Citizens Cable Communications is using an IP-based video headend from Tut Systems Inc. to support a deployment of digital simulcast in Mammoth, Pa.
Using Tut’s “Astria” headend and set-tops from Motorola Inc., the operator is simulcasting about 64 analog channels over its 750 MHz cable plan, according to Citizens General Manager Dennis Cutrell.
Citizens launched digital services in January, offering 130 standard-definition channels, 10 high-definition channels, and 47 digital music channels. Its HFC plant serves about 2,000 customers.
The use of the Tut platform will also prepare Citizens to deploy IP-based video services eventually. Citizens’ parent company also operates an independent telephone company that serves about 5,500 access lines. Today, the company is delivering video over that copper plant via an RF overlay, but could eventually migrate to an IP-based delivery system as the ILEC overbuilds its copper-based areas with a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) platform based on technology from Optical Solutions, which is in the process of being acquired by Calix.
“Right now [the ILEC] is sending out regular RF for video, but they do have options [for IPTV],” Cutrell explained.