HP Helps Cable TV Operators Successfully Transition From Analog to Digital Technology; Cable TV Analyzer Enhanced to Provide Quick and Accurate Measurements of Digitally Modulated Signals to Ensure Delivery of Quality Service to Subscribers.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1996--To help cable TV network operators measure digital-carrier power quickly, accurately and economically, Hewlett-Packard Company today announces the addition of digital-carrier power measurements as a standard feature of the HP CaLan 8591C cable TV analyzer.

This latest capability adds to the comprehensive suite of measurements already standard with the HP CaLan 8591C, the industry's only one-box tester for non-interfering radio frequency (RF) and video measurements. The digital-carrier power-measurement capability is available to operators in most countries using NTSC and PAL formats. Digital carrier power -- the total average power over a channel bandwidth -- is a fundamental measure for ensuring the delivery of high-quality digital services to cable TV subscribers.

"One of the most common mistakes made when adding digital services is setting the signal level improperly," said Syd Fluck, business development manager for HP's Microwave Instruments Division. "Adding our new digital-carrier power-measurement capability to the HP CaLan 8591C means cable TV operators can be sure they are delivering quality signals for both analog and digital services."

A CONFIDENT TRANSITION TO DIGITAL

Cable TV technicians now can use the HP CaLan 8591C to make quick and accurate average-power measurements of digitally modulated signals so they can confidently transition from analog to digital with no adverse effect on signal quality. They also can view the power and spectrum of the channel being measured and define test parameters, such as channel frequency and bandwidth. Test results can be printed or stored to a memory card for analysis.

With the addition of this measurement capability to the HP CaLan 8519C, now the entire family of HP CaLan cable TV test products -- including HP's low-cost signal-level meters -- come with the ability to measure digital-carrier power as a standard, built-in feature.

U.S. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Beginning Dec. 1, the digital-carrier power-measurement capability will be available -- free of charge -- as a standard feature of the HP CaLan 8591C, which is priced at $14,500. In-the-field upgrades for current HP CaLan 8591C owners are available for $250. These quick and easy upgrades, made possible with a ROM card, are designed to avoid the downtime often associated with return-to-factory upgrades.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 112,000 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com

Additional information on products from HP's Test and Measurement Organization can be obtained on the World Wide Web via http://www.tmo.hp.com -0-

Note to Editors: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4844 ext. 5027. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to Hewlett-Packard Company, Test and Measurement Organization, P.O. Box 50637, Palo Alto, Calif. 94303-9512.

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Company

Beth Armantrout, 707/577-5381

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