Multichannel 8-VSB demodulator
ORLANDO, Fla.
– Tandberg Television has launched a multichannel 8-VSB demodulator for cable headends. The TT6330 MediaLink is a compact system designed to take off-air 8-VSB digital television (DTV) signals and demodulate them into individual ASI streams for remultiplexing and remodulation prior to transport through a cable network. The multichannel capacity of the unit allows cable operators to feed existing off-air transmissions while adding newly-established DTV channels to their systems.
Designed as a scalable solution, cable networks can start small and expand the quantity of demodulators as the network's number of channels is increased. Up to 13 channels of demodulation can be realized in one 3-RU chassis, thereby saving rack space. When positioned at a central headend or local network hub, the demodulator accepts transmissions directly from the antenna and demodulates them to an ASI format. Those ASI output signals are then forwarded either to a cable headend multiplexer or directly to a digital cable modulator.
In addition to 8-VSB demodulation, the unit supports PSIP table modification capabilities. Terrestrial Virtual Channel Tables (TVCTs) can be modified to Cable Virtual Channel Tables (CVCTs) with changes specifically being made to the major and minor channel number, transport stream ID, carrier frequency and modulation mode. This ensures that cable set-tops properly tune to the correct channels and take delivery of the appropriate program guide information when applicable.
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Figure-8 drop cable
HICKORY, N.C.– Corning Cable Systems has announced its SST Figure-8 Drop Cable, a craft-friendly cable designed for subscriber drop and node feeder applications. The cable, which extends Corning's line of optical drop cables, typically spans the last link in optical networks, such as fiber-to-the-home, business subscriber drops or hybrid fiber/coax node feeders. SST Figure-8 Drop Cable is also suitable for short links in outside plant applications, such as campus interbuilding runs.
The drop cable features an easy-to-use tear-off messenger, which eliminates costs for special tools and transition fiber for routing to or within closures. The cable works with industry-standard drop wire clamps and common closure grommets, eliminating costs for special hardware. The cable's simple fiber access also decreases the costs and time traditionally needed for special training.
Packaging is available in standard, 2,000-foot spools. This contractor-sized packaging eliminates costs for specialized reel handling equipment when switching the existing workforce from copper to fiber.
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Connector adapter system
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Revotech Industries’
RJAX adapter line |
LOS ANGELES– Revotech Industries International has introduced its RJAX line of adapters, which enhances the connectivity of coaxial cables. RJAX's patented design employs an RJ style connector for linking coaxial cable to devices such as TVs, VCRs, receivers, satellite equipment, set-top boxes, etc. The RJAX connects a male RJ connector on coaxial cable to a female RJ coaxial connector on the wallplate or electronic device. What makes the RJAX unique is that it is a coaxial-modular connector adapter system.
RJAX female adapter receptacles are available in device-mount or right-angle PCB mount. Device-mount RJAX are suited for existing systems and easily attach directly to the device (TV, VCR, satellite equipment, etc.) via the device's existing threaded nut. RJAX female adapters are available in various colored plastic covers to easily identify the cables to which they mate. The printed circuit board (PCB) version RJAX must be designed into future products.
There are two different styles of male RJAX. The first is a male adapter, which fastens to an existing F-type cable by way of threading it onto the cable's existing F connector. Revotech also offers a crimp-on male plug that easily installs and terminates in the shop or out in the field. Revotech RJAX Crimp-on connectors include colored plastic plug boots that protect the plug and, at the same time, provide a means for color-coding connections.
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Replacement boards for S-A amps
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CableServ’s replacement board
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PHILADELPHIA– CableServ has unveiled its 625 MHz and 750 MHz replacement boards for the Scientific-Atlanta LEII and System II amplifiers. The replacement boards allow cable operators to redeploy 550 MHz equipment as fully two-way active 5 to 40 MHz/51 to 750 MHz amplifiers for new-build or cut-in situations. In addition, the 625 MHz replacement boards have been designed to allow cable systems to drop-in 625 MHz amplifiers into 550 MHz spaced plant, eliminating the additional cost of cutting in new amplifiers.
The LEII and System II boards are single piece boards with a built-in return amplifier, diplex filters and SXP pad adjustable slope, gain and interstage controls.
The built-in filters and Twin Pad slope and gain controls eliminate the need to purchase traditional plug-in filters and equalizers. Instead, the amplifier uses standard SXP pads for set-up.
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Digital remotes
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.– Contec Corp. has unveiled its new Synergy line of universal remote controls that support the Explorer 8000 digital set-top application from Scientific-Atlanta. In addition to supporting the DVR/PIP capabilities of today's new digital set-top applications, Synergy models also integrate numerous features aimed at simplifying their programming and operation. Examples include Contec's Point and Press Programming method, which allows users to program the remote to operate their TVs, VCRs, DVDs and audio devices without using codes. Its Memory Guard capability eliminates reprogramming after battery changes, and its new SmartKeys can be programmed to transmit multiple functions with one button press.
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Alert system
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Howard Cable’s Guardian II
in-line warning device |
PESHTIGO, Wis.– Howard Cable has introduced its Guardian II in-line warning device, which alerts homeowners of pending emergencies, whether the television set is on or off. Warning systems include NOAH (weather), Civil Defense (local or national catastrophe/information) and Amber Alert (abduction/lost child). Additional alerts may be from local police, fire, government, the cable TV provider, etc. The warnings can be both audio and visual, and timed and adjustable warnings are available in three stages: vibrator for hearing-impaired, tone and flashing warning beacon.
Usually mounted on the back of any television set, the unit has an easy-mount bracket that ensures an unobtrusive installation. The Guardian II has no effect on the picture quality of the cable or antenna signal, according to the company, and the unit uses a proprietary protocol to receive the warnings–eliminating the potential for false warnings.
The unit has options including a 9-volt rechargeable battery, optional remote receivers, automatic switchover to FM when sync is not present and the ability to receive data on any channel from 2 to 69. For systems having reverse capability and the Guardian II Plus, there are "kiss-off" capabilities which enable the headend to know if a subscriber is hooked up and that the Guardian is operational. It also enables the headend to recognize alarms (fire, burglary, heat and medical). In addition, it can recognize Guardian failure and has the ability to diagnose the operational status of the entire cable plant.
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Signal analyzer
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.– Trilithic Inc. has introduced the 860 DSPi signal analyzer, which is optimized for digital installation. The unit can quickly perform all forward/reverse QAM, QPSK and analog tests automatically, displaying test results and "pass" or "fail." In addition, the user can upgrade any 860 DSPi to the power of a full 860 DSP Distribution Maintenance Analyzer, complete with Web browser.
