INT2 has developed and successfully implemented a VOD rollout plan to cable systems across the country. In 1994 many of our personnel were involved in launching the very first VOD network in the world, and today, INT2 leads the industry in successful VOD launches. INT2 continues to plan, procure, install, integrate, and deploy VOD solutions.

 

Our services span the entire VOD launch process and include:

• Program Scheduling and Management.

• Network Architectures review and development.

• Bandwidth planning & Video server and QAM analysis.

• Systems Installation and Integration.

• Content Management and distribution.

• Subscriber Management System integration.

• Reporting and Reconciliation consulting.

• Network Operations consulting.

• Marketing consulting.

• Training and staffing consulting.

The processes, schedules, and information that will be critical in developing and implementing a successful VOD deployment plan must be systematically laid out. The development of a well-defined project plan is essential, and it will be revised, expanded, and edited over time depending on a number of factors such as:

• The size and complexity of the system

• The status of the current network infrastructure of the system

• The equipment vendors chosen for this system

• The capabilities of the resources available at the system

• Lessons learned

Program Scheduling

A project schedule will become the pivotal tool throughout the life of the program. It must be detailed, though not so complex as to take on a life of its own (it is not uncommon to let a schedule get so itemized that the project becomes managing the schedule instead of using the schedule to manage the project!). INT2 ensures that all vendors maintain a project plan that is rolled into a master plan for the system.

 

Sample, High-Level Schedule Rollup of Critical Tasks

 

Network Architectures

The VOD service is dependent upon numerous networks that must be integrated and operated simultaneously. A thorough site review must be completed as the first step in beginning the VOD program. The information gathered will be critical in defining the VOD architecture and operations strategy. Several critical technical elements about the network must be gathered and will be utilized throughout the planning and installation of the VOD system. INT2’s Program Management of the VOD network development and deployment starts at the initial planning and ends at the successful launch to paying subscribers.

• Headend and hub surveys

• Optical fiber network routes, capacity and transport type (SONET, ATM, DWDM)

• Data network diagram of connectivity throughout the system (ATM, Ethernet, IP schema)

• Data network capacity and existing traffic analysis

• Subscriber penetration (analog and digital) rates by node

• RF combine/split diagrams; optical patch panel diagrams; xmitter/node coupler design

• Reverse path node to demod combining schema

• Digital video system configuration and software versions

Bandwidth Planning & Video Server / QAM Analysis

The idea of narrowcasting is what drives the VOD business. Allowing the end user to "program" their own personal TV channel with the available content at any time. To enable this capability, a bandwidth planning process must be implemented. Proper bandwidth planning will result in maximum service availability to subscriber while efficiently managing the capital expenditure required by the system. INT2’s Program Management services will ensure the most effective use of capital to build a robust and reliable VOD network.

• Homes passed per node #9; #9; #9; #9; #9; (Avg. = 500 homes passed)

• Number of nodes per fiber transmitter (Avg. = 3node/ TX)

• % overall (basic) penetration per node (Avg. = 65%)

• % digital households per node (Avg. = 36%)

• Estimated simultaneous peak usage of the VOD service per node (Estimate 7.5%)

• QAM modulation capacity (256 QAM has 38.8 Mbps of usable data in a 6 MHz channel)

• Average MPEG compression rate (Avg. = 3.75 Mbps)

• Number of streams per QAM = 10 (38.8 Mbps /3.75 Mpbs per stream)

One fiber transmitter serves (3 nodes * 500 homes/node) = 1500 homes

Of the 1500 homes passed, 65% receive cable (1500 * .65) = 975 basic analog subs

Of the 975 basic subs, 36% have a digital settop(s) (975 * .36) = 351 digital subs

Of the 350 subs, 7.5% watch VOD simultaneously (351 * .075) = 27 VOD streams

Number of QAM modulators (27 streams / 10 streams per QAM) = 3 QAMs needed

300,000 homes passed, 65% receive cable (300,000 * .65) =186,000 subs

Of the 186,000 basic subs, 36% have a digital settop(s) (18/6K * .36)= 66,960 digital subs

Of the 74,400 subs, 7.5% watch VOD simultaneously (67K * .075) = 5022 VOD streams

Number of QAM modulators (5022 streams / 10 streams per QAM) = 503 QAMS needed

If each video server component served 150 video streams (5022 / 150) = 34 video server

System Installation and Integration

There is a significant difference between system installation and system integration. Each hardware and software element of the VOD system must first be physically installed, powered, wired, configured, versioned, and performance validated. Then, element by element, component by component, connection by connection, the interconnection and interaction between foreign devises must be integrated. INT2 provides not only the Program Management staff to oversee the successful launch of your VOD network, but also the Digital Video Engineers and Digital Video Headend Technicians to sew the components together into a seamless distribution network.

Below is a list of the types of systems that must be successfully installed and integrated to enable the VOD service. Once the vendors are chosen for a particular system, the document gathering and familiarization process should begin.

• Digital Video System (already operational)

• Required VOD releases / patches- digital control system upgrades to the proper version required to support the VOD system is an extremely tedious though necessary process

• VOD System

• Video Server(s)

• VOD application servers

• DVS Interface

• VOD Service Management Systems

• Digital Content Management

• Business Management Systems

• Billing System Interface

• Session Management and Stream Control

• Conditional Access support

• CSR User Interface (HTTP)

• Multiple DVS provider control

• Middleware or Thin client Application

Content Management

The success of the VOD business is driven by the ability to offer an exceptional amount and mixture of content- movies. From a technical perspective, content (also known as digital assets) is the collection of the various digital files that constitute the movie being viewed by the subscriber. INT2 can provide assistance from the acquisition to delivery stage of Content management.

Content Management (CM) is a set of processes that control the propagation, storage, replication, deletion, and reporting of these assets in the VOD system. Each VOD system vendor is developing a CM mechanism that is likely the most crucial element in the system. It is a complex set of software and network solutions that significantly automates these processes.

 

The CM process can be classified in these terms:

Acquisition- Movies and the other video product will be acquired through contracts with Studios and various other suppliers.

Compression and Authoring - A service provider will be responsible for encoding (the process of MPEG digital video compression) each of the movies contracted through the output deals.

Quality Assurance- Once the encoding is completed and metadata files created, the packages are delivered to a distribution center that will perform a quality control check on each asset package to assure proper encoding and file inventory. After quality control is completed, the assets can be delivered to the appropriate systems.

Propagation- This is the process of reading and storing the XML files and loading the content packages onto the VOD server at the system.

Reconciliation and Reporting

Reporting specific activities and results throughout the VOD content life cycle is not only necessary to effectively manage the business, but mandatory when it comes to reporting purchase and usage information to studios. INT2 can provide report consulting services as required.

 

Network Operations

Developing the necessary skill sets at the system is critical in ensuring the delivery of a reliable service to the subscriber. The identification of the skills needed and the training of system personnel is provided by INT2.

 

Summary

INT2 can provide VOD system launch services to include, overall Project Management, installation, integration, operation and maintenance, and training. INT2 has a proven track record as the industry's premier integration resource.