Questions about Next-Gen Network

[HDFootyMan]

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

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?

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Chris Howell

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

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?

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

[Ignitionnet]

Originally Posted by Chris Howell

Will the new IPTV network support switched video?

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

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?

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.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Ignitionnet

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.

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

[HDFootyMan]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

[nn012]

Originally Posted by Ignitionnet

...and local content added at Regional Headends as required.

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

[Ignitionnet]

Originally Posted by nn012

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

Policy decision. Removal of all analogue signals including radio.

[tvtimes]

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

[Ignitionnet]

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.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by tvtimes

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

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)

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Digital Fanatic

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)

Which, I would assume, have backup power supplies.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Which, I would assume, have backup power supplies.

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.