THE 2005 SOCIETY OF CABLE Telecommunications Engineers’ main trade show, the 2005 Cable-Tec Expo, begins next week in San Antonio, Texas.
As a service to our cable technical readers, here is a smattering of what you can expect to see there. Print and save this as your own shopping list, if you wish, for when you’re roaming those exhibit halls from June 14th to 17th.
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TVC Canada, the country’s leading broadband solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting products from both White Sands Engineering and BGI Technology in booth number 1263 at this year’s SCTE Cable-Tec Expo.
White Sands Engineering (WSE) was formed in 1978 in Yuma, Arizona. They have grown to become the largest manufacturer of custom made coaxial cable assemblies in North America.
WSE has long standing relationships with all of the industries largest cable and connector suppliers and manufacture over 50,000 assemblies per month. Their ability to design and manufacture custom connectors, cable, panels and assemblies makes WSE a leader in the connectivity industry. For more information on White sands, simply go to www.whitesandsengineering.com.
BGI Technology Inc was founded in 1997 with the objective of engineering and manufacturing high quality products to serve the Broadband Communications industry. Their people bring over 100 years of collective experience in the CATV, Telecommunications, DBS and Broadcast markets to develop a complete line of innovative high quality products and services. The BGI team is dedicated to the research, engineering, manufacturing and quality control of industry components to ensure their customers’ demand is met for high performance and reliability in their rapidly expanding market.
Out of the industries renewed demand for better performance, BGI has now expanded its engineering and manufacturing to include active components and accessories. Aside from a complete line of 1GHz and 3 GHz passives, they now provide drop related accessories including RCA cable assemblies, wall plates, head-end grade attenuators, equalizers, diplex filters and custom RF switches.
BGI incorporates SCTE standards and has innovated further with the very best contact designs to allow for a vast range of center conductor sizes repetitively and reliably. For more information on BGI, go to www.bgi.ca.
For more information on TVC Canada, please contact Tim Emoff, Marketing Director at 905-477-7772 or at temoff@tvcinc.com.
Booth #1263
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DOCSIS Embedded Transponder
Alpha’s XMS2 Digital Embedded DOCSIS Transponder enables cable operators to manage their network powering through the existing cable modem infrastructure. Multiple power supplies, batteries and a generator can be monitored using a single transponder. Data is transmitted to a management system over the network’s DOCSIS cable modem channels through the existing CMTS. Bandwidth utilization is minimized by using standard SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) communications. Status monitoring information is compatible with ANSI/SCTE HMS standards. 
When combined with an AlphaGuard battery balancing system, battery voltage measurements and battery charge management are accomplished through a single, simple wire harness.
A single DOCSIS transponder can monitor multiple power supplies, batteries and a generator. Optional VoIP test functionality, allows power supply transponder to become a powerful network diagnostics tool.
Whether you are extending the life of your network backup power through battery balancing, managing QoS for VoIP services or monitoring for trouble areas during an AC power outage, the Alpha DOCSIS Network Power Monitor provides the tools to manage today’s network power requirements with the ability to upgrade for tomorrow’s needs.
AlphaGen Portable Generator
Alpha expands its generator family to include a portable 3.0kW DC generator. This new compact, lightweight AlphaGen™ generator is designed specifically for powering remote cable television, telecommunications, broadband applications and emergency situations, that do not include integrated generators as a primary component of the power system.
The portable generator incorporates several technological advantages including; 36 or 48V selectable dual voltage output based on Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) technology, fully enclosed weather resistant housing, 3000 Watts of power, an oversized fuel tank for up to 20 hours of runtime at 25% load and quiet operation with only 63 dBA at seven meters. Additional features include a convenient front panel with keyed on/off switch, voltmeter, output connector, output indicators, fuel valve and engine choke. It is certified by CSA to meet all UL / CSA safety requirements.
The Permanent Magnetic Generator technology allows for a lightweight, variable speed alternator with a rectified DC output for improved fuel efficiency and extremely low audible noise level.
Alpha Technologies , www.alpha.com, alpha@alpha.com
Booth # 6065
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Conax CAS7 
Launching in North America this year: Conax CAS7 (Conditional Access System)—introduces a new level of competition for Conditional Access in the North American market, with functionality exceeding most existing CA systems. With its strong anti–piracy record and advanced Smart Cards, Conax’s mature and future proven technology is cost-effective, requiring minimal upfront investment for installation of the full (Conax CAS7 Core plus all modules) or partial system (certain modules).
Modular systems allow broadcasters and content providers to start with a basic system supporting pay-TV, and then add additional components to support more complex operations and business models. Among these components are a Mobile Ordering and Payment Server, Virtual Video on Demand (VVOD), Voucher Server and CAStream IP Encryptor.
Revenue Enhancement
Conax CA can help content suppliers increase their revenue. Conax’s credit card payment, electronic purse and pre-paid scratch cards (vouchers) options allow operators to move from paper invoices to fully automated payment operations. The transition to pre-paid solutions creates opportunities for increased revenue by cutting the billing and administration cost substantially.
Conax’s pre-payment solutions implemented together with its GSM SMS ordering option make ordering just a text message away. Conax’s mobile ordering solution enables the operator to make new profits from digital television consumers who are comfortable with text messaging. The ultimate ordering mechanism is already in place.
Jorgen Bertheau, vice-president Americas Sales, (858)-674-6668, jorgen.bertheau@conax.com.
Ron Thomson, president, Cameron Thomson Group , 416-350-5009, ext. 5595, rt@cameronthomson.com
Booth # 9024
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New – Cable System Monitoring Tool
PCI Technologies Inc. (booth # 8086) is launching its CINEMON cable modem monitoring solution.
CINEMON offers MSOs an unparalleled HFC network monitoring solution. It is a cable modem monitoring system that is capable of learning the inherently hierarchical architecture of the HFC network that it is connected to. Through correlation of the cable modem status information it collects, knowledge of the HFC architecture and proprietary logical data processing techniques, CINEMON is able to provide users with insight into their networks at various hierarchical levels (eg. CMTS, node, trunk line or subscriber).
This powerful functionality offered by CINEMON allows MSOs to proactively monitor the HFC architecture so that any HFC plant related issues occurring between the CMTS and the subscriber can be quickly brought to the attention of the appropriate individuals, diagnosed and resolved before subscribers are aware of the problem. CINEMON v.1.c is currently focused at small to medium sized HFC systems (10K modems and 2-3 CMTSs).
New – Maxnet Ii, Platinum Series Product Line
PCI Technologies Inc. is now delivering its innovative MAXNET II, Platinum Series fully integrated RF and Optical Signal Management solution. This ultra-dense MCX connector and mini coax based platform offers greater than 200% rack space savings over legacy signal management solutions. Further, the 3RU platform significantly reduces network lash up complexity.
Module offerings include splitter/combiners, DCs, power supplies, amplifiers, RF switches, optical receivers, and optical transmitters. Integrated splitting/combining technology in the receiver/transmitter modules allows operators to achieve an unprecedented level of density. 
Each chassis holds up to 24 single-width modules or 12 dual-width modules (any combination) and offers a variety of cable and fiber management options. The active chassis is provisioned to accommodate network based (HMS compliant (SNMP v2C)) and/or web-based monitor and control of all active modules. This functionality allows operators to take headend device monitoring to a more rudimentary level (i.e. SNMP based monitoring and control of RF amplifiers), effectively allowing for the monitor and control of every active device in the HFC lash up.
PCI Technologies Inc. custom designs and manufactures high performance RF filters, RF, L-Band and Optical Signal Management equipment, RF and L-Band switching solutions, return path bandwidth expansion products, status monitoring and control solutions, Wi-Fi products, a high-speed data test kit, digital video products, cable modem monitoring tools, drop amplifiers, drop passives, connectors and terminators, and a family of test signal generators for the Telecommunications Industry, with a superior price to performance ratio. PCI is a Member of the ATX Group of Companies (www.atxnetworks.com).
Please visit our web site at www.pci.com for more information on PCI Technologies Inc.
Jay Lee, vice-president, engineering and business development, PCI Technologies Inc., 800-565-7488 x.238, jay@atxnetworks.com
Booth # 8086
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2011DSK Directional Coupler
Values* 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 16dB & 20dB
The RMS 2011DSK* is an indoor directional coupler with excellent port-to-port isolation; very flat tap loss and high return loss (input, output & tap). Also it has an excellent inter-mod spec of –110dBc
1121MK Deluxe Attenuator
Values 1dB, 2dB, 3dB, 6dB, 10dB & 20dB
The RMS 1121MK* is our deluxe attenuator. Ideal for lab or headend applications. It has a machined center pin and the positive locking action of the male “F” guarantees 100% RFI and grounding integrity.
RMS Communications Inc. (Represented in Canada by Telonix, www.telonix.ca)
Booth # 1322
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Sadelco Displaymax-Jr Model 3000
VoIP & HSD Qualifier
Ensure that ingress will not interfere with VoIP and High-Speed Data services 
Leakage & Ingress Detection
Find and fix leakage and ingress problems at the subscriber’s drop and home wiring
Analog & Digital Power
Verify proper levels of analog and digital channels from the headend to the TV.
Auto-Calibration
Eliminate the cost and downtime of annual calibration
Product Description
The DisplayMax Jr 3000 is a rugged, easy to use signal level meter capable of measuring analog and digital channels at any point in the CATV system from the headend to the subscriber drop. In addition to signal level, the Jr 3000 detects both leakage and ingress at the subscriber drop and home wiring. Finding and fixing leakage and ingress is essential to maintaining VoIP and High-Speed Data services. The first step is to test for ingress coming from the customer’s premise. If ingress is detected, use the leakage mode to quickly find the source. Routine testing for leakage and ingress, in addition to verifying analog and digital channel level, will insure the most demanding services run smoothly.
Distributed in Canada by Telonix, www.telonix.ca
Booth # 7023
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RGB NETWORKS
The RGB Simulcast Edge Processor 48 (SEP48) is the industry’s first product to combine high-density MPEG-2 decoding, NTSC modulation and upconversion in a single rack unit device for use in digital simulcast applications. It receives and decodes up to 48 MPEG-2 program services and outputs th.jpg){kind=small}
e programs over multiple RF-modulated NTSC channels. Based on RGB’s Video Intelligence Architecture (VIA™) and its flexible video processing platform, the SEP48 streamlines the decoding, modulation, and upconversion process at the edge of the network (local headend or hub) and provides operators with many advantages in the construction of their simulcast networks.
Unlike any other product for digital simulcast edge decoding applications, the Simulcast Edge Processor combines MPEG-2 decoding, NTSC modulation and upconversion of up to 48 NTSC analog channels in a single, high-density, one rack unit platform, greatly simplifying the design and support of the digital simulcast environment. The multi-function SEP48 platform eliminates the need for multiple boxes (decoder, modulator, and upconverter), as well as the mess of interconnect wiring between them. Set-up is greatly simplified through a single, intuitive graphical user interface for all decoding and modulation configuration, eliminating the tedious task of configuring multiple, separate decoders and baseband modulators.
The SEP48 is also the first product of its kind to offer a complete redundancy solution, allowing for chassis, network and RF port redundancy through the use of the RGB Redundancy Docking Station. In the event of a device failure, all services are automatically switched to a backup unit, and the replacement of the failed unit does not require any re-wiring.
Booth # 627
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Electroline’s CLEARPath Ingress Monitoring and Locating System adapts perfectly to any two-way CATV network to help ensure reliable communications for high-speed data, video and telephony services. This system not only continually monitors the return path of every node for ingress, but also reaches beyond the node to target the noise source. Other systems only monitor… CLEARPath goes the extra step and helps you find the problem area within the node serving area for faster repair times to keep noise-sensit
ive services up and running. Ultimately, this means a more robust network so your subscribers can enjoy the highest quality service possible.
The newest product is a DOCSIS-HMS Transponder for remote status monitoring of standby power supplies. Unlike other power supply monitoring systems that require a heavy “front end” computer system and software to manage the field transponders, our DOCSIS-HMS Transponder units work with your existing SNMP based network management system software, and are compatible with all currently available and most legacy models of power supplies.
Electroline Equipment Inc. is a manufacturer of products used by HFC and cable television (CATV) system operators worldwide.
www.electroline.com, (800) 461-3344, (514) 374-6335, Fax: (514) 374-2257, info@electroline.com
Electroline products are distributed in Canada by Trispec Communications Inc., www.trispec.com
Booth # 1039
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Cedar Point Communications, Inc.
Cedar Point Communications, Inc. will be showing the latest version of its SAFARI C³ Multimedia Switching System, the first voice switching solution designed expressly for the cable telecommunications industry. 
SAFARI C³ combines all of the distributed elements of first-generation softswitching – including Call Management Servers, Media Gateways, Record Keeping Servers, Announcement Servers, Signaling Gateways, Ethernet Switches and CALEA servers — into a single next-generation packet switch that has the quality, security and reliability of a Class 5 circuit switch. SAFARI C³ enables operators to realize a total cost of ownership that is approximately half of a distributed softswitch architecture. In addition, SAFARI C³ has been forward engineered with an 80 Gbps switching fabric and all optical backplane to handle video telephony, multimedia traffic and “seamless mobility” between cable, WiFi and cellular without the addition of new network elements.
The PacketCable™-qualified SAFARI C³ provides superior performance and reliability, significantly reducing capital expenditures, system integration and operations costs for cable operators offering telephony services while increasing network integrity, security and privacy. Because all of the elements are in a single chassis, SAFARI C³ is able to eliminate the first generation softswitch architecture’s integration and regression testing costs of combining disparate elements, and can reduce the number of elements and element managers by up to 90%. Cedar Point has created SAFARI C³ as a fully redundant, high-quality, secure, scalable, reliable alternative that handles both packet and circuit traffic, enabling it to be positioned in new or existing deployments.
Dave Spear, executive vice-president, strategy and market development, 603-216-3000, info@cedarpointcom.com, www.cedarpointcom.com
Booth # 547
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Stirling’s new catalog will be available at our booth and has some exciting new products listed in it, which will also be on display. A new SPP59 and 6 push-on compression connector which requires no activation tool will be demonstrated. Simply prepare the cable and push the connector onto the cable and the job is finished.
These connectors are available in packs of 100 units and also in 10 unit bubble packs. A bubble pack with a stripping tool is also available as a home installation kit.
New color coded SPL connectors provide instant color code recognition for connectors – a real plus for installers. The SPLRTQ range of direct to cable compression BNC and RCA connectors provides a one- stop installation to cable. Available standard nickel plated or gold.
The Stirling GB groundblock range has been extended to provide a new SGB 44 four way ground block. These groundblocks are UL/CSA approved. All of the Stirling range of groundblocks use beryllium copper 360º contact providing maximum electrical performance and continued re-entry without loss of contact compression.
A range of cable preparation and installation tools provides the installer with the best available tools at sensible prices. The range of tool kits for all of the Stirling range of connectors provides the best value to the installer.
Booth # 303
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Cable Prep
“The FOCUS fiber optic connector insertion & removal tool is a perfect example of Cable Prep’s ability to engineer a tool that solves application problems with an ergonomic solution. High-density patch panels and small-form-factor connectors present an accessibility challenge that FOCUS addresses head on, “ says Michael Power, President, Long Island Fiber Exchange. “The long tapered jaws of the tool easily reach the back of the enclosure, and the embedded flashlight makes it easy to navigate the tool through the maze of cables.”
The light also illuminates individual connectors and ports on the panel, while the jaws support the cable and keep the delicate fibers from bending. The FOCUS tips are universal in that they firmly grasp any LC, SC, or MTRJ connector. When inserting an LC connector, the notch in one tip prevents the latch from being depressed, so the user can tell when the connector snaps into place. When removing an LC connector, the tool can be rotated so the straight tip depresses the latch, which frees the connector from the port. Comfortable to hold at any orientation, the tool can be used with either hand.
Cable Prep designs and manufactures products used worldwide for installing telecommunications systems, offering a full product line that includes stripping, coring, crimping, cutting, and cleaning tools used in both drop-cable and hard-line applications. Renowned for their precision and superior quality, all Cable Prep tools are designed, assembled, tested, and factory calibrated to meet the exacting standards of a broad range of cable and connector manufacturers.
1-800-394-4046, 860-526-4337, Fax: 860-526-2291, www.cableprep.com
Canadian Distributor Info:
1. TVC Canada
1-800-387-4445
www.tvccanada.com
2. White Radio Ltd.
1-800-565-3586
www.whiteradio.com
3. Power & Telephone Supply Co.
1-800-238-7514
www.ptsupply.com
4. Anixter Canada
1-800-Anixter
www.anixter.com
5. Mil-Sted Agencies
1-800-663-4744
www.mil-sted.com
Booth # 833
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XTEND NETWORKS
Xtend Networks will introduce new, higher-density versions of its XMTS Access Concentrator products to simplify the delivery of symmetrical, voice-grade T1 (1.544 megabits per second) services over hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network architectures, as well as the latest version of the XHUB node product for its 3GHz solution.
To maximize capacity and optimize space in headend environments, Xtend is expanding its XMTS family to include three products:
• The XMTS-28, supporting 24 T1 links and a single DS3 port; 
• The XMTS-48, supporting 48 T1 ports, and featuring 12 upstream and eight downstream RF ports; and
• The XMTS-56, supporting two DS3 ports, and featuring 12 upstream and eight downstream RF ports.
The XMTS Access Concentrator and the its V311 T1 modem recently achieved certification from the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachment (ACTA) as compliant with the Telecommunications Industry Association’s TIA-968-A-3 standards for the connection of terminal equipment to the telephone network.
Xtend also will show the XHUB 3006, which has been created to simplify installation and maintenance while reducing costs and improving performance when multiple downstream coax connections are fed from a single optical node. Xtend’s XHUB products perform its unique block frequency multiplexing and upconversion for the “Xtended” (1250-1950 MHz) downstream, and demultiplex and downconvert the four upstream blocks (2250-2750 MHz). Previous XHUB versions required the additional installation of three passive devices to accommodate node splits or other multiple coax configurations; the XUB 3006 is a dual amplifier Block Division Multiplexer with additional ports for a second coax connection.
Jeff Gardner, vice-president, sales, 678-282-8003, jgardner@xtendnetworks.com, www.xtendnetworks.com
Booth # 847
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dB-tronics Adds TVC and TriNet as Stocking Distributors
Rapidly increasing demand for dB-tronics’ products and services has prompted them to add TVC Communications and TriNet Communications as stocking distributors. Both companies are now distributors for their complete line of amplifier accessories, upgrades and repair services. The desire to continue and expand upon dB-tronics’ first class customer service, combined with the logistics involved in fulfilling customer requirements made this strategy an obvious choice.
TVC, with offices throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe, maintains close working relationships with top manufacturers and a has a deep understanding of the technology behind the products they sell. In business for half a century, TVC has proven itself to be a valued partner to both customers and manufacturers in the broadband cable and telecommunications industries.
Since 1989, TriNet, a fully certified Minority Business Enterprise, has been one of the fastest growing telecommunication distributors in the industry. They have accomplished this by consistently delivering only the highest quality, cost-effective products to their customers. Obsessed with on-time, accurate delivery, they achieve this by using only the best employees and the latest technology.
Partnering with these companies has enabled dB-tronics to expand their markets while simultaneously increasing the level of technical assistance available to the end-users of their wide array of products and services. dB-tronics representatives will be available in the TVC and TriNet booths to discuss the many ways these partnerships can benefit cable operators.
800-356-2730 or www.dbtronics.com
Booth #s 1263 and 5029
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Agilent optical test equipment accelerates triple play deployment
Agilent Technologies has launched two new products to for deployment of optical access networks (FTTx) and the build out of broadband networks to nodes. The first product is the Low cost E6020B ‘Spark’ Mini-OTDR. At $7,000 it shatters the price barrier for a full feature ultra light mini-OTDR using the tag line: ‘You can’t light a fiber without a Spark’. The bundle includes a high performance outdoor color display, a 1310/1550nm
30dB OTDR module including source module and a ruby red visual fault finder. Despite being one of the lowest cost OTDR’s on the market, the large screen, 6th generation scan trace fault finding algorithm, and fiber break locating features make the E6020B ‘Spark’ a high performance OTDR with no restrictions and on par with products twice the price.
The new E3950 series ‘Gemini’ Handheld Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) mark Agilent’s entry into Bi-directional loss testing. The one hand devices make a contribution in price starting at $6150 and speed, measuring both average loss and return loss in 4 seconds. Operation is arguably the easiest as well with only the Autotest key needed to make an accurate measurement. As an added bonus, these new handhelds require no warm up time, further eliminating sources of error and accelerating measurement speed. For fast basic bi-directional testing of 1 to 864 fibers with downloadable storage, a pair of Gemini handhelds represent the best value and eliminate training.
1-800-829-4444 or www.otdr.com.
Booth # 10020
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Scopus solution for digital simulcast
Real-Time Encoding, High Performance Closed Loop Statistical Multiplexing System. Based on the Scopus E-1200 high performance real time encoder, the Scopus closed loop statistical multiplexing system provides superior video quality at low bit rates.The E-1200 utilizes Scopus’ TriplePass™ mechanism providing pre-processing, dual-pass encoding, and statistical multiplexing. The pre-processing mechanism is based on Perceptive View™, which utilizes human visual perception threshold and allows superb image quality at low bit rates.
On display at SCTE Cable-Tec: the new Scopus UE-9100 Universal Encoder. The UE-9100 series is a multi-channel encoding platform housed in a compact 1-RU chassis. The UE-9120 is the first model of the UE-9000 family of products and is capable of encoding two MPEG-2 channels simultaneously, resulting in reduced power consumption and rack space.
Booth # 945
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WooshCom adapter to transform DHEI re-multiplexer ports into ASI
WooshCom Corporation is announcing the introduction of a low cost miniature ASI to DHEI interface adapter. The new Model MPA-1234 is designed specifically to solve the legacy DHEI input port problem on the large installed base of MPEG re-multiplexers at cable headends. The product wi
