2016 HITS Satellite Transition: QuickTake

Comcast Wholesale is pleased to announce that the 64 QAM signals on QSD 1–6 will be upgraded to 256 QAM/DVB-S2 in the second and third quarter of 2016. This upgrade will increase bandwidth efficiency and free up an additional QAM — all while keeping signals on the AMC 18 transponder.

Throughout this upgrade, HITS QSD and QHD will continue to be the single satellite solution for your digital video needs.

QSD 1–6

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QT systems taking upgraded 256 QAM DVB-S2 services will need one Drake 2x4 to receive two transponders, with two multiplexes on each, for a maximum of two Drake 2x4s for all upgraded 256 QAM SD services on QSD 1–6. Many systems will need only one Drake 2x4.

The display channels of QT systems will remain the same as they are on the templates today. The QAM tune channels will be affected in order to accommodate the new lineups. Systems will have to make the necessary changes to their Drake 2x4s to pass the signal on the correct QAM when the realignments occur. Updated template information will be provided when closer to the transition date.

As in previous service additions and changes, the QT/QT+ templates for your system(s) will be converted to the new mapping and service locations at a specified date/time during the dual illumination periods. HITS will be providing a detailed schedule for QT/QT+ sites for the upgrade.

QSD PLATFORM UPGRADE

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

NOTE FOR QUICKTAKE+ SYSTEMSDuring the 2016 QSD Satellite Transition, QuickTake+ (QT+) customers will need to transition their settop entitlement messaging from the existing DSR 4520/ 4530/4550 on QSD 02 (AMC-18, transponder 1) to a new satellite receiver that can receive and decode DVB-S2 satellite signals. Either the ARRIS DSR 4440 or the ARRIS DSR 4460 can receive the satellite signal from AMC-18. A unique serial cable is required to deliver data from the ARRIS DSR to your existing OM. Please contact your equipment vendor to ensure you have the necessary connection.

Your existing OM-1000s and OM-2000s are supported and will continue to work after the satellite transition.

For technical assistance regarding the replacement of your DSR, please contact the ARRIS Technical Response Center at 888-944-4357.

MVPD

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Do I need to peak and poll my antenna?

In preparation for the upcoming changes, we recommend that sites perform a peak and poll of their antenna used to receive the AMC-18 signals. We recommend this to ensure you have optimal signal for acquisition of services.

Can I install the new Drake 2x4s as soon as I get them or do I need to wait for the dual illumination periods?

New equipment can be racked and wired; however, service authorizations may not be possible on all services until the dual illumination window begins.

How can I find the most up-to-date information and updates on the 2016Satellite Transition?

For the most up-to-date information, visithttp://www.comcastwholesale.com/satellite-transition-information