BigBand Networks is complementing its HFC (hybrid fiber/coax) effort with one that targets the delivery of video via fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. BigBand said it has outfitted its flagship BMR (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) for FTTP networks. The BMR, which can be housed at an operator’s “super headend,” is designed to access and distribute programming and advertising […]
SureWest takes HDTV out of beta
SureWest Communications is taking IP-based high-definition television (HDTV) out of the lab and into consumers’ homes via its fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. Starting Tuesday, the Roseville, Calif.-based company will move its IP-based HDTV service out of beta testing as it prepares to launch it commercially in November. SureWest currently expects to launch HDTV over IP commercially […]
Harmonic sales jump 20 percent
Harmonic Inc. posted Q3 net sales of $61 million, a year-over-year increase of 20 percent. That wasn’t enough to avoid a net loss of $2.9 million (4 cents per share), which was narrowed from a net loss of $4.2 million (6 cents per share) a year ago. The company said international sales were 44 percent […]
RCN means business
RCN Corp. has created a division specifically targeted to serving commercial customers. That unit, RCN Business Solutions, follows the reorganization of the company’s commercial sales and service efforts. RCN said it will own the new division, but added that it will be managed separately as it targets the enterprise, wholesale carrier and government sectors in […]
MDU firm converting to DirecTV
MDU Communications International Inc. (MDUC) said it is converting many of its “bulk” private cable properties to DirecTV. MDUC said it plans to convert those properties to DirecTV Total Choice or DirecTV Bulk/Choice Advantage (BCA), a program designed specifically for the MDU sector. Among recent conversions is Marina City/Towers, an 800-unit “luxury condominium” high-rise in […]
The tech behind J:COM’s 100 Mbps service
Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM) has shed some light on the technology behind a 100 Mbps data service it is delivering over existing coax to customers in multiple dwelling units (MDUs). J:COM is rolling out the service with new receiver and modem technology from Panasonic that is based on silicon from Entropic Communications. The platform features Panasonic’s […]
The tech behind J:COM’s 100 Mbps service(2)
Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM) has shed some light on the technology behind a 100 Mbps data service it is delivering over existing coax to customers in multiple dwelling units (MDUs). J:COM is rolling out the service with new receiver and modem technology from Panasonic that is based on silicon from Entropic Communications. The platform features Panasonic’s […]
Harmonic aims for sweet return paths
Harmonic Inc. has launched a new digital transmission platform designed to boost the return path bandwidth an operator can provide from subscriber homes. Based on CWDM (course wavelength division multiplexing) technology, the platform is based on two new products: the NDT 3140 family of transmitters and RDR 4002 receiver. The combined solution uses both time […]
Wave7 rides ‘universal PON’ system
Wave7 Optics has introduced the Trident7 Optical Access Platform, a “universal” passive optical network (PON) system. Trident7, the company said, supports Wave7’s Ethernet-based Last Mile Link (LML) platform, as well as two standards that have emerged as “dominant” fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technologies: IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) and ITU-T G.984 (GPON). Each chassis […]
FiOS TV uses RF techniques
Verizon launched its ambitious FiOS TV service Thursday in Keller, Texas, but is getting it off the ground with tried and true broadcasting technology. Although Verizon is delivering the service via a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, early on, it’s using an RF overlay, akin to cable television broadcast techniques, to deliver video services. In this case, […]