Tut Systems Inc. announced it's first commercial deployment of an all-IP digital TV headend by a traditional Cable TV operator. Citizens Cable Communications, of Mammoth, PA, deployed the Tut Systems Astria content processor (CP) platform to capitalize on the operational and economic benefits of IP-based networks for the delivery of video, voice and data services.

Citizens Cable's new digital TV service offers its customers the highest quality entertainment available in a package of 130 standard-definition ("SD") TV channels, 47 digital music channels and 10 high-definition ("HD") TV channels. The company is using Tut Systems' Astria CP digital headend solution to deliver an all-digital SD and HD channel line-up.

Prior to the deployment of the IP headend, the company delivered its entire channel line-up using analog technology. Citizens Cable now uses the Astria CP platform to distribute 100% IP video channels from its digital headend facility to digital cable at the edge of the network. In addition, the company has the ability to deliver IP-based digital TV to consumers over their fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network that is currently being deployed.

"Offering a competitive digital entertainment package requires service providers to add new channels and high-quality HD TV content, which, in turn, demands more bandwidth," said Dennis Cutrell, General Manager, Citizens Cable. "Evolving to all IP network architecture positions us well to serve this trend. The flexibility and superior quality of the Tut Systems Astria CP platform equips us with all of the video processing capabilities we need to deliver high-end digital TV services over any access network -- be it coax or fiber. Further, by using a common backbone IP network to serve all of our customers, we significantly reduce both our capital expenditures and on-going operational costs."

"Citizens Cable is breaking ground as one of the first cable operators in the U.S. to deliver IP video to the edge of their traditional cable network," said Mark Tiedeman, Vice President of Marketing for Tut Systems. "We're seeing strong demand for IP video transport solutions from triple-play service providers looking to deliver video, voice, and data services to their customers. Citizens is a true leader in this trend, demonstrating how next generation IP networks enable the converged delivery of all of our communications services."