TVMAX Migrates to All-Digital Network With Scopus Headend Piccolo Solution

January 22, 2008

Source: Scopus Video Networks

Scopus Video Networks Ltd., a provider of digital video networking solutions, today announced that Texas-based TVMAX has purchased a complete headend solution (Piccolo) to support its migration to an all-digital network. With approximately 100,000 passings, TVMAX is a leader in providing cable services to MDU (multiple dwelling unit) housing communities in the greater Houston, Texas, area. The new Scopus installation will enable the company to deliver high-quality digital programming to subscribers securely and cost effectively.

"We chose to partner with Scopus because they offer smart solutions for the cost-effective delivery of digital programming today and advanced services going forward. Our decision to use a single-vendor headend solution simplifies day-to-day operation and ongoing maintenance of the digital delivery infrastructure," said David J. Curtin, chief operating officer and executive vice president at TVMAX. "Scopus products are used successfully by cable providers across the globe. Their end-to-end solution and extensive support capabilities fit our needs and goals as we transition to a total digital solution."

TVMAX will use Scopus' UE-9240 real-time QUAD MPEG-2 encoders to encode local channels while IVG-7102 Intelligent Headend Video Gateways will aggregate feeds for each multicast and perform grooming, rate shaping, and ASI-to-GigE conversion. Programming will be processed by the IVG-7208 Intelligent Broadcast QAM Gateway for delivery to the RF network and subsequent end-user reception via a digital set-top box (STB). TVMAX will streamline ad insertion by incorporating the IVG-7500 Intelligent Video Splicer into the mix. The IVG-7500 features seamless splicing and standards-based DPI implementation for compatibility with major ad server providers.

Scopus' experience in working with DVB architectures and the industry's leading conditional access (CA) providers enabled smooth integration of the Conax CA encryption solution into the TVMAX digital delivery model, which in turn will allow for use of lower-cost digital STBs that scale well economically as older existing systems are phased out.

The entire system being installed at TVMAX will be managed and monitored through the Scopus' Network Management System (NMS). Scopus will deliver the end-to-end headend solution racked, stacked, and ready for connection at TVMAX's Houston facility, thereafter providing its signature "one company, one call" service to TVMAX engineering staff.

"Our headend solutions enable MSOs to increase their competitiveness and revenue potential through improved processing efficiency, as well as enhanced functionality that enables the introduction of advanced services such as high-definition (HD) television," said Carlo Basile, president North America, at Scopus. "The migration to digital represents a critical crossroads in the operation of any company, and we're pleased to be working with TVMAX as it implements a forward-looking, flexible model for delivery of digital services to the MDU market." 

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