Digital Fountain releases a new version of its ToughStream solution, which ensures end-to-end quality of service for IPTV networks. ToughStream 2.0, which will be released in January 2008, provides enhanced deployment flexibility for IPTV service providers, enabling them to “surgically” insert protection only where needed without any impact on areas of the network or subscriber nodes that are already performing to required service levels. The ability to strategically insert protection lowers deployment costs and reduces operational complexities stemming from system-wide upgrades that would otherwise be required. This is particularly important for operators who maintain several different set-top-box models and configurations.

ToughStream 2.0 allows incremental deployment into any IPTV network, and is compatible with existing set top boxes and services, making it much easier to deploy. On the head end, ToughStream 2.0 can be deployed without impacting existing broadcast and VoD servers and requires no changes to signaling infrastructure and existing services.

In order to provide IPTV providers with an even greater level of deployment flexibility and loss protection control, future versions of ToughStream will incorporate variable protection capabilities, enabling IPTV service providers to deliver different levels of protection to different areas of the network. This capability will enable service providers to “fine tune” their network to deliver the right amount of protection where it is needed the most.

Like all solutions in the ToughStream product family, ToughStream 2.0 is powered by Digital Fountain’s DF RaptorTM technology. DF Raptor has been adopted by several IPTV standards, including DVB-IPTV (Digital Video Broadcasting – IPTV). Other standards bodies are currently evaluating DF Raptor as a best practices standard for high-quality IPTV service delivery.

Digital Fountain will be exhibiting at the TelcoTV Conference & Expo in Atlanta, GA in the Georgia World Congress Center through Thursday, October 25. Stop by for a visit at booth #402, to learn more about the ToughStream streaming video solution.