News Release

Scientific Atlanta Announces New Line of Set-Tops for the Connected Life

Latest set-tops set the stage for next generation services
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Apr 10, 2006

ATLANTA, GA - THE NATIONAL SHOW - April 10, 2006 - Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company, today announced the introduction of its newest line of set-tops, designed to provide cable operators with increased power, flexibility and with advanced security solutions. These new set-tops1 will enhance the consumer's experience with new digital services and advanced interactive applications as cable operators begin to deploy Next Generation Network Architectures (NGNA) in their systems.

Scientific Atlanta's new set-top platform, a principal component of Cisco Connected Home, is targeted to play a key role in supporting the introduction of CableLabs® OpenCableTM Applications Platform (OCAPTM) and the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) mandate for separable security.

"In addition to providing a powerful OCAP and separable security solution, these next generation set-tops will allow our customers the flexibility to deliver content and services such as H.264 high-definition decoding and DOCSIS 2.0 data capability in a more efficient manner, resulting in a more robust service offering to compete in today's dynamic market," said Michael Harney, president of Subscriber Network Systems, Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company.

Benefits of Scientific Atlanta's NGNA set-top line include:

  • Designed for OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) - With faster processing power, increased memory, and utilization of the Linux® operating system, these new set-tops will provide the necessary speed to launch the new generation of OCAP applications quickly and efficiently. Complementing the set-top line is Scientific Atlanta's complete OCAP platform, which includes the company's OCAP Digital Network Control System Release 4.0 series and the OCAP AxiomTM middleware product, now testing in multiple customer labs.

  • Separable Security Solutions - The new line of set-tops will require the use of a Multi-Stream CableCARDTM to provide the conditional access portion of the cable operator's system security. The Multi-Stream CableCARD provides the needed separable security in order to comply with the FCC's July 1, 2007, separable security mandate. In addition, Scientific Atlanta is using this new line of set-tops as a development platform for the upcoming alternative separable security solution known as DCAS (Downloadable Conditional Access System).

  • Advanced DOCSIS Set-Top Gateway (ADSG) - The new line of set-tops will support CableLabs ADSG specification for transporting set-top box command and control information over DOCSIS. The built-in DOCSIS 2.0 modem, in addition to ADSG support, will also provide a path for Internet protocol (IP) video services to be delivered to subscribers. Scientific Atlanta's ADSG solution thus consolidates cable modem and set-top traffic over an open, vendor-independent DOCSIS network for integrated video, voice and data applications.

  • Support for Advanced Video Codecs (H.264) - Enables operators to deliver content, including on-demand, high-definition TV (HDTV) programming and Internet video content, with blockbuster-quality video, while utilizing bandwidth-saving lower bit rates.

  • Connected Home Solutions - Scientific Atlanta's NGNA set-top line will provide processing power and connectivity to leverage future compatible connected home services that consumers desire. As the home IP local area network (IP LAN) continues to evolve, these new set-tops can allow the sharing of content within the home, as well as interoperability with other compatible cable operator devices and compatible retail purchased consumer electric devices.

Additionally, Scientific Atlanta is also introducing its Explorer® 940TM Compact Digital Only Interactive Set-Top. As cable sites migrate toward digital simulcasting, and with the upcoming digital broadcast network environments on the horizon, the Explorer 940 Set-Top is a compact, cost-efficient digital only solution. The 940 enables operators to create an "enhanced basic" service or support an introductory digital video service tier to drive conversion of basic or expanded basic subscribers. The Explorer 940 Set-Top can also help operators expand the number of additional cable outlets in the home, as well as increase pay-per-view and on-demand transactions.

Scientific Atlanta will be demonstrating its latest NGNA initiatives at NCTA 2006, The National Show in Atlanta, Georgia, April 9-11, Booth #2251.

1. Model numbers include: The 4500HDCTM High-Definition CableCARD Set-Top (HD Set-Top) and the 8500HDCTM High-Definition Digital Video Recorder CableCARD Set-Top (HD DVR set-top).

About Scientific Atlanta

Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco Company, is a leading supplier of digital content contribution and distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and Voice over IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support. Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems. More information about Scientific Atlanta is available at http://www.scientificatlanta.com.