Martin Group, the nationwide leader of Software, Business Services, and Engineering for communications providers, today announced that Cavalier Telephone is launching the nation’s first all-MPEG4 IPTV network. Martin Group’s Telecommunications Consulting & Engineering Department assisted Cavalier Telephone with the design and engineering work necessary to support the MPEG4, AVC headend system, and switched digital video (SDV) components including the middleware, encryption, and Video on Demand (VoD). These systems provide Cavalier Telephone with the video signal, the user interface, billing support, channel encryption, and back office support.
The service offering, called Cavalier Broadband TV, will allow users to receive 150 digital video and music channels, a full featured interactive program guide, on-screen caller ID, and digital set top boxes. Cavalier Telephone is the first provider in the United States to introduce the new MPEG4 video technology, which allows video to be sent over Cavalier’s existing fiber optic Broadband ADSL2+ network. Cavalier’s Broadband TV service offering will be bundled with existing telephone and internet services.
Brad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Cavalier Telephone said, “With the new compression technologies and IP product enhancements, it is now practical to bring the triple play product to consumers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. We are confident that we can win new customers with our superior picture quality and network reliability from competing cable & satellite firms.”
Cavalier Telephone will offer its new video service to all customers in the greater Richmond area within reach of its high speed network, estimated at over 150,000 homes. Cavalier intends to rollout video services in its other markets by the end of second quarter 2006 reaching close to two million homes.
“It is exciting to be a part of the largest Mid-Atlantic broadband TV network,” said Jim Odom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Martin Group. He adds, “With their new IP infrastructure in place, Cavalier Telephone will be more agile to technology changes and market trends relating to entertainment and convenience applications. Agility and attractive product offerings will result in high customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction rates for Cavalier.”
About Cavalier Telephone:
Cavalier Telephone is a facilities-based, full-service local telephone company offering the latest in advanced telecommunications products, including advanced telephone features and high-speed Internet access for business and residential customers. Cavalier services approximately 35,000 businesses and 200,000 residential customers in Richmond, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Philadelphia, Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
About Martin Group:
Martin Group is the nationwide leader of Software, Business Services, and Engineering that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by communications providers. Martin Group’s advanced OSS/BSS software provides communications providers with the tools to manage revenue effectively and efficiently. Martin Group’s Business Services help communications providers minimize exposure to capital, human and technological risks associated with in-house solutions. Martin Group’s Engineering team has been assisting service providers plan and engineer their infrastructure for 35 years with innovative solutions, practical designs, and expert implementations, including the latest in Fiber to the Home and MPEG2/4 technology. Martin Group is headquartered in Mitchell, SD and has regional offices spanning across the US. For additional information, visit www.martin-group.com.