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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In 2000 I interviewed Tony Werner, who had recently announced his plan to run Aurora Networks as CEO. In Part 4 of this interview, we cover the rationale of getting involved with a plant-heavy company at a time when the big spend on the majority of cable networks had already been built. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

In 2000 I interviewed Tony Werner, who had recently announced his plan to run Aurora Networks as CEO. In Part 2 of this interview, we cover node size trends and optics cost reductions. Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel.

In 2000 I interviewed Tony Werner, who had recently announced his plan to run Aurora Networks as CEO. In Part 1 of this interview, we cover what Aurora does (optics), why he moved to the vendor side, and Aurora's work with AT&T in Salt Lake City to move to 50-home nodes. 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.

At the 1995 National Cable Television Association show, I sat down with Steve Pearse, of Time Warner Communications, to discuss how and why cable can win against "the regional Bells." (Answer: "We have a SONET network." LOL) Also discussed: Rochester, NY as the proving ground for residential telephone services, starting with tests of Tellabs MDUs (for apartments), then individual homes. One big issue at the time: How to power the NIU (network interface unit) box on the side of the house. ("We're absolutely sure that you've got to have line-powered solutions. Battery and home-powered won't cut it in the long run.") Filmed in 1995 for Steve Nelson/The Cable Channel - the was the first video work I did for Steve - one camera, which meant I'd interview the person, he'd leave, then Steve turned the camera on me to re-ask the questions.)

The tech buzz at the 1995 Western Show was all about high speed online services, delivered by cable modems -- then very new. I sat down with Nick DiGiacomo of @YourService [then a division of SAIC], to discuss whether broadband Internet service is real, or hype, and to wonder whether real-time streaming video over the Internet will happen in 1996....{OMG the hair.}

At the 1995 National Cable Television Association show, I conducted a few of my first video interviews, for Steve Nelson and the Cable Channel. (One camera with turn-arounds.) In this series we deep dive on the emergence of telephony on cable. First up: Jerry Gaines, then SVP of Telephony Services for Tele-Communications Inc. [TCI], who outlines the company's three year plan (goal: 20% share of marketl), talks about their technical trials (Arlington Heights, Ill.), and explains the term "triple play" as a code name for "WirelessCo," a JV with Sprint.

In part two with TCI's Jerry Gaines, we discuss what it takes for cable operators to offer residential telephone service ("you need to make the coax two-way" - ! seems funny in hindsight.) Also what it costs: All in, about $230/home passed. At the time, TCI was forming a venture with Sprint to help other MSOs get into the phone business. In the deal, the "WirelessCo" venture covered capital costs in return for a cut of the revenues. Filmed in 1995 for Steve Nelson and the Cable Channel; ran at the 1995 NCTA Show

At the 1995 National Cable Television Association show, I sat down with Jon Grimes of Tellabs - then a new vendor to cable. In this part 2, we discuss the challenges of the cable upstream path (hello again, ingress) and the timing of consumer uptake for residential cable phone services (answer: second half of 1995.) Filmed in 1995 for Steve Nelson/The Cable Channel - the was the first video work I did for Steve - one camera, which meant I'd interview the person, he'd leave, then Steve turned the camera on me to re-ask the questions.)

At the 1995 National Cable Television Association show, I sat down with Steve Pearse, of Time Warner Communications, to discuss upstream plant issues, deployment timing ("1996 is the year"), and why Time Warner isn't involved in the Sprint/TCI "WirelessCo" JV ("we're looking at a number of different options ... and that's about all I can say on that right now.") Filmed in 1995 for Steve Nelson/The Cable Channel - the was the first video work I did for Steve - one camera, which meant I'd interview the person, he'd leave, then Steve turned the camera on me to re-ask the questions.)

As new VP of Engineering at TCI, Tony Werner discusses what he's learning and doing with telephony, high speed data, and digital TV. Discussion points: Stuff is working ("the cable modems work, despite what naysayers say"); how to make phone, HSD, set-top box products share the upstream path; [Note: I'm posting this video ONLY because it's Tony. If you were me, would you post this? Hello? That is a one-piece jumpsuit. The hair!] Filmed in 1996 for Steve Nelson/The Cable Channel.

In part 2 of this 1996 interview with Tony Werner, then VP/Engineering for TCI, Tony shares his pointers on what to do and not do in launching new services. For instance: Telephony is hard to power, but easy from an upstream perspective; HFC plant maintenance needs to be tightened up. Also discussed: The positive impact of advanced services on TCI's stock price.... [Note: I'm posting this video ONLY because it's Tony. If you were me, would you post this? Hello? That is a one-piece jumpsuit. And the hair!] Filmed in 1996 for Steve Nelson/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. 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.

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.

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 1995 National Cable Television Association show, I sat down with Jon Grimes of Tellabs - then a new vendor to cable - to discusses how cable could take a 20% share of the $100 bil. telephone market. Also: An update on Tellabs' market trials with Time Warner Cable, in Rochester, NY, and NewChannels, in Syracuse. Filmed in 1995 for Steve Nelson/The Cable Channel - the was the first video work I did for Steve - one camera, which meant I'd interview the person, he'd leave, then Steve turned the camera on me to re-ask the questions.)

Leading into the 1995 Western Show, I sat down with Nick DiGiacomo, of @Your Service [then a division of SAIC], to discuss the cost per home of providing high-speed data services to residences. We finish by touching on some of the privacy issues associated with internet via cable. [OMG the hair.]

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services over IP, and in particular, voice over IP. In part 6 of this panel, we discuss challenges in getting to lifeline voice services. For MediaOne's Jeff Turner, it's network-powered CPE that can perform lifeline telephony. For Broadcom's Rich Nelson, DOCSIS 1.1 is in market, but what's needed is a combination cable modem / VoIP device. For Dave Bukovinsky, of CableLabs, the one challenge is specifying QoS parameters for DOCSIS 1.1. "It's somewhat unchartered water." Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.)

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services for the IP side of the plant, served by cable modems. At the time, this was a big change from the current mode of providing telephone services over cable, using traditional circuit switched techniques. To delve into these topics, I moderated a technology panel that included Jeff Turner of Mediaone, David Bukovinsky of CableLabs, and Rich Nelson of Broadcom. Focus: PacketCable, Internet Protocol, IP telephony, and HSD. Filmed by Steve Nelson for airing on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.)

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services over IP, and in particular, voice over IP. In part 2 of this panel, Broadcom's Rich Nelson explains the importance of involving silicon manufacturers early on in technology developments like PacketCable; the use of DOCSIS version 1.1 as a baseline for PacketCable; and the outlook for chip sales in 1999. Answer: "Tens of thousands" of chips for VoIP trials; 500k for broadband; 2-3 mil. for digital set-tops. Is that right: "Most of the set tops in Q3 '99 and onward will be shipping with built-in cable modem capabilities." Filmed by Steve Nelson for airing on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.)

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services over IP, and in particular, voice over IP. In part 3 of this panel, Mediacom's Jeff Turner and CableLabs' Dave Bukovinsky discuss how VoIP differs from traditional circuit switched phone; latency mitigation; managed IP networks; jitter. Filmed by Steve Nelson for airing on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.)

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services over IP, and in particular, voice over IP. In part 5 of this panel, MediaOne's Jeff Turner discusses how IP-based techniques will enable operators to launch more features more quickly; rules-based routing to manage calls; and MediaOne's desire to get to a 15-20% market penetration in five years. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.) 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.

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In part 2 of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we discuss the state of deployments (we were on the cusp of the DCT-5000 at the time, LOL), apps (email, chat, a wallet), and the complexity of the Internet. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In part 3 of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we review what's happening with OpenCable, separable security and PODs. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In part 4 of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we review what the consumer landscape will look like for TVs with built-in set-tops, after the July 2000 removable security deadline imposed on cable (but not satellite!) by the FCC. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In part 5 of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we get into "what the heck is middleware, and how is it different from an operating system?" Also: Why downloadable software into set-tops isn't scary. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel. 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.

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In the final segment of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we discuss what consumer sees on the first screen of interactive boxes (last channel, plus email, services, customer care). The resounding theme: TV-centric is the way. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

Going into the 1998 Western Show, much of the tech buzz was about packet-based services over IP, and in particular, voice over IP. In part 4 of this panel, Broadcom's Rich Nelson addresses latency reduction, constant bit rate, and high availability; Turner discusses the importance of reliable plant, power passing taps, and other powering considerations. Filmed by Steve Nelson for airing on The Cable Channel. (Note to self: Don't ever color your own hair again.)

Interactive TV was the buzz, going into the 1999 Western Show. In part 1 of this panel, featuring Time Warner Cable's Michael Adams, AT&T Broadband's David Rudnick, and CableLabs' Don Dulchinos, we discuss why ITV is back (again!), as well as infrastructure requirements, economic viability and oh yeah, that World Wide Web thing. Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

In the fourth and final segment of this Western Show 2000 panel, we delve into that big gap between press releases and actual consumer deployments. What needs to happen in 2001 to change that? Stump: Broadband marketing and moving services faster. Baumie: VOD as an application cable's competitors can't easily emulate; HDTVs are a CableNET feature but they're not in consumer homes. Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel.

In Part 3 of this Western Show 2000 panel, panelists recap the top technology stories of the year. Schwartz: Meeting the July 200 FCC deadline; OCAP. Stump: The beginning of apps and services on set-tops like the DCT-2000 vs. DCT-5000. Baumie: Deployments of advanced services. Me: DOCSIS 1.1-based modem rollouts; the Open Access work in Boulder (AT&T) and Columbus (Time Warner) Filmed by Steve Nelson for the Cable Channel.

Yes, dear viewer, there was a time (2000) when this stuff really did seem like pie in the sky. In this interview with Ericsson's Frank Risseeuw, wireless home networking is a distinct possibility -- over a 720 kbps Blu-tooth router. BRING IT! Nearby is what we'd now call a (rather blobbish) tablet, destined to let viewers watch TV on the big screen, and do interactive stuff using a companion app on the smaller screen. Posting this 11 years later and feeling a bit silly... Filmed by Steve Nelson for 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 interviewed CableLabs executives Mike Schwartz and Don Dulchinos about that year's CableNet exhibit highlights. Hot tickets: OCAP-enabled boxes, OCAP apps (not just the guide, new stuff too!); Downloadable conditional access (remember DCAS?); ETV & ITV. Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

At the 2006 National Show, I interviewed CableLabs' Ed Miller, to discuss what's happening in CableNET exhibit area relative to the IP (Internet Protocol) side of the house. Hot tickets: PacketCable 2.0, and new ways to do more stuff with your phone. Big then: Caller ID on TV, to see an incoming call, then transfer it from the cell to the land line (or vice versa). Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

Here's another one that's a combination of funny and embarrassing to watch and post, 11 years after it happened. An outdoor (hence the squinting) interview somewhere in California with Dr. Terry Shaw, Keeper of the Bandwidth at CableLabs, but in this phase of his career he's Mister Home Networking. We're discussing the potential for a marketplace of wired and wireless home networks that would let you connect up all your stuff. Classic. NOTE: Yes that is Susan Marshall who walks into the shot at about 2 minutes in. Hi Susan. :-) Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel.

I'm posting this interview for you to see 11 years after it happened, while watching the video of it stream through a cable modem to a PC screen ... so, watching myself rapturously wonder whether such a feat is even possible. Trippy, maaaan... Please enjoy this CableLabs CableNet interview with Jeff Huppertz, then (2000) with Clearband -- about this wacky new idea: stream TV through the cable modem to the PC screen. Crazy! Filmed by Steve Nelson and aired on The Cable Channel.

At CableNet 2000, I interviewed four companies showcasing some of the must-see technologies of the year. In this segment, I spoke with Alex Thompson, CEO of Mixed Signals Technologies, about interactive TV. She (a rock star in her own right - in her spare time she races motocross) explains interactive applications that the let viewers play along with game shows, and gather statistics on sporting events, like HBO Boxing. Her system was up on WebTV+ and AOLTV. IN HINDSIGHT (2011): Yes I cringe at myself through many of these. Sometimes violently. Did I not notice that she said "you pick up the remote," proceeding to hoist up an enormous, wired keyboard? Or was it edited out for brevity? Let's go with that. 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.

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.

Yes, dear younger viewers, there was a time when hooking up two home computers so as to the same printer was state of the art in home networking. In this look-back-classic interview with Glenn Edens, then with AT&T Strategies, he provides a snapshot in time to the year 2000 by trying to imagine use cases for home networks. Timestamp quote: "Today, that's limited to the good TV set that hooks up to the VCR." Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel

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 Part 2 of this Western Show 2000 panel, CableLabs' Mike Schwartz provides the lay of the land in navigating the CableNET area; Baumie and Stump chew on the top tech issues currently facing the industry. (Software integration and the impacts of consolidation, like AOL/Time Warner and AT&T/TCI.) Filmed by Steve Nelson for the Cable Channel.

In advance the 2000 Western Show, I interviewed Cable Labs Senior VP of Communication Mike Schwartz, and tech editors Jeff Baumgartner and Matt Stump to discuss CableNet 2000. Schwartz reminisces back to the first CableNet; Stump's looking for TV applications, photo related services, and streaming; Baumie's looking for in home networking technology. Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel.

In this fourth and final segment from CableNet 2000, we geek out on the upstream signal path. "We" is me with Scott Cummings, of Broadcom via Digital Furnace. Their technology, Propane, would become a vital way to compress upstream traffic and conserve bandwidth; Scott does a great job of describing how it works here. A NOTE IN HINDSIGHT: I'm posting these 11 years later and in large batches. If I start a "let's talk costs" model using a 100,000-sub system with 20% penetration one more time, I'm going to have to stick forks in my ears... Filmed by Steve Nelson for The Cable Channel.

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.

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.) In this segment, I check in with three QoS pros -- Susie Riley, of Camient, Doug Jones, then with Big Band, and Bob Cruickshank, then with C-COR (now Arris) -- to make the acronym more approachable for non-engineers. Quote of the segment: "Quality of service is an amazing tool for marketers. Instead of taking 2 hours to download a movie, you can do it in 20 minutes. It's a dream." Video courtesy The Cable Channel.

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, 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.

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.

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/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.

Just before the 2009 CTAM Summit, in Denver (on the afternoon of "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 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 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 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 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.