Scientific-Atlanta Unveils Amplifier Technology for Digital Interactive Services

At last week's Western Cable show, Scientific-Atlanta released a new line of amplifier products that will allow cable operators to offer digital interactive services such as video-on-demand, cable modem, and Internet protocol (IP) telephony.

The new GainMaker broadband amplifier platform will allow operators to increase RF bandwidth to 870 MHz. According to Scientific-Atlanta, this will open up room for delivering revenue-generating services, such as video-on-demand, as well as expanded channel lineups.

GainMaker amplifiers features reverse input pads and test points on all ports. They also offer an enhanced reverse amplifier and switching capability, a 2 to 4 dB improvement in gain, and new gain stages.

The new amplifiers will begin shipping in the first quarter of 1999. According to Scientific-Atlanta, pricing will be similar to the pricing of its 750 MHz products.