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Archives
 August 1999 Issue
News & Opinion
MarketPlace
The actual climate in Chicago was cool and rainy, allowing Cable 99 attendees a break from the heat on the show floor. At 48, the National Cable Television Associations International Convention and Exposition exhibited more than the latest and greatest in all things cable telecommunications; it radiated the broadband industrys newfound maturity and sophistication. With the likes of arch rivals General Instrument and Scientific-Atlanta showing products developed through compromise in one anothers expansive booths, it became crystal clear to attendees that convergence is no longer a catch-phrase heralded from corporate marketings ivory towers, it is a technological tsunami taking the industry by storm. This special blowout edition of Marketplace highlights many of the products that made steam rise to the heights of the Chicago skyline.
DOCSIS Modem
Ericsson selected Cable 99 as a launching pad for its Home Information Pipeline portfolio. The first product to blast off was the vendors Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)-compliant PipeRider modem. Features include a compact design and standard universal serial bus (USB) interface connectivity. According to the company, the unit is easily upgradable to the DOCSIS 1.1 specification and slated for availability in October. The PipeRider includes a user-friendly onboard hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) sever and enhanced security using PipeLock technology, which allows users to easily suspend network communications. It supports 64 and 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), signal levels from -15 dBmV to +15 dBmV and a frequency range from 5-42 MHz.
Remultiplexer
V-Bits showcased its RateMux 300 statistical remultiplexer at Cable 99. Officials said that the product was designed to enable custom programming for cable operators. It uses Headend in the Sky (HITS) transponders and local Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) encoders to create a custom digital multiplex consisting of 12 programs than can interface with modulators for transmission into a single 6 MHz channel.
Wireless Field Data Solution
BellSouth Wireless Data, Mobile Data Solutions Inc. and Iktronix Corp. have teamed up to offer a wireless workforce management solution created for cable telecommunications operators. According to the companies, the wireless data solution allows field workforce automation, increased productivity and better customer service. By combining the BellSouths Intelligent Wireless Network, the Iktronix T5200 handheld wireless CE-based workstation and MDSIs software design, the companies have created a solution allowing dispatchers, field technicians and supervisors wireless connectivity for the instantaneous exchange of mission-critical information. The T5200 features a 73.7 MHz processor and a 7.3-inch monochrome touch screen display. Offered as a bundled solution, the products cost is estimated at around $15 per day per technician, company spokesmen said.
Statistical Multiplexer
Imedia teamed up with General Instrument to debut the CherryPicker 500 digital TV (DTV) statistical multiplexer at Cable 99. Imedia has since been acquired by Terayon. According to Imedia, the product breaks the price barrier for system operators looking for the ability to locally select digital programming line-ups from HITS and other compressed video providers in order to achieve customized channel line-ups and incremental revenues for their video service offerings.
At the show, GI officials said that the CherryPicker 500 was a welcome addition to the companys end-to-end digital solution. Backed by GIs sales, support and experience in launching digital systems, parties from both companies are optimistic that the product offers immediate launch capabilities and a chance for operators of virtually any size to improve plant efficiency and revenue opportunities.
The product allows North American cable operators maximum bandwidth efficiency and programming options by allowing them to groom compressed video digital transponder feeds; it can take up to four satellite feeds and two local feeds to output 12 programs. Imedia officials said that prior to the development of this technology, cable operators were unable to add or drop programs from a statistical multiplex in the digital tier. With the Cherry Picker 500, cable operators can match programming with regional and demographic preferences.
Digital End-to-End System
Divicom showed many products at its booth, although its major show announcement was a digital deployment deal with Time Warner Cable.
As components for the companys end-to-end digital cable system glimmered on the show floor, the latest in compression, digital turnaround, transport stream manipulation, transmission, customer premise and high definition (HD) gear captivated attendees searching for shortcuts to the future.
Highlighted at the Divicom booth was the MediaView MV400 HD Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)-2 encoder (shown) in a one-rack unit high chassis. Supporting multiple formats, the MV400 enables delivery of HDTV and provides an upgrade path for future requirements. Features include MotionTrack software and C-Cubes DVxpert encoding engines for motion prediction and unified rate control.
SOHO Modem
The Comport 5000 Office Cable Modem from Com 21, announced at the show, is designed to meet the needs of small businesses, telecommuters and multiple personal computer (PC) residential users. According to the company, it delivers secure high-speed multiport local area network (LAN) and Internet connectivity in the form of a modular solution. The modem, said Com 21 officials, is the fruit of its latest attempts to leverage its integrated voice and data platform in the rapidly growing small office/home office (SOHO) environments. Features include a virtual private networking (VPN) software option for low-cost access to corporate networks. It utilizes asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) for transport that offers quality of service (QoS) to users over cable infrastructures and allows prioritization of voice over data traffic. Its network address translation (NAT) and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) features allow multiple PCs to share a single Internet protocol (IP) address. The company said that the base modem is priced at $760.
Partnership for Better Networks
ADC Telecommunications Inc. and Cheetah Technologies have announced a three-year partnership agreement to integrate Cheetahs core network management technologies with ADCs ISX optical distribution nodes and HWX headend optical transmission equipment (accompanying photograph is an HWX 1550 nm STX transmitter). Under the agreement, ADC has awarded Cheetah preferred vendor status for industry- compatible, multivendor element management solutions for hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks undergoing deployment of the HWX and ISX gear. The companies lauded the partnership as the first to be announced under Cheetahs Voyager Partners Program launched last year.
Analog Set-Top Apps
General Instrument announced agreements with Tritheim Technologies and Millennium Networks to unveil two new applications on its CFT-2200 advanced analog set-top.
Tritheims SmartCOMMERCE system enables users to conduct smart card transactions such as banking and electronic commerce directly over cable networks using GIs CFT-2200. The system uses a TV as an Internet purchase terminal to enable secure electronic value transfer for pay TV as well. An Internet browser from WorldGates Internet over TV application is used to support the transactions.
Millennium Networks, a technology integration company, has added its AudienceEngine application that provides local cable measurement service by capturing key viewing information directly from GIs CFT-2200 set-top. Local cable operators can then use the data based on actual local viewing data rather than estimated projections. The application uses existing cable plant, database technology and the Internet to capture and report information about what channels are being watched.
The data from the set-top is downloaded from the headend. The information is then aggregated by household demographic characteristics. Information is perpetually reported to operators over the World Wide Web (WWW).
DOCSIS Modem and More
Soon after Cable 99 came to an end, Philips Broadband Networks was informed that its Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) modem (shown) had garnered the coveted CableLabs certification seal.
On the show floor, the vendor performed demonstrations of its freshly developed optical transmission technology and advanced digital systems designed to help cable operators to deliver the latest in video, voice and data services. Highlighted products include PBNs SpectraHub 1550 nm dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) architecture for enhanced transmission capabilities. According to the company, the architecture allows transmission of up to 33 forward quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) channels on each of its 20 wavelengths. It also offers the capability to accommodate additional wavelengths as scalable technology evolves.
PBNs booth also was packed with digital set-top networking gear and monolithic high definition TVs (HDTVs) for the digital home.
Set-Top Gaming
Scientific-Atlanta and Peach Networks announced at Cable 99 an agreement to integrate Internet gaming, Microsoft Windows applications and Internet browsing on S-As Explorer 2000 digital platform, in effect, enabling many of the personal computers (PCs) most popular features over the set-top.
Peach Networks Access Channel product allows a plug-and-play function to the applications and Internet without requiring an additional phone line, officials said. The Israel-based vendors system is capable of delivering most all applications written to run on Microsoft Windows. Development of the two-way interactive applications and content is further enhanced by the PowerTV operating system (OS), S-A officials said. Through the PowerTV developer support program, cable operators and developers can write code in C++, hypertext markup language (HTML), JavaScript and PersonalJava. The OS also supports developers by freely distributing its application program interface (API) on its Web site at www.powerTV.com.
Billing Software
Proxima Systems new customer management and billing software supports multiple combinations of telephony, cable, and Internet products and services. Dubbed Mystral, the software features five functional modules, which interact with the customers profile. The modules include: customer care management for processing billing data; marketing and sales management for marketing campaign creation; product and service management for creating bundled packages; territory and network management for modeling the customers physical environment; and administration and finance management for defining the operators administrative structure and relationship between Mystral and the operators general ledger system. Using Mystral, operators can analyze each individual customers usage trends and preferences to provide services that meet their unique needs.
Powernode Backup System
In its booth, Alpha Technologies was showing off its Powernode unlimited backup power supply for cable TV, data and telephony services. The CESC-3X accommodates XM series 2 CableUPS (uninterruptible power supply), Alphacell extended life batteries and generator systems in a low-profile design, the company said. The results are the units smaller size, lower cost, quieter operation and unlimited backup time. It can be custom configured to accommodate varying powering needs and may be initially installed with a power supply and batteries; it can later be upgraded to a full-function integrated generator-supported system. The units battery sidecar can store up to four batteries, including one for ignition, and leaves enough space for the coaxial output. The sidecar provides backup power for 36 V and 48 V systems until the generator kicks in. According to the company, the Powernode is compatible with other common network hardware and provides longer run times than traditional batteries-only solutions.
High-Speed Cable Modem
The first in a planned series of Internet-related product and service related offerings from Aegis Integration Inc. debuted at Cable 99 in the form of a cable modem. Formerly known for its addressable analog systems, Aegis officials have said that digital broadband equipment and services have been on the vendors agenda for quite some time. The modem is multimedia cable network system (MCNS)-compliant and supports both 64 and 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) schemes and up to 16 customer premise devices. According to the company, onboard error correction logic and a high aggregate packet rate in excess of 14,000 packets per second enable the modem to tolerate noisy networks and deliver high bandwidth by consistently filling the 10BaseT Ethernet pipe. The modem is adaptable to emerging standards and protocols, and the company says one version of the product is Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1.0-compliant.
DOCSIS-Compliant Set-Top
England-based Pace Micro Technology touted its Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)-compliant set-top box in Chicago. Currently in deployment, the Di4100 is integrated with Cisco Systems DOCSIS-compliant cable modem and powered by Hitachis Super H3 chip. The set-top has been operating in what the company calls a "DOCSIS-live" network since May with subscribers in England.
It can easily be configured to U.S. TV standards such as NTSC and Annex B, added the company. Pace claims to have already integrated the Di4100 with a DigiCipher II license from General Instrument, allowing the company to work with any U.S. cable operator using GIs cable headend equipment.
Satellite Service
Targeting operators of smaller cable systems, Headend in the Sky (HITS) and General Instrument have developed a satellite/cable overlay system and service. HITS 2 Home, on display at Cable 99 allows operators to add more than 140 channels of digital programming to their existing analog lineups without plant upgrades or digital headend equipment. The digital signals are delivered via satellite dish to the subscribers home, combined with the operators analog service and integrated for delivery over a GI set-top.
Scalable Node
At Cable 99, Antec debuted its Laser Link Proteus scalable node, which will be available late this year. Antec has designed the node to deliver a low-cost base configuration for initial network deployment.
As bandwidth requirements increase, the cable operator can add modules to the node to further segment downstream and upstream traffic. Operators can segment upstream traffic by deploying up to four return transmitters, block conversion or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) grid lasers. Designed for flexibility, the unit can support redundant optical transmitters, receivers and power supplies for increased reliability, and it features dedicated input ports for network powering.
IP Solutions
Arris Interactive welcomed additions to its Cornerstone product line at Cable 99. PacketPort and a high-capacity carrier grade cable modem termination system (CMTS) kicked off the festivities for the products aimed at enabling operators to deploy integrated Internet protocol (IP) telephony and data services to subscribers.
PacketPort is the network interface device for primary line packetized voice and data. It supports Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1.1 cable modem standards and resembles the vendors Cornerstone Four-Line Voice Port product to help operators transition the installation process, officials said. The unit supports four lines of lifeline telephony service and delivers enhanced features such as call waiting.
The CMTS is a fully redundant, modular carrier-class system that can accommodate voice and data traffic. According to the company, it utilizes Cornerstones frequency agility and can institute a hop to a predetermined clean channel when ingress threatens an upstream frequency.
Internet on TV
At the show, MoreCom touted its end-to-end solution for merging digital video with Internet content on TV. According to the company, its software solution enabled advanced broadband Internet services using existing cable networks and digital set-top boxes. The system is based on digital video networks currently in deployment. MoreComs system, officials said, takes advantage of the OpenCable architecture, is adaptive to any headend or digital set-top box and flexible enough to integrate well with software from other vendors.
Integrated Circuit
Also hot at Cable 99 were samples of Zeniths integrated circuit (IC) that provide an interface for connecting digital devices. The ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) Remodulator IC translates digital device output to a digitally modulated signal compatible with the RF inputs of ATSC-compliant TVs and other ATSC devices.
Broadband Flurry
C-Cor went to Chicago on the heels of its announcement to merge with Convergence.com. Its booth showcased C-Cors line of FlexNet RF and Navicor AM products and Convergence.coms exhibit, which highlighted its network operations center (NOC) and Help Desk service. Also busy in the booth was Silicon Valley Communications demonstrating its forward and return path transmitters, dual return path receivers, erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) products. SVCI highlighted its externally modulated 1550 nm analog and quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) transmitters at Cable 99 as well as its planned merger with C-Cor.
Modem Sans New Wires
Zoom Telephonics, while chanting "No-New-Wires," has introduced an advanced cable modem line. The products, according to the company, are designed to minimize service calls by providing simplified self-installation for consumers utilizing a universal serial bus (USB) interface backed up by a 10Base T connection option. The technology supports CableLabs Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) version 1.1 including 56-bit data encryption security (DES) for baseline privacy, simple network management protocol (SNMP) and quality of service (QoS) for traffic prioritization and bandwidth management. In addition, a variety of local area networking (LAN) options require that no new wires be installed in the home or small office environments, said spokesman Dan Brunelle. Zooms cable modem networking solutions also include advanced networking capabilities, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and network address translation (NAT).
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