The Cable Show 2011: New Product Recap

Here's a handy guide to some of the product announcements from The Cable Show 2011

Light Reading
June 27, 2011
URL: http://www.lightreading.com/cable-mso-equipment/the-cable-show-2011-new-product-recap/240129373

In this feature, we look back at a selection of new telecom products and services announced around or during The Cable Show in Chicago. (See Kickin' Off the Cable Show With the Cubs, Photos: The Cable Show 2011 and Photos: Cable Tchotchkes in Chicago.)

Products are classified into a small number of fairly broad categories. Click on each category name to go to the corresponding page of new product information:

Broadband/Cable Access & Applications: The wireline access network and associated customer premises and applications. Includes DSL, GPON, WDM-PON, outside plant and tools, and some CPE such as demarcation devices and access gateways/devices for homes or businesses. Also cable technology, STBs, IPTV, and home networking systems or applications, and miscellaneous business equipment/applications relevant to access.
Mobile Devices & Software: End-user aspects of mobility that are becoming crucial for service providers’ business strategy. Includes smartphones, tablet devices, operating systems, applications and aspects of the software infrastructure needed to exploit them, such as app creation environments and app management.
Telecom Software & Service Provider IT: The software and IT systems hardware to operate and control telecom networks, services and businesses. Service Provider Information Technology (SPIT) includes OSS, BSS, billing systems, ad management systems, customer analysis systems, service creation environments, SDPs and policy control.
Test & Measurement: Self-explanatory.

Also, for reference, you can click here to see our list of previous long-form features and New Product Recaps.

— Tim Hills is a freelance telecommunications writer and journalist. He's a regular author of Light Reading reports.

Next Page: Broadband/Cable Access & Applications

Actiontec Electronics Inc.
Multi-LAN Network Adapter
Developed with Entropic Communications, the adapter utilizes the MoCA backbone in the home to transport high-quality high-rate data at up to speeds of 175 Mbit/s to improve the signal in rooms where Wi-Fi connectivity is low or nonexistent. It has four Ethernet ports, so that it can connect multiple CE devices, such as Blu-ray players, game consoles or connected TVs, in a single location.

Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB)
Phantom SBB and Spirit STB
The Phantom is a tru2way set-back box, providing an all-digital, OpenCable platform that includes 3-D video capabilities and features such as the company's DVR-Lite technology. It is suited for both residential and commercial video markets, the company says. The Spirit is presented as a fully interactive cost-effective entry-level HD tru2way set-top box designed to replace STBs that have lived beyond their time -- whether Standard Definition, legacy or just end-of-life software.

Arris Group Inc.
C4 CMTS 24U Cable Access Module (CAM)
This doubles the C4 CMTS's previous upstream density, allowing cable service providers to deploy faster services, including Docsis 3.0 upstream channel bonding, with less capital expense, the company says. The new CAM supports from 5-42 to 5-65 and 5-85MHz for upstream services, which allows operators to use more spectrum for future services, extending upstream HFC capability. The 24U CAM is fully supported by current high-performance C4 control complex and other chassis components.

Aurora Networks Inc.
Universal Digital Return module
By utilizing the 54-88MHz spectrum that was once reserved for analog broadcast television, the module expands the upstream bandwidth to 5-85MHz, essentially doubling the current standard North American offering of 5-42MHz. It uses a common platform for all bandsplits (from 5-42MHz to 50MHz, to 65MHz and to 85MHz) and personalizes them for both the bandsplit required and also for other features, such as 1-fer versus 2-fer, data transmission speed and operational modes, according to the specific network requirement. By including all the required capabilities in one platform, operators may, according to the company, implement those features required to support their current requirements, like 5-42MHz today, and transition to 5-85MHz tomorrow by just changing out the inexpensive personalization module.

BelAir Networks Inc.
100SNE
This third-generation cable Wi-Fi solution is billed as providing a number of industry firsts, including: (a) first cable-optimized Wi-Fi access point (AP) with standards-based beamforming; (b) first GPS-enabled Wi-Fi AP designed to support location-based advertising and services; (c) first Wi-Fi AP with integrated business-intelligence features providing operators with real-time and historical, location-based and time-of-day user, device and traffic data.

BigBand Networks Inc.
IP Video Delivery Solution
This joint solution with Clearleap supports on-demand programming and back-office connectivity, in addition to linear TV. It combines BigBand's vIP PASS integrated with Clearleap's Stream On Demand system, and allows operators to stream entire libraries of managed linear and on-demand video content to IP-connected televisions or devices. This enables operators to bundle and monetize more content to more devices, with more efficient use of bandwidth, the company says.

Broadcom Corp.
BCM3383
This third-generation Docsis/Euro-DOCSIS 3.0 cable-gateway SoC features and capabilities include:

Integrated on-chip technology directly samples and digitizes the entire 1GHz downstream spectrum of a cable plant, providing access to any channel anywhere
Bandwidth flexibility -- supports Docsis and digital video on any frequency eliminating limitations of block tuners
Optimized power
Dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi, with simultaneous 2.4 and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11 band streams
Applications processor expands the capability of the modem and supports advanced applications without affecting the voice and gateway performance
Multithreaded 500MHz processor to give 50 percent increase in CPU speed

Cisco Systems Inc.
RedPlayer
The streaming video solution is a the result of a collaboration with Red Bee Media, and will provide a scalable solution for the media sector, geared toward customers with specific requirements for scale of content, monetization, security, encryption, high quality and availability across multiple devices, the partners say. The service offering combines Red Bee Media's creative, digital content and media management services with key elements of the Cisco Videoscape platform, creating a one-stop shop for content owners to build and expand highly secure media-grade video offerings.

CommScope Inc.
LxS-16016
This wideband edge QAM is billed as the cable industry’s first such all-digital, carrier-grade device. It offers up to 160 QAM channels on each of 16 RF (radio frequency) ports, totaling 2560 QAMs in a small, fully redundant 4 RU chassis. This density allows cable operators to have the flexibility of rolling out new services in the future without the need for costly truck rolls or disrupting service, the company says, and, by directly digitizing the entire 1GHz band, the QAM achieves superior RF performance and enhanced remote-control flexibility.

EchoStar Corp. LLC
HC-620DRS, HC-410D and HX-410
These HD set-top boxes are designed to enable midsized and independent cable operators to economically deliver enhanced video applications. They are loaded with IP-based content management features and are optimized to support the company’s new Aria ecosystem of hosted TV services, such as remote DVR programming, interactivity and TV Everywhere. The SlingLoaded HC-620DRS is an Internet-connected HD DVR set-top box that allows subscribers to access their linear programming and recorded content on the connected device of their choice. It also supports over-the-top content streaming, TV apps and remote DVR controls. The HC-410D is a single-tuner HD set-top that can be converted to a DVR by connecting an off-the-shelf USB 2.0 external hard drive and receiving a remote authorization code from the operator. The HX-410 is a full digital IP thin client that supports multimedia services over IP-based networks. When networked with an HC-620DRS in the home, the HX-410 provides Whole Home DVR functionality.

IPgallery
Click to Anything
The Facebook application extends the company's cloud-based, Web-activated social-communications and IPTV platform as an application inside social networking sites, such as Facebook, so that MSOs can deliver IP-based value-added services (VAS) across any environment. It extends the same feature-rich services to their customers and friends for a personalized experience of calling, chatting, watching, sharing, and transferring multimedia content while consumers are active inside Facebook, the company says.

itaas Inc.
iLaunch Application Starter Kit Program
According to the company, this is a plug-and-play launch program that will allow cable operators to quickly and easily customize and deploy a variety of EBIF applications that will provide an enhanced TV viewing experience for consumers. iLaunch is designed to facilitate the deployment of new services by providing access to pretested EBIF applications from itaas, programmers and third-party developers. The basic starter kit will include three applications: Remind and Record, QuickStart, and News, Weather & Sports Info. In addition, the program will offer advanced applications designed to generate revenue, reduce operational costs and create brand opportunities.

Motorola Mobility Inc.
Medios Xperience Platform
The cloud-based applications platform allows service providers to merge video content with social networking, games, and Web-based content and delivers greater interaction capabilities with broadcast television and video-on-demand (VoD) services. Capabilities include:

TV and VOD Remote -- Transforms a companion device, such as a tablet, smart phone or laptop, into a remote control
TV and VOD Streaming -- Uses a companion device to browse a VoD store or enhanced linear electronic program guide (EPG), search and discover content, and watch it on the device
Enhanced User Interface -- Provides a rich and intuitive visual interface that improves search, navigation and discovery of content such as movies and TV shows, and features personalized recommendations, streamlined decision-making scenarios and a watch-queue

Televation
This is a broadband device that works with a Wi-Fi router to allow consumers to watch live TV on a connected IP device anywhere around the home. It has a 1GHz digital tuner and CableCard to access broadcast TV channels directly from a coax outlet. The device has a high-performance transcoder that translates programming in real time from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, as well as changing resolution and bitrate to match the capabilities of the consumer’s viewing device while maintaining picture quality. There is an Ethernet jack to plug directly into the home Wi-Fi router.

Pace plc
App Caf� platform
This service allows cable operators to offer online applications within an integrated managed TV service. It offers applications in a storefront format for subscribers to download directly to their set-top boxes, including: popular social networking services; Internet radio and music; online photo and video sharing; weather; personal finance; sports scores; operator service and support.

TiVo Inc.
Premiere Q and Preview STBs
The Premiere Q is the company's first quad-tuner gateway set-top box and the Preview is its first non-DVR HD set-top box offered to cable operators for advanced whole-home solutions. The Premiere Q serves as an advanced video gateway, while the Preview provides the usual TiVo user capabilities for non-DVR households and also functions as a thin-client complement to those using a TiVo DVR to provide multiroom viewing. Both set-top boxes support the integration of operator services such as video on demand, PPV, caller ID on the TV and linear programming, plus access to broadband applications and services.

Next Page: Mobile Devices & Software

Clearleap
Stream On Demand tablet solution
Allows TV operators to quickly and easily bring an IP-based video service to tablets, according to the company. The APIs are designed to allow application developers to focus on the user experience while Clearleap manages provisioning, billing, authentication, security, parental controls and PIN management across any device. Developers can use Stream On Demand’s APIs to integrate personalization, robust search and navigation features, critic and peer reviews, and book marking across any connected device while still ensuring quality of service. The APIs allow TV operators to support any IP-connected device, from next-generation set-top boxes and connected TVs to tablet devices.

SeaChange International Inc.
Express multi-screen cloud video service
According to the company, this service provides video operators with a low-risk, fast-to-market multi-device video offering, so that they can add PC, tablet or mobile screens, including Apple and Android, to existing television services within a few weeks. Capabilities and features include:

Adrenalin multi-screen back-office software
Combining linear, VoD and time-shifted TV capability for multi-screen devices
Pre-integration with existing SeaChange products
Operator-branded PC, tablet and mobile user interfaces, based on the Nitro multi-screen user-interface software
Pre-integrated digital-rights management options
Multi-format streaming support including Apple HLS, Adobe RTMP/HTTP Dynamic Streaming, Microsoft Smooth Streaming and RTSP
Encoding, metadata management, content management and distribution services

TiVo Inc.
App for iPad
Enhancements add new features tailored to the company's cable partners. The application now automatically adds the operator's video on demand into the search and browse features within the app, allowing viewers to quickly find a TV program or movie and enjoy it on TV. The app also automatically detects and integrates the operator's branding, linear programming and VoD catalog when connected to a TiVo box provided by the operator.

Next Page: Telecom Software & Service Provider IT

Alcatel-Lucent
Multiscreen video platform
Offered in conjunction with thePlatform, the system supports the delivery of live scheduled TV, VoD and TV-everywhere services to a variety of screens, allowing pay-TV subscribers to access their video content in the home or on the go, on whichever device is most convenient to them at the time, the company says. It offers advanced video management capabilities together with optimized video distribution through a content delivery network (CDN) deployed by the service provider. It also brings the security and reliability found today on TV set-top boxes to a broader range of devices.

Amdocs Ltd.
Multi-Play Smart Pack enhancements
New enhancements to the multiplay customer-care and billing solution include:

Smart Agent Desktop -- Provides customer service representatives (CSRs) with one 360-degree view of the customer and context-sensitive guidance during the call
Smart Pack Smart Tabs -- A tabbed ordering design that gives users the flexibility to create and configure their own tabs based on specific order needs and processes
New order-entry controls that enable CSRs to manage both the order in which data is entered and also what data panels to display on screen
Prospect entry, which enables operators to save prospect information on new or existing customers, create to-do action items, and follow up on prospects and service offer quotes at a later date

BlackArrow Inc.
Advanced Advertising System enhancements
New features for the VoD advertising system include: (a) new dynamic mid-roll capabilities for VoD content to increase revenue opportunities; Automated control over ad-load and trick-mode policies to enable new, broadcast-date aware business models; single-pitch asset-handling to reduce costs and operational complexities by leveraging a single asset across multiple broadcast windows and operators; and support for existing linear and online ad systems via APIs to streamline VoD advertising workflow.

ClickSoftware
ServiceOptimization Suite version 8.1.4
The new version of the automated workforce management and optimization solution supports richer workforce management scenarios, including advanced handling of work orders and parts management. The company says that it will enable service organizations to easily integrate a variety of additional business processes, increasing visibility into their service operation while minimizing the pains of IT deployment. It also includes many enhancements to the mobility offerings to leverage the new breed of tablets and smartphones.

Concurrent Computer Corp.
Advanced Media Data Logistics Platform
According to the company, this platform addresses complexity of media data across multiple screens and provides auditable guarantees for data quality, timeliness, and privacy compliance. The service includes data-monitoring and auditing technologies, best practices for handling end-to-end data processes, and specialized intelligence in cross-service data-management solutions. The media data logistics component will be applied to consumption and operational data generated from video-on-demand, linear, clickstream, interactive, web-based, and mobile platforms. As part of the service, the company will audit, in real time, the media data sources and flow, and certify the level of quality and accuracy of the information to the receiving parties.

Convergys Corp.
Convergys CRM powered by Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011
This is the result of a partnership with Microsoft to deliver a comprehensive, pre-integrated solution that would improve billing processes, customer service, and time-to-market for new revenue-generating services for communications providers, utilities and the like. Convergys says that it will deliver proactive customer-centric service and marketing, as well as powerful sales management through an industry-dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) offering that redefines price-to-value. Communication providers will also benefit from next generation shopping and ordering powered by the solution.

Esri
ArcGIS Explorer Desktop New Release
The new release adds new features to the free, downloadable GIS viewer that provides an easy way to explore, visualize, share and present geographic information, according to the company. New features include:

GPS Integration -- Any GPS device (NMEA compliant) can be connected to collect data. GPS data can be collected at the click of a button, or collected at specified regular time intervals. Explorer also includes tools to manage and display waypoints, tracks, and routes, which are stored and managed as notes
Spatial Selection -- Any shape can be used to query features using spatial operators like contains, intersects, within, and more.
Raster Georeferencing -- When adding raster files (TIFF, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP), if the coordinate system has not yet been defined the user will be prompted to georeference the raster by interactively establishing reference points from the raster to the basemap.

Rentrak Corp.
OnDemand Essentials
The new version of the video-on-demand audience measurement service includes crossplatform reporting, geodemographic segments, and an enhanced user interface. Additional reports and features will continue to be introduced throughout the remainder of the year, the company says. The new version also applies traditional TV measurements, such as ratings, average audience, reach, and household metrics, to on-demand content, thereby enabling providers to leverage this highly targeted distribution model to increase the overall value of their traditional TV business.

Sigma Systems Canada Inc.
IP Video Services Accelerator Solution
This system allows cable operators and MSOs to manage an integrated profile of subscriber, device and cloud-layer provisioning from a single back-office solution -- an industry first, according to the company. It enables MSOs to fulfill and embrace any advanced IP video service, including over-the-top (OTT) video and deliver integrated entertainment service bundles. Capabilities and features include: (a) provision and support of linear and IP video simultaneously; (b) provisioning of a variety of next-generation video delivery platforms, including TiVo, Arris Moxi, NDS and Microsoft Mediaroom; (c) provisioning and management of all the services and applications delivered by IP residential home gateways managed by the company's automated Device Provisioning Manager (DPM). The company's Service Management Platform (SMP) also enables MSOs to provision and manage all services and applications to these gateways.

Technicolor SA
MasterVUE
This suite of digital services allows content producers to essentially utilize a 24-hour work day, the company says, including four services that guide creatives through the evolution of digital content production and provide cost-effective and secure file-based content distribution methods: (a) YourVUE, a high-quality on-set color primary grading toolset; (b) FileVUE, an on-location dailies and editorial preparation service; (c) ShareVUE, to synchronize production across multiple time zones; (d) MultiVUE, a remote color secondary grading toolset.

Verimatrix Inc.
StreamMark
The user-specific forensic video watermarking system uses a highly efficient server-side embedding process to uniquely mark compressed video files during delivery, even if the video files are encrypted, the company says, and the mass delivery of uniquely marked content offers a valuable tool to support revenue generation in emerging video consumption models. It embeds robust, secure and imperceptible tracing information in compressed content in an on-the-fly process during delivery to standard decoders and media players. Because the embedding process is designed with extremely low overhead requirements, a mark can be easily added to H.264 or MPEG-2 stream-based video with negligible performance impact, even when that delivery is facilitated through a content delivery network (CDN).

Zodiac Interactive
PowerUp OpenGL Module for tru2way and HTML5 Solution
According to the company, this provides a presentation engine that leverages and realizes the capabilities offered from next-generation hardware chipsets currently being deployed in tru2way set-top boxes. The module includes a rich set of reusable graphical primitives, common management of graphical objects, highly optimized visual effects and animations, and support for complex and custom animations. The company has also developed the PowerUp HTML5 Solution for tru2way, which provides a Web-browser presentation engine coupled with a services layer to provide a rich authoring environment with full browser control of all systems and subsystems for both tru2way and IPTV infrastructures.

Next Page: Test & Measurement

Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB)
tru2way Analyzer -- Remote access version
The company has enhanced its tru2way Analyzer to include the ability to collocate the platform in network operation centers so that technicians can remotely monitor and retrieve network parameters. All the features are available to hand, including access to the CableLabs EYES edge application suite.