Acterna Introduces the DSAM-1500 at SCTE Cable-Tec EXPO; Newest Edition to the DSAM Product Line Family Brings a Comprehensive Suite of Analog and Digital Test Capabilities.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Cable-Tec Expo 2003

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

Acterna, the world's leading provider of cable network test and management solutions, today announced the introduction of DSAM-1500 Digital Service Activation Meter.

The DSAM-1500 is a lightweight, durable hand-held instrument for installing, testing and troubleshooting broadband digital services. On display at the SCTE Cable-Tec EXPO in Philadelphia, May 12-14, Acterna booth # 1161, this latest edition to the DSAM product line family offers a comprehensive suite of analog and digital test functionality focused on the needs of cable companies or contractor installers.

Building upon the tradition of the DSAM family of interactive test sets, the DSAM-1500 offers an optional browser function. The browser function allows the technician to access a large variety of web-based applications through the test instrument, effectively turning the instrument into a mobile work force terminal and eliminating the need for a field PC.

Immediate access to critical field data ensures the technician has the right information when they need it most.

"Acterna continues to deliver the ultimate in testing and measuring for the cable technician and network operator," said Bill Robertson, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Cable Networks Division. "The appeal of the DSAM-1500 is its comprehensive test suite including traditional SLM functionality for analog video and audio levels, digital power levels, QAM analysis, including Pre- and Post-FEC, BER on digital video and high-speed data services, and a two-way upstream alignment tester. Best of all, adding the interactive communication capability with the browser option of the DSAM-1500 allows the unit to become a mobile terminal for work force applications and remote management via our FDM-100 software - a uniquely integrated and effective substitute for mobile PCs."

Robertson added, "This package, combined with its intuitive graphic user interface, is designed to guide even the most junior technician through installing complex digital services with a high confidence in reliability in the shortest amount of time."

Additional workforce productivity improvements can be achieved through compatibility with the Acterna FDM-100, Field Data Management software. Today's supervisors need to be certain that the test data acquired from the field is accurate and timely if they are to achieve the maximum benefit from their field instrument assets.

The FDM-100 software ensures channel plans and test configurations remain accurate and consistent across their DSAM meter workforce. The DSAM's unique RF and Ethernet synchronization capability also allows users to upload field test data and acquire configuration settings to and from the FDM-100 remotely throughout the day.

The need for technicians to gather around a PC at the beginning and end of each day to upload field test results and download new channel lineups is eliminated. This is particularly advantageous where multiple crews, both company and contractor based, are employed. Acterna's FDM-100 productivity enhancement software offers a new level of field management unavailable until now.

The DSAM-1500 is built on the same field rugged platform as the DSAM-2500. This ensures water resistance to up to four inches of rain per hour, the ability to withstand a four-foot drop on any side, and the advantage of being able to upgrade to the advanced features of the award winning DSAM-2500.

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 (OTCBB:ACTR) 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. Information about Acterna can be found on the Web at www.acterna.com.

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