SDV: Cost-Effective Bandwidth and Services Expansion
The BigBand SDV solution is designed to optimize bandwidth utilization while also ensuring that all program tuning requests are satisfied at all times. By switching programs dynamically to subscriber service groups, new subscribers join existing program streams, thereby minimizing utilization of bandwidth. Programs not currently being transmitted are added as necessary, and those no longer being viewed in a service group are deleted.
This innovative approach frees up between 50% and 80% of the available digital spectrum, allowing operators to add content without a proportional increase in bandwidth consumption and network cost. With more bandwidth reclaimed, operators can choose to add new SD or HD programming, expand programming to include a broader assortment of niche content targeting local needs, implement addressable advertising and more. Operators also have greater flexibility to implement different quality of service levels to further maximize resource efficiency.
Rapid Switched Digital Video Deployments
Before a switched video installation begins, BigBand Networks’ professional services team has already provided its customer with a detailed system design and reviewed it with them in depth. Many issues are considered during this pre-deployment phase, including the following:
- What are the cable operator’s switched digital video business goals?
- How much spectrum is available?
- How many programs can, or should, be switched?
- What types of programs can, or should, be put on the switched tier?
- How many QAMs per service group can, or should, be supported?
- How many tuners per service group can, or should, be supported?
Once the switched digital video system design has been finalized and a purchase order accepted, deployment begins. Being the switched digital video leader has allowed BigBand Networks to define a deployment process that allows its professional services team to install a custom-designed switched solution in the shortest period of time.