CableLabs Completes First DOCSIS Set-top Gateway Certification Wave, Qualifies Three DSG CMTSs and Verifies One DSG Set-top; Two More DOCSIS 2.0 Modems Certified.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. -- In completing its first DOCSIS(R) certification wave that included DOCSIS Set-top Gateway (DSG) testing, CableLabs(R) awarded "verified for interoperability" status to a DSG-capable set-top from Scientific-Atlanta, and qualification status to three cable modem termination systems (CMTSs) implementing DSG functionality. The CMTSs are a DOCSIS 1.1 CMTS from BigBand Networks, and two DOCSIS 2.0 CMTSs -- an initial qualification from Arris and a re-qualification from Motorola.

This blending of a DOCSIS modem into a digital set-top box is a milestone for the cable industry, and it sets the stage for development of a new suite of devices under the CableLabs OpenCable(TM) specifications. The OpenCable Host 2.0 specification makes use of DSG capabilities validated in this most recent certification wave.

DOCSIS Certification Board Chairman and Vice President of Telephone and Data Engineering for Cox Communications Jay Rolls, said: "The successful completion of this certification wave marks a great advancement for cable operators. In particular, having multiple CMTSs and a set-top pass, means that both ends of the network are functioning according to specification and we have achieved interoperability among multiple manufacturers. We are now on our way to deploying DOCSIS and OpenCable devices on an interoperable basis."

OpenCable Certification Board member Charles Kennamer, Vice President of Digital Engineering with Comcast Cable Communications, noted: "This is a truly significant event signaling the fast approach of OpenCable(TM) Applications Platform (OCAP(TM))-based devices. Having DSG-capable units available indicates to me that our two-way digital world has just moved a lot closer to fruition. The DSG interoperability events and this first DSG certification wave are a great example of how cable operators, manufacturers, and CableLabs can work together to achieve successful results."

"The DSG testing process proved to be a success from an efficiency standpoint here at CableLabs, which gives vendors more assurance of timely movement through CableLabs' development and testing processes," said Don Dulchinos, Vice President of Advanced Platforms and Services and head of the OpenCable initiative at CableLabs.

Ralph Brown, CableLabs Chief Technology Officer, said: "These DSG devices are the latest in a growing wave of what I call convergence products that we anticipate coming through CableLabs. The DSG program has become one of the fastest moving programs for the cable industry," he added.

During the second quarter of 2004, DSG underwent a myriad of significant enhancements. In the third quarter, while suppliers were in the implementation phase, CableLabs held three interoperability events that fueled the already accelerated development process. Less than a year later, the first DSG equipment submitted for testing during the current certification wave received verification against the DSG specification in this just-concluded test cycle.

In the same certification wave, CableLabs also announced that it had awarded DOCSIS 2.0 certification status to Arris and to Terayon cable modem equipment.

DOCSIS 2.0 adds advanced digital modulation capabilities to cable modems and headend equipment enabling cable companies to increase the speed of the return (or upstream) path of their networks. DOCSIS 2.0 provides not only significantly higher channel capacity, but also better robustness against the impairments found in noisy cable plants. It is backward compatible with earlier versions of DOCSIS products.

CableLabs(R) Certified(TM) or CableLabs Qualified means that the device has passed a series of tests for compliance with the indicated version of the specification and has thus demonstrated interoperable functionality with any other CableLabs verified, certified or qualified device. Many of these devices provide other functions or are designed to comply with other specifications, in each case tailored by the manufacturer to meet the growing needs of consumers or cable operators in an evolving sector. While CableLabs encourages such innovation and diversity, the phrase CableLabs certified/qualified should not be understood as an endorsement of these other attributes (or that the product is certified to other specifications or versions), which are solely the responsibility of the company making the additional claims.

Founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry, Cable Television Laboratories is a non-profit research and development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those advancements into their business objectives. Cable operators from around the world are members. CableLabs maintains web sites at www.cablelabs.com; www.packetcable.com; www.cablemodem.com; www.cablenet.org; and www.opencable.com.

CableLabs(R), DOCSIS(R), CableHome(R), PacketCable(TM), OpenCable(TM), OCAP(TM), CableCARD(TM), Go2Broadband(SM) and CableNET(R) are marks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.