SMC Makes DOCSIS 3.0 Modem Play

SMC Networks unveiled its SMCD3CM DOCSIS 3.0-based cable modem and the SMCD3BCM business-class DOCSIS 3.0-based cable modem. Expected to be available in late May, the SMCD3CM and SMCD3BCM are currently undergoing testing by CableLabs for certification under DOCSIS. A third product, the SMCD3G DOCSIS 3.0-based cable gateway for high-speed broadband networking that builds on the same technology, but adds features that meet the needs of the commercial market, is in the final stages of development. Samples of the SMCD3G cable gateway will be available in May.

SMC Networks' SMCD3CM DOCSIS 3.0-based cable modem provides high-speed data distribution via a Gigabit Ethernet port to optimize speed and bandwidth for both residential and SOHO users. Reportedly supporting all DOCSIS 3.0 specs, the SMCD3CM takes advantage of the advanced technology of DOCSIS 3.0 with asymmetrical connections for performance, operating on as many as four downstream and four upstream bonded channels for extremely high performance and throughput. It also supports IPv4 and IPv6, and is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0 for flexibility. The SMCD3BCM builds on the features of the SMCD3CM, adding more features that work for businesses, including support for IPs and RIPs. The commercial-focused SMCD3G gateway adds further robust features, including static IP, firewall, NAT, VPN termination and a full-featured CLI.

ARRIS Debuts 1 GHz CORWave

ARRIS announced the its 1 GHz CHP CORWave "closely spaced" CWDM downstream optics. CORWave reportedly enables the essential delivery of HD SDV, on-demand and business services on existing MSO fiber networks with superior quality service levels. CORWave was recently certified by a top-three U.S. cable operator and is scheduled to be deployed by them this quarter. CORWave is an extension of the broadly-deployed, field proven CHP CWDM optics that deliver more capacity over longer-link distances on existing fiber.

When deployed with the ARRIS OptiMax4100 4x4 segmentable nodes, CORWave enables simple, robust multiplexing of 12 wavelengths: four forward, four return and four bidirectional all on one fiber with a link length of up to 25 kilometers. The bidirectional wavelengths are ideally suited for business service applications. When deployed with any of the ARRIS OptiMax segmentable nodes in a 2x2 configuration, CORWave enables longer link lengths of up to 30 km.

IPITEK Extends Ethernet Product Line

IPITEK added the MSP-1GE product to its portfolio of Ethernet transport offerings. Equipped with an suite of tools for remote network monitoring and maintenance, the MSP-1GE is said to make it possible for ops to reliably deliver on established service level agreements and avoid costly truck rolls.

The new product includes tools that monitor physical wiring and power outages, and support loopback so ops know their customer's circuit is up. The MSP-1GE is part of IPITEK's solution for end-to-end optical Ethernet transport of a full range of business services, offering features such as ease of use, low latency, flexible configuration, protection switching, the ability to control traffic flows for "any rate" services, and extensive network monitoring in a compact 1 Gigabit Ethernet switch.

TANDBERG MediaPath: Secure Content to Any Platform to Any Device

TANDBERG Television launched its next-gen MediaPath Secure Content Delivery System, which reportedly distributes content across "any platform to any device." The system offers ops a scalable, end-to-end solution for the secure point to multi-point delivery of non-linear digital HD and SD TV programs as well as any other file-based content including VOD programs, advertising, music, and games. The new MediaPath system is said to enable content providers and cable, telco and satellite operators to closely collaborate to deliver more types of content, in more formats, more efficiently.

Using the next generation MediaPath system, media assets can be delivered to receiver locations serving set-tops, Pcs and mobile media players. Multiple delivery options include MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC. The MediaPath system offers a performance boost over its predecessor, and supports DVB-S2 to provide faster satellite delivery while simultaneously enabling terrestrial delivery via a shared network. Terrestrial unicast and multicast distribution are supported. Encryption software for security and error correction protects media assets throughout the entire delivery process. Proactive monitoring ensures content is flowing throughout the MediaPath system as well as the VOD and asset management systems downstream.

Concurrent Boasts SCTE-130 Advanced Ad Products

Concurrent announced a line of Everstream advanced advertising products fully compliant with SCTE's technical standards. Concurrent's fourth generation of distributed ad campaign management solution for ITV and broadband platforms, Everstream Campaign Director is the first product in the Everstream line designed to comply with the SCTE-130 standard (previously known as DVS 629).

The SCTE 130 standard supports a unified platform for addressable advertising, providing inventory and placement definitions, while merging content and subscriber metadata for targeting zones - or, in a unicast environment, for targeting individuals. By bringing Campaign Director in line with the SCTE-130 standard, Concurrent reports that it ensures that this solution can easily integrate with other SCTE-compliant components, including its own MHBOSS back office solution.

Cedar Point Hails Increased Biz Services Capabilities

Cedar Point Communications will preview an expansion of its business services capabilities at Expo Convention CANITEC April 23-25 in Mexico City.

The company will show a variety of new features for its SAFARI C3 Multimedia Switching System, including presence applications like find-me-follow-me and click to call; enhanced call routing and billing functionality that simplifies customers' business communications environments; and a business services portal that will enable telecommunications providers, small and medium business (SMB) customers and end users to customize their services. Cedar Point also will preview increases in the scalability of SAFARI C3, most notably the ability to support unprecedented numbers of lines and Commercial Service Groups (CSGs).

Harmonic Unveils Solution for Managing On-Demand Video

Harmonic introduced NMX StreamLiner Cluster Workstation, an extension to Harmonic's NMX Digital Service Manager that provides a range of advanced tools for managing assets and resource usage of clusters of Harmonic StreamLiner video servers. It reportedly provides centralized management and control via a single, user-friendly interface. StreamLiner Cluster Workstation is said to significantly reduce the cost and complexity of managing on-demand services and delivers a number of key benefits, including management of an asset's entire life cycle, significantly enhanced support and maintenance operations, and real time usage viewing.

StreamLiner Cluster Workstation, combined with Harmonic's Armada intelligent asset manager software, presents a virtualized view of StreamLiner video server clusters and automatically replicates popular content to different edge servers in the cluster. Maintenance operations are also greatly simplified. Users are now able to easily decommission any server or any asset from the cluster while maintaining the redundancy functionality of the cluster. Other key features include query and searching of content and its attributes, customizable graphical views for characterizing streaming characteristics and popularity curves, and an extensive audit trail easily monitored via the user interface.

ICTV Beefs Up ActiveVideo Channel Lineup

ICTV announced it will demonstrate the latest additions to its ActiveVideo programming lineup of Web-infused TV from April 23-25 in Madrid, Spain at Cable Congress '08.

ICTV will show how major, brand-name programmers, including CNN, Fox, Home Shopping Network and Reuters, are delivering ActiveVideo channels that combine the Web capabilities with TV programming. Using ActiveVideo, programmers are creating evolved TV environments that invite viewer involvement by enabling them to engage with, immerse themselves in, and share programming, all using their standard remote controls. ICTV will also be showing how ActiveVideo is being used to provide interactive advertising and deliver brand experiences.

Yassini Announces $200K in Broadband Post-Grad Grants

Rouzbeh Yassini, inventor of the cable modem and founder of the Yassini Broadband Knowledge Center, announced the finalization of the submission process and the selection committee for a new grant program that provides total funding of $200,000 and research support at the Center for four post-graduate projects per year. (Very familiar cable names are on the advisory board -- Check out http://yas.com/recent.html for the list.)

The first grant will be awarded Sept. 10. Go to www.yas.com and click on the "YBKC" tab for submission materials/guidelines The deadline for initial short-form apps is July 4.

JDSU Delivers Industry's Smallest 10 GigE Field Tester with Advanced IPTV and Triple-Play Features

JDSU announced the latest generation of its T-BERD/MTS optical tester line, the T-BERD/MTS-6000A multi-services application module, reportedly the industry's most compact 10 GigE multi-function tester for the installation and maintenance of Carrier Ethernet and IP services.

With field applications for servicing metro core telecom networks, wireless/cable switch centers and backhaul networks, government telecommunications and network equipment manufacturer field installation and support groups, the multi-services application module is the latest innovation for the T-BERD/MTS family of test solutions. Technical features of the module include the combination in one product a high degree of test power including 10 GigE, IP video, TCP/UDP, FTP test and support for Ethernet and SONET/SDH up to 10GigE/10G on the same physical port. The user interface is said to help the technician quickly set up and evaluate tests as well as troubleshoot problems, reducing operational expense.

• Brix Networks and ADVA Optical Networking completed interoperability between Brix Networks' BrixNGN Carrier Ethernet service assurance technology and ADVA Optical Networking's Etherjack demarcation technology that enables providers of mobile backhaul services to verify their quality of service (QoS).
• OpVista signed a comprehensive sales and support agreement with VECTOR to use the complete OpVista2000 optical transport system product line in optical networking projects throughout Eastern Europe. VECTOR, based in Gdynia, Poland, provides network infrastructure and integrated solutions for multimedia services such as digital TV, Internet and telephony, for Eastern European ops.
• RGB Networks raised an additional $20 million in funding, resulting in a company valuation of $200 million - an 82% increase over its $110 million valuation in June 2006. This funding round was led by RGB's newest investor, Institutional Venture Partners. Also participating in this round are RGB's earlier investors: Accel Partners, Comcast Interactive Capital, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Focus Ventures.