Coaxsys, Inc., makers of multimedia-over-coax solutions, will announce tomorrow that it has reached an agreement with ConFocus Technologies, Inc., to provide set-top box reference designs with integrated TVnet. TVnet, the standard for Ethernet-over-Coax, is already deployed by more than fifty Telcos, cable operators, and service providers to deliver IPTV and in-home multimedia networking. TVnet has, to date, been available in adapter form; this announcement marks the first publicly announced set-top box (STB) client integrations.

Atlanta-based ConFocus specializes in STB software products and services and has produced set-top client software and custom drivers for leading manufacturers and chip providers.

ConFocus’ FocusWare client with TVnet enabled reference software will make it easy for market-leading set-top box manufacturers to incorporate Coaxsys’ new OEM TVnet components into their set-top boxes. The first-of-its-kind agreement between the two companies is a leap forward in the IPTV and in-home IP networking arenas. Licensing TVnet permits set-top box manufacturers to deliver integrated Ethernet-over-Coax, which in turn will enable operators and service providers to deliver IPTV and in-home device networking without rewiring homes or adding additional devices to a home’s network.

Gary Hoffman, Coaxsys VP of Business Development, noted the significance of the agreement: “ConFocus is a leader in IPTV set-top software designs, so we are excited by their decision to incorporate support for TVnet. For some time we have heard operators and equipment manufacturers ask for a truly integrated IP networking solution. ConFocus is now helping to make this a reality. Operators will have set-top boxes that enable 100Mbps IPTV, multi-room PVR, and other Ethernet device networking—over the same coax that delivers cable television.”

ConFocus’ VP of Business Development, Charlie Bramhall, claimed that the agreement “sets the standard for IP networking in set-top boxes.” He continued, “Operators deploying IPTV or enabling in-home device networking have rapidly made Coaxsys’ TVnet the standard for Ethernet-over-Coax. They want, however, an integrated solution that incorporates TVnet into IP set-top clients. We believe that our FocusWare client software enabled with TVnet will not only make set-top box manufacturers and application developers more competitive, but also speed the deployment of IPTV products and services with IP networking within the home.”

The two companies noted that ConFocus’ reference designs will integrate advanced functionality featuring Coaxsys’ CATV-compatible TVnet/C technology. The technology delivers a true 100Mbps high-speed network capable of delivering multiple HD video streams throughout a premise, networking PVRs and other devices, and providing high-speed data and VoIP networking. The companies said that the first TVnet reference implementations will be available this year.