New TANDBERG IRD Range Aims to Smooth the Digital Transition

TANDBERG Television launched a new professional integrated receiver decoder (IRD) range. Optimized for specific high-volume video distribution applications, the new RX8300 series is aimed at cable ops as well as satellite and telco companies. Both the RX8310 distribution receiver and the RX8320 ATSC broadcast receiver include a mixture of standard features to meet the major needs in their target apps, with the ability to add advanced features should the op need them. Each variant provides an RF demodulator combined with industry-standard ASI transport stream input. Transport stream output is provided as a standard feature for content turnaround into digital cable, satellite and telco broadcast networks.

The RX8300 range has the capability to provide single or multi-service descrambling, as well as multi-format MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC 4:2:0 video decoding. Additionally, HD services are downconverted and output as SD video, which is said to provide a simple and cost-effective route to video distribution into analog broadcast systems or for service monitoring. To learn more, click here.

Concurrent Hails 40% More Streaming for VOD Server

Concurrent released new software for the MediaHawk 4500 VOD server. According to the company, the upgraded release increases output for the MH4500 to 2,300 streams (SD content @ 3.75 Mbps), a 40% increase in output from the server's initial release in January 2007, while supporting additional NGOD (next generation on-demand) requirements.

The MediaHawk 4500 also is ISA- and RTSP-compliant, and has been commercially deployed in both NGOD- and ISA-based VOD configurations supporting advanced on-demand applications such as the time-shifted TV service "Start Over." The 4500 still requires only a 2RU enclosure. The multi-level memory cache approach and commercial hardware design allow ops to employ scalable, pay-as-you-grow deployment models. Reliability is said to be greatly enhanced with Concurrent's Gatling Resilient Streaming Technology, which automatically detects failures and instantly routes stream demands to alternate resources in order to prevent any loss of VOD sessions. When combined with the MediaCache 1000, Concurrent's flash SSD (solid state drives) storage product, the MediaHawk 4500 reportedly provides an additional level of reliability while lowering maintenance costs.

IPITEK Rolls Out New Advanced Services Transport

IPITEK announced a new advanced services transport (AST) HFC system. The system reportedly uses "the latest, most compact opto-electric design techniques." AST is said to provide the highest module density with the smallest footprint by utilizing cutting-edge, lowest power components and mechanical design techniques. The new platform introduces a common chassis for multiple types of system operations, while providing performance and operating density in a minimum amount of rack space. Allowing for full system transport of multiple types of signals, the AST system enables the user to deploy a wide range of RF, QAM, VOD and VoIP digital signals for transport from a single platform.

The AST system management is fully integrated into the chassis and modules, and is designed to be managed by IPITEK's NodeWizard system or through a simple network management protocol (SNMP) monitoring and control system. The AST forward path transmitters provide a full 1 GHz bandwidth for maximum system utilization and dual input capability, and the system includes three new transmitters designed to carry any combination of standard HFC and QAM signals. The AST family of products also includes a range of RF and optical amplifiers, high performance single, dual or protected optical receivers, a full performance forward path optical receiver and return path optical transmitter, and a high-band or low-band RF amplifier.

Just-in-TAM: Infinera Extends Program to 40 Gig Module

Infinera extended its Just-in-TAM program to the 40 Gigabit Tributary Adapter Module (TAM), broadening the range of services that Infinera customers can now deliver to their subs in 10 days or less. TAM modules slot into Infinera line cards at the endpoints of a circuit in an Infinera network. Installation of the TAMs, combined with software configuration of the circuit through the network, reportedly enables fast turn-up of circuits and services in an Infinera network.

Infinera's 40 Gb/s TAM, which has been available since last year, uses technology known as Digital Virtual Concatenation (DVC) to map a 40 Gb/s service over four 10 Gb/s wavelengths, enabling 40 Gb/s services to be offered over any fiber plant capable of supporting 10 Gb/s services today. Super-wavelength services enabled by DVC offer advantages in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness of deployment for many ops.

Integrated VOD Squad: RGB and CASTIS Team in Asia-Pacific

RGB Networks and CASTIS are teaming to deliver integrated VOD solutions that are said to allow cable operators to deliver up to 50% more on-demand content. The vendors report that through the integration of RGB's Dynamic Bandwidth Manager (DBM) and CASTIS' Castanets cable VOD system, ops will be able to deliver dramatically more VOD programming without requiring more bandwidth or impacting picture quality.

"We are very pleased to be working with CASTIS, one of the leading VOD server vendors in the Asia Pacific region, to deliver an interoperable VOD solution to our customers," Nick Hutton, VP, Asia Pacific for RGB Networks, says. "The combination of RGB's DBM and CASTIS' VOD platform is an ideal solution for cable operators throughout the region, enabling them to deliver more VOD programming without the expense of upgrading their network infrastructure or adding new QAM modulators, and without affecting the user experience."

ICTV, iPanel Reach for China and Asia-Pacific

ICTV and iPanel Technologies announced an agreement designed to spread the availability of ICTV's ActiveVideo Web-infused TV throughout China and the Asia-Pacific markets.

The companies will work together to use iPanel's middleware and browser to directly enable ActiveVideo interactive streaming media, bringing a "rich actionable media experience" to any set-top running the iPanel software suite. The companies say that together they'll be able to significantly expand the depth and scope of on-demand programming and interactive advertising that can be delivered by cable and IPTV operators in the region. In addition, iPanel and ICTV also agreed to market and promote the combined solution in conjunction with each company's individual sales efforts.

ETI OSS Shakes Hands With Integra5 Caller ID Platform

ETI Software Solutions developed and deployed an interface to the Integra5 on-screen caller ID platform for its OSS provisioning solution, Triad. This interface enables the Integra5 platform, capable of displaying caller ID information like the caller's name and telephone number on a cable subscriber's TV screen, to be integrated to any billing solution.

As a centralized OSS, Triad's database provides details about the sub's video set-tops and telephone numbers, information vital to the Integra5 engine. This new technology interface complements ETI's suite, and it's been engineered to work with any digital video controller technology already supported by Triad.

Adtec Digital Releases mediaHUB-HD MPEG 2 Encoder

Adtec Digital released its mediaHUB-HD, a broadcast-quality HD real-time encoder targeted to ATSC, DVB and studio applications. It was designed for contribution, distribution and studio apps in the cable, broadcast, satellite, ad insertion, VOD and professional video markets. mediaHUB-HD's MPEG-2 video encoder provides HD video at bit rates as low as 7 Mbs, broadcast quality HD video for ATSC at 10 to 12 Mbs and contribution quality at bit rates up to 59 Mbs. HD 1080i, 720p, and SD encoding profiles are supported. SD encoding supports both 420 and 422 color profiles. The unit's Dolby Digital and MPEG audio encoders provide support for multiple channel stereo encoding. Sample rate conversion and audio level control are standard features. Dolby 5.1 and Dolby E passthrough support is included.

The mediaHUB-HD incorporates a built-in HD decoder and a 750 GB hard drive. For contribution and distribution applications, the product has the ability to provide and maintain a "constant capture" of content for archival. Users can encode long form material from studio, tape, or satellite sources via GPI, Serial 232 and 422, Ethernet or scheduled control. This encode-decode-storage platform can be utilized for HD time delay applications too. With frame accurate RS-422 (Sony Protocol) and optional FireWire control, the mediaHUB-HD has the ability to encode HD or SD video with multiple stereo audio streams in real time from studio, tape or NLE sources. HDSDI, the standard HD video input, also supports SD along with a composite and optional Firewire input.

IMAKE Asset Manager and Workflow Targets Content Providers

IMAKE Software & Services unveiled v4.3 of its OpenVision asset manager specifically designed for content providers. The company says that this latest version cuts through the complexity of content distribution to multiple markets from a single platform, including automated distribution to cable, telcos, Web sites and mobile media.

Content providers face multiple challenges in getting their content to market including multiple metadata formats, multiple file formats, encryption rules, transmission planner formats, MPEG quality assurance and distribution methods (such as FTP, CIFS, DVD, Disk and Pitcher/Catcher). The OpenVision asset manager is said to simplify these challenges through its intuitive workflows and automated business rules. In addition, new features such as "ad package" metadata, creation of playlists as well as concatenation of ads and sponsorships enable content providers to implement targeted advertising solutions with their service providers.

Outside Plant Fiber Enclosure Reduces Splicing Costs

Clearfield announced the FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center (FSC), a PON solution for managing up to 576 distribution fibers for an outside plant FTTx application. It provides up to 288 fibers in a 16x16x32 footprint or 576 fibers in a 33x16x32" design. The company says that optimal access is ensured to all ports, and superior fiber protection is integrated within the patent-pending Clearview Cassette Clearview Cassette technology.

Core to the design is that fiber is protected in subunits of 12 fibers. Jacketed cable storage is eliminated because the 900 um tight buffers have shed the outer riser-rated jacket in favor of the cassette that protects it not only from human accidental damage, but also provides full bend radius protection. The FieldSmart FSC accommodates all fiber management needs plus all the required slack storage for a 288 home-served patch and splice configuration in four cubic feet of cabinet space.