BigBand Networks, Inc., provider of network platforms for video, voice and data services, announced its offerings of AVC (advanced video coding) solutions for IPTV services. Content of any format can be converted to bandwidth-efficient AVC standards for network delivery to IP devices. The company's advanced functionality for these protocols spans local advertising, high-security conditional access, and enhanced reliability through automated redundant sourcing. The BigBand BMR ® (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) and other platforms implement AVC solutions as software upgrades.

High quality video carriage can be accomplished at approximately half of the bandwidth required for MPEG-2 digital video by utilizing AVC. These IP- based algorithms can also expand the flexibility of content for programmable functionality and availability to TV, PC and other devices. AVC content is deliverable over multiple access networks such as fiber, DSL and cable networks including DOCSIS delivery, which can be performed by the BigBand Cuda ® CMTS (cable modem termination system).

Advanced functionality available by BigBand Networks' AVC solutions includes:

• Transcoding from any video format to AVC
• Maximum bandwidth efficiency by RateShaping(R), bit rate clamping and selective carriage of only accessed program elements
• Standards-based insertion of local advertising including targeted zoning
• Secure delivery through open CAS (conditional access system) integration
• Slate insertion and EAS (Emergency Alert System) compliance to deliver relevant information to viewers
• Forward error correction to assure availability of high-quality content
• Program-level redundancy for automated switching to alternative sources

BigBand Networks' AVC introduction extends a pioneering record of leveraging IP technologies for enhancement of networked video services. The company is a leader in Gigabit Ethernet deployments for transport of high- quality video between facilities over any distance. The BigBand Cuda enables high-speed access to real-time services by multiple devices including PCs and IP set-top boxes. BigBand BMR deployments include hybrid headend facilities that provide programming to combinations of fiber, DSL and cable access networks.