'IPTV in a box' makes it simple
Nov 28, 2006 8:00 AM
Falcon Communications president and CEO Donald Cook says his turnkey IPTV solution can help small telcos leapfrog any unfamiliarity they have with the TV and let them compete with cable TV.
Telecommunications system integrator Falcon Communications in Malden, MO, recently rolled out a turnkey IPTV system that probably best can be described as “IPTV in a box.”
Offering a turnkey IPTV system aimed primarily at Tier 2 and Tier 3 telcos, the system includes content, hardware, middleware and a set-top box to make it as easy as possible for these smaller operators to offer television via IP so they can remain competitive with cable operators.
IPTV Update spoke with Donald Cook, company president and CEO, about the company’s system, the market and the potential for IPTV.
IPTV Update: Before we discuss your integrated IPTV solution, could describe what you see as the potential for IPTV in the markets you serve?
Donald Cook: Our market is actually the Tier 2 and Tier 3 telcos. We also are offering this solution to some universities.
I see this is the way they are really going to have to go to stay competitive in the local exchanges. They’re all competing against the cable companies, and the cable companies are coming in and taking their customers. Everyone knows that.
This was a way that they can stay competitive and keep their customers. The next step after that will be going voice over IP, and our intent is to move forward on that as well once the IPTV solution is going.
IPTVU: Aren’t there also some telcos that are serving customers in rural areas where there is not access to cable TV?
DC: They may not have cable in some of the Western states where the towns are far apart. They may just be using some sort of satellite dish network.
IPTVU: While I am sure it varies from customer to customer, could you briefly describe the leading approaches your clients have in terms of network infrastructure and how it’s suited to IPTV service delivery?
DC: Their existing networks that are in place now are DSL. For their existing customers who are using DSL, this system will work right on top of their DSL lines as far as it’s copper. If they are putting in fiber to the home, this system will also work with fiber to the home.
But most of the smaller telcos do not have fiber networks in, and this system will allow them to go ahead and compete over their copper lines.
IPTVU: Do you think the DSL networks many of your customers have will have sufficient bandwidth to transmit HD as part of a service offering?
DC: Yes they do. The compression is down enough now that there is enough bandwidth to do that. We are in trials of this system right now at BPS Telephone in Bernie, MO, that should prove the ability to deliver HD. We should be starting off with about six channels (HD) in the first part of the year, and time will tell. Theoretically, yes, it should work.
For right now, the trial will be conducted with a select group of BPS customers. Bernie is in the southeast corner of the state, about 4mi or 5mi miles up the road from us, which makes it a very good test bed for us.
IPTVU: You basically are offering the Thomson IPTV solution as a single source “IPTV in a box” turnkey approach. Why is that best suited to your market?
DC: The market we are serving is made up of small telcos, most of which don't have the expertise to put the system together themselves. We can give them a full solution with just one stop.
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