Cisco used the Consumer Electronics Show 2008 in Las Vegas to roll out the latest additions to its 8500HDC DVR set-top series. The three new models in the 8500HDC DVR Series offer a range of capabilities such as the ability to support features such as whole-home content, richer navigation, Internet and premium content services, device docking and storage, social networking apps and instant messaging across multiple devices.
The new members of the 8500HDC series offer 800 mips (million instructions per second) of application processing power; dual 400 MHz processors for MPEG-4 advanced video compression decoding; 1 GHz tuning; and optional OpenCable features. Additionally, the 8552HDC DVR model set-top offers Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) whole-home connection. MoCA adds Ethernet-over-coax support, enabling the transport of digital video and entertainment through existing coaxial cable in the home to other consumer home network devices.
Cisco also announced it is taking its ultra-high-speed channel-bonding solution -- designed to facilitate broadband services in excess of 100 Mbps -- to the next level with a new channel-bonded cable modem, the Model DPC3000. The modem is designed to meet DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, which feature support of four bonded downstream channels and four bonded upstream channels. It is designed to be backward-compatible for use as a single-channel cable modem with DOCSIS and Euro-DOCSIS 1.1/1.0 and 2.0 networks.
Additionally, the company unveiled its IP Services Gateway (Model DRG2800), which is designed to expand consumers' entertainment and personal content choices and bring network-based and home-based applications together in one device. With this product, consumers can use their set-top and large-screen, flat-panel TVs to watch videos, listen to downloaded music in surround sound and view photos accessed from their PC.
The Cisco IP Services Gateway provides consumers with a single device that connects to the in-home PC via Ethernet and to a digital set-top using coax. Then, to multiple devices throughout the home, this all-in-one product is capable of managing and delivering a variety of services including high-speed Internet, wired and wireless home networking, file and data storage (including video and music) from its 160-gigabyte hard drive, and voice/telephone service.
Moto Highlights MPEG-4 Boxes, Digital Voice Modem
Motorola unveiled a new generation of MPEG-4 advanced video compression set-tops, the DCX series, which support the increasing deployment of high-bandwidth apps with HD decode capabilities and MPEG-4 advanced video compression (AVC) support. The all-digital, MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) series includes: DCX3400, a dual-tuner, high-definition DVR host set-top; DCX3200, a single-tuner, high-definition host set-top; and DCX100, a single-tuner, standard-definition (HD in /SD out) host set-top.
The boxes include 1 GHz tuners that enable ops to expand the number of available channels to deliver increased content for consumers. Other features include DOCSIS downstream channel bonding and fast IP connection to handle future services, support for the full range of interactive applications including SDV and VOD and choice of software solutions based on legacy software and OCAP. The series supports MoCA, HTML, DOCSIS, MCard, OCAP and Dolby Digital Plus
Motorola also announced the SURFboard SBV5422 digital voice modem and integrated DECT cordless phone system. The product enables IP telephony, high-speed data and new cordless phone technology that can be easily installed by consumers.
Real-time information including weather forecasts, news briefs and sports scores can be viewed on the screen of the cordless phone handset. In addition, the Motorola SBV5422 IP-based handsets, together with the Casabi network, enable unique customer experiences including e-mail access from anywhere in the home with no PC required, and sending and receiving SMS messages from the home phone.
Calix Cuts Through the RFOG
Calix announced the availability of the first gigabit passive optical network (GPON) optical network terminal (ONT) that utilizes standards-based radio frequency over glass (RFOG) technology for two-way communication with RF-enabled consumer devices. The Calix 725 ONT reportedly supports all of the current and emerging cable RF return path standards, including SCTE Standards 55-1 and 55-2, and CableLabs DOCSIS and DOCSIS Set-Top Gateway. According to the company, ops can seamlessly deploy the 725 ONT and ensure interoperability with their video headends and conditional access systems.
At the subscriber premises, by incorporating RFOG technology into the 725 ONT, Calix says it has eliminated any additional packaging or powering requirements. This approach simplifies craft training and installation time. At the headend, ops can use the same return path receivers commonly used in the cable industry, such as those from Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta.
DVR-a-Go-Go: Panasonic and Comcast Debut AnyPlay
Panasonic and Comcast unveiled a portable DVR/DVD player powered by tru2way technology at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The co-branded AnyPlay portable DVR (P-DVR), which is set for availability in 2009, will let Comcast subs record programming at home and take it with them wherever they go.
The AnyPlay P-DVR Model TZ-LC100 incorporates digital video recording functionality into a Panasonic portable DVD player platform. The product features 60 GB of digital video recording capacity, an 8.5-inch folding LCD display screen, and integrated stereo speakers. Dual audio headphone jacks are included. When placed onto a companion docking station that functions as a standard DVR set-top, the AnyPlay P-DVR lets viewers watch and record programs from their TV sets. However, unlike a traditional set-top, it can be taken out of its docking station, so recorded programs can be watched anywhere in or out of the home on the AnyPlay P-DVR. It also can play back DVDs and audio CDs.
Lindsay, Omnitron Team for NEBS/MEF-Compliant Media Converter Solutions
Lindsay Broadband and Omnitron Systems Technology announced a strategic development and sales partnership wherein Lindsay will incorporate Omnitron Systems' iConverter network interface devices and media converters into its FLEeX LM carrier class, integrated, last-mile architectural product family for commercial services delivery. Lindsay Broadband will now offer a complete family of wired and wireless, MEF 9 and 14 compliant broadband delivery platforms that all terminate on a common, NEBS level 3 certified, Omnitron Systems media converter platform.
The new solution provides cable operators the ability to offer T1/T3/OC3/OC12 TDM services as well as fully managed, carrier-class Ethernet and wireless services to business customers. When combined with the Lindsay Broadband FLEeX LM passive CWDM and wireless product family, cable ops can target enterprises with fully managed, carrier class broadband services offerings.
Privacy Please: RGB Networks Offers Privacy Mode Encryption Technology
RGB Networks announced that it offers Privacy Mode Encryption licensing and technology for VOD applications, enabling cable ops to easily encrypt their VOD programs to ensure they can only be viewed by authorized subs. Accomplishing this on the scale necessary for major VOD deployments requires the simultaneous bulk encryption of hundreds of VOD programs.
RGB will enable this capability on two of its key products - the Universal Scalable Modulator (USM) and Dynamic Bandwidth Manager (DBM) - and will apply privacy mode encryption to the VOD programs as they are processed. The company's USM is a high-density universal QAM modulator, capable of processing more programs than any competitive offerings. The RGB DBM is a VOD bandwidth optimization platform that reduces VOD bandwidth requirements, enabling cable operators to deliver more standard and high definition VOD programs without the need for increased bandwidth.
Ciena Announces Ethernet Aggregation and Switching on CN 4200
Ciena unveiled the new G10 and G10X Ethernet Service Modules that deliver Layer 2 Ethernet aggregation, switching and transport capabilities as simple plug-and-play upgrades to the company's CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform family. The new modules are said to simplify IP/Ethernet service architectures and optimize the cost and efficiency of network resources by reducing the number of router ports, metro WDM client ports and wavelengths and standalone Ethernet switches-often resulting in CAPEX savings of more than 50 %.
Targeted applications for the CN 4200 with new Layer 2 Ethernet aggregation and switching capabilities include Metro Ethernet Forum-based Carrier Ethernet services, broadband aggregation for triple-play and IPTV services and 3G wireless backhaul. Key to the enablement of these applications is the ability of the G10 and G10X modules to ensure QoS and to support connection-oriented Ethernet for deterministic, reliable and manageable IP/Ethernet services and transport. For connection-oriented Ethernet, the G10 modules initially support provisioned VLAN cross-connects and will support Provider Backbone Bridging-Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) as it gets closer to standardization by the IEEE.
Sling Media to Market SlingModem as OEM Device to MSOs
Sling Media announced the development and CableLabs certification of the first cable modem that fully integrates the place-shifting capabilities pioneered in the original Slingbox. With the SlingModem, customers reportedly can easily watch and control their TV programming on any Internet-connected computing device just as they would in front of the living room TV. "We are working with MSOs both in the U.S. and worldwide, and we expect to deliver the SlingModem through OEM customers in 2008," Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of Sling Media, says.
The SlingModem provides the cable sub with both a broadband connection as well as placeshifting functionality. Connecting a SlingModem is said to be as simple as a traditional modem, with the only required input being the coax. Upon set up, users will instantly have access to their analog cable channels on a PC, Mac or compatible smartphone. In addition, customers with a digital cable set-top can connect SlingModem to the box to access live or recorded TV programming, premium content and VOD.
Gefen, Pulse~LINK Roll Out HDMI Over Coax Product for HD Connectivity
Gefen and Pulse~LINK introduced a product at CES that incorporates Pulse~LINK's CWave UWB HDMI-Over-Coax technology that allows consumers to extend the reach of HDMI from room to room over their existing in-home coax cabling.
The Gefen HDMI Over Coax Extender provides an infrared back channel that enables consumers to use the same remote that controls their set-top box, DVR, Blu-ray or HD DVD player, in all rooms throughout the connected home. The no-new-wires solution offers Gigabit data rates and is capable of simultaneous delivery of high quality, visually lossless video along with multichannel digital audio.
- Accedian Networks, which offers network assurance solutions for Ethernet service providers, was selected by Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) as one of Canada's Top 10 technology companies. An independent expert panel of Canadian and US venture capitalists picked winners.
- APA Enterprises combined its business operations with its wholly-owned subsidiary, APA Cables & Networks, and subsequently changed its name to Clearfield Inc. The company, which provides fiber connectivity systems for independent telephone, cable and municipal networks, has its Web site at www.ClearfieldConnection.com.
- BigBand Networks was awarded the telecommunications sector-specific TL 9000 certification. TL 9000 defines a strict set of standards for the design, development, production, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications products, software, hardware or services.
- JDSU acquired the fiber division of Westover Scientific, a provider of fiber optic inspection and cleaning solutions. The company will be integrated with JDSU's Communications Test and Measurement (CommTest) business.
- Pace Micro Technology entered into a conditional agreement to acquire the set-top and connectivity solutions business of Royal Philips Electronics. The Philips STB and CS Business employs approximately 335 staff predominantly based in France and is a designer and supplier of a range of digital TV products including satellite, cable, terrestrial and IPTV set-top box products.
