Media
Keen Personal Media is introducing its TV4meÝpersonal video recorder (PVR) and technologies. The TV4me software suite is a next-generation PVR system that allows users to manage their television viewing by automatically recording programs based on their personal preferences. Viewers are able to enter their unique preferences and TV4me software searches for and downloads appropriate programs onto the set-top box hard drive for convenient viewing anytime.

For more information, contact Keen Personal Media at or on the Web at www.keenpm.com.

Digital Video Recorder
C-Cube Microsystems has debuted its Kronos Digital Video Recorder (DVR) reference platform, based on two silicon chips. The reference platform enables OEMs to develop hard-disk, drive-based time-shifting products, either as a standalone DVR or for easy integration into next-generation television sets.

For more information, contact C-Cube Microsystems at or on the Web at www.c-cube.com.

Color-Coded Locking Terminators
Viewsonics has introduced its line of color-coded locking terminators designed to provide easy identification. Non-resistor types are silver, resistor types are gold and power-blocking terminators black. The color-coding allows technicians and installers to readily identify the type of terminator installed in the field, helping to ensure the proper style terminator is installed.

For more information, contact Viewsonics at or on the Web at www.viewsonics.com.

MultimedIa Service Router
BigBand Networks’ broadband multimedia service router (BMR) is an integrated video, audio and data router that routes multiple media types in their native formats and enables service providers to deliver broadcast-quality content and advanced, interactive services over broadband networks. Bigband’s NativeMedia Operating System serves as the foundation for the BMR’s routing and processing engines.

For more information, contact BigBand at or on the Web at www.bigbandnetworks.com.

Ultraminiature Modules
ISG Broadband adds a new ultraminiature microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC)-based radio frequency (RF) transceiver module to its family of media gateway products. DOCSIS 1.1-compliant, the ISG3350 is designed to meet the stringent gain repeatability specs that quality of service (QoS) demands. Each module features a low power receiver, a digital linear RF transmitter capable of power control in 1 dB steps and an onboard diplex filter that provides over 40 dB of isolation. Operating frequency range is 91 MHz to 857 MHz downstream and 5 MHz to 42 MHz upstream. RF input level is -20 dBmV to +15 dBmV.

For more information, contact ISG Broadband at or on the Web at www.isgbroadband.com.

RF Signal Management
PCI has announced its line of SCN-4000 reverse signal RF management products. They come in a 2RU chassis and allow users to fully manage all of their return traffic in the hub site or headend without having to perform external wiring between modular passives.

For more information, contact PCI at or on the Web at www.pci.com.

Set-Top Test Automation
TestQuest, Inc. has introduced its interactive TV, set-top box automated testing solution. The TestQuest Pro solution verifies functionality in set-top boxes used for interactive televisions, Internet access, video-on-demand, e-commerce and game menus. Set-top box developers may automatically navigate and test Web/interactive TV menus by using TestQuest’s solution in lieu of traditional manual testing methods.

For more information, contact TestQuest at or on the Web at www.testquest.com.

Power Enclosures
Alpha Technologies is offering ground mount, pole mount, power node and low-profile power enclosure models. Alpha’s UPEM-8 is a ground mount metered enclosure designed to house up to eight batteries for extended runtime. The PWE-8 is a pole mount application with an eight-battery capacity and slimmer design. Alpha’s PN-3 and PN-4 power node enclosures are designed for broadband network architectures. The PN-3 and PN-4 both maintain the same footprint and styling of the Alpha CE line of enclosures, with enhanced features including lighter weight, easier access to receptacle panels and improved coax management area.

For more information, contact Alpha Technologies at or on the Web at www.alpha.com.

Ingress Management Solution
Electroline Equipment and Trilithic have unveiled an ingress management solution that automatically detects and locates ingress problems to quickly restore the network and minimize customer downtime. The solution integrates the functionalities of both companies’ return path management systems into one technology to help operators meet a 99.9 percent reliability factor.

For more information, contact Trilithic at or Electroline at .

Fiber to the MDU
Lindsay Electronics’ 8000 series fiber-to-the-multiple dwelling unit (MDU) application includes the following features: 100 volt, 220 volt or 90 volt powering, I.C.E. cooling system, non-destructive connector pin seizure mechanism, 860 MHz operation, high-performance pin diode detector, adjustable RF output levels, optical power test point and monitoring LED, return transmitter (5-250 MHz) and optional Fabry Perot lasers.

For more information, contact Lindsay Electronics at or on the Web at www.lindsayelectronics.com.

Inner Duct System
TVC Communications’ proprietary fabric inner duct system is expanding its product line. In addition to its 3-inch, 3-cell conduit, MaxCell now includes both 2-inch, 3-cell and 2-inch, 2-cell conduits, aimed at smaller duct systems. With the same benefits of the larger MaxCell, the 2-inch cells will allow operators to introduce more cables into 2-inch conduit. MaxCell has more than 4 million feet currently installed in the cable TV industry and has additional applications in related industries.

For more information, contact TVC at or on the Web at www.tvcinc.com.

Dual-channel Upconverter
DX Communications’ DUC-100 dual channel upconverter features low phase noise specs geared toward 64 QAM and 256 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation). The unit is optimized for both video and data applications. Frequency-agile from 54 MHz to 858 MHz, the DUC-100 also features automatic intermediate frequency (IF) sensing and switching, digital channel display, auto/manual gain control and remote control capability.

For more information, contact DX Communications at or on the Web at www.dlcwest.com.

Cable Modem Analysis Tool
Acterna’s Windows-based spectrum analyzer for cable modems inaugurates a co-development effort with Cisco Systems. The Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) Cable Modem Test Analyzer (DCMTA) contains software that allows technicians to identify cable modem problems and measure signal noise (ingress) on Cisco’s Universal Broadband Router (uBR) ports and on individual cable modems. The analyzer benefits users of Cisco’s uBR-MC16S DOCSIS Spectrum Management Card.

For more information, contact Acterna at or on the Web at www.acterna.com.

Digital Set-top
Pioneer’s Voyager 3000 digital set-top offers dedicated processing power for graphics and advanced session-based applications. Voyager integrates Broadcom’s single-chip Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) processor, with 16 MB (32 MB optional) of memory and up to 8 MB of flash memory. It is designed with a built-in, real-time radio frequency (RF) reverse path transmitter to enable two-way applications. Pioneer’s Passport application suite offers an array of digital capabilities.

For more information, contact Pioneer at or on the Web at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

 Back to January 2001 Issue

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