The new, standards-based, Scientific-Atlanta Gigabit QAM modulator will play a major role in reducing the cost of on-demand launches and ongoing operational expenses as VoD services spurt by 80 per cent by 2005.

The Gigabit QAM modulator is the newest addition to Scientific-Atlanta's family of QAM products, all designed to provide the network flexibility needed to launch and expand on-demand services as consumer interest increases. The GQAM modulator will be able to deliver 16 separate QAM-modulated signals, offering at least twice the density of typical modulators, plus other advanced features, all in a one rack-unit-high product. This compact design will address a critical concern for today's cable headend engineers struggling to find available space to accommodate the increasing amount of gear required to deliver advanced services, according to an official release.

For added flexibility, the compact GQAM will support PowerKEY conditional access plus DES, Harmony and DVB Common Scrambling Algorithm core encryption. The GQAM will offer a variety of interface alternatives including ASI inputs for current-generation video servers, encoders, receivers and other digital video sources. Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, commonly found in standards-based data networks, can support local or remote connectivity with next-generation video servers.

Whether an operator chooses to deliver video from centralized or distributed servers, the GQAM will be able to provide the performance that matches the operator's specific network requirements and business plan. Its compact size will help operators manage headend rack space by reducing the amount of equipment needed to deliver VOD, easing deployment expenses. In addition, low power consumption technology will help control operating costs and simplified wiring requirements will reduce installation time.