Pace Micro Technology To Showcase Its Products At NCTA's 2008 Cable Show
Boca Raton, FL - Pace Micro Technology plc recently announced plans to exhibit its family of products for the US, Canadian, and Latin American markets at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association's (NCTA) 2008 Cable Show in New Orleans, May 18-20, 2008, Exhibit #3205.
At the show, Pace is introducing its next-generation family of MPEG-4 advanced video compression set-top boxes for cable called Apache, Aspen, and Denali. In addition, Pace will feature its successfully deployed CableCARD versions of Tahoe HD DVR, Vegas SD DVR, Miami HD, and Butler SD set-tops. Pace is showing embedded Conditional Access boxes as well.
Pace's set-top boxes can run either native applications or CableLabs' OpenCable Applications Platform (OCAP)/tru2Way, including all popular Electronic Program Guides (EPG), and VOD applications. Network messaging for Pace set-tops can run in either DOCSIS Signaling Gateway (DSG) or legacy Out of Band mode.
Pace Americas Vice President Sales and Marketing Tim O'Loughlin commented, "We're pleased to introduce our new line of MPEG-4 set-top boxes at this year's show to help operators support the growing consumer demand for HD (high definition) programming and the increasing deployment of high-bandwidth applications, such as HD VOD (high definition video on demand) and SDV (switched digital video).
"All Pace set-top box platforms are built with Pace's unique EngineWare core software, which allows us to port applications to our boxes in record time. EngineWare enables rapid roll out of ‘native' program guides, and serves as a field-upgradeable platform for the introduction of OCAP/tru2Way as they come on line," he added.
All the products on show have been integrated with the latest native EPG and VOD applications.
Specific products featured at the show are:
Butler DC100X SD (CableCARD)
As a smaller, faster performing and highly cost competitive CableCARD solution for All Digital and All Digital Simulcast systems, Pace's Butler DC100X host is quickly becoming the work horse set-top for the cable industry. Meeting cable operator demand for a compact set-top that integrates its power supply (frequently lost during churn), the Butler box is versatile enough to play numerous roles for cable operators. As primary box in the home, analog outlet adapter or commercial MDU solution, Butler fills an un-met market need. The Butler box can run numerous interactive applications including EPGs and VOD applications.
Miami DC757X HD (CableCARD)
As an extension to the HD Pace comprehensive product family, Pace's unique Miami DC757X HD host set-top box delivers an innovative platform for cable operators. The Miami DC757X HD can be deployed as a standalone non-DVR product, or subscribers can add DVR capability through the external Serial-ATA hard disk drive port. The box supports both legacy OOB signaling and Advanced DSG signaling via the built-in DOCSIS® 2.0 modem, plus it has an Ethernet switch that allows for Internet access connectivity included as standard. The Miami HD set-top is a flexible and cost-effective option for HDTV homes.
Tahoe TDC778X HD DVR (CableCARD and Embedded CA)
This dual-tuner HD-DVR set-top box is the world's first high-definition DVR OCAP/tru2way-capable platform ready for deployment on existing networks without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. As an EngineWare platform, Tahoe also has been fully integrated with the latest generation of native EPG and VOD applications. Tahoe's internal DOCSIS® 2.0 modem can also provide high-speed data connections and was the industry's first set-top certified by CableLabs for DOCSIS/DSG. The unit is available with CableCARD for US operators and with embedded CA for Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Vegas TDC575 SD-DVR (CableCARD and Embedded CA)
This dual-tuner SD-DVR is the first of its kind available for Motorola-type networks. It is a richly featured set-top that includes advanced connectivity, DOCSIS, and supports the latest applications. Like Tahoe, Vegas has been integrated with the latest EPG and VOD applications. Its slim case design and low cost makes Vegas the choice for large-scale DVR deployments. The unit is available with CableCARD for US operators and with embedded CA for Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The most advanced range of next generation cable set-tops for North America, Pace's all-digital, MPEG-4 Advanced Video Compression series includes:
- Aspen – dual-tuner, high-definition DVR CableCARD host
- Apache – high-definition CableCARD host
- Denali – standard-definition CableCARD host
Key features of Pace's MPEG-4 family of set-top boxes include:
- MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 capable
- Full proven compatibility with existing networks, encryption, out of band signaling, VOD, SVOD, switched digital video, and billing systems
- Ready to deploy with commonly used interactive cable television applications
- OCAP/tru2way support
- Advanced DSG capable with downstream channel bonding to handle next generation applications and two way messaging
- Next generation front end tuning technology for up to 1 Gigahertz of range
SOURCE: Pace Micro Technology