Deploying DigitalDrivers, Architectures, and

Considerations

Mike Hochman2008 CCTA Annual Meeting

San Juan, PR

Deploying DigitalDrivers, Architectures, and

Considerations

Mike Hochman2008 CCTA Annual Meeting

San Juan, PR

• System architectures and drivers• Simulcast

• Edge Expansion

• All-Digital

• Encoding architectures • Constant bitrate (CBR)

• Variable bitrate (VBR)

• Ad insertion

• Locally generated channels

• Considerations for choosing the correct architecture and partner

OutlineOutline

Typical analog cable system

450 – 550 MHz60-80 channels

Analog “scrambling” & traps

No HD, VOD, etc.

Combiner

NodeFiber/HFC Coaxial

Analogreceivers

Analogmodulators

IRD ReceiverDecoder

• Increase digital services

• Enhance user experience

• Maintain high quality• Discerning viewers

• Large screen TVs

Digital SimulcastDigital Simulcast

Digital Simulcast

Piracy protection on digital channels

Digital video qualityLower cost all-digital set top

Foundation for HD, VOD~ $3,000 per channelAnalog

receivers

IRD ReceiverDecoder

Analogmodulators

Combiner

NodeFiber/HFC Coaxial

EncodersMultiplexing &

Modulation

Edge Expansion

Expanded plant bandwidthInteractive applications

VODSwitched Digital Video

~ $500 / channel / nodeAnalog

receivers

IRD ReceiverDecoder

Fiber/HFC Coaxial

EncodersMultiplexing &

Modulation

Node

Analogmodulators

Combiner Edge QAM

Decoders

All-Digital

All-digital networkComplete piracy protection

“Unlimited” bandwidth$50 - $300 per set top box

Analogreceivers

IRD ReceiverDecoder

Fiber/HFC Coaxial

EncodersMultiplexing &

Modulation

Node

Edge QAM

Decoders

Architectures

SimulcastAnalog & digital throughout the network~ $3,000 per channel

Edge ExpansionDecoding and modulation at the edgeAdditional ~$500 - $1000 per channel per node

All-digitalComplete piracy protectionBandwidth for future growth

$

$$

$$$

Flexible platforms enable seamless migration

Encoding Architectures

Encoding Architectures

Constant Bit RateConstant Bit Rate• Fixed transport bitrate• Fixed video bitrate• Fixed audio bitrate• Video quality varies dependent on

content• Constant across program mix

Modulation

Encoding

All-CBR Architecture

Variable Bit RateVariable Bit Rate

• Target bit rate range (min, max)• Target video quality• Bit rate changes to achieve target• Varies with time• Varies across program mix

Variable Bit RateVariable Bit Rate

“Easy” content:• News channels• Cartoons

“Difficult” content:• Sports action• Quick scene changes

Encoding Rate-Shaping Modulation

Open-loop VBROpen-loop VBR

Closed-loopcontroller

Encoding

Modulation

Closed-loop VBR

Complexity estimates

Bit rate assignments

Region 2

Region 1

Closed-loop controller

Encoding

Modulation

IPIP

Distributed Closed-loop

Closed-loop VBR$$$$$$ 16 ch. per QAM

Rate-shaper

Open-loop VBRRate-shaped$$$

14 ch. per QAM

Rate-shaper

Open-loop CBRRate-shaped$$

12 ch. per QAM

Open-loop CBRNot rate-shaped$

10-11 ch. per QAM

CBR, VBR, Open, Closed, Rate-shapedCBR, VBR, Open, Closed, Rate-shaped

Ad InsertionAd Insertion

• Maintain existing analog ad insertion system and encode after insertion – Low Cost– Harder to manage– Reduced video quality

• Digital Program Insertion– Ads stay digital– Are usually CBR– Easier to manage– Higher video quality

Ad Splicing

Network

Encoder Mux/Splicer

Ad Server

QAM

CATV Network

Cue tonesDTMF,

Contact Closure, or SCTE 104

SCTE 35

SCTE 30Ad stream

Locally Generated ContentLocally Generated Content

• If you wish to deploy all-digital set-tops, EVERYTHING must be digital– MDU in-house channels– Hotels– Hospitals– Stadiums

Community Cameras

Encoding, Multiplexing, Modulation and Up

Conversion

Analog receivers

Digital receivers

ENCORE Encoders

Off-air

Groomer/Mux

Optical IP transport

Splicer/Mux

QUARTET Encoders

Ad Servers

Edge Decoding

Modulation

Analog Fiber Node

Digital Fiber Node

Without digital set top

With digital set top

Community Cameras

MDU encoding, multiplexing, modulation

and up conversion

Locally Generated ContentLocally Generated Content

• Video quality

• Channels per QAM

• Ease of deployment and maintenance

• Cost

• Digital ad-insertion

• Upgradeability, flexibility

• Work with partners that have experience, and proven success interoperating with each other

Criteria for partner selectionCriteria for partner selection

Thank YouThank You