Path 1 and Internet Photonics Team Up on VOD, HDTV

Path 1 Network Technologies and Internet Photonics have signed an agreement designed to advance VOD and HDTV applications worldwide. The agreement focuses on the commercialization of a Path 1 video gateway platform, which lets cable operators distribute VOD entertainment to home viewers.

The combination of Path 1's ASI-to-Optical Ethernet gateway platforms with Internet Photonics' Optical Ethernet and 10 Gbps DWDM enables cable operators to extend the lives of ASI servers and QAMs while using the DWDM and Optical Ethernet for on-demand services.

According to the agreement, Internet Photonics paid $250,000 to Path 1 to accelerate the development of its ASI-to-Optical Ethernet video platform in return for exclusive limited-time channel partner rights in the U.S. cable market.

Cable service is currently used in over 65 percent of U.S. homes. and VOD is projected to reach over 50 million of them by the end of 2003.