Harmonic Intros Optical Node

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT) has expanded its popular PWRBlazer(tm) family of highly scalable optical nodes with a versatile new model that enhances last mile cable network capacity and availability. Designed for easy installation and maintenance on a wall or in an enclosure, the PWRBlazer III is ideal for the European cable market, which makes extensive use of street cabinets. With the introduction of the PWRBlazer III, cable operators around the world can now deploy a wider range of end-to-end transport solutions from Harmonic, giving them greater flexibility and scalability to accommodate the increasing bandwidth requirements associated with services such as digital television, broadband Internet access, telephony and video-on-demand (VOD). The new node also incorporates redundancy features that increase the level of last mile network availability.The PWRBlazer III, featuring a compact form factor and removable cover, is optimised for street cabinet deployments. Its unique design minimises cables, reducing the cost and complexity of maintenance and management, and a further option eliminates the need for an external power inserter. The PWRBlazer node is important wherever operators are required to locate equipment in a larger structure or underground, such as in new housing developments and densely populated areas."The PWRBlazer III includes several innovative features, such as the elimination of cables within the node, that evolved directly from customer feedback," said Patrick Harshman, President of Harmonic's Broadband Access Network Division. "The segmentation and redundancy features, which enhance last mile scalability and reliability, combined with a form factor that fits into a street cabinet, will appeal to European cable companies as well as other operators around the world." Harmonic Inc.