Texas Instruments Drives Voice-over-Cable Market with New Chip Technologies (press release)

Tuesday, August 30, 2005 by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger Editor of NaturalNews.com (See all articles...) Tags: voip, health news, Natural News

https://www.naturalnews.com/011356_Texas_VoIP_broadband.html

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TI's DSP-based TNETC47xx ( Puma-4 ) VoCable chipset incorporates advancements to process cellular codecs, setting the stage for fixed mobile convergence with phones that operate on cellular or VoIP connections, depending on the user's choice and proximity to either network. Additionally, its low bit-rate codecs for conferencing channels use half the bandwidth currently consumed for multi-user calls, saving bandwidth for other applications while maintaining high data rates. The TNETC47xx also has advanced fax capabilities, furthering VoIP's potential as a replacement for traditional telephone lines.

"As service providers push for more processing-intensive features such as VoIP, conferencing services, mobility throughout the home and digital TV, the traditional cable modem is evolving into something much more advanced," said Irvind Ghai, director, worldwide marketing for TI's cable group. "It is increasingly important to have a flexible, DSP-based solution at the heart of that device. TI offers the right mix of silicon, software and hardware development platforms and partners with key third parties to keep service providers ahead of the curve."

VoCable Market Leadership

According to broadband research firm Kinetic Strategies, of the 2.5 million embedded multimedia terminal adapters ( EMTAs ) shipped worldwide during the first half of 2005, 1.7 million units used TI VoCable chips, providing TI with a 66.5 percent share of the market. This is attributed to TI's shipment of advanced technology to its customers, including ARRIS, Motorola, Pace, Terayon and other leading cable modem OEMs.

"As VoIP becomes a mainstream reality, and cable service providers aggressively market voice as an additional revenue source in an increasingly competitive video market, EMTA volume will continue to grow," said Michael Harris, president and principal analyst, Kinetic Strategies. "The industry continues to evolve from data-only modems to voice-enabled gateways and TI is well-positioned to maintain its strong market leadership."

Driving Standards Innovation

In addition to the TNETC47xx chipset, TI announced it has developed a Wideband DOCSIS reference design that lets equipment manufacturers and service providers evaluate system architectures today, speeding time to market. This will allow multi service operators ( MSOs ) to quickly offer advanced features and enhanced cable modems, once the standard is approved. The reference design includes documentation, board schematics, production files and DOCSIS software.

"Wideband DOCSIS channel bonding will enable cable operators to surpass current DSL and FTTX data rates by delivering more than 100Mbps to an individual subscriber" said Bruce McClelland, VP/GM ARRIS Broadband CPE Products. "The ARRIS TouchstoneTM Wideband Cable modem ( WBCM650 ), together with the CadantTM C4 CMTS, will open up new service opportunities in the commercial services arena as well as enhanced gaming, peer-to-peer, and multi-media applications for the consumer. The interest level expressed by the operator community in these new service opportunities continues to grow, and ARRIS is excited by the level of innovation from companies such as TI to address the stringent performance and cost goals."

Wideband DOCSIS technology will incorporate multiple down and up streams in a single modem, providing higher broadband speeds and greater bandwidth to both business and consumer subscribers. As the standard evolves to include voice, the increased bandwidth and enhanced performance of DOCSIS 3.0 modems will support VoIP conversations and video downloading without impacting the stream of information delivered to and from the home or office.