'IPTV in a box' makes it simple
Nov 28, 2006 8:00 AM
IPTVU: Is there any effort to provide training along the way so they do come up to speed on using the system?
DC: Yes. When we put it in, we will have their local people there beside us to show them how the system works. As far as independent components, there will be additional training for the techs as well.
IPTVU: Could you briefly describe your IPTV system offering?
DC: We are offering the transport from the satellite to a 5m dish, and then from there we’re providing all of the components — the receivers, the head end, encoders, edge routers, middleware, EAS system and a 60ft tower for reception of local off-air channels. We picked Occam as the vendor for the transport out to the customer, the DSLAM, because it's an IP-built system. Our system will work with some of the others like Calix and some of the other systems also. We just picked Occam for our deployment.
From there, they can direct from the host, or they can fiber it out to a remote somewhere, and break it down at that point to their copper lines or to fiber, whichever they have to the home or to the curb or however their network is set up.
We will provide a Thomson modem with a Thomson single stream box to the TV. We also have plans for an Entone 3 stream box later in 2007. The conditional access is from the super headend all the way through to the set-top box, so we're not in the clear anywhere. That's pretty much the offer. There will be a VOD service that will come in probably during the first quarter of next year. Also, additional SD and HD channels will be available in 2007.
IPTVU: What led you to the Thomson/Grass Valley integrated system, which includes the SmartVision service management platform, Thomson set-top boxes, and Grass Valley NetProcessor and ViBE products?
DC: We've been doing this for almost three years, testing and looking at different products on the market. We feel Thomson is a well-established company and doing video already. We know their products are already proven and that they’re integrated with each other. We’ve had some good success in working with Thomson prior to the video with their DSL modems. So, we had somewhat of a prior relationship with Thomson before we got into their video products.
IPTVU: You are providing so much of the system. I was wondering if you were also helping your customers secure retransmission consent from broadcasters in their area?
DC: Yes. What we’re doing is actually working with Telechannel. It has all the paperwork and contacts for the telcos to deal with. Telechannel actually does not deal with local broadcasters directly, but they are going to help the independent telcos secure their off-air channels.
IPTVU: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DC: We will be the first call the customer makes if they have a problem. They don't have to call each individual manufacturer. We will have personalized support. We handle all of the warranty issues with the manufacturers. Everything will come in here first. We stock all the products. If a customer does have a problem, there’s advanced replacement immediately, so they receive the replacement the next day if needed.
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