Pace Micro Technology Americas Demonstrates the Latest Bandwidth Saving/Utilization and Content Protection Technologies at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo, June 20-22 in Orlando

Business Wire, June 11, 2007

SDV, Channel Bonding, and DCAS Allow Cable Operators to Maximize their Networks for Optimal Bandwidth Utilization

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, Pace Micro Technology, a dedicated, global set-top box developer that supplies the world's largest television service providers, today announced plans to demonstrate the latest bandwidth saving, utilization and content protection technologies that Pace is incorporating into its family of set-top boxes for the Americas markets. The demonstrations will take place in Pace's Exhibit #2659, at the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Cable-Tec Expo, June 20-22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Pace Americas VP-Technology Chris Dinallo commented, "These technologies - Switched Digital Video (SDV), Channel Bonding, and Downloadable Conditional Access (DCAS) - either individually or combined - allow cable operators to maximize their networks for optimal bandwidth utilization in serving video assets to their customers."

Incorporated into all Pace set-tops, Switched Digital Video (SDV) technology allows operators to "switch out" the programs that are not currently being viewed and replace them (e.g., switch in) in real-time with programs that are being requested by subscribers more regularly - essentially enabling operators to deliver more video programs.

Channel Bonding is an add-on feature riding on DOCSIS 2.0 technology whereby up to 3 DOCSIS downstream channels may be combined (e.g. "bonded") to yield a total aggregate of 100Mb/s data rate for bandwidth payload. This technology allows cable operators to more fully exploit their current DOCSIS 2.0 CMTS infrastructure. At SCTE, Pace will demonstrate up to 5 High-Definition video streams being played and streamed through the set-top using Channel Bonding technology.

To offer the latest in content protection technology, Pace will show its progress in incorporating Downloadable Conditional Access (DCAS) into future set-top boxes. DCAS is the current front-runner technology as a possible replacement to CableCARDs while still meeting the FCC mandate of separable security in set-top boxes.

In addition, Pace will feature removable security versions of its successfully deployed Tahoe HD DVR and Vegas SD DVR with CableCARD[TM] interfaces, as well as its newest CableCARD interface set-top box, the Miami HD. These Pace set-top boxes can run either native applications or the CableLabs([R])' OpenCable[TM] Applications Platform (OCAP[TM]) middleware, including popular Electronic Program Guides (EPG), and VOD applications ported from Aptiv, C-COR, Concurrent, Seachange International, TVGuide, TANDBERG Television, and Zodiac Interactive. In addition, Pace will showcase its Tahoe and Vegas boxes with embedded Conditional Access. All of the Pace set-tops can run in either DOCSIS Signaling Gateway (DSG) or legacy Out of Band mode for network messaging.

Pace Micro Technology Americas Vice President Sales and Marketing Tim O'Loughlin commented, "The Tahoe, Vegas and Miami platforms are all built with Pace's unique EngineWare[TM] core set-top box software, which allows us to port applications to our boxes in record time. EngineWare enables rapid roll out of 'native' program guides, and serves as a field-upgradeable platform for the introduction of OpenCable Applications Platform (OCAP[TM]) software as full OpenCable networks come on line."

Live at the show, Pace will demonstrate how it can upgrade its set-top boxes to OCAP via a software download in just minutes. "Upgrading boxes in this manner saves cable operators time and money by avoiding truck rolls, protecting their investment in set-top boxes for years to come," O'Loughlin added.

Specific Products featured at the show are:

Miami DC757X HD (CableCARD)

As an extension to the HD Pace product family, Pace's unique Miami DC757X HD host set-top box delivers an exciting new platform for cable operators. The Miami DC757X HD can be deployed as a standalone non-DVR product, or subscribers can add DVR capability through the external Serial-ATA hard disk drive port. The box supports both legacy OOB signaling and Advanced DSG signaling via the built-in DOCSIS[R] 2.0 modem, plus it has an Ethernet switch that allows for Internet access connectivity included as standard. The Miami HD set-top is a flexible and cost-effective option for HDTV homes.

Tahoe TDC778X HD DVR (CableCARD interface and Embedded CA)

The most advanced dual tuner, high-definition DVR for North America, this set-top box is the world's first high-definition DVR OCAP-ready platform, for deployment on existing networks. Tahoe also has been fully integrated with the latest generation of set-top EPG and VOD applications. Tahoe's internal DOCSIS[R] 2.0 modem can also provide high-speed data connections and has the first verified for interoperability by CableLabs for DOCSIS/DSG.

Vegas TDC575 SD-DVR (CableCARD and Embedded CA)

This dual-tuner SD-DVR is the first of its kind available for the majority of cable networks in the Americas. It is a richly featured set-top that includes advanced connectivity, DOCSIS, and the latest applications. Like Tahoe, Vegas has been integrated with the latest EPG and VOD applications and additionally supports OCAP. Vegas has also been certified by CableLabs for DSG. Its slim case design and low cost makes Vegas the choice for large-scale DVR deployments.