Harmonic Introduces High-Performance Video Transport for Small and Mid

Harmonic Introduces High-Performance Video Transport for Small and Mid-Sized Cable Networks

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors
    CCBN 2005
    STAND #2403

    BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2005--

MAXLink(TM) R Series Enables Flexible and Cost-Effective Delivery of Analog and Digital Television Services
    Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) today introduced the MAXLink(TM) R Series 1550 nm broadcast video transport system which is designed to meet the performance, management and cost requirements of small to mid-sized cable operators. Based on Harmonic-patented technology and industry-leading hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network expertise, the new solution incorporates best-in-class transmitter, optical amplifier and broadband receiver components -- each in a compact one rack unit (1RU) enclosure -- to enable a more flexible and economical way of carrying a full line-up of analog and/or digital television services. The overall capabilities and operational simplicity of the MAXLink R Series will be particularly attractive to operators in regions such as China.
    Comprised of Harmonic's MAXLink 1550 nm high-performance transmitter (HLT 7000R), low input power optical amplifiers (HOA 7100 series) and stand-alone broadband optical receiver (HRM 7811R), the system can transport a range of analog and/or digital broadcast television services over fiber networks. The high performance of the MAXLink 7000R coupled with the low input power capability of the HOA 7100 extends the unamplified link length allowing more flexibility in the placement of network components. This reduces the number of active network components, rendering a lower overall cost of deployment and increased reliability due to fewer potential points of failure.
    "As cable embraces the challenge of delivering the video, voice and data triple play, there is a need for an efficient and cost-effective way to provision a competitive range of broadcast television services," said Fernando Amendola, Transport Solutions Product Manager at Harmonic Inc. "Harmonic has applied its deep expertise and technology leadership in broadband networking to develop a transmission system that provides the right price/performance and price/functionality for small and mid-sized cable operators. The resulting MAXLink-based solution offers better reach, performance and quality than 1550 nm transport systems available elsewhere."
    The MAXLink R Series is a cost-effective solution for a variety of existing and emerging applications and architectures. This includes mid-distance headend-to-hub transport in HFC networks that require a range beyond that of 1310 nm transmitters but less than that of Harmonic's best-in-class MAXLink Plus, the market's highest performance 1550 nm transmission system.
    The R Series also enables the business case for small and mid-sized cable operators to increase the scope of service to their subscriber base. This is accomplished by centralizing services and the supporting systems in a main headend and then using a MAXLink R Series backbone network to carry the services to streamlined remote headends. Depending on the distances and capacity requirements, a MAXLink R Series system would transmit these services along with other locally relevant services to hub sites for distribution to the subscriber.

    About Harmonic Inc.

    Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to cable, satellite, telecom and broadcast network operators. Harmonic's open standards-based solutions for the headend through the last mile enable customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.
    Harmonic (Nasdaq:HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The Company's customers, including many of the world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27(A) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21(E) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements related to: the overall capabilities and operational simplicity of the MAXLink R Series and its attractiveness to operators, and enabling the business case for small and mid-sized cable operators to increase the scope of service.
    Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results could differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release area also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent Reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Harmonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

    EDITOR'S NOTE -- Product and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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CONTACT: AxiCom (for Harmonic) Stephen Orr, 408-543-2360 or +44.(0)20.8392.4056 (Media Relations) stephen.orr@axicom.com or StreetConnect (for Harmonic) Michael Newman, 408-542-2760 (Investor Relations) mnewman@stct.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA CHINA INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING INTERNET E-COMMERCE TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Harmonic Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005