Israel's Largest Cable TV Operator to Use Harmonic Lightwaves' Digital Headend in Network Upgrade
Business Wire - July 22, 1998 16:20
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 1998--
Golden Channels to Offer Advanced Digital Video and Data Services Using Harmonic's TRANsend Digital Headend
Harmonic Lightwaves, Inc. (NASDAQ:HLIT) today announced that Golden Channels and Co., Israel's largest cable television operator, has chosen Harmonic's TRANsend(tm) digital headend to deliver digitally-based video and data services to its 420,000 subscribers throughout Israel.
Golden Channels is currently upgrading its nationwide network as part of its ambitious goal to provide subscribers with an array of innovative interactive services. Initially the upgrade will allow the delivery of more channels with higher-quality pictures, with high-speed Internet access, Near-Video On Demand (NVOD), Electronic Program Guides (EPG), home shopping, home banking and other advanced services to follow shortly.
"Our goal is to develop the most advanced and capable cable television network in the world so we can provide our subscribers with the broadest selection of interactive video and data services delivered with the highest possible quality and reliability. Given our goal, employing the industry's best digital headend is a must," said Moshe Ronen, president of Golden Channels. "After a rigorous competition, Harmonic's TRANsend system was chosen for its overall superior performance, cost effectiveness, support for the DVB (Digital Video Broadcast) standard and its compact modular design -- it will occupy a fraction of the space required by alternative systems. TRANsend was also superior on a price-performance basis."
Golden Channels currently plans to equip all of its headends with TRANsend systems, with operation scheduled for the first quarter of 1999. In addition to supplying the headend components, Harmonic is serving as Golden Channels' systems integrator, responsible for overall project management. This responsibility includes integrating third party products -- such as the conditional access system -- with TRANsend.
Golden Channels' extensive use of redundant encoders, multiplexers, power supplies and QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulators in the TRANsend headend should greatly increase the network's reliability. A key component of this advanced system is Harmonic's NETWatch(tm) Element Management System, which is designed to automatically switch from the primary encoders and multiplexers to the redundant cards when it detects the failure of a primary card. The encoder and multiplexer cards are also "hot swappable," allowing their replacement without interrupting service. These features will help ensure that Golden Channels provides uninterrupted service.
"Golden Channels intends its digital system to be truly state-of-the-art, and represents the strategic direction of many of Harmonic's international customers," said Kirk Flatow, Harmonic's vice president of international sales. "Their selection of Harmonic's TRANsend headend is a validation of our digital strategy. We're looking forward to helping Golden Channels build what could very possibly be one of the world's most advanced cable television networks."
About the TRANsend Digital Headend
Harmonic's TRANsend digital headend is comprised of several components, including an MPEG-2 multiplexer (model MMX 8000), an MPEG-2 encoder card (model MPE 8000) and a transmission platform (model VTP 8000) that serves as the headend's building block. The compact VTP 8000's unique design allows it to integrate up to 10 TRANsend MPEG-2 encoder and multiplexer cards in one platform, and eliminates the need for cumbersome external cables. The compact and integrated headend can be flexibly configured to broadcasters' individual needs via Harmonic's NETWatch Element Management System. In wireless and cable broadcast systems, the MPEG-2 multiple program transport stream from the MMX 8000 is transmitted over the broadband network via Harmonic's TRANsend QAM modulator (model QMM 8000).
The TRANsend digital compression products are compatible with all worldwide and domestic standards, including ITU/SCTE (International Telecommunications Union/Society of Telecommunications Engineers), DVB and DAVIC (Digital Audio Video International Communication).
About Golden Channels & Co.
Golden Channels & Co. commenced operations in 1989 and is Israel's largest cable television operator, broadcasting 48 channels and more than 30 radio channels. The company's franchise areas include the capital city of Jerusalem, major cities in the densely-populated Tel-Aviv metropolitan area and towns and settlements in the north and south of Israel. Golden Channels' network passes more than 630,000 homes, with more 420,000 households currently subscribing.
About Harmonic Lightwaves
Harmonic Lightwaves, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets digital- and lightwave-based communications systems that deliver video, audio and data over hybrid fiber/coax (HFC), satellite and wireless networks. Harmonic's advanced solutions enable cable television and other network operators to provide a range of broadcast and interactive broadband services that include high-speed Internet access and video-on-demand.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Harmonic operates its New Media Communication subsidiary and an R&D facility in Israel, along with a sales and support center in the United Kingdom. Harmonic is ISO 9001-certified and employs more than 300 people. The company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol "HLIT." For more information, check the company's website at www.harmonic-lightwaves.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, introduction of new and enhanced services, equipment deployment plans, Harmonic's ability to meet customer requirements, features and benefits of Harmonic's equipment and operation dates, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in documents that Harmonic Lightwaves files with the SEC, specifically reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Editors Note: Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Product photos are available upon request
CONTACT: Harmonic Lightwaves
John Giddings, 408/542-2692
john.giddings@harmonic-lightwaves.com |
