• Azar, ZCorum Integrate Services For Cable

ZCorum, a provider of broadband Internet solutions, has announced the successful integration of their cable modem provisioning system with the CATvMaster subscriber management and billing software from Azar Computer Software Services.
Azar now recognizes ZCorum as an integrated provisioning vendor, and any broadband provider that uses both Azar and ZCorum’s provisioning and subscriber management tools are eligible for integration. Integrating the two systems provides a single point of entry for account data, simplifying and accelerating the account provisioning process while also reducing the likelihood of mistakes in billing. For small and mid-sized broadband service providers, streamlining provisioning and billing processes can boost productivity by allowing a small staff to focus on efforts that will grow the business. For more information, visit www.ZCorum.com or www.azarinc.com.

• STI Announces Billing Mediation Product Line

Shelton Technologies, Inc. (STI) has announced an enhanced version of their Stiletto billing mediation product line that allows independent cable companies to implement their own telephone soft switches without replacing their existing billing system. The Stiletto solution bridges the gap between the new telephone switch and the existing cable billing system. The standard Stiletto functionality collects the BAF files (AMA files) from the switch with one of several switch interfaces, decodes the AMA records with the DataParser, rates the calls with QuickRate, and writes the rated CDR into the DataHouse.
The new Stiletto Aggregation functionality then aggregates the charges by type and customer for each bill round and applies special volume rates per the customers calling plan. The aggregated billable CDR is then sent to the existing cable billing system and to an online customer bill detail inquiry application. Other important new functionality for the CLEC is Vendor Reconciliation, which compares CDR billing from wholesale suppliers against the DataHouse rated CDR and reports exceptions. Reconciliation helps to avoid over billing by suppliers and provides a valuable revenue assurance function which highlights any CDR that has not been collected, rated, and billed properly. More information is available at www.sheltontechnologies.com/index2.html or by calling Sales at 972-418-7885.

• Coaxial Cable First To Launch All-Digital System
  In North America Using TVS Challenger Platform

Transparent Video Systems, Inc., has announced their client Coaxial Cable Television Corporation, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, has finalized the completion and installation of their Challenger all-digital platform. It is believed they are the first independent cable operator in North America to completely eliminate analog programming services and deliver an all-digital platform to their subscribers.
The transition from their hybrid analog/digital infrastructure to an all-digital platform was accomplished through a phased rollout. Coaxial Cable’s platform, now complete, has enabled them to offer subscribers both standard and high definition programming, higher speed broadband, VoIP, and additional services that are available because of the freed-up bandwidth. Using the TVS Challenger Platform, their 550 MHz system delivers 187 channels to over 4000 subscribers. For more information contact: www.transparentvideo.net.

• CMC Introduces “Express Lane” VOD Service

Comcast Media Center has introduced “Express Lane”, a new service for video on demand content providers, featuring automated workflows and remote management capabilities for allowing video television networks, advertisers, cable MSOs and other content services companies to accelerate the delivery of VOD content to near real time by publishing their VOD content directly into the CMC’s video on demand distribution platform, which currently reaches more than 30 million VOD-enabled households across the country. In addition, the CMC’s Express Lane service allows VOD content providers to direct the delivery of individual VOD assets to specific cable system headends enabling more flexibility to produce and deliver content to a particular marketplace. It also adds the functionality to post VOD programming to a “bull pen” where content providers can preview the video programming and select the cable systems that should receive a particular VOD asset. More information about the CMC is available at www.comcastmediacenter.com.

• Aurora Networks Expands RFoG plus PON Solution

Aurora Networks Inc., an optical transport solution provider focused on delivering a cost-effective, optimized platform for next-generation cable services, has launched the first, single fiber, end-to-end RFPON solution. Aurora Networks’ new OR4168 Virtual Hub (VHub) module and CP8013U customer premises equipment (CPE), together with the company’s existing VHub, Node PON module and GEPON CPE, complete the industry’s only full RFPON solution. This solution enables cable operators to leverage existing and future fiber investments, resulting in unparalleled service competitiveness, efficiency and cost-saving benefits.
Designed to introduce PON into existing RFoG environments, or vice versa, Aurora Networks’ VHub OR4168 module enables operators to extend network reach from 10 - 20 km to over 60 km using a single fiber to provide a local service area concentration point for management of both downstream and upstream RFoG and PON wavelengths. The module also facilitates route redundancy for high network reliability and increases VHub efficiency and cost savings by consolidating the functionality of three separate products. This level of integration increases the physical space available within the VHub, enabling cable operators to add further modules to increase upstream and downstream capacity. Additional information, including technical product details, visuals and ordering information can be found at www.aurora.com.

• Synacor Provides Web Solutions For Bresnan

Synacor has announced that Bresnan Communications has deployed Web solutions that leverage Synacor’s content and technology portfolio to its cable broadband subscribers. Bresnan has launched an enhanced broadband presence that includes Synacor’s customizable portal and toolbar, and plans to add Family, Educational and Games premium content in the near future from the Synacor portfolio of value-added services. In addition, the Synacor solution increases the ability of Bresnan subscribers to manage their television and Web video experiences at their personal computers.Synacor’s customizable portals are designed to serve as the primary dashboard for the consumption of consumer services, including news, weather and other features, and serves as a gateway to branded news, entertainment, sports, finance and other content offerings. For more information on Synacor, visit www.synacor.com.

• Liberty Teams With Clearfield On FTTH

Central Iowa is about to realize the technological benefits of a fiber to the home deployment from Liberty Communications and Clearfield, Inc. Liberty’s FTTH initiative in West Branch, Iowa, started in June 2008 and is scheduled for completion this month. Collectively, more than 2,300 customers will potentially benefit from expanded internet, television and telephone services. To assure an efficient fiber deployment from both its Central Office and remote field sites, Liberty is using Clearfield's FieldSmart Platform of Fiber Management featuring the FieldSmart Fiber Distribution System. The FDS includes FieldSmart 288-Port Panels, 144 on-frame splice decks, and 1x16 optical splitter modules. In addition to Clearfield, Liberty is working with Finley Engineering and Calix to deploy its passive optical network architecture. More information about Clearfield can be found at www.ClearfieldConnection.com .

• First International “Rural” Channel Launched

Rural TV—the world’s first 24-hour international television network dedicated to crossing borders with farming, equine, rural lifestyle, and traditional country music entertainment programmes—launched into over 9 million United Kingdom television homes on SKY channel 279 at high noon on March 2. Originating from offices in London, Rural TV is now available into over 20 countries throughout western Europe via broadcast satellite, and world-wide through its broadband operations on ruraltv.tv. Rural TV will gain additional television distribution into several million more UK homes with another launch on Freesat channel 403 scheduled now for March 24. For more information, visit www.ruraltv.tv.

• Haney Project With Charles Barkley Sets
  Viewership Records For Golf Channel

Golf Channel’s Monday premiere of The Haney Project, the network’s real-life series featuring Charles Barkley, was the most-watched premiere episode of a Golf Channel original series in the network’s history. More than 800,000 unique viewers watched an airing of the program Monday night. The 9 p.m. show garnered a .40 household rating and also set records with Men 25-54 (.45). The previous high for a Golf Channel premiere was episode one of Big Break III: Ladies Only in 2005. The Haney Project follows one of the world’s best golf instructors, Hank Haney, in his attempt to fix one of the world’s ugliest swings. The seven-part series air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, when Barkley allows cameras to chronicle a game gone south and follow Haney’s efforts to improve a swing that has been laughed at by millions.

• BlueHighways TV Signs JetBroadband

BlueHighways TV, the multi-platform network that explores the people, stories, traditions and music of America, has announced an distribution agreement with JetBroadband. The company will begin rolling out BHTV to its Rustburg, Crewe, Wytheville, Redwood, Bedford, and Radford, Virginia cable systems. “We added BlueHighways TV to our programming line-up because we saw the value of offering a channel that focuses on the culture and values that are the bedrock of the communities we serve,” said Dave Baum, President of JetBroadband. “Bluegrass and Gospel music and the Americana culture flourish in our coverage areas.” BHTV’s original programming features roots music, including bluegrass, blues, folk, western, gospel and traditional country, outdoor adventure and agriculture, lifestyle, cooking, equestrian and a variety of other subjects valued by a wide and growing audience. For more information, visit bluehighwaystv.com.

• Beta Study Finds Larger MSOs
  ‘Very Interested’ In Retirement Living TV

Retirement Living TV’s participation in the fall 2008 Beta Research Cable Operator Carriage Study resulted in significant news for the emerging network. Among operators with 200,000+ subscribers, RLTV ranked 2nd as the network they were most interested in carrying by the end of ‘09. The study which gauges the popularity of emerging networks among cable operators revealed that 39% of operators are fairly/very interested in carrying RLTV. In addition to those findings, it was determined that 42% of operators plan to add one or more networks to their digital tier.

The 50+ demographic accounts for $2.3 trillion in discretionary spending and despite stock market and 401K losses, they are best equipped to weather the effects of the current economic turmoil. “RLTV is perfectly positioned to assist cable operators in targeting adults 50+ and growing their business through retention and sales acquisition campaigns,” said Betsy Brightman, VP of Affiliate Sales for RLTV. Other findings from the study included system operator’s awareness/recall of the network from trade ads, sales presentations and materials, increased 15% from 2007. For more information, visit www.rl.tv.

• Mediacom Completes Repurchase Of Its
  Shares From Morris Communications Affiliate

Mediacom Communications has announced completion the previously announced repurchase of all of its Class A common stock owned by an affiliate of Morris Communications. Under the terms of the agreement signed last September, Mediacom exchanged 100% of the shares of stock of a wholly owned subsidiary, which held approximately $110 million of cash and non-strategic cable television systems serving approximately 25,000 basic subscribers, for 28,309,674 shares of its Class A common stock. As of December 31, after giving effect to this transaction, Mediacom’s total Class A and Class B outstanding shares were approximately 66.5 million.

Morris Communications is controlled by William S. Morris III, who together with another Morris Communications representative, Craig S. Mitchell, held two seats on Mediacom’s Board of Directors. Effective upon closing of the transaction, Messrs. Morris and Mitchell resigned from the Board of Directors. “On behalf of my fellow directors and co-workers at Mediacom, I thank Mr. Morris, Mr. Mitchell and the Morris organization for their unwavering support over the years” said Rocco B. Commisso, Chairman and CEO of Mediacom. “They have been great partners for more than 10 years, and I appreciate the significant role they played in making Mediacom the company it is today.”

• Secure Signals Netted Operators $60 Million In
  Revenues, Recovered $12.5 Million of Inventory

In the worst economy since the depression, Secure Signals significantly impacted the bottom line of its cable operator clients by adding 20,000 paying subscribers to their books, generating $60 million in net revenues, and preventing a $12.5 million inventory loss in 2008, the firm reports. Secure Signals delivered these results with a portfolio of services including a program that converts cable pirates into paying customers. The firm provides this revenue-generating service at no cost to the cable operator. Instead, the firm retains a small percentage of the cash settlements and two-year service contracts it generates, and cable operator receives the rest. In 2008, Secure Signals converted 20,000 pirates netting participating cable operators $60 million in cash flow.

In addition, the firm’s equipment recovery service recouped 50,000 units of digital subscriber equipment valued at $12.5 million — items that were not returned to the cable operators when subscriber accounts were closed or the subscribers moved. Also during the course of 2008, Secure Signals launched GuardDog DV and GuardDog IP, network monitoring software that detects unauthorized digital video and IP usage. For more information, call 888.530.9667 or visit wwwsecuresignals.com.

• CMC And Motorola Enhance HITS Quick Take Plus

Comcast Media Center and Motorola, have announced an enhanced version of their original HITS Quick Take Plus service to allow HITS affiliates to launch programming from the HITS Quantum HD and SD channel platforms, as well as other content sources. In addition, Motorola has announced the inclusion of impulse pay-per-view capability to the HITS QT+ headend management system.

“These enhancements from Motorola and the CMC provide cable operators with the roadmap and the means for driving incremental revenues by expanding their lineup of digital video and broadband services,” stated Gary Traver, Senior VP and COO for CMC. “The ability to acquire more HD and SD channels from HITS Quantum provides our HITS affiliates with an efficient and cost effective method for repurposing some of their analog bandwidth and generating incremental revenue through advanced video services as well as broadband services, such as high speed data and voice services.” For more information, visit www.comcastmediacenter.com.

• Charter Sells Minnesota Systems

RBC Daniels has announced that they acted as exclusive financial advisor to Charter Communications in the divestiture of certain cable systems to Midcontinent Communications. The systems include approximately 14,200 basic video customers in Fairmont, Bemidji, International Falls, Ely, Glencoe, Canby, Balaton and other communities in Minnesota. <

• Accedian Solutions Increase Ethernet
  Service Revenue, Profit Up to 65%

Accedian Networks, a provider of Packet Performance Assurance solutions for telecom, cable and wireless communications providers, has announced customer revenue and profit gains by up to 65% when the company’s solutions are used to deliver premium Ethernet business services. The combination of Ethernet service creation, service assurance, and the new Plug & Go auto-provisioning feature allow EtherNID & MetroNID packet assurance demarcation units to efficiently enable these services over existing networks.

While pricing for best-effort Ethernet access has dropped 50% over the past 3 years (Telegeography Research, 2008), Ethernet with guaranteed quality of service (QoS) is in high demand, commanding 25% - 65% higher pricing in a recent survey of North American telecom operators and cable MSOs offering a tiered portfolio. For more information, visit www.Accedian.com.

• 60 Cable MSOs Using CMC’s HITS Quantum
  Service To Expand HD Programming Lineups

Approximately 60 MSOs are now using HD channels available through the HITS Quantum platform of linear digital video services, the Comcast Media Center has announced. The HITS Quantum platform is now available to over 2,000 cable system headends and more than 20 million digital subscribers across the U.S. CMC also announced the addition of FX (East and West Coast feeds), FX HD, HorseRacing TV (HRTV), Speed and Speed HD to the HITS Quantum programming lineups, which now encompass more than 285 channels of digital video and audio services.

HITS Quantum’s HD lineup currently features 21 HDTV channels using advanced MPEG-2 compression technology that allows cable system operators to optimize bandwidth while maintaining a competitive quality of experience (QoE) for their customers. More information on CMC is available at www.comcastmediacenter.com.

• TransUnion And SubscriberWise
  Announce Joint Marketing Agreement

TransUnion and SubscriberWise have entered into a joint marketing agreement designed to promote the benefits and utilization of subscriber risk management solutions for the cable industry. The joint marketing efforts will focus on sales and educational initiatives aimed at independent cable operators.

With significant capital investments to keep up with voice and data needs of today’s consumer, independent cable operators are looking to other areas for increased operational efficiencies. Using TransUnion’s extensive credit information along with SubscriberWise’s advanced analytic risk management solutions, these operators now can access powerful scoring and rules technology to precisely segment and retain their most valuable asset — the consumer.

For more information on SubscriberWise risk management services, contact David E. Howe at 330-880-4848 or email dehowe@subscriberwise.com.

• Buckeye Launches Beta Test Of IP Service Theft
  Solution by PerfTech and Secure Signals

Buckeye CableSystem has expanded its fight against service theft beyond pay per view and digital video piracy to include theft of Internet Protocol services. The cable operator launched a company-wide beta test of a collaborative solution provided by PerfTech and Secure Signals. The one-two punch against IP service theft features PerfTech’s Audit Sentry application, a component of its Bulletin System, and Secure Signals’ piracy conversion program.

Buckeye CableSystem is a forerunner when it comes to aggressively battling service theft and has a long track record working with Secure Signals. Buckeye’s president Chip Carstensen stated, “We have been working with Secure Signals for eight years. In one year alone, Secure Signals converted 1,500 of our digital video pirates into paying customers resulting in 3.75 percent subscriber growth and $3.1 million in net revenue for Buckeye CableSystem. With proven results of that significance, we’re excited to be the first to launch a new solution targeting Internet service thieves.” For more information, visit www.securesignals.com.

• Aurora Networks Launches Transmitter Designed
  To Expand Fiber Deep Narrowcasting Capability

Aurora Networks, Inc. has announced the AT3520G, a high-performance analog Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) narrowcast transmitter designed to provide the narrowcast channels required by operators to support expanding and in-demand high-speed data, Video on Demand and telephony services. By increasing the number of narrowcast channels carried on one transmitter, the AT3520G expands narrowband services without the need for additional transmitters in headend and hubs where space is constrained.

The AT3520G seamlessly integrates additional narrowcast channels into existing HFC and Fiber Deep architectures enabling MSOs to expand narrowcast channel capacity. MSOs simply replace existing AT3510G narrowcast transmitters to instantly access 50 percent more narrowcast channel bandwidth. The AT3520G is now available for order and will begin shipping in early Q1 2009. Additional information can be found at www.aurora.com.

• Hallmark Channel Closes 2008 In Prime Time Top 10

Hallmark Channel has closed 2008 on a high note, delivering its best year ever. The family-friendly network ranked #8 in Prime Time for the full year, #8 for the fourth quarter, #5 for the month of December and #6 for the final week of the year (Dec. 22-28). The channel attributes its performance to its entertaining slate of original movies beloved by millions of families across the country.

For the full year, Hallmark ranked 8th and delivered a 1.2 HH rating, 1 million homes and more than 1.3 million total viewers. This performance is 5% higher than 2007. During fourth quarter, the network ranked #8 in Prime Time with a 1.3 HH rating, 1.1 million homes and 1.5 million total viewers; and for the month of December, Hallmark Channel ranked #5 in Prime Time with a 1.5 HH rating, 1.3 million homes and 1.8 million total viewers. This represents a growth of 3% for the quarter and 5% for the month.

• Thomson Achieves First DLNA Certification for
  Residential Voice Over IP Gateway

The TG787 from Thomson, a worldwide leader in video solutions, is the first residential gateway product to receive certification from the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). The DLNA is an industry-wide body set up to promote simple but comprehensive digital interoperability, which guarantees consumers that a compliant device will work out of the box. This first accreditation for a residential gateway underlines Thomson’s commitment to open standards as the route to powerful, easy to use and cost effective device connectivity and true home networking.

DLNA certification is effectively a superset of universal plug and play (UPnP). Compliance with UPnP standards is mandatory for DLNA certification, as is, in the case of a wireless device, WiFi Alliance certification. There are a number of classes of product within the DLNA scheme: the Thomson TG787 is certified as a digital media server, the first wireless broadband gateway in the industry to receive this certification.

The Thomson TG787 is a wireless gateway for ADSL2+ and VDSL, supporting voice over IP telephony as well as high speed data. It provides four ethernet LAN ports as well as wireless connectivity, and a USB port for media storage on disk or a shared printer.

• Harmonic Announces Agreement to Acquire Scopus

Harmonic Inc. and Scopus Video Networks Limited, a global provider of digital video networking solutions, have signed a definitive agreement under which Harmonic will acquire Scopus. The acquisition will extend Harmonic’s worldwide customer base and strengthen its market and technology leadership, particularly in international video broadcast, contribution and distribution markets.

“This acquisition extends Harmonic’s diversification strategy, providing us with an expanded international sales force and customer base, particularly in video broadcast, contribution and distribution markets, as well as complementary video processing technology and expanded research and development capability,” said Patrick Harshman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harmonic. “Like Harmonic, Scopus has strong gross margins and a proven track record of innovation and growth. By combining our two companies, we see significant opportunities for product, sales and cost synergies.”

• Concurrent Teams Up for Advanced Advertising

Concurrent, a worldwide leader in real-time Linux-based computing technologies, has announced that it has successfully integrated its Myriad line of advanced advertising products with systems from three leading technology providers to develop advanced advertising solutions based on SCTE-130 and EBIF (Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format) standards. Concurrent, This Technology, INVIDI and BIAP are working on solutions which enable cable and broadband providers to deliver advanced advertising functions such as targeted VOD ad insertion, bumpering, telescoping and reporting. Over the next year, the four companies will collaborate on product interoperability and integration and pursue joint marketing initiatives, including interoperability demonstrations at some of the leading industry trade shows and summits.

Building on its extensive expertise in cross-medium data collections, management and analytics, Concurrent has integrated its targeted advertising solutions and video server technology with BIAP?s ETV/EBIF interactive advanced advertising platforms. Concurrent products have also been successfully tested with SCTE 130-compliant products from INVIDI and with MetaMore and Spotbuilder.

• Electroline Appoints New President

Electroline Equipment Inc. has announced that Winston Rodrigues has been appointed as President of the company. Rodrigues replaces John Vincent who resigned late last year. Prior to his appointment as president, Rodrigues was VP of Operations for Electroline, serving in that capacity for approximately 7 years. Chairman Kevin Chen said: “Winston’s experience in directing an efficient manufacturing organization and his intimate knowledge of all aspects of the company makes him the perfect choice for Electroline at the point in time”

With over 50 years experience designing and manufacturing products for HFC networks, Electroline an leading international provider of broadband solutions including DOCSIS based status monitoring transponders, optical mini nodes, addressable tap systems, return path ingress management technology, drop amplifiers, and passive CATV devices.

• Motorola Positioned in Leaders Quadrant for
  FTTH Solutions in Magic Quadrant Report

Motorola, Inc. has announced that it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in the Leaders quadrant in the “Magic Quadrant for Fiber-To-The-Home Equipment” research report. The Gartner Magic Quadrant positions vendors according to their “ability to execute” and “completeness of vision” in FTTH equipment.

With respect to the first criterion, “Gartner analysts evaluate technology providers on the quality and efficacy of the processes, systems, methods or procedures that enable IT provider performance to be competitive, efficient and effective, and to positively impact revenue, retention and reputation.”

For the “completeness of vision” criterion, “Gartner analysts evaluate technology providers on their ability to convincingly articulate logical statements about current and future market direction, innovation, customer needs, and competitive forces and how well they map to the Gartner position.”

Motorola’s FTTH solution, including the AXS2200 OLT and AX1800 OLT and a suite of residential, small business and multi-dwelling unit ONTs, allows service providers to take advantage of the ultra-broadband nature of GPON to offer new tiers of residential and commercial broadband services For more information, visit www.motorola.com.

• Carlsen Launches Executives-On-Demand Division

Carlsen Resources, Inc., a leading executive search firm in cable, telecommunications and new media, is launching new division as a strategic complement to its 20-year-old retained executive search practice. This division, dubbed Executives-on-Demand, will offer a ready-access opportunity to collaborate with senior-level professionals on an as-needed, interim basis.

These On-Demand Executive resources will allow clients to fill any temporary workforce gap with big impact talent, energy and ideas, and, most importantly, results.

Candidates interested in submitting a resume, or clients wishing to learn more about Carlsen Executives-on-Demand, can go to www.CarlsenResources.com.

• Cable Center Promotes Christman To
  Senior VP Of Marketing And Development

The Cable Center has announced the promotion of Diane Christman to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, from Vice President of Marketing and Development. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, Christman is responsible for planning, developing and directing all marketing and communications programs, as well as comprehensive fundraising initiatives for The Cable Center, including the solicitation and stewardship of prospective donors, establishing in-kind donations, and helping to develop and build revenue-generating programs. Christman, a fundraising professional with 16 years of non-profit experience, joined The Cable Center in 2006 as Vice President of Development.