February 11, 2013

Products & Services...

— The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) plans to offer a “record” 50 virtual classes this year as part of its increased focus on training and career development in the cable telecommunications industry. New courses include Business Class Service Specialist; Broadband Distribution Specialist; Broadband Transport Specialist; Home Networking with Wi-Fi, DOCSIS Systems; and Wi-Fi Hotspots. In addition, SCTE has updated classes on Ethernet Transport, IPv6: Impact on Cable Networks and DOCSIS Channel Bonding.

— Starting today, DISH will marketing its Hopper with Sling Whole-Home HD DVR, winner of the 2013 CES “Best of Show” award (CTDaily, 02/01/13), nationwide. Sling encodes and redirects a live or recorded TV signal from the Hopper to Internet-connected iOS and Android tablets and smartphones. DISH Anywhere also is available on PCs and Macs. In addition, customers can use the Sling feature to watch DVR recordings stored on Hopper’s hard drive. The Hopper system requires a whole-home DVR fee of $10/month and $7/month for each “Joey” add-on box that allows programming to be accessed in other rooms in the home.
 
— Buildfibre.com, called “the world’s first user-friendly online guide to planning and delivering a FTTH project” will be unveiled at the FTTH Conference in London later this month by Rala, a Swedish supplier of passive equipment. The buildfibre.com service runs on Windows and Mac as well as on tablet formats. According to the company, FTTH builders can add properties, interested property owners and access points by pointing on a map. Rala, of course, has network project planners at the ready with advice and suggestions.