Cable TV Services
The new generation of TVs built by CE vendors has the capacity to decode digital Cable TV signals.
Having a built-in digital cable decoder is the strong wish of many cable TV customers. The
market reports offered by UC-Connect give further details.
The market for integrated Digital Cable TV is confusing. UC-Connect intends to offer services that create a transparent collaboration model with strong cross-industry leverage between all parties involved. UC-Connect can also offer dedicated support and consultancy to operators wishing to allow TVs on their network.
UC-Connect is offering the following services:
Specification service:
A constantly maintained cable receiver specification is offered that addresses all interoperability aspects. It can address all key cable networks in Europe.
- Receiver vendors, technology suppliers and test houses will find that this specification is an excellent basis for their developments
- Operators can collaborate with UC-Connect to add their network specific requirements to this specification and see them easily adopted by CE vendors, and vice versa, see CE vendors taking a uniform approach to address all relevant Cable TV issues in their products.
Problem Solution service:
This service allows operators and CE vendors to have a professional exchange and tracking of field problems using expert assistance. A online demonstration can be provided for interested parties.
Software download service:
This service defines specifications for receivers and operator headend equipment, ensures interoperability and a well organized interaction about field problems with end users, and has a single interface for all participating parties. Full specifications are available.
UC-Connect has opened consultation with selected Cable networks and CE manufacturers in order to service offering launch. Interested parties are advised to contact UC-Connect.
Cable TV News
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Cable Ready TV and CI+ on ANGA:ANGA cable show news: in the CEO debate session several participants were upbeat on direct connection of TVs to digital cable networks as the most convenient way for customers to access digital TV services. Cable CEOs remained cautious on that issue. Some put emphasis on new services and analog switch-off, but the main cable operator KDG emphasized a policy of natural migration, with a long analog life. KDG's CEO mentioned Common Interface Plus as an option.
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Unencrypted Channels on French Cable:The main French Cable TV operator Numericable will provide all 18 free DTT channels unencrypted on its cable network. This makes it one of the few partially unencrypted cable networks in Europe. Most operators select to encrypt (almost) all services ensure users have a receiver that can be used for premium subscriptions.
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More HD on German Cable:Number 2 and 3 cable networks in Germany:
Kabel BW will launch full premiere/sky PayTv HD channels (adding 6 pay channels) and the ARD/ZDF free HD test channel.
Unity Media will also launch new PayTV HD channels of its own.
KDG, the largest operator will add 2 more Premiere/Sky PayTV channel and the ARD/ZDF free test channel. -
DVB-C2 Future:DVB-C2 is the new channel codec for cable created by DVB. It's introduction has missed the wave of new HD settop box deployments on all West European cable networks. Therefore DVB-C2 may find a first application in new or existing VOD applications where the head-end can select DVB-C2 or DVB-C modulation depending on the target box. DVB-C2 is offering about 50% additional bitrate compared to DVB-C.
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Ziggo launches CI Plus:Ziggo will launch CI Plus with a first wave of TVs from Samsung, LG, Philips and Sony. Later this year Panasonic, JVC, Sharp and Loewe will be added. The recommended retail price for the module is €90.