MFH-2 Background:

Over the past several years and with plans for the future, DIRECTV has added and will bring online additional satellite capacity to distribute an extensive amount of new programming content to subscribers including video in high definition format and interactive options. In order to accomplish these goals, the RF distribution of the content has changed significantly both in technology as well the type of architecture deployments in the Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU). Early MDU deployments were accomplished by the use of one or two "stacking" schemes over copper based coax cable to accomplish a "single-wire" solution.

Today's multi-polarity schemes and the widespread use of subscriber based Personal Video Recorders (PVR) have pushed the technology, primarily with regards to bandwidth and distance, beyond the practical use of these former legacy systems. Accordingly, new, cost effective systems are needed to allow for more efficient and intelligent use of bandwidth. MFH2 is an RF Distribution system that accomplishes just that. In brief, only the required amount of bandwidth and content is brought to the subscriber unit as needed as selected by the viewer. In addition, with MFH2 the traditional installed "home-run and splitter" architecture based on the use of industry standard, "off-the shelf" devices, can support the use of multiple tuners, either as set-top box, PVR or combination of both, with no additional customer required equipment. Most importantly, an MDU subscriber is afforded the same viewing experience, as well as the same consumer equipment, as a Direct-to Home (DTH) subscriber.

While the subscriber side of the system has been simplified, the transmission of seven or more satellites has actually increased the complexity of the MDU head-end in an effort to bring all this content out to the appropriately located "IDF" Closets within a High-Rise or Garden Style Multi Family Complex. In keeping with a growing trend, fiber optics is becoming the prime choice for such applications. Fiber allows for the use of enormous bandwidths and distances well of excess of those encountered in MDU applications. More recently, fiber and related equipment have become an extremely affordable choice when compared to the escalating material and deployment costs of copper based coax.

 MFH-2 Basic Concept:

In a typical MDU system, each of the 4 required stacks, and any optional satellite polarities and CATV/SMATV service, are converted into light and transmitted via fiber to each IDF closet within the building(s).

At the IDF closet, the fiber optic signal is converted back to RF for input into a cascade of “Single Wire Multi-switches” (SWM) for distribution to each individual unit.

The basic Fiber Distribution System consists of rack mounted fiber optic transmitters, fiber optic splitters and optional multiplexers, and wall mounted, multi-port Fiber Optic Receivers and associated racks, power supplies and accessories.

Foxcom's line of AverLux products affords the user all the benefits and features of utilizing fiber for signal distribution including:

• Extended distances from centralized headend; over 5+ kilometers

• Elimination of "Dish per Building" in Garden Style Complexes

• RFI, EMI and Lightning immunity

• Enhanced security and theft of service prevention

In addition, Fiber Optic Distribution Equipment offers advanced solutions such as:

• Multiple Orbital Locations - up to seven for the DIRECTV MFH2 Distribution Scheme

• Ka, Ku, and FSS Satellites reception

• Delivery of HD and Off-air content

• CATV/SMATV Options

• Return Path Capabilities; DOCSIS or Ethernet

• Automatic Gain Control

• On-Board LNB Powering and Polarity Selection

• Compatibility with existing MFH1 deployments and Legacy Foxcom Equipment

• Choice of fiber architectures; dedicated or multiplexed

• Optional 100 Base T Ethernet service (Q1 '08)

• SNMP Monitor and Control Functions (Q1 '08)

• Remote Subscriber De-Activation (Q1 '08)

 The Basic MFH-2 Platform Consists of:

	Transmitter unit - Transmitter plug-in modules using the 3U 19" rack mount AverLux chassis or Outdoor housing "clamshell" (NOT available yet - Release Q1/2008) View the Specs
	Receiver unit - With remote powering option via DBS RF coaxial output View the Specs
	Headend Fiber Optic passive devices: Splitters CWDM