N2 manages Time Warner's NYC VOD service

Susan Rush
From the October 31st edition of CED Broadband Direct

Time Warner Cable is using N2 Broadband's network to manage its video-on-demand service in New York City.

Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, N2 Broadband's N2 Network will provide TWC's NYC division with a complete delivery management, back-office and usage reporting system. Specifically, the network will enable the secure distribution of media assets from content providers to multiple headend locations; streamline and automate the process of receiving, prioritizing and propagating on-demand content; and enable the ability to remotely manage all media assets in the system.

The N2 Network is designed as an open standards-based solution to enable cable operators to work a variety of VOD partners to deliver on-demand content to their subscribers, according to N2 Broadband executives.

TWC announced plans earlier this month to deliver VOD services in the Big Apple. At the time of the NYC deployment announcement, TWC said it would use nCUBE's n4x server to power the systems. Interested customers do not have to purchase new equipment because content will be delivered via the installed base of Pioneer Voyager and Scientific-Atlanta Explorer set-top boxes.

TWC of New York City serves 1.4 million customers in four New York City boroughs as well as Mt. Vernon and Bergen and Hudson counties in New Jersey. Roughly 500,000 subscribers will be VOD-enabled over the next two weeks, with the balance gaining access to the service by the end of the year.

The various divisions of Time Warner Cable have been busy in the VOD space. Yesterday, the San Diego arm announced plans to roll out various VOD offerings to its 200,000 area customers. The company also has inked deals with various companies, including, but not limited to, Concurrent Computer Corp., nCUBE, iN Demand and Scripps Network.