NET (News - Alert) Serviços, the largest cable service provider in Latin America has selected Cisco in an effort to expand its set-top box presence in the Brazilian video market. NET believes that this partnership puts the company in a privileged position in the Brazilian pay-TV market.

Initially, the Cisco (News - Alert) 4682DVB HD Digital Interactive Media Server will be deployed which supports the delivery of high-definition video and audio programming. Through the incorporation of DOCSIS broadband modem technology built into the Cisco set-top box, Cisco's technology enables NET to offer Brazilian consumers new and innovative interactive services. To deliver NET's complete set of video services, the new interactive Media Center will be customized, Cisco stated.

The comprehensive range of Cisco digital video broadcasting set-tops increases the competitive advantage of the Cisco end-to-end video solution. From compact digital set-tops to advanced interactive models to dual-tuner digital video recorders, Cisco set-top solutions provide various benefits to the users.

Paul Mountford, president, Emerging Markets, for Cisco, said, “We are very pleased to work with NET on this deal. Brazil is a key market for Cisco globally and we are committed to increasing our footprint in Brazil and Latin America. Our customers are looking to change and improve their operational models and lay the foundation for the future of their companies and their countries.”

Creating new ways for consumers to expand their enjoyment of photos and MP3 audio, the USB 2.0 port within the set-top box enables connectivity to peripheral consumer electronic devices. The set-top box equipments will soon be available to NET subscribers who order NET triple-play services and they are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2011.

Recently, the company reported an increase of $.8 billion from the same quarter last year. With reported earnings per share coming in at $.33 GAAP each, the company witnessed a 74 percent growth year-over-year, and a 79 percent increase in net income exceeding industry analysts’ forecasts. With net sales totaling $10.8 billion, Cisco improved sales by 27 percent over last year’s total which was $8.5 billion.