CableLabs developing new version of OpenCable to increase MSO offerings

July 2, 2007 – Research and development consortium Cable Television Laboratories (CableLabs) and its members have reportedly started work on a new version of the OpenCable platform, according to news portal Cable Digital News.

The new OpenCable platform is expected to enable multi-service operators (MSOs) to offer a wider range of IP-based video applications directly to the set-top box by incorporating Docsis 3.0, which uses channel-bonding techniques to produce speeds of over 100Mbps.  Ralph Brown, the CTO of CableLabs, commented at the C-COR Global IP Summit event held in Cannes, France, that Docsis 3.0 is a “logical extension” for the OpenCable platform, and has already been added to PacketCable.  The executive added that a specific timeline for the new project has not yet been defined, as the architectural impact of the concept is still being examined. 

The advantage of a Docsis 3.0-capable hybrid set-top box is that it could bond a minimum of four RF channels in the up and down direction, and MSOs could thus deliver a range of IP-based video services and applications using the higher speeds and capability of handling IP multicast and unicast. For IPTV services, MSOs would also be able to develop and deploy personalised “mosaic” navigation systems, as they would not be limited by the number of physical tuners contained in the device.

In related news, Intel has announced that it has signed an OpenCable Platform Agreement with CableLabs, and future Intel consumer electronic system-on-a-chip (SoC) products will support the platform.  By including support for OpenCable, products such as digital televisions, set-top boxes, digital media recorders and other networked devices will be able to run standard applications and services provided by cable operators, consumer electronics firms, program networks and other software developers.  Eric Kim, Intel’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Digital Home group, commented: “The collaboration between the major cable operators and Intel exemplifies and fuels the ongoing transition to digitally delivered entertainment whether through a computer, high-definition TV, smart set-top box or other networked CE device.”