...Channel Stacking Switch (CSS) technology has been tapped by Unitron Group for its new Johansson single cable multi-switch, the 9742. Entropic's current CSS, the RF5218, is the de-facto standard for single cable solutions that seamlessly deliver direct broadcast satellite (DBS) to the home. Global DBS operators and installers are looking for flexible multi-switch satellite solutions to work across a mixed class of set-top box (STB) installations. By leveraging the Johansson 9742 multi-switch, DBS operators can simplify whole-home deployments and installers can easily expand consumers' satellite TV service, without extensive knowledge of the subscribers' satellite cabling topology or STB type. This in turn lowers capital expenditures for both operators and installers, as there is no need for expensive truck rolls or installer appointments.

The Johansson device offers multi-standard support for free-to-air (FTA) legacy non-single cable and DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control) installations; CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) EN50494 single cable systems; and BSkyB operator commands in the STB. With the advanced Entropic CSS technology, the multi-switch seamlessly distributes signals for eight receivers when in legacy mode, and can expand up to 24 receivers when in Single Cable Router (SCR) mode. By cascading several 9742 switches, entire multi-dwelling unit (MDU) systems can be supported. The Johansson 9742 multi-switch includes these key features:

• Four satellite inputs and passive terrestrial input
• Wide range of satellite input levels (49 to 110 dBμV) to work under extreme conditions
• High output power (AGC controlled)
• Supports auto-tuning of user bands that are managed by the multi-switch for STBs
• Low trunk-loss, which is ideal for cascading several multi-switches
• Multi-standard support: EN50494/BSkyB/legacy backward compatibility with older generation STBs
• DC input for low noise block (LNB) powering

"The growing trend of multi-room viewing and PVR/DVR installations continues to drive DBS operator and installer interest to run single cable drops to the home," said Al Servati, vice president of Marketing, Connectivity Products at Entropic Communications. "By enabling Single Cable Router mode in Unitron's Johansson 9742 multi-switch we simplify the deployment and lower the overall cost of satellite service installation."