Scientific-Atlanta has developed a supercharged version of its Digital Network Control System (DNCS) software.

The software will help cable ops give subscribers Video-on-Demand (VOD) and Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) services on a large scale. Besides removing the headache of poor network capacity, they will be able to add value to services they offer. Expanded VOD/SVOD capacity will help consumers become more receptive to on-demand interactive TV services.

Scientific-Atlanta‘s DNCS software takes care of the complex network traffic which is necessary for the smooth delivery of high bandwidth, interactive digital video and data services to subscribers. DNCS performs functions like set-top provisioning, session management, network flow control and optimising bandwidth. DNCS also coordinates communications between applications servers, set-tops, and other devices on the cable operator‘sn etwork.

Time Warner Cable plans to upgrade some of its sites to Scientific-Atlanta‘s new network software, which will provide the reliable and scalable platform for their VOD and SVOD rollout. Scientific-Atlanta is also helping Comcast aggressively rollout VOD across two million homes by the end of the year.

The US National Cable Center has inducted Scientific Atlanta‘s former chairman, president and CEO Sidney Topol into its Cable Television Hall of Fame.
Topol was Scientific Atlanta‘s president from 1971-83, CEO from 1975-87, and board chairman from 1978-90. Company revenue grew from $16 million to over $600 million during Topol‘s tenure, according to an official release from Scientific Atlanta, a leading supplier of digital content distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops.

Topol has spent over forty years in the field of telecommunications and cable related work. His contribution to the cable industry shaped its direction and flow. He developed the satellite-to-cable interconnection for delivering programming to cable headends. His vision and ability to lead from the front helped the cable industry progress in leaps and bounds, the release says.

As far back as 1982, Topol had predicted the direction set top boxes would take. "I think eventually there are going to be three boxes in the home. The three boxes may be incorporated all in one big box - the addressable 100-channel set-top terminal with tiering and pay-per-view, an interactive terminal for shopping, banking, security and that sort of thing, a modem which interconnects the cable system with personal computers - at high speed," he had noted at the time.