The SCTE conference keynote sessions in Orlando, Fla. were very focused on increasing data bandwidth in cable operator networks. There was a lot of discussion about DOCSIS 3.x (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) bonding multiple radio frequency channels to deliver higher bandwidth data services to their subscribers. This feature is called channel bonding and was first introduced by the DOCSIS 3.0 specification in 2006 to enable cable downstream and upstream throughput rates that exceed 100 Mbps. CableLabs announced DOCSIS 3.1 at the show with the promise of providing 10 Gbps of downstream data bandwidth and 1 Gbps upstream in future cable networks. Read more [+]
Author: Ken Osowski
October 9th, 2012 by Ken Osowski; Category: Industry, Products, Technology
The cable industry has been dealing with competitive threats over the last ten years with FTTH, DSL, and satellite operators offering alternative video and broadband data services to their customers. This led to price competition and advances in video services as cable operators transitioned to digital TV technology in order to offer HD TV and video-on-demand content. The value proposition to the cable subscriber was more content when you wanted it. DVRs that were initially offered as stand-alone devices then became integrated with digital TV set-top boxes. This enabled viewers to store local content and decide when they wanted to watch their favorite video programming. The marketing mantra was content choice. Read more [+]
May 15th, 2012 by Ken Osowski; Category: Industry, Technology
I just spent a couple days at the CTIA trade show in New Orleans, taking in the sights, sounds and solutions of the mobile industry. If you weren’t able to attend, let me fill you in on what you missed. Read more [+]