Harmonic Streamlines Transition To All-IP Cable Infrastructure

Harmonic, a leader in video delivery infrastructure, has announced the launch of NSG Pro, a powerful new Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) that offers high-density Universal EdgeQAM capabilities and an easy upgrade path to future integrated Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) capabilities.
The NSG Pro provides industry-leading QAM density and the ability to converge linear video, on-demand video, and data onto a single system. Unlike competitive offerings, NSG Pro provides cable operators with an easy, flexible upgrade path towards full CCAP and an all-IP infrastructure, while minimizing operational expenses, power requirements, and rack space requirements.
"NSG Pro leverages Harmonic's expertise in intelligent function integration to combine downstream services and an easy upgrade path to full CCAP — supporting DOCSIS 3.0 and beyond — in a unified CCAP chassis, enabling operators to redefine their cable architectures," said Nimrod Ben-Natan, senior vice president and general manager of the Edge and Access business unit at Harmonic. "As the industry's first true CCAP-compliant platform, NSG Pro positions Harmonic for success in the changing CMTS market."
Conforming to CCAP specifications, NSG Pro offers cable operators the easiest path to full CCAP by supporting Universal EdgeQAM capabilities today and integrated CMTS capabilities in the future via line cards that can be added to the same chassis. Powered by CableOS, the same NSG system software that has been successfully integrated and proven across thousands of installations, NSG Pro accelerates service deployments by enabling seamless integration into an operator's existing infrastructure. With significant expertise gained from the company's edgeQAM leadership position, Harmonic Professional Services can help cable operators identify how and when to move towards full CCAP and ensure smooth deployment of downstream services with NSG Pro.
"Given their leadership in the edgeQAM market, Harmonic seems to be in a promising position to enter the still-emerging CCAP market," said Alan Breznick, senior analyst at Heavy Reading. "They are seeking to use their edgeQAM experience and relationship with cable operators to focus on the CCAP elements that would most interest customers today."
To complement the company's CCAP initiative, Harmonic is also introducing a new family of compact forward-path transmitter modules featuring ultra-high-density optics. Part of the industry-leading SUPRALink® and PWRLink® product lines, the new transmitters deliver space savings, low power consumption, and optimized fiber usage and network efficiency. Together, the CCAP and high-density transmitter solutions enable cable operators to realize benefits across their operations by optimizing real estate, controlling power costs, and supporting increased bandwidth capacity for advanced services such as high-speed data, IP video, and time-shift TV.
Harmonic will demonstrate the new solutions at the 2012 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 17-19, at booth 2635. Harmonic's portfolio of products enable cable operators to deploy video services more efficiently while ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. NSG Pro is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2013.
www.harmonicinc.com