Time Warner Cable has deployed one of the first video-on-demand (VOD) solutions for small markets by leveraging the flexibility of the OpenStream Digital Services Platform from TANDBERG Television. The Clarksburg, WV; Dothan, AL; Fort Benning, GA, and Terre Haute, IN, markets are now live, and the company plans to expand services to 10 additional cities by the end of the year. The goal is to complete 14 deployments in 11 states.
Using a custom configuration of OpenStream, Time Warner Cable can manage VOD services from its headquarters in Denver, CO, and deliver content via satellite distribution to cities throughout the United States. In addition, Time Warner Cable will use the TANDBERG Xport Producer to provide local on-demand content tailored to each location.
The ability of the OpenStream technology to interoperate with multiple VOD servers, billing systems and on-demand applications from TWC’s Denver headquarters was a key reason the company chose TANDBERG Television, according to Dick Amell, vice president of engineering, Time Warner Cable, National Division.
Previously, VOD services were not feasible in smaller markets due to the considerable logistical and financial requirements necessary to implement and support the technology. The OpenStream solution — which also incorporates the MediaPath Secure Content Delivery System and Asset Management System — enables cable companies to more easily deploy on-demand services using satellite catcher technology and a mix of VOD servers, applications, billing systems and set-top components of their choice. In addition, it can be configured to suit cable operators’ on-demand requirements and remotely manage the distribution of content from a central location to avoid cost-prohibitive bandwidth requirements.
For more information, visit www.tandbergtv.com.
