* ADB applies RF Magic to set-tops
Set-top maker Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB) is replacing traditional “CAN” tuners with integrated silicon tuners from RF Magic.
ADB said it has integrated RF Magic’s RF4000 DVB-T silicon tuner into its new ADB-3800TW series of hybrid digital terrestrial set-top boxes. By using an integrated silicon tuner, the receiver’s footprint is about one-quarter the size of comparable set-tops that employ discrete tuners, the companies said.
RF Magic, which competes in the silicon tuner arena with companies such as Microtune Inc., said the RF4000 is designed for digital terrestrial applications that comply with DVB-T, a standard popular in Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa.
* Merckling to focus on spectrum analyzer tech at Tektronix
Tektronix Inc., a company that makes test and monitoring instruments, has appointed Ray Merckling to head up worldwide sales for its family of spectrum analyzers, which are being used to test a new breed of “digital RF” signals.
Merckling, an 18-year Tektronix vet, most recently led the company’s North American design & manufacturing sales channel.
* Verizon gooses DSL speeds in rural Illinois
Verizon said it will soon raise DSL speeds to about 48 rural communities in Illinois.
The upgrade, offered to areas such as Evansville, Walnut and Wayne City, will support two tiers: 3 Mbps downstream by 768 upstream; and 768 kbps/128 kbps.
Verizon said it is making the changes on the network in stages, and expects work to be finished up later this year and into 2007.
* Nortel equips WiMAX network in Greece
Canadian wireless access provider Craig Wireless is installing a wireless network in Greece, using WiMAX equipment provided by UniNortel, a joint venture between Nortel and Greek networking specialist Unisystems. The network will carry services such as VoIP, videoconferencing and interactive gaming.
* ntl Telewest keeps focus on customer care
ntl Telewest said it will spend another $9 million this year in its ongoing process of improving customer care following the merger of ntl and Telewest. The company intends to improve several aspects of customer care, including service reliability, product quality, order processing, installation and ongoing care.
* FiOS now available in Tewksbury, Mass.
Verizon’s FiOS TV is now available to approximately 10,000 homes in Tewksbury, Mass. Tewksbury is one of 11 Massachusetts communities where the company has rolled out its new fiber-optic television service. Verizon said it is currently negotiating with more than 40 other communities in Massachusetts to obtain additional franchises.
* BelAir to unwire Minneapolis
Minneapolis has contracted with US Internet to build and operate a city-wide broadband wireless network. US Internet will use WiMAX mesh equipment from BelAir Networks.
