Community differentiation — it’s something every successful developer strives to achieve, particularly when the market turns soft. Protecting against market downturns, intelligently planned multi-dwelling unit (MDU) developments and master-planned communities go to great lengths to include unique amenities that attract attention and enhance lifestyles.
To the developers of these communities, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) contains all the ingredients necessary to support the ultimate amenity — future-proof infrastructure with the ability to positively impact the lives of every resident and to provide opportunities to accelerate home sales. To the average homeowner, FTTH can be defined more directly in terms of content and services. Consumers appreciate future-proof technology, particularly if it enhances the value of their homes and community. What they are really passionate about, however, is ultra high-speed Web access, compelling service bundles and, most importantly, cutting edge video entertainment.
Video Sells
Although lifestyles are increasingly dependent on bandwidth, most consumers still need help recognizing the numerous benefits offered by living in a “connected community.” This education process is directly tied to how easily a homeowner can see tangible differences compared to the services delivered over traditional networks. Internet, phone and security services all play a vital role, but the real “wow factor” is typically seen on the living room TV. To be viewed as something special, FTTH communities must be able to deliver the goods when it comes to video services.
Until recently, most FTTH communities were left with few options other than traditional RF-based solutions for video distribution. After all, 30-year-old habits die hard.
While FTTH networks are capable of delivering RF-based signals, it is far from the optimum choice and runs counter to the goal of creating a next-generation network, particularly within a Greenfield project. More important than the issues of bolting together disparate technologies, traditional video distribution solutions fall short of supporting the ways in which consumers want to interact with network services. IP-based solutions offer the clearest pathway to true converged services and support a world where the TV and computer can operate in seamless harmony.
Few will argue against IPTV being the future of TV. Nevertheless, current solutions require extremely deep pockets to wade through rapidly changing protocols, complex middleware and challenging implementation issues. There are content issues as well, which may be considered the real dilemma. Broadcasters and content companies are still wrestling with the various digital rights management issues of IPTV.
MFH3 to the Rescue
So, what’s a FTTH network to do? Video content is the heart and soul of the network, but it just doesn’t feel right connecting 1970s technology to a 21st Century network.
Many of the challenges with implementing IP-based video disappeared in September 2007, when DirecTV and Thomson Electronics released MFH3 (Multi-Family Housing Version 3), a revolutionary video platform capable of delivering DirecTV’s content via an IP infrastructure. From the network core to the set-top box, MFH3 is an elegant solution that makes “100% IP” networks, as DirecTV calls them, a reality for MDU or private master-planned communities. While the solution is ideal for FTTH, it can also be deployed over a variety of copper-based wiring topologies, particularly within a MDU environment. Occupying less than half a rack of equipment space, MFH3 not only saves space, but also consumes less power and produces less heat than other RF alternatives.
MFH3 is centered on an “on-property” headend facility connected to each living unit via fiber. Standard and high-definition DVR set-top boxes connect to the network via a Cat 5 input. Tony Goncalves, vice president telco and MDU sales for DirecTV, says MFH3 is “a perfect complement” to its commitment to offering cutting-edge technology and content. “Not only does the IP-based platform represent a significant leap forward in terms of technology,” he says, “it also accelerates the exciting new market opportunity of fiber-to-the-home.” Goncalves also praises the company’s partners in the launch, such as AFL Telecommunications. AFL Telecommunications, an end-to-end system integrator with dozens of FTTH projects was quick to recognize the value of MFH3. “MFH3 delivers the killer app for FTTH communities,” says Kent Brown, director of access solutions for the company. He calls MFH3 a “compact and cost-effective video delivery platform that not only removes the technology hurdles associated with IP video, but also provides access to DirecTV’s entire portfolio of content.”
Content Is King
Content is really where MFH3 sets itself apart. DirecTV, according to Brown, “provides a blockbuster package that delivers on the promise offered by FTTH.” With over 85 high-definition channels currently online, most viewers can enjoy their entire TV experience in high-def — that is something that is powerful and immediately drives home the unique value of a connected community.
In addition to the channel line-up, the MFH3 system also supports channel insertion of local content and customization of the user guide. This feature allows FTTH system operators to create a unique user experience that sets their service apart from what homeowners have previously experienced.
For example, system operators can encode virtually any local content — community information channels, security camera feeds or special interest content, such as lectures or sporting events. Furthermore, all of the content can be inserted into the DirecTV user guide to provide a seamless viewing experience.
The MFH3 high-definition DVR set-top not only lets consumers enjoy the benefits of an advanced digital video recorder, but it also supports a separate connection to the Internet to support access to DirecTV’s VOD service and other future services.
IP: A Beautiful Thing
So, why is IP-based video so compelling? For starters, the network and all IP services share a common Ethernet switching infrastructure. This not only saves capital dollars, but is also a very big deal to anyone who needs to provision, manage or troubleshoot the network. Ethernet-savvy techs can oversee the entire network without having to learn the ins and outs of RF equipment.
Furthermore, IP networks support proactive monitoring of potential problems. This is in contrast to RF networks, whereby the first indication of a problem is a call from an angry subscriber and typically results in a truck roll.
In the case of MFH3, network management and support goes for beyond the desktop of the network administrator. For this reason, Thomson’s Technicolor Network Services business unit and DirecTV have collaborated on the creation of a sophisticated MFH3 Network Management System (NMS). It is part of every MFH3 deployment and includes 24/7 monitoring and remediation support. MFH3 system installs include a virtual private network (VPN) connection to Technicolor’s Network Operations Center located in Alpharetta, Ga. Monitoring capability includes the entire MFH3 headend and Ethernet switch fabric. Set top boxes can also be monitored for performance and network connectivity. All of these add up to unparalleled visibility into the network, reduced burden to the FTTH system operator and, most importantly, the ability to offer higher reliability and better support to subscribers.
From Headend to the Home
From a system operator’s viewpoint, the customer response to MFH3 has been tremendous. “Since August, Crystal Clear has deployed two MFH3 systems,” says Jamie Spurlock, president of Crystal Clear Technologies. “Based on our initial reactions, it will be our platform of choice moving forward. Having a 100-percent IP network delivers advantages from every side — CapEx, OPEX, network management and end-user satisfaction.”
FTTH involves more than just future-proof technology. It also provides developers and system operators with the freedom to create a “FTTH amenity,” and to make technology a powerful part of the vision of any proposed community. As a cost-effective IP-based video distribution platform, MFH3 is delivering on the promise offered by FTTH and next-generation IP networks.