Scientific-Atlanta has announced a major addition to its Prisma II(tm) optical network family. The latest 1550nm externally modulated transmitter (EMT) cost-effectively delivers high performance over long distances and makes it easier to implement and service point-to-point or point-to-multipoint applications.

A press release states that the new cost-effective, externally modulated transmitter is designed to deliver high performance at distances of more than 60 km.

The release adds that the Prisma II 1550nm Extended Reach EMT, now available for shipment, is a flexible solution for delivering quality video and data without the need for re-lasing. It has a price that is lower than similar long distance products.

The redundancy features may eliminate the need for costly optical switches. In addition, enhancements have been made to the entire 1550 EMT product family, including Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

"This addition to the Prisma II family gives operators even greater flexibility in video and data delivery, based on the design and demands of their network," said Scientific Atlanta vice president of marketing and network architectures Paul Connolly.

"The Prisma II Extended Reach EMT works with the carrier-class Prisma II platform to reliably transmit large volumes of high-quality video and data in a scalable manner, making service roll-outs fast and simple," Connolly adds.

The Prisma II optical network is an advanced transmission system designed to optimize network architectures and increase dependability, scalability and cost-effectiveness. Prisma II 1550 nm transmitters offer flexible network architecture with products designed specifically for broadcast or narrowcast transmission at long, intermediate or short distances.

Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE: SFA - www.scientificatlanta.com) claims to be a leading supplier of digital content distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support.