At IBC 2009, Cisco is will showcase a range of medianet technologies that addresses the complex challenges currently faced by the media, satellite, and broadcast industries. Under the theme “Transforming the video experience”, Cisco® will demonstrate how medianets — nexgen, media-aware IP networks built specifically for video and rich media applications — provide enhanced differentiation and added value in a CapEx-constrained environment. Cisco brings together all elements of the entertainment delivery chain — production, contribution and distribution — to assist broadcasters, operators, and service providers deliver innovative video networks to safely and reliably distribute high-quality video and multi-play services to any device. Showcase demonstrations at the event will illustrate how broadcasters, network operators, and service providers can transform and differentiate end-user experiences to be more social, personal and interactive, deliver quality of experience for video services, effectively manage complexity and scale with a virtualized organisation, and how to monetise these investments with new revenue streams.

One solution on display will be Cisco's new ISB IP and IP/DVB-x Hybrid Set-Top Box Series, which offer more processing power and home networking features than previous models. Models included in the Cisco ISB IP and IP/DVB-x Hybrid Series range from sophisticated HD-DVR media servers to digital interactive STBs. As with all Cisco set-top platforms, these devices are operable with a choice of multiple leading middleware and conditional access system platforms. The new STB models support multiple home networking standards including WiFi, HPNA (HomePNA Alliance, formerly Home Phoneline Networking Alliance), HomePlug (a power line communication industry trade group), and DLNA (Digital Living Network Appliance).