Acterna Announces DSAM v2.3 VoIP-Related Features; Enhancement Makes DSAM the Only Test Meter Able to Place and Listen to Live VoIP Call to Ensure Quality Performance at Installment.

GERMANTOWN, Md. -- Acterna today announced advanced VoIP-related features to its award-winning Digital Services Activation Meter (DSAM). Establishing the DSAM as a leading tool for cable operators deploying VoIP efficiently and reliably, the new capabilities found in DSAM version 2.3 reduce repeat truck rolls and lower operational costs by ensuring provisioning completion, call availability and call quality during installation.

Selected as the Reader's Choice Award winner by Communications Technology Magazine in 2004 for its ability to test cable modem services, digital video, analog video and PacketCable(TM)-based voice over IP (VoIP), Acterna's DSAM product line, including version 2.3, will be on display at ANGA, booth # J11, May 31-June 3 in Cologne, and at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo in San Antonio, June 14-17, at booth # 02081.

The new features included in DSAM version 2.3 positions it as the only meter with an eMTA that gives operators the ability to place and listen to a live, PacketCable(TM)-based VoIP call at the premise. In addition, the DSAM now verifies end-to-end call quality and measures key VoIP parameters such as MOS, packet loss, jitter and delay, along with all critical RF parameters to find the root cause of any call quality issues at the customer premises.

"The DSAM 2.3 is more powerful than ever - VoIP deployment for network operators becomes increasingly easier to manage with its unique ability to place and listen to a live call, measuring the quality of the user-experience before going live to the customer," said Kevin Oliver, vice president of Acterna's Cable Networks Division. "For triple-play service deployment, the DSAM 2.3 is an extremely effective meter to verify and help correct the issues associated with VoIP."

The new features of the DSAM version 2.3 arrive at an important time in the cable industry, delivering the test solutions for network operators as a new level of IP-related expertise is needed addressing their ability to handle problems such as variable delay, congestion, and packet loss when deploying VoIP. For example, operators deploying the service are seeing 10 to 20 percent more truck rolls when compared to high-speed data (HSD) deployments. The speed and stronger fault-finding ability of the new DSAM greatly reduces the need for truck rolls and equips users with the ability to proactively enhance quality VoIP deployment.

The DSAM version v2.3 key features:

--A user interface that is three times faster than prior versions of the DSAM

--The new MOS (mean opinion score) results which, combined with packet loss, jitter and delay results on live PacketCable(TM) VoIP calls, can more accurately verify call quality

--New Ingress Resistance Test checks home wiring for susceptibility to ingress

--FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) for fault finding

--High performance Throughput testing, which works with high throughput commercial/residential services

--A Deep Interleave Digital Video Option which is capable of BER tests on 256 QAM carries modulated with deep interleaving 

--A new Super Capacity Battery Option which provides up to eight hours of continuous use

About Acterna's Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM)

The DSAM, part of Acterna's Application-Aware(TM) suite of products, supports the need for a test instrument to test complete digital and IP services with simplicity, flexibility and ease. The meter is durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions as well as rough handling typically experienced in the field. The DSAM's mechanical design includes features to protect the meter and ensure a long lasting tool, such as recessed connectors, rounded corners, sealed enclosure and field replaceable display lenses. The DSAM also includes an advanced digital board which demodulates QAM carriers configured with deep interleave depth setting of I and J parameters equal to 128 and 4 respectively, typical in 256 QAM modulated carriers used for digital video transmission.

About Acterna

Acterna is the world's largest provider of communications test solutions for telecommunications and cable network operators. A trusted communications test partner for more than eight decades, Acterna offers an unmatched portfolio of award-winning instruments, systems, software and services that help its customers reduce network costs while improving performance and reliability. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, USA - with European and Asia-Pacific operations based in Eningen, Germany and Hong Kong - Acterna serves nearly every major communications service provider and equipment manufacturer around the world through a skilled sales and support organization in 31 countries.

All Acterna company or product names mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of Acterna Inc. or one of its subsidiary companies.