Weekly Pix

RGB Rolls out Network Processor

On Wednesday, RGB Networks released its new high density Broadcast Network Processor (BNP) for grooming and digital program insertion. The second product based on RGB’s Video Intelligence Architecture (VIA), the BNP is designed to enable cable operators to deliver highly targeted and personalized video services. Housed in a 1 rack-unit platform, the BNP delivers the cable industry’s highest density solution for digital video grooming, statistical multiplexing, transrating and digital program insertion, according to the press release. With the ability to process more than 500 video streams in a single rack unit, the BNP is designed to reduce the cost of delivering advanced digital video services.

Let’s Plug-and-Play at NCTA
Earlier this week, CableLabs said that a two-way plug-and-play advanced technology showcase will be a centerpiece of the CableNET exhibit at the upcoming National Cable & Telecommunications Association show April 9-11.The plug-and-play display will feature a collection of demonstrations on the latest OpenCable technology using integrated digital devices and set-tops that are displaying advanced interactive services. Pioneer and VividLogic Enter Into OCAP Agreement VividLogic, a provider of home entertainment software for HDTVs and HDTV set-top boxes, entered into a development and license agreement with Pioneer Corp. based in Tokyo to license, enhance and distribute OCAP 1.0 software and related OpenCable Host Device (OCHD 2.0) software to consumer electronics and cable set-top box companies.   BroadLogic Heads to China BroadLogic Network Technologies, a supplier of semiconductor chipsets to the broadband industry, reached an agreement with Beijing Capital Assets Management to jointly develop and deploy a cost-effective digital video communications network for use throughout China and ultimately other countries. The network will enable Chinese network operators to distribute a suite of digital programming, including educational, news, sports and entertainment channels, to TV sets in small-to-medium sized communities that today have little or no access to broadcast or cable TV. MoCA Completes First Certification Wave The Multimedia over Coax Alliance recently completed its first certification wave, ensuring interoperability among the products using the MoCA standard. Actiontec, Entropic, Linksys, Mototech, Motorola, Panasonic, 2Wire and Westell all successfully passed and were awarded MoCA certification. The same eight companies participated in MoCA’s first plugfest last November. In addition, MoCA recently ratified and released its "MoCA MAC/PHY v1.0 Specification," for which certification verifies compliance. News Flash: IP, GigE Are Good According to a report by Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the expected value of the various categories of digital video headends, and their GigE and IP components, will surge past $ 2.6 billion by 2009. The report also said IP enables cable TV, IPTV, digital terrestrial TV and digital satellite services to extend their brand beyond consumers’ TV sets. "The winners in this market will be those who can keep their ‘brand name’ in front of consumers at home, at work, at play, on vacation, in transit, and even when they are temporarily away from the main service provider’s service area," the report said.