Seminar Central: Your One-Stop Source for Learning

There’s not one of us in the cable telecommunications industry who isn’t somewhat overwhelmed by the prospect of launching the plethora of new services now available to consumers. That’s why the Society’s second annual SCTE Seminar Central—taking place Oct. 21-24 at Cisco Systems headquarters in San Jose, Calif.—will focus largely on getting you up to speed on technologies and services like video-on-demand (VOD), PacketCable and IP telephony, and DOCSIS, as well as briefing you on accompanying issues such as security and throughput. Perhaps one of the most talked-about services out there is VOD. Chances are, if your system has not already launched this new service, it will shortly. At Seminar Central, N2 Broadband will help you get a better understanding of VOD with a one-day seminar on how to plan, deploy and manage it. You’ll learn the essentials of VOD technology and architecture, customer equipment and content delivery mechanisms. This seminar also will teach you ways to avoid common pitfalls and how to manage digital rights and security.

Another recent technology for delivering new services such as video conferencing to consumers and businesses is DOCSIS 2.0. This current DOCSIS version provides the benefits of the first generation with more efficiency and bandwidth. You can learn how to migrate successfully from 1.0 or 1.1 to DOCSIS 2.0 in the two-day seminar, Transitioning to DOCSIS 2.0.

During the two-day PacketCable and IP telephony seminar, you’ll learn the fundamental technologies, issues and considerations in implementing a PacketCable telephony system. Starting with an overview of telephony, you’ll dig into components such as interfacing with the PSTN, call setup and tear-down, interfaces, security and more.

In Troubleshooting the Return Path, Ron Hranac of Cisco Systems will teach you how to deal with upstream challenges. You’ll learn the basics of two-way, including unity gain, frequencies of operation and signal flow, as well as examine digital measurements and upstream troubleshooting.

Nontechnical personnel, including those new to cable, CSRs and marketing professionals will benefit from an overview of the latest consumer services such as high-speed data, telephony and high-definition TV in Cable 101.

Rounding out the offerings are courses on DOCSIS 1.X systems, DOCSIS data throughput and security. Because Seminar Central brings all of these seminars together in one location, you can attend up to three seminars , saving time and travel dollars. You’ll save money on registration, too, with $75 off of your total registration price when you attend more than one seminar.

For those of you who can’t make it to Seminar Central but still need a briefing on important industry technologies and services, SCTE offers convenient and affordable online learning, including a series of recorded SCTE Live Learning sessions on VOD and distance learning courses from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In addition, you’ll find information such as industry white papers and technical articles in the SCTE Knowledge Resource Forum. For learning that will benefit your entire team, consider bringing an SCTE seminar on-site to your system.

Access to SCTE’s professional development and information resources is available through the SCTE Web site at www.scte.org. Or call our Customer Care Center at (800) 542-5040.

Debbie Manoff is director of training for the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers. You may reach her at [email protected].