ATLANTA: Cable operators who need to capture off-air High Definition (HD) signals can now use two new Scientific-Atlanta (SA) Continuum DVP(tm) demodulators to expand their HD programming lineups.

Demodulator model D6238(tm) and the demodulator/multiplexer model D6239(tm) are commercially available for use in cable headends to capture off-air 8VSB digital programming as defined by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC).

SA is a leading supplier of digital content distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to homes, digital interactive set-tops and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP (VoIP) networks.

According to a company release, the expansion of HD programming, especially for sporting events, plus the much-anticipated HD broadcasts of 2004's summer Olympic Games and the upcoming holiday buying season are expected to have significant impact on the demand for high-definition products and programming.

The release states that demodulators are needed in the headend because off-air HD broadcast signals are not in a format that is compatible with cable systems. The new demodulators can convert 8VSB digital signals for delivery to the cable system's QAM modulators.

Vice-president and general manager of headend systems at Scientific-Atlanta is quoted in the release as saying, "These new products extend our leadership position for delivering HD products that cable operators need, in order to deliver a great viewing experience for consumers."

He says "Whether the high-definition content is early in the distribution chain as it is processed by the demodulators, or in the consumer's home where our Explorer HD set-tops deliver pristine video images, we have the HD solutions that can deliver the next wave of innovative cable services."

Cable operators who already receive HD programming via a fiber or other connection from local broadcasters can use the new SA demodulators to create a fast-response off-air backup system in the case of a fiber cut.