RCN, a provider of triple-play cable, Internet and phone services, has chosen the BigBand Broadband Multimedia-Service Router (BMR) from BigBand Networks Inc. to implement digital simulcasting. The solution will enable RCN to introduce digital services by replicating digital versions of analog programs.

The RCN digital simulcast solution utilizes the BigBand BMR to control video quality and bandwidth efficiency, manage program line-ups, insert local advertising and transport video content among facilities. The simulcasting encodes basic and enhanced basic programming to digital form at video headends. The BMR facilitates this encoding while also providing increased functionality and efficiencies like Gigabit Ethernet transport. Ads may be digitally inserted within programs and transport can enable delivery of content to network edge locations where analog versions may be recreated and digital versions may be modulated.

Digital simulcast services have been launched by RCN in Chicago and New York, and the provider is collaborating with BigBand on implementation for the remainder of RCN’s markets.

“RCN has been working with BigBand Networks for several years to implement and enhance our digital television offerings to subscribers, and that relationship has progressed to include digital simulcast,” said Jeff Winn, manager of network engineering for RCN.

“RCN is broadly recognized for leveraging innovation and advanced technologies to best serve its subscribers, so selection of the BigBand BMR for digital simulcast provides significant validation of the platform,” said Pirjo Tuomi, BigBand Networks’ senior vice president of worldwide sales. “We are pleased with the progress that BigBand Networks and RCN have made in our collaborations over time, and look forward to future work together in enhancing triple play services.”

For service providers, will video services finally bring about the elusive Holy Grail that is increased average revenue per user (APRU)? What forms of delivery can end-users expect? And what preparations do users agents need to make? To find out, make your best effort to attend the sessions of the IPTV (News - Alert) Summit at INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & Expo, WEST, which runs October 10-13, 2006, in San Diego.

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Laura Stotler writes about IP Communications and related topics for TMCnet. She has covered VoIP and related technologies for seven years, contributing to Internet Telephony magazine and TMCnet, and as a freelance writer. To see more articles, please visit: Laura Stotler’s columnist page.

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