Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

OK, just curious....and a nosey git. :D

Will the new IPTV network support switched video?

Also, will this result in one, big, happy network? As I understand it, there were super-headends for the different cable networks - one for ex-NTL; one for ex-Telewest; another one for ex-CW.

After the switch to the Next-Gen/IPTV network, will there just be one, super-duper headend for the entire network?

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Can't answer your first question Chris, but there will be one super headend at Langley, so everyone will get the same services/channels (except regional ITV1/BBC etc) There will also be a disaster recovery (Back-up) headend at Knowsley.

HTH :)

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Yep - it'll be SDV-based transport over the CATV.

Yep - as above Langley Super Headend (the ex-ntl SHE) with Knowsley (ex-TW SHE) as backup, and local content added at Regional Headends as required.

Bromley SHE is I think already closed.

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Bromley is still active.. but will close in the next couple of months

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. :)

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Are you sure? Why would they be removing local radio stations if they are able to add local content on NGTV?

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Policy decision. Removal of all analogue signals including radio.

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

With these back up head ends does it mean less chances of outages?

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

On the Virgin core network sure, for customers not really as loss of head end was incredibly rare. Lose your local hub or any part of your link to it you're still toast.

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Outages usually occur at cab level with either a PSU going down or loss of commercial power to the area... very rare at RHE (regional head ends)

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

Which, I would assume, have backup power supplies.

Re: Questions about Next-Gen Network
 

The RHE and HE have back-up power, yes... can't go in to specifics for security reasons ;)

The cabs have battery back-up for loss of commercial power (usually powered from the same source as the street lights), but these don't always kick in properly in some cabs.

If an trunk amp (level 4) goes down, then there is no back up and has to be restored by a network engineer, but this will only be for TV & broadband, telco runs from the level 3 cab and should have battery back-up.