Buckeye To Boost HD With Switched Video

Ohio's Buckeye CableSystem has selected the BigBand Networks switched digital video solution to expand high-definition services.
Buckeye's SDV deployment will be implemented across Motorola set-top boxes. The operator also plans to eventually use future capabilities of the SDV platform to deliver IP-based video.
"We looked at various options for optimization of our bandwidth and have chosen BigBand's SDV solution because it gives us an efficient means to better utilize our spectrum and to expand our HD content," Buckeye chief technology officer Joe Jensen said in a statement. "SDV will allow us to quickly regain bandwidth, helping us to execute our competitive strategy and expand HD services."
Buckeye, which has about 150,000 customers, is the largest cable firm in the Toledo, Ohio, area. The company is a member of the National Cable Television Cooperative, a programming and hardware buying cooperative that represents more than 1,100 independent cable operators.
BigBand claims its switched digital video system has been deployed or is being deployed by six of the top 10 cable operators in North America, passing over 20 million households. The video-equipment vendor announced a 76% jump in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008 -- citing strong sales of SDV and related equipment -- while also disclosing that it laid off 46 employees, or about 10% of its current work force.