Yet another offering from Scientific-Atlanta, Continuum DVP eXtra Dense QAM (XDQA) Array- a compact unit that delivers powerful signal scrambling, QAM modulation and up conversion capabilities in a 1RU device. The inventory from one of the leading supplier of digital content distribution systemsit the newest addition to the Continuum DVP(tm) Dense QAM Array product family was displayed for the first time at the SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo 2003 in Philadelphia on 11 May 2003.

According to an official press release, XDQA further improves the density capabilities of the product family by allowing up to 12 QAM modulators in 1RU of rack space. The stackable XDQA enables 24 QAM modulators in 2RU Delivers Flexibility for Cable Operators to Scale VOD Rollouts.

According to the Headend Systems at Scientific-Atlanta general manager, vice president, John Morrow: "The XDQA is especially well-suited for cable operators looking for a cost- and space-efficient solution for their video-on-demand rollout. Its modular design provides powerful scalability options for the cable operator for adding QAM cards only when more capacity is needed. Adding two channels of capacity at a time with our QAM array cards reduces the cost of increasing video streams to match the demand for the service."

The release says that XDQA is a self-contained device combining signal scrambling, QAM modulation and up-conversion functions in its 1RU footprint. The QAM cards are configured automatically when inserted, keeping setup and maintenance time to a minimum. The XDQA chassis comes standard with optical and electrical Gigabit Ethernet input interfaces that allow multiple chassis to be daisy-chained together to enable cable systems to take advantage of full Gigabit Ethernet line rates.

The chassis provides for fully redundant powering (either universal AC and/or -48 VDC) through pluggable powering slots. The XDQA uses the same HTML-based user interface as the existing Continuum DVP Dense QAM Array and can be easily configured via a standard Web browser or remotely using the open communication protocol (SNMP).

As for the availability of this sysytem, the releaase adds thatXDQA is scheduled for general availability only in September 2003.