Acterna Debuts DTS-200 MPEG Field Instrument; Modular Instrument Redefines Local and Remote Testing on Digital Cable Networks.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

BroadBand Plus 2002

Booth 3832

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2002

Acterna (NASDAQ:ACTR), the world's leading provider of cable network test and management solutions, today announced the availability of the Acterna DTS-200 MPEG-2 field instrument.

Developed for compressed digital network operators and MPEG-2 equipment manufacturers, the DTS-200 combines industry-leading ease-of-use with a modular architecture that supports a comprehensive range of test applications and a variety of signal interfaces. The versatile tester can be configured to meet changing testing needs as digital cable, satellite and terrestrial networks evolve.

On display at BroadbandPlus in Anaheim, December 4-6, booth 3832, the DTS-200 is the most complete MPEG-2 field test tool available. It offers technicians the unique ability to capture, play and analyze MPEG-2 transport streams in the field, or remotely from the network operations center, to expedite trouble resolution.

An intuitive Web-based client enables technicians to analyze incoming streams, play out known streams, simulate a multiplexer or headend, as well as inject errors to test at the headend or hub. Further, its remote features allow digital engineers to support multiple sites centrally for improved network reliability and increased cost savings.

"The increasing speed of evolution within the cable marketplace is presenting service providers with incredible challenges," said Bill Robertson, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Cable Networks division. "Subscribers now expect a myriad of entertainment options -- video on demand, digital TV, HDTV -- with flawless delivery. To meet these expectations, and to earn the lucrative revenue digital services promise, operators must proactively manage their analog and digital signals and respond immediately to trouble, regardless of its origin. The DTS-200 delivers the clear and precise analysis required to maintain both subscriber satisfaction and network reliability."

The DTS-200 analyzer opens up the MPEG-2 stream, providing visibility to the multitude of program information tables as well as the ability to monitor data rates and bandwidths for each transport stream element. Operators who may have been unable to to view the compressed digital signals of their network can employ the DTS-200 to clearly see the contents of any section of the MPEG chain.

In addition to a stand-alone mode, the remote operation feature allows monitoring and analysis from any point on the network - from across the room or across the country. As a result, technicians can work from the lab or office rather than physically traveling to the trouble site.

Also, as an event-based tool analyzer, the DTS-200 can log over 200 informational and alarm events and trigger on events to capture stream samples or generate detailed reports. In addition, it monitors stream performance against industry benchmarks, and allows the user full customization so alarms and events are specific to individual operational needs.

The latest release in Acterna's Digital Broadcast Test Platform family of test and monitoring solutions, the DTS-200 features an innovative design that blends highly portable and even remote operation with a modular architecture to enable multiple system operators (MSOs) easy and cost-effective management of increase compressed digital signals.

About Acterna's Cable Network Products and Technologies

Acterna is the world's leading provider of integrated network test and management solutions for global cable networks. Acterna's cable networks portfolio enables cable operators to meet demand and enhance the reliability and performance of their networks and services.

Deployed around the world, Acterna's cable systems, software and instruments comprise the industry's broadest set of products that support cable operators through the network life cycle, from building the network to deploying and managing advanced services.

About Acterna

Acterna is the world's largest provider of test and management solutions for optical transport, access and cable networks, and the second largest communications test company overall. Focused entirely on providing equipment, software, systems and services, Acterna helps customers develop, install, manufacture and maintain their optical transport, access, cable, data/IP and wireless networks.

The company serves customers in more than 80 countries. Acterna is a subsidiary of Acterna Corporation (NASDAQ:ACTR). Information about Acterna can be found on the Web at www.acterna.com.

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