Satnews Daily
September 14th, 2009

SatBroadcasting (IPTV): Virgin Media Selects Cisco


Cisco + Virgin Media logos IPTV: Virgin Media, has selected Cisco to support its Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) distribution platform and help upgrade its legacy digital TV infrastructure. Virgin Media will deploy Cisco® Digital Video Headend technology in all of its regional and central headends to enable growth in SD and advanced HDTV services. Deployed across Virgin Media’s national fibre optic network, Cisco IP core and edge network technologies will provide high-speed distribution between the central and regional headends and support delivery to Virgin Media’s high-speed access network. Upon completion, the new TV platform will be capable of delivering advanced services to more than 12.6 million U.K. homes. Virgin Media’s upgraded TV distribution platform will be extensively based on Cisco technology, including Cisco’s IP Next-Generation Network core and edge routing and switching, digital video headend solutions, and system management and monitoring. The project, managed by Cisco, includes installation, full system integration, the priming of third-party elements and support provided by the Cisco Advanced Video Services Group. Currently, Virgin Media is also deploying Cisco DOCSIS® 3.0 technology for its 50 Mbps broadband service rollout in the U.K. Cisco is also providing technology and support in the 200Mbps broadband trial, which Virgin Media is running in Ashford, Kent.