It was almost five years ago when Bill Bauer, Ben Hooks, and Tony Swain -- three veteran cable operators -- began talking about how to help cable companies be more competitive. Since that time, competitive pressures have done nothing but increase. Satellite companies, cable overbuilders, telephone companies are all in the mix. As Bill, Ben, and Tony considered the situation, the solution seemed pretty clear. Cable companies need to be able to offer better broadband-based products including digital cable, High Definition, high-speed internet, VOIP, and VOD services at very, very competitive rates.
But how? Fixed costs are high. Upgrading cable plant is both time consuming and expensive. Then, add in the costs of newer, smarter digital equipment. There didn't seem to be any good solution available.
And so they began three and a half years of quiet research and development. The result? Actually, there are two. First, a new MPEG-4 transport system that provides advanced security as well as enhanced performance. Second, the BBT digital "box" that is cheaper, smaller, and smarter than anything available on the market today.