CableLabs® Seeks Additional Audio Codec for PacketCable™

CableLabs® has issued a request for proposal to companies for a royalty free audio coder/decoder (codec). The audio codec would be considered for inclusion in PacketCable™ interface specifications that are used by equipment manufacturers to develop interoperable Multimedia Terminal Adapters (MTAs), Media Gateways, and Announcement Players.

Audio codecs convert analog voice into packets and code those packets for digital transmission through a cable network, then decode the signals at a receiver. PacketCable has three codecs in its specifications: G.711, which is mandatory and G.728 and G.729E, which are optional.

Companies interested in responding have a June 7 deadline for notifying CableLabs, with final responses due June 28. The CableLabs contact is Venkatesh Sunkad, who may be contacted by phone at 303-661-3887 or by e-mail at v.sunkad@cablelabs.com.

PacketCable is a CableLabs-led initiative aimed at developing interoperable interface specifications for delivering advanced, real-time multimedia services over two-way cable plant. Built on top of the industry's highly successful cable modem infrastructure, PacketCable networks will use Internet protocol (IP) technology to enable a wide range of multimedia services, such as IP telephony, multimedia conferencing, interactive gaming, and general multimedia applications. Working with CableLabs member companies and technology suppliers, the PacketCable project will address issues such as device interoperability and product compliance with PacketCable specifications.