Author :
Robinson, David E. ; Grubb, David, III
Abstract :
At issue in the delivery of broadband cable television services is whether their promise will be realized through the adoption of a revolutionary switched distribution system or an evolutionary upgrade to the existing broadcast, tree-and-branch coaxial cable television systems. This issue is examined in the context of the key factors of economics and consumer demand. Architectural objectives established to satisfy likely cable television system requirements five to ten years in the future are highlighted. A high-quality switched video system optimized for the likely cable television requirements of the later 1990s is described, both as conceptualized and as proven in the laboratory. The headend, switch and upconverters, optical link, tap, set-top unit, and link performance are described, and laboratory results are presented. Hurdles standing in the way of large-scale commercial viability are identified.<>
Keywords :
broadband networks; cable television; economics; frequency modulation; optical links; technological forecasting; CATV; FM; broadband networks; broadcast architecture; cable television; consumer demand; economics; fibre optic system; headend; high-quality switched video system; link performance; optical link; set-top unit; switch; switched distribution system; tap; tree-and-branch coaxial cable television systems; upconverters; Bandwidth; Cable TV; Channel capacity; Coaxial cables; Frequency modulation; HDTV; Optical fiber cables; Power cables; TV broadcasting; Telephony;
