Source: Zenith Electronics Corporation Web Site: http://www.zenith.com
Zenith Digital Set-Top Boxes For Multiple Dwelling Units Use Existing Cable Wiring
Zenith Electronics Corporation has broadened its participation in the direct broadcast satellite market with the introduction of a set-top box designed specifically for apartment buildings. The Zenith Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) digital receiver, announced Thursday, December 16 at the Western Cable Show, represents a significant advance in Direct to Home (DTH) set-top box capability, the company said. The satellite transmission is received by the MDU in such a way that it can be used with existing building wiring - typically RG59, the most widely used cable wire installed in apartment buildings. With the use of installed building wiring, building management avoids the significant expense and obstacle of installing new wiring in the building. In addition, with the Zenith set-top box, satellite dish channels can be combined on the building wiring with free broadcast and cable TV channels. Zenith's advanced technology in the set-top box creates its own channel mapping with an autoscan feature that allows users to receive the satellite signal on any cable channel. Zenith digital MDU set-top boxes are designed to interact seamlessly with NDS' software, conditional access and headend products. As a result of close collaboration between NDS and Zenith, program providers can quickly, and cost effectively, deploy Zenith MDUs for apartment dwellers. Building on its position as a leading supplier of satellite receivers to international customers, Zenith now offers the first standard, cost-effective digital set-top box for use in MDUs that use NDS software, conditional access, and headend systems. These digital MDU set-top boxes incorporate industry-compliant MPEG-2 and DVB architectures within the NDS platform. About Zenith Electronics Corporation Zenith Electronics Corporation is a long-time leader in consumer electronics in North America, a supplier of systems for cable TV and telecommunications industries, and a primary developer of the U.S. digital HDTV standard.