Vecima's HyperQAM is a high-density, Universal Edge QAM that offers simultaneous support for triple play video, voice and data services. The HyperQAM is ideal for cable operators requiring cost-effective solutions for their digital video services. A future proof, scaleable platform, the HyperQAM is software upgradeable to support next generation services such as DOCSIS 3.0 and M-CMTS.
Product Features
- DRFI compliant QAM outputs
- Scalable up to 128 QAM in 2 RU
- Supports up to 4096 streams
- Software upgradeable to support next generation services
- 10x1 GbE inputs (Optional 2x10 GbE inputs), configurable for stream-level or link-level redundancy
- Internal dual redundant, field-replaceable power supplies
- Quad fan cooling module (independent fan replacement)
- All QAM modules and power supplies are hot-swappable
- Java interface for remote configuration and control
- Modular design allows more QAM channels to be added as demand grows
- QAM channels may be increased in increments of 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 to a maximum of 128
- Hot-swappable QAM modules and power supply fans allow installation or maintenance of active systems without service interruption
- Field replaceable processor module allows maintenance of active systems
- Costly service outages are minimized; uptime is maximized
- Enhanced system reliability: redundant GbE ports, fans, power supplies and output ports
- Chassis houses up to 4 QAM cards for a maximum of 128 QAM in 2 RU
- Each QAM card contains 4 RF ports, capable of generating 8 QAM channels per port
- The HyperQAM is fully tested and compatible with industry leading cable equipment
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C-COR's CHP eQAM |
The first eQAM is C-Cor Inc.'s converged headend platform (CHP) eQAM, which the company claims is the industry's first 1GHz eQAM device. The connecting product joins the company's 1GHz suite of HFC network products, says Bill Dawson, C-Cor's VP of access strategy. It is a module for the CHP Max5000 headend platform and can be installed alongside transmitters in the same CHP chassis.
The CHP eQAM supports 120 QAM channels in a compact two-rack unit (2RU), and it enables a more than 40 percent improvement per year in power consumption compared with other eQAM devices (it utilizes a tad more than 3 watts per QAM, Dawson says).
Not only does the eQAM expand the capacity for VOD and switched digital video (SDV) programming, it allows programs not being watched to remain parked at the headend. Lab trials have already been scheduled with two North American MSOs, and commercial availability is expected in September.
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Vecima Network's HyperQAM |
The second eQAM comes from Vecima Networks. The company's HyperQAM supports up to 128 QAM channels in a 2RU, or up to 4,096 streams.
The box sits at the edge of the network; expands the capacity for VOD, SDV and other programming (it can fit 12-14 programs in a QAM instead of 10); is compatible with GigE and 10GigE; is upgradeable to DOCSIS 3.0 and M-CMTS; can do channel bonding; and there is no need to replace the chassis if a problem arises, says Douglas Fast, Vecima's EVP and VP of R&D.
The HyperQAM's modular design allows more QAM channels to be added—in increments of 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8, to a maximum of 128—as demand increases. The product has been tested and is compatible with industry-leading cable and VOD equipment.
Finally, RGB's DBM will allow operators to deliver up to 50 percent more VOD programming with the same amount of bandwidth, the company says. The device can plug into an existing architecture via the GigE switch, and it also supports both GigE and 10GigE.
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RGB's DBM |
In typical VOD deployments, cable operators deliver 10 SD VOD programs per 6 MHz 256-QAM channel, with each program allocated a fixed amount of bandwidth. RGB's DBM enables 15 or more SD programs to be carried in the same amount of bandwidth, while still maintaining optimum picture quality.
The DBM also reduces the latency of an operator's network by simplifying VOD encryption. While operators usually have to process VOD streams, encrypt them and store them individually, RGB's product encrypts the streams for them.
The product has already been tested by equipment manufacturers, and it will be tested by U.S. cable operators when it is available for sale in Q3.
The next-gen DBM will offer digital ad-insertion capabilities.
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