Vectra Chooses ARRIS Hybrid Set-Top to Help Smooth Transition from Analogue to Digital in Poland

COLOGNE, Germany, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ANGA COM 2013 -- Poland's second-largest cable service provider*, Vectra, has chosen the HMC3021 hybrid HD set-top from ARRIS Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARRS) to accelerate its shift to IP.

The move will allow Vectra to transition its analogue subscribers to digital, seamlessly—paving the way for the multiscreen experiences and IP-based services that its consumers crave.

Vectra will deploy the HMC3021 set-tops in customers' homes by summer 2013. With an impending analogue switch-off in Poland, this cost-effective cable 'zapper' set-top represents a timely solution for service providers, like Vectra, looking to deliver new services without increasing operational expenses.

Tomasz Zuranksi, CEO, Vectra said: "We're seeing unprecedented interest high-quality HD and IP-based services in Poland. Video on Demand (VOD), in particular, is something our subscribers demand. Our investment in ARRIS' hybrid set-top allows us to deliver these services today, while preparing for an all-IP future."

Features and Benefits of ARRIS HMC3021 Hybrid Set-Top Box
The HMC3021 is a next-generation set-top that has been designed to deliver HD content to basic subscribers. The low-cost set-top converts a service provider's digital signal within the home so that subscribers can view HD content, like VOD, without the need for a more expensive, traditional set-top box. This facilitates the migration of subscribers to IP-based services with little interruption or outward investment on the part of the service provider.

"With the analogue switch over in Poland coming later this year, many Polish service providers are looking for the most flexible and cost-effective way to manage this transition," said Steve McCaffery, ARRIS Vice President and General Manager EMEA. "The HMC3021 is the answer—giving service providers, like Vectra, the confidence that today's investment will scale to tomorrow's digital services."

Key features:
The ARRIS HMC3021 supports a wide range of video rates and decodes standard MPEG-2, H.264 and MPEG-4 transport streams including most audio/video formats. Additionally, it is designed to support different Conditional Access Systems (CAS). The set-top features include a standard SmartCard interface, flexible memory footprint, optional two-way Ethernet RJ-45 for interactive applications, and a 750 MHz processor.

• 750MHz, 1125 DMIPS CPU
• Digital video (64QAM/128QAM/256QAM)
• ITU-T J83 Annexes A/B/C compliant
• Single 54MHz to 1GHz digital video tuner
• 128Mb Flash memory
• 256Mb DDR3
• Accelerated 2-D graphics
• HDMI video output up to 1920 x 1080p
• HDCP digital copy protection
• Low power standby mode
• Multiple Condition Access System (CAS) support.

The HMC3021 Series became part of the ARRIS portfolio through the company's acquisition of Motorola Home. ARRIS combines world-class solutions for the entire video delivery chain by integrating innovative technologies across the cloud, network and home.

*Vectra is the second-largest cable service provider according to subscriber base.

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About Vectra
Group VECTRA (www.vectra.pl) belongs to a small group of major domestic telecommunications cable operators. The company operates in 167 towns and cities and the number of its customers exceeds 860,000. Vectra basic offer is analog and digital cable television, broadband internet access – fixed and mobile, and fixed telephony. Vectra is one of the most attractive in the market for digital television in the number and variety of programs – a total of 183, including 44 in HD format. Other items that stand out Vectra services, the Internet 160 Mb/s, independent local television programs broadcast in 110 cities, PVR and multiroom. Additional services include Vectra TVOnline (free access to 25 TV programs on PC and mobile devices), HBO GO and music service Mood. Vectra has 490,000 digital TV subscribers, 413,000 fixed internet and 28,000 mobile internet clients and 151,000 telephone subscribers. Vectra serves also SOHO businesses.

About ARRIS
ARRIS is a premier video and broadband technology company that transforms how service providers worldwide deliver entertainment and communications without boundaries. Its powerful end-to-end platforms enable service and content providers to improve the way people connect – with each other and with their favorite content. The Company's vision and expertise continue to drive the industry's innovations, as they have for more than 60 years. Headquartered north of Atlanta, in Suwanee, Georgia, ARRIS has R&D, sales and support centers throughout the world. For more information: www.arrisi.com

ARRIS and the ARRIS Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  © 2013 ARRIS Group, Inc.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE ARRIS Group, Inc.