• ARRIS dials up multi-line e-MTAs
ARRIS has launched two multiline embedded-multimedia terminal adapters for PacketCable-based networks: The eight-line Touchstone TM508a and the 12-line Touchstone TM512a.
Both models are designed to allow operators to provide IP-based voice and data services to small businesses and multiple dwelling units. Each model also features a 100BaseT Ethernet interface, a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, and a battery that provides up to 16 hours of power backup.
Initially, the line will support PacketCable NCS call signaling, but will also support SIP (session initiation protocol) in subsequent releases. The TM512A has already been integrated with call management servers from BroadSoft, Cedar Point, Cisco Systems and Siemens.
GCI Communication Corp. of Alaska is among the early customers of ARRIS’ new multi-line e-MTAs.
• ViewNow adds Buena Vista to VOD library
ViewNow, the VOD content aggregation division of Kasenna Inc., has scored a deal to offer movies and other content from Disney’s Buena Vista Pay Television division.
The deal, which covers distribution to ViewNow’s cable and telco partners, will allow consumers to order Disney VOD titles for a 72-hour viewing period. ViewNow said the extended viewing period marks a first for the VOD industry.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal includes content from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax Films, and Pixar Animation Studios.
• Terayon sheds directors
Terayon Communication Systems said two board members are resigning, and, in concert, that the company board has approved a reduction in size from nine to seven members.
Mark Slaven, the current chair of the audit committee, is resigning effective Aug. 2, 2006, to attend to increased demands from his duties at Cross Match Technologies. Resigning immediately is Aleksander Krstajic, citing increased travel and time demands from his duties as president & CEO of Bell Vanguard Inc.
Current board member Lew Solomon, meanwhile, has been appointed to the member audit committee effective Aug. 2.
• Harmonic does wireless backhaul
Harmonic Inc. is entering the cable wireless backhaul sweepstakes with a system designed to handle data coming in from GSM, GPRS, 3G, WiFi and other wireless-based services.
Harmonic said its wireless-capable FLXLink system supports eight T-1/E-1 connections, plus an Ethernet port. Like its FLXLink CWDM-based gear, the new wireless backhaul system also supports VPNs, high-speed Internet services and PBX interconnects.
The new wireless backhaul system is targeted to cable operators and telcos as the opportunities arise for them to transport a surging amount of digital content flowing over the fiber network to and from the towers at the wireless edge. For most cable operators, wireless backhaul remains an untapped revenue stream.
Harmonic’s new wireless backhaul gear “utilizes the operator’s existing fiber-based infrastructure, which means that cellular backhaul and other commercial services can be easily added without the need for drastic changes or upgrades to the network,” said Sunil Frida, Harmonic’s commercial services solution manager.
• Rogers extends high-speed Internet to suburbs of Ontario and Vancouver
Rogers Cable Communications expanded the availability of the Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet service to customers in Greater Vancouver and Ontario including St. Catharines, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville.
Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet offers three tiers of service starting from as low as $24.95 a month.
• Cedar Point extends overseas reach
Cedar Point Communications has engaged Bridacom to support international deployments of its Safari C3 Media Switching System.
Bridacom is a new joint venture between Wilhelm Sihn Jr. GmbH & Co. and IET.HOLDING GmBH. The new operation will help identify potential customers and provide sales and other professional services, including installation and remote and on-site technical support capabilities, in Europe and elsewhere.
• Harmonic offers integrated MPEG-2 re-encoding solution
Harmonic introduced the ProStream 1000, claimed to be the world’s first complete single box MPEG-2 digital video re-encoding solution.
With the new product, operators can more efficiently process compressed video acquired from various sources into constant bit-rate streams that can be efficiently delivered via a narrowcast service infrastructure. Harmonic said the ProStream 1000 with Mentor re-encoding technology is ideal for VOD, network PVR, switched digital broadcast, and digital turnaround applications.
