Networking

Comcast deploys HD DTAs, ponders TR-069

December 19, 2012 1:09 pm | by Mike Robuck | Blogs | Comments

Comcast has started a phased deployment of HD digital transport adapters (HD DTAs) in subscribers’ homes ahead of ultimately having the devices across its entire footprint. HD DTAs allow customers to access HD signals without the frills of VOD, PPV, etc.

Suddenlink’s TiVo Stream service drops into southern states

December 18, 2012 3:13 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

Since Suddenlink Communications became the first cable operator to offer the TiVo Stream service in Lubbock, Texas, in October, the nation’s seventh-largest cable operator has deployed it in more than 60 communities across its footprint.

ThePlatform integrates smart workflow with transcoding vendors

December 18, 2012 3:08 pm | by Mike Robuck | Product Releases | Comments

The sheer volume of multi-screen videos, along with the proliferation of the devices used to watch the content on, can be overwhelming at times, but Comcast-owned thePlatform has added “smart workflow” features to its mpx offering to help solve those issues.

Time Warner Cable ups Leddy to EVP of corporate strategy

December 18, 2012 3:05 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

Time Warner Cable has named Kevin Leddy as its new executive vice president of corporate strategy. In his new role, Leddy reports to Peter Stern, Time Warner Cable's executive vice president and chief strategy, people and corporate development officer.

Time Warner Cable certifies 2 modems for purchase program

December 17, 2012 2:16 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

Time Warner Cable has given its stamp of approval on two Zoom Telephonics cable modems for use in its cable modem purchase program. The two DOCSIS 3.0-based Zoom modems, 5350 and 5341J, were tested and certified to be used across all five of its data tiers.

Avail-TVN launches white-label SVOD

December 17, 2012 2:05 pm | by Brian Santo | News | Comments

Avail-TVN’s ViewNow, which is being used by Verizon FiOS for Redbox Instant, is now available to other service providers that want to offer a branded subscription VOD service of their own. Using ViewNow, service providers will be able to offer titles from Avail-TVN’s library.

Disney strikes long-term carriage deal with Cox

December 14, 2012 3:00 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

The Walt Disney Co. began the year with a long-term carriage deal with Comcast, and it’s ending it with a similar agreement with Cox Communications. Cox is now able to carry Disney programming across televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and Internet-enabled televisions.

Cisco’s CMTS modules step toward CCAP

December 12, 2012 1:51 pm | by Brian Santo | Product Releases | Comments

Cisco today introduced a new line card, the 3 Gigabit Shared Port Adapter (3GSPA), that increases not only the downstream capacity of its flagship CMTS, the uBR10012 Universal Broadband Router (uBR10K), but also capacity back to the core. The company also introduced a new processing engine for the uBR10K called the Performance Routing Engine (PRE5).

Microsoft cranking out TV apps for Xbox

December 11, 2012 2:27 pm | by The Associated Press | News | Comments

Microsoft is rolling out dozens of new apps for the Xbox 360, building on statistics that show members of its paid online subscription service spend more time on it watching video than they do playing multi-player games over the Internet.

Avvasi enables ops to improve video QoE

December 10, 2012 1:37 pm | by Brian Santo | Product Releases | Comments

Avvasi has introduced a new system network operators can use to actively adjust the quality of video – per subscriber and per device. While the system could be used by any broadband provider, Avvasi’s new product (like its previous products) are aimed at LTE network operators.

Comcast’s next-gen X1 platform heads west to Calif.

December 10, 2012 1:06 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

Comcast’s X1 platform, which was originally called “Xcalibur” internally, represents the future of video because it combines cloud-based navigation, personalization and search functions, and an interactive programming guide with customized apps and social media features.

Solekai Systems signs up for Comcast RDK program

December 10, 2012 1:01 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

The base layer of the RDK stack is comprised of the system-on-a-chip companies, such as Broadcom and Entropic, which do the basic porting to make sure the RDK works on their platforms. The end result is a shortened development cycler for set-top boxes.

WSJ: Google’s auction for Moto ending today

December 7, 2012 2:10 pm | by Mike Robuck | News | Comments

Google is reportedly closing up its auction for Motorola Mobility’s Home unit, with Arris, Pace and Technicolor among the list of prospective suitors. The last round of bids were due, although the deadline could be extended, according to one of the sources.

Intel ups its status at MoCA

December 6, 2012 1:30 pm | by Brian Santo | News | Comments

Intel has upgraded its membership in the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) to become a Promoter Member. Jim Crammond, chief technology officer of gateway solutions within Intel’s Service Provider Division, will represent Intel on MoCA’s board of directors.

Vendors, video service providers onboard energy conservation agreement for STBs

December 6, 2012 12:46 pm | by Brian Santo | News | Comments

The companies involved are Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Verizon, Charter Communications, AT&T, Cablevision, Bright House Networks and CenturyLink, as well as manufacturers Cisco, Motorola Mobility, EchoStar Technologies and Arris.