RGB Networks Enables First Standards-Based Digital Emergency Alert System Support

RGB Networks, the leader in network video processing, today announced standards-based, all-digital support for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) through its Simulcast Edge Processor (SEP), the cable industry's first complete solution for digital simulcast edge decoding and NTSC modulation. Based on RGB's advanced Video Intelligence Architecture(TM) (VIA(TM)), the SEP is the first product capable of providing EAS program switching support based on SCTE 18 standard messages for analog programming line-ups. This and other unique capabilities of the SEP will be demonstrated at the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers' (SCTE) Cable-Tec Expo, June 15-17, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas in RGB's booth #627.

Support for the Emergency Alert System is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for cable systems with over 10,000 subscribers, providing state and local officials with a method to quickly and easily distribute important emergency information targeted to televisions in a specific area. As U.S. cable operators move toward all-digital cable systems, they are required to transition their Emergency Alert Systems to an all-digital delivery architecture. Most EAS implementations today use a contact closure-based technology to signal an EAS alert, which requires additional wiring and does not integrate well with the new digital cable architecture. Taking advantage of modern, open-standard IP infrastructure and using In-Band SCTE 18-compliant messages, RGB's Simulcast Edge Processor streamlines EAS support, providing a simplified, seamless and highly reliable digital EAS system and parity between digital and analog services in a simulcast environment.

The SEP can switch all or a subset of programs to a digital EAS encoded program during an emergency alert. The digital EAS feature of the RGB SEP can be configured through its easy-to-use graphical user interface.

"The goal of the Emergency Alert System is to disseminate emergency information as quickly and reliably as possible," said Ramin Farassat, director of product marketing for RGB Networks. "With RGB's standard, digital EAS support, operators can leverage the flexible IP infrastructure to efficiently and cost-effectively meet FCC regulations while supporting the needs of both analog and digital subscribers in a simulcast environment."

A second, unique feature of RGB's Simulcast Edge Processor is full redundancy support at the chassis, network and service levels, significantly improving reliability and availability of an operators' digital simulcast architecture. Redundancy is provided through the use of RGB's Redundancy Docking Station (RDS) which greatly simplifies the implementation of a fully redundant design. The RDS hosts two SEP units and does not require additional RF wires, switches, combiners or power sources. The design of the RDS allows for removal and replacement of a failed unit without the need for port rewiring.

RGB will provide hands-on demonstrations of the Simulcast Edge Processor's unique EAS and redundancy capabilities in their booth (#627) at Cable-Tec Expo. RGB will also show the SEP product configured to support an entire analog channel line-up of 80 to 96 channels in two rack units of space.

About RGB Networks

RGB Networks delivers powerful, open-protocol video processing and bandwidth management solutions that enable video service providers to route, switch, process and distribute video streams at dramatically higher densities and data rates than today's equipment, and at considerably lower costs. Based on its unique Video Intelligence Architecture(TM) (VIA(TM)), RGB's products process multiple advanced video applications on a single programmable, high-performance platform, enabling video service providers to build flexible, adaptable, next-generation networks that leverage existing infrastructure. RGB's solutions improve the economics of today's video offerings while providing a foundation for delivering advanced, revenue-generating services in the future.

Author:  

Email:    

Topic:    

Content:

Related Computer Hardware Articles

• Ember Unveils Next-Generation ZigBee Network Processor
  15 June 2005



• Dual-Core AMD Opteron Processor Named `Best of TechEd 2005' By Windows IT Pro and SQL Server Magazine
  14 June 2005



• Sensor Platforms, Inc., Introduces the SSP1492 Sensor Signal Processor IC at Sensors Expo 2005
  12 June 2005



• Alienware Announces Systems Featuring AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor
  10 June 2005



• General Software Announces Embedded BIOS(R) 2000 Support for the AMD Opteron(TM) Processor
  6 June 2005



• Corrent Chooses Faraday's NC-1 for Network Security Processor Chip
  6 June 2005



• Phoenix Technologies Supports Revolutionary New AMD Processor for Mobile and Consumer Devices
  4 June 2005



• SBS Technologies Adds a Processor AdvancedMC Card to its Growing Telum AdvancedMC Portfolio
  1 June 2005



• VaST Systems Releases Virtual Processor Model Transformer, Latest in Line of Powerful ``Constructor'' Tools
  31 May 2005



• Emersion Single-Wafer Processor Demonstrates Damage-Free, High Particle Removal Efficiency
  25 May 2005