Comcast Demos 1 Gbps, IP-enabled STBs, Cloud-based Program Guide

At The Cable Show in Chicago, Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts showcased a 1 Gbps DOCSIS connection. During the demo, Roberts downloaded all 23 episodes of Season 5 of "30 Rock" – close to nine hours of content – in about 90 seconds.



The demo bonded 32 channels on the company's DOCSIS network in Chicago to deliver one billion bits per second over 11 miles of fiber and coax to the NCTA show floor at McCormick Place Convention Center.



"This demonstration of extreme 1 Gbps speed on our network is another leap forward in innovation, and we're excited to work with developers to see what amazing new applications could take advantage of the next evolution of broadband," Mr. Roberts said.



Roberts also unveiled the next generation Xfinity TV system featuring a new program guide and user interface designed to make the TV screen more interactive, personal and social. The interface will integrate with Facebook. The video content is delivered using the company's traditional MPEG platform. Trials are underway in Georgia.



Intel is supplying the CPU and graphics silicon for new IP set-top boxes required for the service's advanced user interface. The STB is being developed by Pace plc, and will integrate tru2way and IP capability. thePlatform, a video publishing company wholly owned by Comcast, is bringing its cloud-based video publishing system, mpx, as the content management infrastructure for the service.



Comcast has also formed a strategic partnership with Skype . This will enable Comcast customers to communicate through HD video calling on their television.http://www.comcast.com