July 28, 2009

Drake Launches Hybrid QAM Modulation Platform

R.L.Drake unveiled a hybrid transcoding, multiplexing edge QAM device at the Independent Show in Dallas on Monday.

The Drake Digital MEQ1000 is a 1RU-sized modular platform designed to allow cable operators to convert multiple video formats—ASI, 8VSB, HD, analog SD and IP—into a single QAM channel and reconfigure as needed to meet changing network requirements.

Implemented with the Drake Digital DTD1000 module, the MEQ1000 can transcode a single 8VSB broadcast channel to QAM, or enable QAM-to-QAM translation. Configured side-by-side with another DTD1000 module, operators can multiplex and transcode up to two 8VSB channels to one QAM

Future modules will support ASI-to-QAM, analog SD-to-QAM, component/HDMI HD-to-QAM and GigE-to-QAM translation, or individual translations of each.