Scopus Network Technologies which supplies digital compression technology to the broadcasting industry has announced that Virginia-based Digital Broadcast Corporation (DBC) has selected Scopus compression hardware and management systems to outfit the headend of its subsidiary, AirCable America.

By integrating Scopus’ advanced CODICO technology into the new head-end system, AirCable will double the channel capacity of its digital MMDS services, which will reach subscribers throughout Roanoke and within a 50-mile radius of the city.

DBC has stated that its goal is to revolutionise the way television programming, Internet access, and telephony services are delivered to American homes and businesses. Scopus’ pioneering compression technology will significantly enhance its transmission capability while ensuring effective performance and outstanding quality and reliability.

DBC has expressed confidence that they have invested in a head-end solution capable of leveraging its MMDS bandwidth in a superior platform, one against which conventional cable and satellite providers simply cannot compete. Furthermore, there is a 20,000-plus backlog of subscribers who have waited patiently for the upgrade. They can receive superior digital programmes at substantial cost savings.

Through its license to broadcast over the MMDS frequency – bandwidth originally set aside by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for educational use but never used to its full potential – DBC will expand its services to bring 140 channels to the Roanoke area. Subscribers receive broadcast transmissions via a small, non-intrusive antenna linked to a simple set-top box. Because a transmitter is already in place, DBC’s cost for adding new subscribers is minimal. As a result, subscribers recognise savings of up to 50 per cent when compared with cable and satellite services.

As DBC continues to expand its services to include additional channels, pay-per-view, and video-on-demand, AirCable subscribers will enjoy high-quality programming options at a low rate made possible through the company’s innovative and cost-effective broadcast model.

Scopus Network Technologies’ equipment will be integrated with digital MMDS transmission equipment and set-top receiver units provided by Finline Technologies, a Waterloo, Ontario-based company specialising in digital wireless cable applications.

The complete head-end system includes Scopus’ E-1000 encoders, controlling RTM3800 multiplexers and the NMS4000 series network management system, as well as the company’s IRD2600 receivers for monitoring purposes. These Scopus platforms support a comprehensive, end-to-end digital compression system for video and data distribution networks and feature an intelligent video distribution architecture that will enable AirCable to make a quick and smooth transition to multichannel, MPEG 2 enabled broadcasting over its high-speed broadcast network.

DBC claims to have built one of the first digital compressed wireless television systems in North America. This first-generation system has been providing subscribers with local channels in addition to the typical cable expanded and premium channel line-up for several years. The company has received wide recognition for the success of its business model and its extremely low infrastructure costs.