VIDEO CONCENTRATE

Size does matter. That's why Minerva Networks is introducing the VideoConcentrator 8000, a video platform that combines MPEG encoding and satellite-based video content processing in a single low-profile chassis. The platform lets telcos demultiplex satellite-based digital signals and encode analog channels for distribution to TVs over DSL, fiber or switched Ethernet networks.

The headend-based VC8000, which will be available in August, includes power supplies, CPU encoder boards and DVB-to-IP boards. “It gives us a chassis-based solution, which is what the customer wants,” said Reed Majors, Minerva's vice president of marketing and business development. “It's very low-profile, very high-density, where you can put lots of boards in the chassis.”

In addition, the unit uses next-generation C-Cube chips to deliver a “small improvement” in video quality. As with all Minerva products, it translates the video content into IP for delivery over telephone networks. “The bottom line is trying to lower operations costs,” Majors said.

Another bottom line is that Minerva built the unit to one-up the competition. Standing four rack units high by 19 inches wide, it is designed to replace a two-rack box.

“We're giving [customers] what they liked before and adding features where the competition did something better than us,” Majors said.

The unit is also future-friendly.

“If we want to improve the video quality, we can add a video filtering board,” Majors said. “If we want to build a better encoder, we can then build that board and slide it into the same chassis.”
— Jim Barthold
www.minervanetworks.com