Harmonic Lightwaves Achieves First U.S. Cable TV Headend
Interoperability With Multiple Vendors Set-Top Boxes
newsalert.com
California Cable Television Assn.'s Western Show Booth No. 363
ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1998--
Harmonic Is at Forefront of Open Systems Movement in CATV Equipment
In a U.S. cable television industry first here at the California Cable Television Association's Western Show, Harmonic
Lightwaves, Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) is showing interoperability between an independently developed headend and set-top boxes
from multiple vendors.
The demonstration in Harmonic's booth (No. 363) shows Harmonic's TRANsend(TM) digital headend interoperating with
set-tops from General Instrument, Nokia, Sagem and Scientific-Atlanta.
The level of interoperability being demonstrated shows that cable operators can now assemble complete systems using
individual components from multiple vendors, instead of having to use end-to-end systems from a single supplier. In a
real-world example, Harmonic today announced that Videotron, Canada's second largest cable operator, is currently deploying
TRANsend headends along with Explorer(R) 2000 set-tops from Scientific-Atlanta in its Quebec province network.
"This demonstration, along with the emergence of OpenCable and other industry standards, shows the growing momentum for
open solutions that allow operators to work with multiple vendors in assembling 'best of breed' systems," said Tony Ley,
president, chairman and CEO of Harmonic Lightwaves. "Harmonic's support for open systems is a further example of our
commitment to meeting our customers' needs."
The Western Show demonstration has a TRANsend digital headend taking in multiple channels from a Headend-In-The-Sky
(HITS) feed, adding in locally-originated digital and analog content, and then feeding the combined channel line-up to the
set-top boxes. In addition to supporting both digital and analog video, this real-time demonstration shows TRANsend
supporting ATSC and DVB-based set-tops and multiple Conditional Access systems.
About TRANsend
Harmonic's TRANsend digital headend is comprised of several components, including MPEG-2 encoders and multiplexers,
the company's Integrated Receiver eXchange (model IRX 8000) module and the VTP 8000 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 MPEG-2 encoders, remultiplexers and IRX 8000
modules in any combination. The compact and integrated headend can be flexibly configured to operators' individual needs via
Harmonic's NETWatch(TM) Element Management System.
The TRANsend digital compression products are compatible with all relevant worldwide and domestic standards, including
ITU/SCTE (International Telecommunications Union/Society of Telecommunications Engineers), DVB (Digital Video
Broadcast) and DAVIC (Digital Audio Video International Communication).
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
approximately 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, industry trends towards open standards,
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.
Note to Editors: Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
CONTACT: Harmonic Lightwaves, Sunnyvale
John Giddings, 408/542-2692
john.giddings@harmonic-lightwaves.com |
