Blankom USA, a provider of cable operator solutions, has announced that its Blankom turnkey digital cable television solution has been selected by NexHorizon Communications (News - Alert) for its system in Chula Vista, California.

 

In addition, NexHorizon will use Blankom USA as its exclusive digital headend provider for systems it will acquire in the future, says the agreement.

 

NexHorizon recently announced that it had entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire Phoenix Communications of Michigan. That deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Blankom USA is the U.S. arm of Blankom Antennentechnik GmbH, Germany, a provider of turnkey headend solutions with more than 10,000 installed systems worldwide.

 

Its Blankom headend system supports both RF and IP video distribution and interfaces to any conditional access system with separable security cards and multiple set-top choices. The system is non-proprietary, open, saves costs and space, and features an easy-to-use, remote controllable management interface.

 

Chula Vista system will deploy headend to convert the system from 60 analog channels to 125 digital channels, with such customer features as PVR and HD.

 

It will integrate the billing system within NexHorizon's subscriber management system, and will provide voice, video and data from one screen, resulting in operational savings from reduced truck-rolls and the ability to remotely activate or deactivate subscribers' service.

 

Calvin Smiley, senior chief executive officer of NexHorizon, said that Blankom is delivering world-class technology at a very affordable price, and its solution will enable NexHorizon to make a relatively easy transition to IPTV (News - Alert) apart from providing its customers a much stronger and attractive product offering.

 

Smiley noted that Blankom's technology solutions for the smaller operator in the U.S. are outstanding with its strong, established cable foundation throughout Europe, South America and Asia.

 

NexHorizon considered a number of options, but only Blankom could deliver the technology it wanted in the required schedule within its budget, with no ongoing additional costs, added Smiley.

 

Gerhard Franz, president of Blankom USA, commented that the company looks forward to working with NexHorizon Communications as its exclusive headend provider, and values the opportunity to help them provide low-cost, state-of-the-art communication services to their communities.