Digital Headend System Integration 3

ACCESS

Access is important not only in the first phase of the roll-out, but also in the future, when adding new services to the network. Capacity is one of the main concerns to many operators who move to interactive services like Video on Demand (VOD).

Distribution to the Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) network, using Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) combining in the digital headend, provides direct access. IP transport from the headend to the regional HFC networks is often used to boost capacity and to facilitate remote regions when using a central headend.

When using IP transport, protection of the IP traffic is needed. In most cases 1+1 redundancy is used in order to secure high availability.The HFC network is being facilitated by means of Edge QAM equipment. This provides the operator with a high level of flexibility to roll-out the necessary capacity.

SETTOPBOX

A successful launch of Digital Television Services fully depends on the end-user experience and satisfaction. Set-top-box suppliers are actively working to improve and expand their portfolio, also new suppliers are entering the
Digital Television arena almost every day.
The cost aspect plays a major role in the acceptance of a profitable
business case, where the features available and the ease of use are of
major importance towards customer satisfaction. When selecting the set topbox, manageability is one aspect often forgotten together with the
distribution model (retail or direct supply).
It is of high importance to thoroughly test and validate set-top-boxes prior to the deployment of any kind. In terms of manageability, attention needs to be given to: remote monitoring, Over the Air (OTA) software and firmware updates, Conditional Access (CA) and middleware. Also the number of different set-top-box types should be kept to a minimum to reduce the operational costs.
IMPEQ Technologies has established an independent Test & Measurement facility, providing quality confirmation and improvement recommendations. At IMPEQ Test & Measurement we supply the necessary assurance, so that there will be no surprises while deploying set-top-boxes in the field. More services can be offered, so feel free to contact IMPEQ to see how and where we can assist our customers.