[opendtv] Re: Digital Better Than Analog?

Dave Bittner wrote:

> This article covers some of the technical details of the
> FIOS network:
>
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/telecom_verizon_planned_video/
>
> Within the house the video is delivered via an IP network,
> over coax, which allows for a centralized DVR, a very nice
> feature (although I'm eagerly awaiting for someone to
> figure out how to install a larger HD in the DVR).

The way this seems to work is that they use dense wave multiplexing,
i.e. some 30 different frequency channels, on the fiber that reaches
each home. They install a box outside the house, from which they derive
the TV service, telephone, and broadband Internet access. Each of these
is distributed inside the house in the traditional way for that service.

The TV service, except for VOD, is just an analog replica of a standard
cable TV system. It is sent over a dedicated frequency band in the
fiber, then converted to standard frequency-divided RF over coax. It's
distributed inside the house like a typical cable TV system, *including*
an analog tier. That's why in-home PVRs work with this system. No need
to signal anything upstream, except for VOD.

Possibly, they also offer a central PVR server, as you describe. I don't
know. I never saw that mentioned anywhere.

The broadband Internet access is instead a typical broadband IP link,
distributed indoors either over cat5e or wireless.

The VOD gets its own frequency channel on the fiber link, so that it
does not take away bandwidth from the broadband Internet connection, as
would be the case for a typical IPTV setup.

I don't think there's anything IPTV going on here, with the exception of
VOD. Here's the relevant part in the URL you posted:

-------------------------------
In the near term, that means offering FiOS TV services that start with
basic analog radio frequency (RF) channels - which other telcos using
IPTV cannot providing - as will as IPTV-based video-on-demand (VOD)
options, one-touch information services, multi-room digital video
recorder (DVR)capabilities, 22 high-definition (HD) TV channels and more
than 300 digital cable channels, said Joe Ambeault, director of
interactive applications. Verizon currently offers FiOS TV in three
markets: Keller, Texas; Hampton Roads, Va.; and, as of last week, Temple
Terrace, Fla., a Tampa suburb.

Verizon initially is providing digital cable channels via an RF feed on
one wavelength within its network, Evans said. Unlike cable operators,
however, it doesn't use up digital channel capacity to also offer voice,
VOD and information services, which consume 10 times the bandwidth of
video channels.

"We wanted to offer analog because there is a group of people who don't
want to have a set-top on every TV set," he said. "They want that TV set
in the kitchen or the basement to be able to get basic cable channels on
a cable-ready TV."
-------------------------------

They seem to be leaving the door open for a more IP-related TV service
in the future. But for now, "Verizon initially is providing digital
cable channels via an RF feed on one wavelength within its network."
It's actually clever, IMO, because it is kept simple.

Bert
 
 
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