News Releases
Pace And BigBand Networks Collaborate For Faster Broadband Access
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September 18, 2006
REDWOOD CITY, CALIF. - BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, and Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC), a leading independent developer of digital TV technologies for the global pay TV industry, have collaborated on channel bonding interoperability. This technology, based on newly released DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, could be used to increase broadband access speeds.
During IBC2006 in Amsterdam last week, Pace and BigBand Networks demonstrated the results of their collaborative efforts consistent with DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, showing downstream rates in excess of 100Mbps for the delivery of broadband data services and video content. The demonstration consisted of the BigBand CudaŽ CMTS (cable modem termination system) and a prototype Pace channel bonded DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem.
"Using an open standard, such as DOCSIS 3.0, is critical to interoperability between network infrastructure like BigBand Networks' and subscriber equipment like ours in order to protect and evolve DOCSIS investments already made by cable operators," said Andrew Isherwood, chief technologist for Pace Micro Technology. "As two leading players in the development of DOCSIS 3.0 technology, it is natural for BigBand Networks and Pace to work together to bring this demonstration to IBC."
Channel bonding is a tenet of DOCSIS 3.0 in which multiple downstream and upstream channels would be used together at the same time by a single subscriber. This could reduce the time required to download rich video files such as movies, or facilitate faster interactivity for intensive applications like multi-player games. As a result, cable operators could support a broader range of services and content for richer user experiences. Pace and BigBand Networks have actively participated in CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 working group, that developed the DOCSIS 3.0 specification which was released in August.
"With broadband operators seeking to provide higher access speeds, interest in DOCSIS 3.0 functionality is stronger than ever," said John Connelly, BigBand Networks executive vice president of marketing and business development. "With this IBC demonstration, Pace and BigBand Networks are showing that the technology is real, the standard is maturing and commercial products are evolving."
About BigBand Networks
BigBand Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data. The company's solutions are designed to process, optimize, and deliver services such as broadband Internet, VoIP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD, interactive TV and IPTV through any network. Service providers use BigBand Networks' platforms in efforts to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced interactive services. Customers include cable operators, U.S. telecommunications companies, as well as leading service providers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Founded in 1998, BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, Calif., with offices worldwide. For more information, please call 650-995-5000, email info@bigbandnet.com or visit www.bigbandnet.com.
About Pace Micro Technology
Pace Micro Technology plc (pic.l) is a leading technology developer for the global payTV industry. Pace's main focus is on creating intelligent and innovative products and services that benefit our customers and fuel the development of digital TV. Pace has one of the world's most experienced specialist engineering teams and is the partner of choice for leading payTV operators across the globe, including Comcast, DirecTV, BSkyB, FOXTEL, Premiere, Sky Italia and UPC (part of Liberty Global). Pace's international headquarters are in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, UK, with further offices in the USA, France, Germany, India and Hong Kong. For more information on Pace, please visit www.pacemicro.com.
Cuda and all other BigBand Networks brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of BigBand Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.