Electroline Broadens Optical Product Offering

Electroline announced its Elink headend optics platform. The product line is based on a 17-slot, 3 RU chassis that can be configured with any combination of transmitters, receivers, fiber amplifiers and redundant power supplies. All modules are hot-swappable. According to Electroline, ELink provides a cost-effective solution for nodes splits in HFC networks or xPON overlay applications.

"The company is expanding its optics line, recognizing that broadband fiber and coaxial networks require products that are reliable, utilize state-of-the-art technology, occupy a small footprint and are cost-effective," Al Kernes, Electroline VP of sales, says.

RGB Networks, OpenTV Demo Advanced Ad Capabilities

RGB Networks and OpenTV have developed a joint demonstration that shows how cable operators can use the companies' standards-based advertising capabilities to generate new ad revenues from their VOD services and traditional linear programming.

Using the combined OpenTV/RGB solution - which is made up of RGB's Broadcast Network Processor (BNP) and OpenTV's campaign management solution - operators can digitally overlay video, graphics or text onto ads or directly within programs. Based on the SCTE-35 and SCTE-130 standards, RGB's overlay capability combined with OpenTV's real-time insertion and campaign management solution reportedly gives cable ops several advanced advertising options. The first is to "localize" national ads by adding locally relevant information. For example, individual cable systems can add in real time the addresses and other promotional information for local restaurant franchises to a single, nationally broadcast ad. Ops also can use overlays as ads themselves, which can be added to live or on-demand programming. Because these ads appear within actual programs, they cannot be skipped and do not interrupt program viewing. Additionally, overlays can be used as "triggers" for interactive or telescoping ads.

BroadLogic Rolls Out Ultra-Dense QAM Modulator Chip

BroadLogic Network Technologies released its TeraQAM BL85000 - which is reportedly the industry's first ultra-dense QAM chip for systems that transport video, voice and data signals. Compared to existing silicon solutions, the TeraQAM solution cuts QAM-based system bill of materials (BOM) costs by up to 80%, power consumption by 85 %, and delivers four times more QAM channels per port, according to the company. It is also said to be the first solution that allows system equipment suppliers to meet the $100/QAM price watermark.

The solution reportedly brings significant benefits to operators in edge QAM systems with high QAM channel counts, as well as in lower-density systems for multi-tenant building applications. In edge QAM systems, TeraQAM reduces operators' CAPEX by lowering system BOM costs, and also cuts their OPEX for power and space. Cable operators also can use TeraQAM-enabled equipment to compete more effectively by providing differentiated next-generation services for apartment buildings, hotels and other multi-tenant units.

ARRIS CORWave Adds Variable Output Transmitter and International Version

ARRIS announced the availability of a variable output feature to its 1 GHz CHP CORWave forward transmitter. The new feature allows output powers to be configured by the customer via the GUI software, rather than pre-ordered from the factory. According to ARRIS, "This provides MSOs with maximum flexibility when finalizing link budgets within their network architectures, and saves on sparing costs."

Additionally, ARRIS has introduced a 1 GHz CORWave DXL (dual input, full-bandwidth) forward transmitter that extends analog linearization out to 870 MHz. The CORWave DXL provides better distortion performance, allowing operators using global channel plans to add incremental bandwidth capacity on as few as one fiber, and can be monitored by the CORView Element Management system.

Allot Rolls Out MediaSwift

Allot Communications launched MediaSwift, a service designed to accelerate Internet content delivery (HTTP streamed video and P2P traffic) to broadband subscribers. MediaSwift synergizes Allot's DPI and caching competences to provide a unified intelligent media caching solution that reportedly delivers improved QoE. MediaSwift is offered as an internal blade or as an external solution with Allot Service Gateway. It also is offered as a solution with other Allot platforms.

MediaSwift has been deployed at a Tier 1 operator in Asia, in conjunction with both Allot Service Gateway and Allot NetEnforcer. Analysis of the implementation to date is said to show an approximate saving of 40% in backhaul and international traffic at the installed sites, as well as "a significantly enhanced subscriber experience for internet video and P2P traffic."

USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program Accepts CommScope's Flat Drop Cable Designs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Telecommunications Program accepted CommScope's Flat Drop cable designs, which means ops seeking funding from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to propose the use of the Flat Drop products in business plans and applications they submit for RUS grants and loans.

CommScope's Flat Drop designs include an all-dielectric cable suitable for aerial self-supporting or burial applications and a toneable design, which contains a wire used to locate the underground portion of the fiber run. Both cable types are small, lightweight constructions designed for ease of handling and installation, and are compatible with industry-standard hardware. Their dual ripcords also simplify access and installation. CommScope's Flat Drop cable designs are suitable for all FTTH applications, including CommScope's BrightPath RFoG solution.

Accedian Automates Ethernet Service Deployment

Accedian Networks introduced the Vision EMS, a workflow-automation and element management system that reportedly reduces the cost, time and effort to deploy, manage and maintain Ethernet services. Managing Carrier Ethernet services enabled and assured by the company's EtherNID and MetroNID units, the Vision EMS is said to reduce operational effort to "the absolute minimum, enabling efficient deployment of demanding, large-scale Ethernet wireless backhaul and business access offerings." The system automatically provisions new units and related services upon installation, eliminating on-site configuration, while integrating with existing network management and operational support systems.

Advanced fault, inventory and security applications tie in with provisioning, backup and upgrade features to further automate ongoing service management. Leveraging the advanced monitoring, troubleshooting and traffic conditioning capabilities of EtherNID & MetroNID units, the Vision EMS allows operators to maintain QoS and meet SLA performance requirements. The Vision EMS is built on the Nakina Domain Control and Intelligence (DCI) platform, a carrier-grade management solution deployed by Tier-1 telecom operators worldwide.