At the 2008 Cable Show, I interview five participants in the CableLabs "CableNet" exhibit area. Up first: Samsung's Steve Goldstein, who demonstrates the latest in 3DTV. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Bob Zitter, Chief Technology Officer for HBO, spoke with me (with Times Square in the background, for real!) about how the premium network views the market for mobile video. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

As wireless technology becomes increasingly popular, so does the individualized consumption of services, an area Cox plans on working with as they continue their wireless development. Rolls also discusses the operational procedures behind wireless implementation that will be daunting, yet familiar due to Cox's involvement in telephone service.

Ron Wolfe, Senior Product Marketing Manager of Big Band Networks, explains why marketers -- at cable operators and program networks -- can use switching to their advantage. Upshot: Bandwidth conservation, addressable advertising, and serving ethnic neighborhoods with native language programming are all within reach. Aired during the 2007 CTAM Summit to assure sound slumber. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Ron Wolfe, Senior Product Marketing Manager of Big Band Networks, explains how switched digital video works, why it's a good thing for the industry, and how many households the technology currently serves. Aired to attendees of the 2007 CTAM Summit. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

This 2007 Cable Show discussion with Comcast CTO Tony Werner concludes with a discussion of the company's voice product, the benefits of DOCSIS 3.0, and what products Tony hopes to see on the trade show floor. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Leading into the 2007 Cable Show, I sat down with Tony Werner, CTO of Comcast, to discuss some of the hot issues of the time: Switched digital video, HDTV, and OCAP. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2008 Cable Show, I interview five participants in the CableLabs CableNET exhibit area. This segment features David Nicholas, with Symmetricom (later Cheetah Technologies), who explains software that automatically measures the quality of an HD video signal -- without the use of human "golden eyes." Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2008 Cable Show, I interview five participants in the CableLabs CableNET exhibit area. This segment features EchoStar Technologies' Michael Hockey, discussing a Slingbox with built-in DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem. Intent: To allow subscribers to access subscription video channels on laptops, cell phones, or other mobile devices. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2008 Cable Show, I interview five participants in the CableLabs CableNET exhibit area. This segment features Hans Pang, of Ruckus Wireless, explaining the company's smart antenna array that allows multiple streams to run wirelessly. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2008 Cable Show, I interview five participants in the CableLabs CableNET exhibit area. This segment features Jim Turner (2:40), VP of Synacore, on the use of DVR-like controls on Charter.net's web site. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

More discussion with Tony Werner about his decision to run Aurora Networks as CEO. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

More of a discussion with Tony Werner about his decision to lead Aurora Networks as CEO. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

More discussion with Tony Werner about his decision to run Aurora Networks as CEO. In this segment, he discusses his top-three strategic goals, and his views on the future of optical switching. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

In 2000 I sat down with Tony Werner, who had recently announced his plan to run Aurora Networks as CEO. What's that all about? Fiber to the home. It's not an "if," but a "when." Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Steven Pearse of Time Warner Communications outlines why they can win against regional telephone companies, discusses their involvement with TelLabs, and the eventual movement of services into family homes

In part two with Jerry Gaines, I ask business related questions regarding the cost of these endeavors, who can participate, and the effect on all employees.

At the 1995 NCTA, I conducted a few of my first interviews discussing the emergence of telephony on cable. First I talk to Jerry Gaines, Senior VP of Telephony Services for TCI Communication who outlines the company's three year plan, talks about their technical trials, and explains the term 'triple play'.

Jon Grimes of TelLabs Operations discusses the changing infrastructure that technology is fueling, the differences between telephony on cable and switch board, and the technical challenges associated with breaking into this market.

I ask Grimes to expand on the challenges plaguing the reverse path such as upstream problems and ingres. He wraps up by discussing when telephony will become a key business for cable operators

At the 2001 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, I wandered the show floor in search of the new and interesting. Hot in '01: Bandwidth expansion, IP technologies, and switching. We start with Bow Rogers, CEO of BigBand Networks, to discuss how digital packets are sent from the headend to the home. Rogers explains this new type of video router and the benefits it intends to provide to MSOs and consumers. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Before leaving the '01 SCTE Expo, I caught up with Jim Farmer of Wave7 Optics to discuss why fiber to the home is viable now. He explains the growing demand for bandwidth, why fiber-deep isn't as tough on the wallet as you'd think, and the technical processes behind their product. Jim is one of my all-time favorite engineers. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2001 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, I wandered the show floor in search of the new and interesting. In this segment, Ken Kraft, Director of Business Development for Tellabs Broadband, explains the company's voice-over IP migration strategy and shares some of the changes he's seen in telephony over the last eight years. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2001 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, I wandered the show floor in search of the new and interesting. In this segment, I talk with Shellie Rosser, then VP of marketing for Narad Networks. Shellie outlines how the company's 'virtual fiber technique' works, and why it matters to operators considering 100 Mbps Ethernet connections to businesses. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

I also ask Pearse about the apparent upstream issues, which he says occur but are easily fixable. He then highlights their two year time line for deployment and finishes with some hints about why Time Warner isn't involved in the Triple Play.

I ask Nick to discuss the cost per home this type of service would demand and what this system will look like from a business point of view. We finish by touching on some of the privacy issues associated with internet via cable.

At the 1995 Western Show, the technology buzz was centered around high speed online service through a cable modem. I sat down with Nick DiGiacomo of @YourService who explains some of the hype surrounding internet via cable and the advantages that come with using a cable modem versus a telephone line.

Werner divulges some advice to companies that might be interested in approaching these three, new, innovative services, explains why telephony is presumed to be the most difficult, and discusses TCIs unique position in this up and coming market.

As VP of Engineering at TCI, Tony Werner discusses what he's learning in regards to telephony, high speed data, and digital TV. He states that the most pleasant surprise is that all the technology works albeit a few glitches. Then using ample technical jargon, Werner describes some of the engineering difficulties associated with the downstream path, which proves quite contradictory to perceived notions that the upstream path would be more difficult.

The Technology Forum at the 1999 Western Show was all about the reappearance of Interactive TV. I sat down with Michael Adams from Time Warner Cable, Don Dulchino from CableLabs, and Dave Rudnick from AT&T to discuss why Interactive TV is back and stronger than ever. The panel cites infrastructure, economic viability, and the world wide web as three main reasons this service will gain consumer popularity.

At the 1998 Western Show, I served as the moderator for the Technology Forum that included Jeff Turner of Mediaone, David Bukovinsky of CableLabs, and Rich Nelson of Broadcom. Due to all the hype surrounding packet services, this forum focuses on Pack of Cable, Internet Protocol, IP Telephony, and high speed data.

Even though switching to IP Telephony sounds like a major transformation, Turner delineates that these services will operate no different than current voice services except that the phone will be connected to a cable modem. I also ask Turner and Bukovinsky about the interconnected issues latency and jitter, which they have plans for minimizing

With all these new services, what will the consumer see when he actually turns on his box? The first screen is vastly different for Time Warner and AT&T due to the varying interactive options they currently offer, but both want to maintain a TV-centric approach.

What is middleware and why is it important? Well, as new services continue to be implemented from various companies middleware allows multiple technologies to run on a single operating system. The executives also diminish my fears regarding downloadability to a set top box.

I turn my attention to Rich Nelson of Broadcom to discuss how Pack of Cable and IP Telephony services will affect chip manufacturing. He highlights the need for early involvement with the new technologies so that when deploy time comes around the chips are up to speed and can handle the new services

While cable delivered IP Telephony and circuit switch phone service seem similar, Turner highlights some of the special features such as rules based routing associated with IPT that allows the customer to exert more personalized control over their voice services. This unique combination of PC and telephone services will help the name Mediaone become synonymous with voice services.

In the final segment, I ask our panel what they believe is the number one challenge to making IP Telephony a reality in the consumer world. With answers ranging from lifeline CPE to integrated devices and quality of service mechanisms, the reality of IP Telephony will be hard, yet probable work.

Even though Interactive TV is popular on the business side of cable, when will consumer deployments actually be applicable. Each company appears ready to introduce Interactive TV components by 2000, but must find a way to eliminate complexity making applications more user friendly.

In order to assure proper working services, I'm curious to know what must happen on the back end. Dulchinos explains the importance of Technical Interoperability not only for open cable objectives but also for flawless, consumer pleasing products. As more and more technologies combine, interoperability will become a main issue for the backends.

I ask for a consumer scenario that could happen in August 2000 and while everything seems easy at first the term middleware keeps cropping up leaving the consumer a tad confused

Nelson explains how Broadcom and other chip vendors have helped find the requirements that reduce latency through providing constant bit-rate service. Turner discusses the need for a plant that has constant availability and is High Speed Data ready.

At CableNet 2000, I interviewed four companies showcasing some of the must-see technologies of the year. In this segment. In this segment, I ask the panelists about the disconnect between CableNet products and the actual consumer deployment of these technologies. Is there anyway to shorten the gap? Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At CableNet 2000, I interviewed four companies showcasing some of the must-see technologies of the year. In this segment "What do you think is the biggest technology story of the year?" This simple questions draws a variety of answers from our panel.

At CableNet 2000, I interviewed four companies showcasing some of the must-see technologies of the year. In this segment I talk with Jeff Huppertz of ClearBand about their system, which streams video content onto a computer screen. The technology technology allowed cross-platform applicability for subscription TV programming - a step toward an anytime, anywhere eventuality. A little too soon out of the gate, as it turned out, but a true pioneer in what we now call "TV Everywhere." Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Prior to the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show, I visited CableLabs to speak with CEO Dick Green and CTO Ralph Brown about why CES is a hot ticket for consumer-minded cable operators. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Prior to the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, I visited CableLabs to discuss the intersections between CE devices and cable services. In this second segment, VP of Advanced Platforms and Services Don Dulchinos discusses the need to work with more manufacturers; Jenifer Cistola talks about "Go2Broadband." Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2006 National Show, I caught up with Cable Labs executives Mike Schwartz and Don Dulchinos to discuss the new technologies within the CableNet exhibit. tru2way and Enhanced Television (eTV) are high on the list. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2006 National Show, I caught up with Cable Labs executives Mike Schwartz and Don Dulchinos to discuss the new technologies at this years CableNet exhibit. In part 2, I ask Mike to expand on developments on the IP side of the house, like voice and multimedia applications. Ed Miller, VP of Advanced Network Systems, discusses their PacketCable 2.0 platform for delivering IP services to integrate features between landlines and cell phones. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Leading into the 2000 CTAM Summit, I also sat down with Glenn Edens, then with AT&T Strategic Ventures, to discuss home networking trends. He touches on some of the services that could be available with this technology, and delves into the technical milestones to date. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At CableNet 2000, I interviewed four companies showcasing some of the must-see technologies of the year. In this segment, I speak with Alex Thompson, CEO of Mixed Signals Technologies, about interactive TV. She explains interactive applications that the let the viewer play along with game shows, and gather statistics on sporting events, like HBO Boxing. Video courtesy The Cable Channel

Due to the rise in interactive technologies that will populate the upstream path, I caught up with Scott Cummings of Broadcom to discuss their acquisition of the company Digital Furnace whose technology compresses the amount of data in the upstream path, now called Propane. Cummings runs through a demo that compares a DOCSIS modem with and without propane illustrating 2-3 times the efficiency for voice and less than 2 times the efficiency for data allowing more effective upstream bandwidth.

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. Part two of this documentary series concentrates on the developments of the cable industry and expansion in the 1960's. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. In part three of this documentary series, satellite technology takes cable to new heights. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2000 Western Show, I sat down with Cable Labs Senior VP of Communication Mike Schwartz, and tech editors Jeff Baumgartner and Matt Stump to discuss CableNet 2000. Schwartz speaks of the evolution of CableNet from a multiple company, 300 ft2 demo space to the current 10,000 ft2 demo space that holds 70-75 companies. Stump looks forward to seeing TV applications, photo related services, and streaming while Jeff is curious to investigate 'in home networking' technology. The theme of this years CableNet definitely appears to be interactive TV!

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. Huge, industry-wide financial losses from struggling urban franchises in the first half of the 1980s gave way to government deregulation and a more prosperous second half of the century for cable. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. In the '90s: Cable operators embrace new data, voice and video digital services in the midst of a harsh, decade-long regulatory climate. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. In the decade still unfolding, cable adds new services, including phone and faster broadband, while expanding into new business arenas. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In the second part, I ask Schwartz to explain the layout and organization of CableNet for easier navigation. The editors discuss the top tech issues currently facing the industry such as software integration and merging companies.

For attendees of the 2000 CTAM Summit, I interviewed Terry Shaw, of CableLabs, to discuss the new trends in home networking. For instance: Video and voice content streaming to stereos, PCs, and TVs, through a variety of interfaces. Because of the inherent complexities, CableLabs is focused on an easy install experience. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Frank Risseeuw of Ericsson discusses how their Blue Tooth Wireless Technology operates and the convenience this product will provide for more portable interfaces such as a cordless web screen. While the current equipment is fairly large, the future for blue tooth is classified by low cost, small size, and minimal power initiatives.

In this decade by decade chronicle of the origins and evolution of cable television, Leslie Ellis and filmmakers David G. Knappe & Joe Bondulich take viewers through 60 years of innovation. Part one reveals the vision behind bringing cable to the masses - a huge challenge that starts in 1948 and on through the 1950's. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

At the 2006 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, the annual CTO Panel included Marwan Fawaz/Adelphia and Charter; Dave Fellows/Comcast, Dr. Paul Liao/Panasonic, and Vince Roberts/Disney, ABC. This closing segment hits on tech policy, DOCSIS 3.0, channel bonding, and "sling" media. Video courtesy SCTE.

Tech TV's 2001 documentary, "Titans of Tech," highights Mitchell Kertzman -- then CEO of Liberate Technologies -- about their interactive television software, which aimed to help cable operators compete against satellite TV providers. At the time, Liberate and Microsoft were contending for the lead position. I appear in yet another weird hairdo. Why am I putting these online? Video Courtesy of Tech TV.

At the 2006 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, the annual CTO Panel included Marwan Fawaz/Adelphia and Charter; Dave Fellows/Comcast, Dr. Paul Liao/Panasonic, and Vince Roberts/Disney, ABC. This section discusses enhancements to video (ETV), specialized branding, and OCAP. Video courtesy SCTE.

These two parts were filmed in 2006 at the SCTE Expo, and aired at the CTAM Summit. (Back in the days when the Expo was always in June, and CTAM in July. The QoS pros elaborate on how this technology can help video programming, voice services, and congestion issues. I also ask them what they think the most important thing for a cable marketer to know about QoS. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

These two parts were filmed in 2006 at the SCTE Expo, and aired at the CTAM Summit. (Back in the days when the Expo was always in June, and CTAM in July.) I ask three QoS-savvy individuals - Susie Riley of Camiant, Doug Jones of Big Band Networks, and Bob Cruikshank of C-Cor - to not only explain the attributes and importance of QoS, but also why it matters to cable marketers. Short version: The ability to run unflawed applications at higher speeds helps assure a quality consumer experience, and will take the broadband industry by storm. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2006 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, the annual CTO Panel included Marwan Fawaz, then in transition between Adelphia and Charter; Dave Fellows/Comcast, Paul Liao/Panasonic, and Vince Roberts/Disney, ABC. In this first section we discuss video, bandwidth, andswitched digital video. Video courtesy SCTE.

Just before the 2009 CTAM Summit, in Denver (on the afternoon the "balloon boy," in fact), I spoke with incoming CableLabs President and CEO Paul Liao. Liao, who left Panasonic for the prestigious role, is known for his focus on consumers, and believes that marketing and technology must blend to benefit consumers. Also discussed: What's new, what's coming -- and what the future holds for Cable Labs under his leadership. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

In 2009, the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women in Telecommunications and Cable invited me to moderate a roundtable discussion featuring 10 former "Women of the Year." This final roundtable segment talks about women in technology, in cable. Women sometimes doubt themselves and their ability to rise to the next level -- even when they may be more qualified than men. Comcast's Charlotte Field raises the notion of 'pay-for-performance' and how it can help women get the salary and positions they deserve.

In 2009, the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women in Telecommunications and Cable invited me to moderate a roundtable discussion featuring 10 former "Women of the Year." We begin this segment with an excerpt from journalist Margerie Williams' essay "Thank You Clarence Thomas," which shines a contemporary spotlight on the word "feminism". The term bulges with connotations, mostly negative. We discuss whether there's value in repositioning of the word, and how the future of feminism and women's rights lies in the ability to partner, not exclude, men. The notion of leadership must also be reevaluated, the participants explain, to include ideas of community. Video courtesy Rocky Mountain WICT.

In 2009, the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women in Telecommunications and Cable invited me to moderate a roundtable discussion featuring 10 former "Women of the Year." In this segment, we discuss this first-time reality: Right now, and for the first time ever, four generations of women are present in the workplace. This creates ... unique situations, which are illuminated. Bottom line: Understanding the differences between these generational groups is useful -- because with a little effort, the unique gifts and qualities of each generation can work together. We also discuss how these differences are best addressed in the workplace -- and the positive outcomes that can be created when one knows what motivates each generation. Video courtesy Rocky Mountain WICT.

In 2009, the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women in Telecommunications and Cable invited me to moderate a roundtable discussion featuring 10 former "Women of the Year." In this segment, Colleen Abdoulah, President and CEO of Wide Open West, discusses how important it is that men and women work together -- and how the sharing of power and influence helps companies in the long run. The conversation segues into the need for diversity and inclusiveness in the corporate work environment. Wrapping the section: Best practical advice ever received. Video courtesy Rocky Mountain WICT.

In 2009, the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women in Telecommunications and Cable invited me to moderate a roundtable discussion featuring 10 former "Women of the Year." The session was inspired to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the chapter's annual Gala event. We're streaming it to you in five parts, because it's long. We discuss tons of issues, ranging from the changing corporate world of cable, to the role women in play in defining their own professional and personal lives. In this first part, I ask about "first job" experiences, defining career moments, and how they've changed over the last ten years. Video courtesy Rocky Mountain WICT.

Upgrading bandwidth to 1 GHz almost always leads to discussion about amplifier spacing -- a task that can be tedious and time consuming. Chris explains why NOT having to respace is important. He also explains the company's strategic "Eon" program. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this first segment of a December 2008 interview, Chris Bowick, then SVP Engineering and CTO for Cox, discusses the company's decision to choose bandwidth expansion to 1 GHz, rather than digital-to-analog (DTA) and switched digital video (SDV) alternatives -- to make sure there's enough room for everything that's coming. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In a swing through Atlanta in late 2008, I spoke with James Kelso, VP of Video Engineering at Cox Communications, about the company's plans around dynamic ad insertion and EBIF. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In late 2008, I interviewed Cox VP/Technology Jay Rolls in Atlanta. A big topic of discussion: All things DOCSIS 3.0. Several drivers exist, including the increased speeds that come with channel bonding, of course. And, there's the added bonus of operational efficiencies. He then discuss the steps necessary to launch DOCSIS 3.0, like QAM re-lashing. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

This part 2 on DOCSIS 3.0 touches on operational impacts, M-CMTS, and the integration challenges associated with launching and activating D-3 technology. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In a late 2008 interview conducted at Cox's Atlanta headquarters in late 2008, I speak with VP/Technology Jay Rolls about buying wireless spectrum, and the reasons why Cox chose to build its own wireless plant, using LTE. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In a late 2008 interview with Jay Rolls, VP / technology for Cox, we discuss Cox's role in converged services, SIP, and the importance of alignment between different engineering disciplines - a necessity for cross-platform architectures and development.

In this late 2008 interview at Cox's Atlanta headquarters, we discuss the upgrade scene, then and now. Chris stresses the importance of considering customers when implementing upgrade procedure. (Yes, engineers DO think about customers. :-) Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this 2008 series about Time Warner Cable's ATG East facility, in Charlotte, I speak with Kevin Caldwell, VP of Quality Assurance. His mission in life: To bring QA (quality assurance) procedures into the mix, to make sure new products meet the expectations of consumers. Given the growing number of vendors and products in the industry, integration and QA is key. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

I spoke with Bob Perry, SVP of Panasonic, at Tracy Swedlow's "TV of Tomorrow Show," in San Francisco on March 4, 2010. Wondering how it came to pass that cable spent $400 million or so on mandated-but-unused "firewire"/IEEE 1394 connectors, and another $1 billion or so on CableCards? Go about 10 minutes in. (Yes the camera adds 10 pounds. Sheesh.) Video courtesy Tracy Swedlow/ITVT.com.

Time Warner Cable's east-coast Advanced Technology Group is located in in Charlotte, N.C. In this series, three top ATG East execs take us through the facility, which focuses on quality assurance testing -- making everything work right, before it goes to market. We begin with Jim Ludington, EVP of ATG East, who describes the video testing that takes place here, and why resolving "integration issues" are core to cable's cross-platform future. He also delves into how all the ATG facilities work and link together. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this concluding segment with ATG East EVP Jim Ludington, we talk about where things are going -- from multiple connected devices to EBIF, and what vendors can do to make life easier. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this segment filmed at Time Warner Cable's Charlotte, N.C. integration headquarters, Kevin Caldwell discusses the challenges associated with performing QA (Quality Assurance) testing on cross-platform services. Having the resources to turn things around quickly proves key for QA, as to-do lists keep growing. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

This final QA segment with Time Warner Cable's Kevin Caldwell touches on some of the basic checklist items Caldwell and his team follow when preparing new products for market. "Never a dull moment" takes on new meaning when it comes to system integration and test...! Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Jean Gauthier, Director of Quality Assurance for Time Warner Cable's Charlotte, N.C. integration facility, describes the company's "waterfall" test processes, labs, and "RF wall." Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Jean Gauthier explains the challenges in QA assurance testing: Development, integration, and system tests. He also discusses the importance of a uniform footprint for efforts including ODN/MDN and separable security. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

How does a company deal with the software integration workload on a growing volume of new technology deployments? As the integration matrix expands, it's important to replicate environments in the field, says ATG East EVP Jim Ludington. In this segment, Ludington emphasizes the importance of testing and tweaking before products to to the field. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this final Downingtown segment, Charlotte takes me through the facility's sizeable (15,000 SF) headend. Featured: Automated test equipment that pinpoints problems before technology and products are dispatched into the field. Also: A stroll through the company's voice and video racks. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Sherisse Hawkins, VP of Software Engineering for ATG West, discusses the importance of internal "media labs," to check applications across different hardware, firmware or middleware configurations. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

The UI Lab is where ideas begin! This segment with Grace Egan, VP Product Engineering, takes a sneak peek at next generation User Interface design, including personalization and the simplification of finding content. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

This 7-part series shows what goes on within Time Warner Cable's "ATG West" facilities, northwest of Denver, Colorado. Filmed in the fall of 2008, the Advanced Technology Group series begins with Mike Hayashi, EVP of Advanced Enginerring and Technology, discusses technologies ranging from user interface design to advanced video architectures and set tops. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Senior Software Engineer Phu Duc Nguyen discusses what it takes to offer "remote DVR" features to subscription video customers. Forgot to pick up the remote to set a series record on a favorite show? Do it from your laptop or mobile device tomorrow -- regardless of where you may be. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Dave Bell, Chief Architect for Time Warner Cable ATG West, explains "version tracking" software developed to help the MSO organize its enterprise software and check outgoing client and server codes for MDN (Mystro Digital Navigator) and ODN (OCAP Digital Navigator) products. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Louis Williamson, VP of Advanced Engineering for Time Warner Cable (and, as an aside, the guy who figured out how to move video over fiber optic cable in the mid-1980s) explains new technologies developed home networking capabilities. TWC's new set top boxes and (code named) "Santa Monica" design converge products and information, so that viewers can link all content in the house, and access it from the TV, or the PC, or the handheld. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Louis Williamson, VP of Advanced Engineering for Time Warner Cable (and, as an aside, the guy who figured out how to move video over fiber optic cable in the mid-1980s), takes us on a walking tour of the company's internal headend. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

I traveled to Downingtown, PA (a Philadelphia suburb) in 2008 to tour Comcast's integration center. In four parts, the tour shows what happens in Downingtown, and why constant and thorough testing is critical, prior to consumer launch. In part one, Charlotte Field, senior VP of test and operations, discusses what goes on at the 60,000 square feet test facility. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this segment, Comcast's Charlotte Field discusses how tru2way places the set-top inside the TV. Consumer benefits: No more box cluttering the space underneath the TV (especially important in the age of sets that hang on the wall, like a picture); one TV remote. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In this segment, Comcast's Charlotte Field demos the Caller ID on TV feature, which allows a viewer to see an incoming telephone number on the TV, then "snooze" the call. Also being integration-tested in Downingtown: "Smart HD," which lets consumers know if the channel they're watching is available in HD -- and if so, to tune to it. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Comcast CTO Tony Werner explains the company's work to harvest analog spectrum by rolling out the DTA, or "digital terminal adapter." Challenges: Avoiding feature-creep. Benefits: More room for linear HD and other advanced services. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

The DOCSIS specification is well known for its hammer impact on cable modem cost curves, and this trend will continue with DOCSIS 3.0. Also discussed in this Part 2 interview with Comcast CTO Tony Werner: The use of channel bonding in the upstream signal path, and tips for operators just beginning their D-3 rollouts. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

If you build it, they will come. Broadband speeds, that is. In early 2008, at Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters, Comcast CTO Tony Werner explains why DOCSIS 3.0 is an important architectural building block -- not only to increase broadband speeds, but to load-balance the plant. Also discussed: Broadband usage trends amongst consumers. Surprise: A whole lot more media streaming... Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Tony Werner, CTO of Comcast, addresses how the EBIF specifications for "bound" interactivity will roll out over the next 12-18 months, on a large section of the company's installed base of digital set-top boxes. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

In a February 2008 interview with Comcast CTO Tony Werner, we discuss the state of the state in advanced advertising, starting with an update on the Canoe effort, and the "above the line" and "below the line" interfaces used by ad agencies and MSOs, respectively. It's all about creating a national advanced advertising platform for cable. Video courtesy Multichannel News.

Comcast CTO Tony Werner discusses the company's communications campaign about its transition to digital terminal adapters (DTAs), and offers tips for engineers considering similar bandwidth upgrades. Video courtesy Multichannel News.