Global Invacom and Entropic to design world's first hybrid fiber plus digital channel stacking switch (dCSS) multi-switch

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: Entropic and Global Invacom Group Ltd, an established R&D-led satellite communications (Sat Comms) equipment provider, announced a partnership to design the world's first hybrid plus digital Channel Stacking Switch (dCSS) Multi-switch solution based on Entropic's EN5520 second-generation dCSS integrated circuit (IC), the EN5520.

The new Multi-switch solution is targeted for installations that utilize a fiber backbone for distribution of direct to home (DTH) broadcast video in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) facilities. Receiving the multi GHz broadcast signal over fiber, the Entropic EN5520 can select up to 32 transponders and transmit across two coax outputs – which provides 32 User Bands of viewing or recording capacity.

This hybrid solution is ideal for server/client architectures where the server set-top box (with multiple tuners and demodulators) receives the input signal over a single-cable. The architecture provides operator flexibility, lowers Subscriber Acquisition Cost (SAC) and minimizes subscriber churn through opportunities to offer advanced services.