By James A. Chiddix, David M. Pangrac
Abstract - A marketplace need for automating control of broadband CATV signal delivery is described. Past and current efforts to produce equipment meeting this need are outlined, and some concepts for future approaches are suggested. The economic forces at play in the implementation of such a system are described, along with an approach for modeling the operating cash flow needed to offset the required capital investment. The conclusion is drawn that a need for such a delivery technology does exist, and is 1 ike ly to grow as competitive forces increase the cable industry's need to improve compatibility with consumer electronic equipment, deliver an increasing number of switched video (pay-per-view) services, and control operating expenses. Meeting this need is seen to involve meeting significant technical and economic challenges.