Third Quarter 2012 Volume 36, Number 3

SCTE Sponsor Recognition Program

SCTE SEMI Program Sponsors

Gold Sponsors$50,000+

Silver Sponsors$25,000+

$25,000 Level

Here is an abbreviated look at what’s in store for attendees of the heavy-hitting technical sessions of SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando in October.

Expo Program Committee 2012, chaired by Jim Ludington of Time Warner Cable, formulated the session slate from a record-setting 250 Expo abstract submissions.

The technical sessions have been segmented into six categories:

Business Services; Capacity Management; Engineering; Network & Technical Operations; Smart Energy Management Initiatives; and Wireless/WiFi. A sample session from each category is shown as follows:

Business ServicesFrom Proprietary to Next Generation:

Provisioning and Service Activation of the FuturePlant extensions for delivery of both business and residential services are being built utilizing passive optical network designs. But do you choose EPON or GPON or what? Once the plant is built, is DPoE the way to go for device provisioning? And can automated provisioning make the way to go even faster? Come discuss these answers and more at this timely session.

On to Orlando!

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What’s Inside

Jim Ludington

Thirty-four management-level professionals attended the SCTE-Georgia Tech Management Development Program, which debuted in May in Atlanta in partnership with the Georgia Tech College of Management.

In addition to SCTE staff presentations that focused on cable-specific issues, the SCTE-Georgia Tech curriculum also featured real-world perspectives from Dan Murphy, senior vice president of engineering and operations for Comcast’s Central Division, and Guy McCormick, vice president of technology engineering for Cox Communications. A team of Turner Broadcasting engineers and managers also gave the Georgia Tech attendees a presentation

on issues and challenges that content providers have regarding management of their networks.

Part of the SCTE Leadership Institute, the SCTE-Georgia Tech Management Development Program is a technically oriented curriculum that is geared toward high-potential, mid-level cable engineering and operations professionals. The program is designed to help participants to plan and execute projects and to manage in-house and external resources necessary for project success.

“Cable’s investments in its workforce today will pay off for many years to come,” said Mark Dzuban, SCTE president and CEO.

Management on Their MindSCTE-Georgia Tech Attendees Share Their Impressions

(Continued on Page 14)

S C T E C a b l E - T E C E x P o ® 2 0 1 2

Capacity ManagementGreat Ways to Migrate: Making the

Move to All-IP VideoThe question today is not if but when will operators need to migrate to all-IP video. Come experience different approaches that operators can take to migrate from QAM-based to all-IP video delivery. This includes a review of network architectures and the impact they have on network resources as IP video penetration grows, as well as a perspective of cloud based vs. distributed home gateway-based solutions.

EngineeringCCAP Trial: The Verdict

This session features an overview of the findings related to the first Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) trial, including engineering and operational benefits, the challenges, and lessons learned. Also featured is a methodology using established network modeling and protocol emulation for accelerating the OSS integration of new network technologies in advance of CCAP hardware availability. Finally, an analysis of how to gain maximum benefit from the CCAP platform through video and data service group alignment is shared.

4 Node QAM 5 Set a New Course (or Two) 6 Special Specialists

The Inside Track

2 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Joe MadaganManaging Editor

610-594-7307

jmadagan@scte.org

Interval

The Membership Newsletter of the Society of

Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).

610-363-6888 or 800-542-5040 fax: 610-363-5898www.scte.org

SCTE—Providing technical leadership for the telecommunications

industry and serving its members through

professional development, standards, certification,

and information.

©2012 by the Society of Cable Telecommuni-ca t i ons Eng i nee r s I n c . A l l r i gh t s reserved. SCTE Interval (ISSN 0164-677X) is published quarterly by the Society of Cable Telecommuni cations Engineers. Third Quarter 2012, Volume 36, Number 3. Periodicals postage paid at Exton, Pa., and additional mailing offices. Known office of publication is SCTE Interval, 140 Philips Road, Exton, PA 19341. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to SCTE Interval, 140 Philips Road, Exton, PA 19341-1318. SCTE Interval is provided as an SCTE membership benefit. Subscription rate for nonmembers is $25 per year.

By Mike LaJoie SCTE Board of Directors Chairman

Throughout my years in cable, I’ve been fortunate to have an up-close view of SCTE and the value it has brought to our industry and our members. Its roles as a training resource for engineers, a catalyst for standards

development and a focal point for knowledge sharing have made SCTE an essential ingredient in cable’s success.

As much as we can look back with pride, we also need to be looking forward. As your chairman, one of my most important goals is to expand on the successes of the past 43 years by driving the development of new initiatives that can make SCTE bigger and better today and for many years to come.

SCTE always has played a unique role in our industry. Its dedication to advancing the technical education and professional excellence at every level of our engineering and operations ranks has resulted in significant improvements in service availability for customers, increased business success for cable, and new career growth for our members.

The new initiatives that are under way are designed to help our constituent companies and our members accelerate their collaborative growth. Working in many cases with NCTA, CableLabs®, and other industry organizations, we’re taking steps to attract talented new individuals to our industry, while at the same time making more opportunities available to existing members.

Among the new activities you’ll be hearing more about in the future are:

• A comprehensive effort to harness the incredible drive, determination, and skills of U.S. military veterans, and to provide career opportunities for those who have served the United States;

• New outreach to women and minorities, to ensure that cable has every opportunity to draw from the widest pool of engineering talent as we architect our networks for the years ahead; and

• Increases in corporate alliances and expansion of the SCTE Foundation, to provide resources that will make more and better advanced training available to a greater number of new and existing members.

Over the years, I regularly have been impressed with how SCTE’s contributions have benefited our industry. I look forward to working with your board to implement the new programs above—and others still on the drawing board—that will drive our continued success in the years to come.

Mike LaJoie

Expo Partner Tech NewsDigital Alert Systems and Monroe Electronics on May 16 announced that they logged an industry milestone by receiving the first FCC approval for certified next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerting equipment. The FCC has certified that the DASDEC-II and R189 One-Net series of EAS equipment complies with the FCC’s updated Part 11 regulations governing EAS.

Harmonic Inc. on May 8 announced Iris® 2.0, the newest version of its video quality monitoring and analytics software suite. Featuring an enhanced graphical user interface and integration with several of the industry’s leading monitoring solutions, Iris 2.0 enables service providers to monitor and analyze their use of Harmonic broadcast encoders in real time, using the data to help optimize bandwidth and video quality.

Harmonic Inc. on June 12 announced that Virgin Media, the United Kingdom’s leading provider of cable television, broadband, phone, and mobile services, selected a complete range of Harmonic video processing solutions to power its HD channel delivery in the U.K., including HD coverage of the 2012 London Olympics from the BBC.

PPC®, a leading manufacturer and developer of advanced connector technologies for the telecommunications industry, announced April 11 that it is targeting 4G/LTE upgrades with its recently launched UXP™ universal compression connectors, providing the wireless industry with a robust, reliable solution that eliminates connector-related passive intermodulation (PIM) distortion in today’s demanding RF networks.

Effigis (formerly VIASAT GeoTechnologies, VGI Solutions in the United States) on June 21 announced that its highly popular

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Preparing for the Future With Node QAM

Technology News

4 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Network & Technical OperationsSlaying the Bandwidth Consumption Monster

High-speed data consumption continues to grow at 50 percent per year or more. And the pressure only increases with the growth of Over The Top video streaming, operators’ migration to IP video, multi-screen support, and future bandwidth-hungry applications. This session will present analysis of various HFC and DOCSIS® evolution options; CMTS optimization options to balance robustness, availability, speed, and cost; and a capacity utilization prediction model that incorporates empirical feedback and live Quality of Experience measurements.

Smart Energy Management Initiatives

The Kilowatts Are Coming! ACt Now or Be OverpoweredAs cable network bandwidth requirements continue to double every 12 to 18 months, there is a parallel explosion of network equipment and premises devices deployed in the network to support this growth, and all of them are hungry for power. It’s time to build green, sustainable networks, not red-hot power plants, and most MSOs now ask their engineers to build

energy efficiency into everything they design. This session’s panel of experts will show you how to do just that and, in particular, how to cut your power bill across key segments of your network, from customer premises to core network.

Wireless/WiFiWhere Did All These WiFi Signals Come From?

With massive rollouts of WiFi by both cable operators and in customer premises, the fact that WiFi is unlicensed leads to unique issues as well as opportunities. Come hear how the very nature of WiFi drives a need to better understand the 802.11 MAC layer, the various deployment strategies, monitoring and troubleshooting, the business drivers and technologies available for cable operators to deploy next-generation WiFi hot spots, and finally the various architectural approaches for large-scale integration of WiFi into the cable network transport in the context of DOCSIS®.

Get the full technical session outlook for Expo at http://expo.scte.org and register today for this always highly anticipated SCTE flagship event featuring “All Engineering, All the Time.” Expo is set for Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 17−19, with pre-event functions on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Expo will offer technical sessions that Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® 2012: on to orlando!(Continued from Page 1)

By Rei Brockett Product Manager Video Product Line Aurora Networks

When we look at practical and cost-effective ways to meet accelerating subscriber demands for narrowcast services, there has been lots of innovation at the headend and at the subscriber premises, but now

consider evolving the HFC network by extending the digital domain from the headend out to the fiber node.

The traditional HFC network represents an RF distribution network, where content is converted to RF in the headend or hub, aggregated in the RF combining network, transmitted via analog optical links to the nodes, carried over a passive or active RF coaxial network, and distributed in the subscriber’s home.

By shifting the digital-RF interface from the headend to the node, carrying digital content to the node using baseband, data-grade optics, and distributing QAM modulation to the nodes, we achieve a number of benefits, namely the advantages of digital transmission over analog from a performance and “set it and forget it” installation perspective. However, further benefits include:

• better service flexibility and QAM reuse• improved service reliability• power and space savings• standards-based switching, leveraging telecom economies

of scale and enabling headend/Internet convergence

By adding Node QAM modules, as needed, we begin the migration to a logical headend, where the RF domain is distributed amongst some or all nodes, but control and configuration remain at the headend. We leverage the investment in the IP network and carry everything digitally to the node before generating the QAM signals. At the node, operators have the choice of continuing with traditional analog forward technology, or phasing in node-generated QAMs as necessary.

Pushing IP further into the HFC network can be done gradually in response to the service needs at each node, bringing both better performance and increased operational simplicity. Eventually, we will be able to completely digitize the network all the way to the node, introducing the Digital HFC architecture with all its associated benefits.

For more information on this and other configurations, please contact Aurora Networks directly.

Rei Brockett

Professional Development

WWW.SCTE.ORG 5

By Steve Harris Senior Director, Advanced Network Technologies SCTE

Over the past decade, the cable network has seen tremendous progress as it continues to mature to support the ever-growing list of consumer products, commercial services, technology, and, of

course, the next-generation Internet protocol, IPv6. Network engineers and broadband professionals devote a significant amount of time and resources in maintaining the core to the subscriber’s home network. Continuous network support allows essential services such as secure Internet protocol routing, advanced logical addressing, internetworking of services, and Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) to operate at an optimal level. The cable network’s infrastructure, with ongoing and inevitable upgrades, is the critical component to the operation of cable services at the customer premises, so it is important for the network engineer and broadband professional to keep abreast of current emerging cable technologies. Today’s cable network engineers and broadband professionals require cutting-edge career-oriented skills, industry-specific theoretical knowledge of new technologies, and practical scenarios to validate the training and job tasks required by the job role.

At SCTE, we understand the challenge of preparing for new technologies, and the importance of hands-on scenarios to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform in a cable environment, thus building value for the cable operator. SCTE is proud to announce two new courses—“CCNP ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing,” and “IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software (CompTIA A+).” These two new courses come highly recommended by the MSO community and the SCTE Professional Development Committee as the knowledge and practical skills desired by operators throughout the industry. “CCNP ROUTE” is designed for the network engineer or IP routing individual, and “IT Essentials” meets the needs for the next generation of super-techs who will support all the desires of cable subscribers.

‘CCNP ROUTE’“CCNP ROUTE” focuses on implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting IP routing and is specifically designed for cable network engineers who are ready to advance their skills and work independently on complex network solutions. The new SCTE curriculum is a hybrid design, delivered in an online classroom with a blend of lectures, lab activities, access to an online rack of equipment (NetLabs), case studies, assessments, and a textbook. Network engineers will plan routing services and will configure, secure, verify, and troubleshoot the implementation of enterprise network advanced routing solutions using a range of routing protocols.

In advanced routing solutions, the operation of interior gateway protocols such as OSPF and EIGRP—along with exterior gateway protocols such as BGP—allows ISPs and enterprise networks to communicate using both IPv4 and IPv6. Engineers will implement various mechanisms for shaping traffic using routing updates, route redistribution to control packet flow, and IPv6 transitioning applications such as native dual stack, IPv6 tunnels, and network address transition.

‘IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software (CompTIA A+)’The “IT Essentials” course is designed with the industry’s broadband professional in mind, addressing the need of the expanding digital home network. As the cable subscriber’s home network becomes more complex with digital, untethered devices, advanced gateways, IPv6, newer operating systems on computing devices, increased WiFi connectivity, and the thirst for home lifestyle devices, one thing is in common—they all require interoperability!

Today’s home network requires a specialized and qualified broadband professional, one who understands the broadband install along with the connectivity of cutting-edge gadgets with various operating systems that are finding their way into the home. “IT Essentials” prepares broadband professionals for the newer customer premises equipment designed for networking—supporting WiFi, Ethernet, DLNA, dual IP stacks, and converged services and offering many other options for interoperability. The technical skills needed for hardware, software, and communication protocols require the broadband installer to grow and develop to be able to troubleshoot these new networks. The kind of skilled installers who will share resources, install products, assemble networks, configure IP, and troubleshoot RF and optical connectivity efficiently and correctly the first time will be necessary to maintain the customer’s experience and meet or exceed his or her expectations.

Strengthening Your Team for Emerging Technologies

Steve Harris

(Continued on Page 6)

—NetLabs

6 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Professional Development

Industry CertificationsCertification provides a highly recognized credential for professionals and distinguishes them from their peers, making them more desirable for job roles in the cable industry. The “CCNP ROUTE” course allows professionals to work toward Cisco’s CCNP certification, and “IT Essentials” prepares students for the CompTIA A+ exams. Learn more today about these two exciting new programs by visiting www.scte.org.

Strengthening Your Team (Continued from Page 5)

SCTE Equips Engineers in EnglandSCTE certification is the cable industry’s premier endorsement for professionals and now recent engineering graduates from across England. These engineering graduates took part in an intense learning experience designed by SCTE and Virgin Media to immerse learners in hybrid fiber/coax and access network technologies with content from both U.S. and European standards.

Understanding the business needs of Virgin Media, SCTE brought together two of its premier career certification programs: the SCTE Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) and SCTE Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS). BDS certifies knowledge focused on coaxial access networks and RF distribution of signals. BTS certifies knowledge focused on fiber optics and the transport of optical signals in the cable network.

The onsite training program was a customized nine-day instructor-led package designed to meet the business requirements of the European operator’s engineering team.

Each learner at the completion of the program was required to pass two SCTE certification exams, earning them the industry-recognized certifications BDS and BTS. All learners of the program were provided access to SCTE’s full complement of live webinars and member online resources.

“The SCTE Virgin Media training program was a huge success; the graduates are now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of coaxial and fiber-optic networks,” said Steven Harris, senior director, advanced network technologies with SCTE. “SCTE looks forward to working with its new partner to expand engineering learning opportunities.”

Learn more about SCTE onsite seminars at www.scte.org.

By Marshall Kurschner, BTCS, BTS, BDS, BPI, BPT, BPE, Senior Master Technician Headend Engineer II Comcast–Bad Axe, MI

SCTE has been in the training business for the majority of its existence. In the 1980s, with the proliferation of cable television across the United States and abroad, it

became increasingly difficult to find qualified individuals and, ironically, for individuals to find education and training specific to the cable television business, as it was known back then.

The then Society of Cable Television Engineers developed an industry-recognized way to show others that you knew your stuff. The Broadband Communications Technician and Broadband Communications Engineer, more commonly known as BCT® and BCE®, respectively, were the first industry-recognized “stamps of approval” of your level of expertise. In 1987, Ron Hranac became the first individual to be BCT certified, and Les Read the first to certify at the BCE level. There were seven areas of competency tested to earn the right to use these initials after your name for each the technician level and the engineer level. While no longer available for testing, the BCT and BCE certifications are still recognized and highly respected within our industry.

In the late ’90s, SCTE (which by then had become known as the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) began work on the specialist certification programs we know today, launching the first versions in the early 2000s. There were four areas of focus: the home network, the distribution network, the transport network, and the headend. Later, two additional areas of focus were added for specialized engineering functions: the Digital Video Engineering Professional (DVEP) and the Internet Protocol Engineering Professional (IPEP) enable engineers who work in those specialized fields to show they know their stuff, too.

Industry AlignmentSCTE certifications are designed to reflect current industry practices, making them highly relevant to the industry’s needs. Content is driven by volunteer working groups of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who identify essential topics. This helps ensure the programs are highly relevant professional credentials reflecting critical, required knowledge.

Maintaining Your CertificationNow that specific, focused certification is widely available through any of the Society’s Chapters and associated proctors, where does the industry stand with SCTE certification? Individuals currently hold more than 10,000

SCTE Certification—Where’s Yours?

(Continued on Page 11)

Marshall Kurschner

By Travis Murdock Standards Administrator SCTEWithin the last few years, Long Term Evolution wireless network technology has taken off, making LTE a household name. Rapid deployment of next-generation cellular networks has triggered the ongoing

discussion of possible QAM leakage leading to interference in the common LTE band 13 (698 MHz–806 MHz). Many providers test for FCC leakage compliance within the lower aeronautical band. While leakage may not be detected in the aeronautical band during routine testing, substantial leakage occurring in higher frequencies may go unnoticed. The industry’s test equipment manufacturers are well aware of this concern and are taking action. Rohde & Schwarz has highlighted how to use the R&S®FSH4/FSH8 spectrum analyzer to locate higher-frequency QAM leakage. Arcom Digital has recently introduced the QAM Snare to address this issue during regular leakage testing.

This shows how the cable industry has taken notice of LTE inter-ference, and the SCTE Standards Program plans to help the cause.

Following the launch of its latest standards subcommittee, the Network Operations Subcommittee (NOS), SCTE has formed NOS

Working Group 1 to develop test measurement guides and recommended practices for today’s advanced broadband networks. The first order of business under Working Group 1 is to investigate the concern of QAM leakage in the 700 MHz band. One of the industry’s leading experts on this issue, SCTE Hall of Famer Ron Hranac of Cisco, has signed on to oversee the new group. Working Group 1 plans to outline recommended test procedures for service providers to help locate leaky equipment and how to avoid interference with LTE.

Working Group 1 testing procedures will primarily focus on outlining the latest techniques using products similar to the Arcom Digital QAM Snare. However, attention will also be paid to those who chose to use other methods, such as a spectrum analyzer coupled with an antenna and bandpass filter, for QAM leakage testing.

With QAM leakage and LTE interference as the first assignment under the new NOS working group, the list of work does not end there. Working Group 1 has been tasked with continued maintenance of SCTE Measurement Recommended Practices for Cable Systems, Fourth Edition. Future additions to the Fourth Edition will include additional physical layer measurements, fiber-optic test measurements, and any new techniques needed to meet new regulations.

Travis Murdock

Q a M l E a k a g E a n d l T E I n T E R f E R E n C E

S T A N D A R D S

Standards News

Motorola and the stylized M logo are trademarks of Motorola trademark Holdings, llC. all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2012 Motorola Mobility, Inc. all rights reserved.

Motorola’s set-top deployment program, provides you with a complete suite of deployment services you can use to upgrade or exchange your set-top population economically. Save money without hiring extra staff or purchasing warehouse space, and save time letting us handle logistics, call center staff and field installations.

to learn more, contact your Motorola sales representative, or visit us at www.motorola.com/technologyservices

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MCSA14505 SCTE_Interval_Ad_062512.indd 1 6/26/12 11:09 AM

Society/Technology News

8 THIRD QUARTER 2012

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By Robin Fenton Director, Chapter Support SCTE

More than 160 individuals gathered in Henderson, Nev., April 17–19 for an SCTE event focused on training, leadership, and chapters (see photo). This event, called

SCTE Leadership Conference 2012, combined two SCTE conference offerings—the Chapter Leadership Conference (CLC) and the Conference on Broadband Learning & Development (CBL&D)—into three days focused on learning and development, leadership strategies, and chapter development.

The conference featured more than 20 new sessions including a chief learning officer breakfast panel moderated by Pat Crull, vice president, CLO, with Time Warner Cable. The six panelists representing Comcast, Suddenlink, Cox, ARRIS, Cisco Systems, and Motorola Mobility discussed the challenges of keeping professional development aligned with current product lifecycles. They also briefly touched on the needs of a diverse workforce. That subject was further discussed in the Leadership and Inclusion Panel moderated by Terri Moore, senior director, diversity and inclusion, with Time Warner Cable. The panel not only discussed best practices in creating a diverse workplace environment but also shared stories on how strategies of diversity and inclusion have led to business success.

In addition to these panels, sportswriter and author Don Yaeger encouraged attendees with “What Makes the Great Ones Great.” As someone who has interviewed many of the greatest sports figures of all time including Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, and John Wooden, Yaeger shared their stories and the

leadership characteristics that inspired such greatness.

Additional sessions included conflict resolution, leadership styles, interview skills, project management, supervisor development, mentoring, volunteer management, ethical decision making, and chapter development. All of these sessions were designed to help grow the leadership in the cable telecommunications industry.

Archived panel discussion audio is available in the CORe section of www.scte.org/chapters. In CORe, it is located under Chapter Leadership Training. View the photo gallery for the event. Access the link for it at www.scte.org/lc.

“I was impressed with the quality of speakers that the conference was able to secure,” remarked one attendee in a survey. Another observation: “I really received a lot of great info and met a lot of wonderful people.”

Looking ahead, SCTE encourages its chapter leaders to save the dates for SCTE Chapter Leadership Conference (CLC) 2013, which is slated for Wednesday through Thursday, June 26–27 in Denver.

SCTE Event Encourages Leadership Development

Robin Fenton

Save the DateS!

For additional information visit

www.scte.org

N e w e v e N t

CPAT FLEX Leakage/Ingress Monitoring System will be distributed in Scandinavia by Testhouse Nordic. The agreement took effect immediately.

Trilithic Inc., an industry leader in broadband test and measurement solutions, announced May 22 that the company received FCC approval for its EASyCAP Encoder/Decoder next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerting equipment.

Sencore, a leading provider of signal quality and video delivery solutions, announced June 20 that its SMD 989 DVB-S/S2 modulator was being used to supply broadcast video contribution and distribution feeds for the Group of 20 (G20) world economic forum in Los Cabos,

Baja California Sur, Mexico. The SMD 989 was supplied and installed by International Media Services Inc., which holds the contract from the Mexican government for broadcast services for the G20 Mexico Summit.

YOU SCOD18, one of the leading cable TV MSOs in Mumbai, has installed Thomson Video Networks’ ViBE VS7000 convergent video platform to launch HD channels and OTT services to customers in the Mumbai area. YOU SCOD18 Networking Pvt Ltd. is a joint venture between YOU Broadband & Cable India Ltd. and leading cable TV distributors in Mumbai. YOU Broadband offers high-speed data, voice, and video services to residential, corporate, and SME customers in 13 of India’s major cities, with a headend located in Mumbai. YOU SCOD18 plans to launch HD, OTT channels, and many value-added services including audience metering/TV viewership, Catch Up TV, and Video-on-Demand (VoD) in the near future. The company chose Thomson’s ViBE VS7000 fully integrated IP video system for its superior image quality and the combination of encoding and multiformat capabilities it offers in a convenient package.

Expo Partner Tech News (Continued from Page 2)

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Technical Resources/Certification

10 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Here are a few of the many attractive selections in the SCTE bookstore, which is always open and conveniently located in the Resources section of www.scte.org.

SCTE Energy Management Recommended Practices for Cable Facilities (TS47) by SCTE

Planning is a key component to successful energy management in the critical space. Typically, the 24/7 critical space lifecycle

is greater than 10 years, and careful planning can prevent financial loss over the course of the lifecycle of the space. This publication provides guidelines for design and management of mission-critical hub site facilities supporting the cable industry, with a focus on information, methods, metrics, and processes that allow for operational energy efficiency and management in balance with mission-critical business availability requirements and infrastructure investment. This guideline leverages existing industry best practices for smart energy use in mission-critical IT spaces and applies these to the specific characteristics and requirements of cable systems hub sites as they relate to power, density, and performance.

Retail Price: $125; SCTE Member Price: $99

Awareness to Action: The Enneagram, Emotional Intelligence, and Change (TR159) by Robert Tallon and Mario SikoraAre you a helper or an achiever? A challenger or a peacemaker? Awareness to Action explores the nine distinct, yet interconnected, personality

types of Enneagram theory, which uses a nine-pointed figure

to illustrate the relationship between an individual’s dominant personality and the other types that comprise the structure. Mario Sikora and Robert Tallon explain the characteristics of each personality and show how a person can capitalize on their strengths and weaknesses, charting a specific course for personal growth. They discuss practical topics such as relationship building, conflict resolution, and personal development, information that will not only be of interest to individuals seeking a greater understanding of self but to managers and human resource professionals as well.

Nonmember Price: $20; SCTE Member Price: $18

Understanding MPEG-4: Technology and Business Insights (TR106) by Klaus Diepold and Sebastian Moeritz

Learn about the exciting MPEG-4 technology (including MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) and see how it fits squarely in the real world of business

implementation. If you have heard all about this standard but have no idea what it is, or if you know the technical side and want to better understand the implementation side, this is the book for you. It covers performance assessment for coding technology, implementation, profiling, patents and licensing, as well as testing for performance, interoperability, and conformance. Enjoy this jargon-free explanation of media compression and its impact on business objectives, and get a handle on MPEG-4 without wading through hundreds of pages of specifications.

Retail Price: $58; SCTE Member Price: $52

Summer Reading, SCTE Style

Certified? Be Certain People Know!Have you earned an SCTE certification? If so, SCTE makes

it easy for certified individuals like you to get the important word out about your stellar achievement. Take a look at the set of practical promotional tools at your service—including press release templates—and put them to use starting today. You’ll find them conveniently located at www.scte.org/certification. Don’t keep your certification a secret.

Signal Theft Prevention FactsSome advantages of using port terminators are that they are inexpensive, easy to install, and will work with any tap due to universal port dimensions.

Advantages of security locks are they limit access to system devices, locks can be keyed to be unique to a system to prevent access to key holders from neighboring systems, and the many designs of locks can be used in many different applications from a latch that would require a padlock design to boxes or peds that use a barrel lock design.

The advantage of a locking pedestal is that it offers a lockable solution for underground plant that vaults cannot offer. Like the MDU boxes, the pedestal houses the entire tap, service address tags, and service limiting traps.

Find these pointers and more like them in the SCTE Primer “What is…Signal Theft Prevention?” at www.scte.org/primers.

active certifications, of which approximately two-thirds are BPI (Broadband Premises Installer) certifications. These are certifications that have not expired. Three years after you earn the right to tack those precious initials after your name, that right expires unless you earn enough Recertification Units (RUs) to maintain your certification. Maintaining your certification is necessary since technological change is a continual occurrence that erodes the value of professional certification unless that certification is periodically renewed. The process is not hard, but it does take some effort. A total of 12 RUs (21 RUs for DVEP, IPEP, and BCE) is required to maintain SCTE certification without having to re-take the exam. If you have NOT earned the minimum RUs, you may retake the exam, incurring the cost of the testing fee.

The Suddenlink ModelWhen it comes to SCTE certification, no company has stepped up to the plate like Suddenlink Communications. Each time I receive my copy of SCTE Interval, I look at the Newly Certified section (see Pages 12–13 of this issue). Without exception, the vast majority of newly certified individuals are Suddenlink employees. In fact, a couple of years ago, Suddenlink reached a milestone within the industry. One-hundred percent of its broadband installers and technicians are SCTE Certified! Now that’s IMPRESSIVE, and a HUGE commitment to SCTE’s certification efforts. I suspect that the reason Suddenlink supports certification so strongly is the bottom line. I guarantee you that each person who is certified is, on average, better equipped to meet each challenge head-on and is able to resolve any issues with an installation or problem with the cable network faster and more efficiently to final resolution than an individual who has not pursued certification.

Suddenlink is one of a few operators that use an SCTE custom certification platform. Custom certification makes SCTE certification exams available to your employees through your company-branded website. This process also allows you to run reports of exam data and history, making it easier to track your employees’ development and improvement process.

BIG Accomplishments!Six individuals have stepped up to the certification plate in each of the six Specialist categories. Daniel Berry, Jonathan McClanahan, John Underhill, and Christopher Winnell are all Suddenlink employees who have earned certification for BPI (Broadband Premises Installer), BPT (Broadband Premises Technician), BPE (Broadband Premises Expert), BDS (Broadband Distribution Specialist), BTS (Broadband Transport Specialist), and BTCS (Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist). (McClanahan, Underhill, and Winnell have earned the DVEP certification as well.) Ron Schrader of Time Warner Cable and I (Marshall Kurschner of Comcast) are the other two individuals who hold all six Specialist certifications.

When asked whether all the work that was put into obtaining his certifications was worth it, Underhill replied, “Most definitely…I am very proud for what I have accomplished—my representation for my company and the respect and acknowledgement from the many awesome people I work with at Suddenlink.”

Berry said, “The knowledge and experience I have gained in my efforts to acquire these certifications have been invaluable to me.”

I know for myself, there are several reasons for achieving certification.

First is proving my knowledge in the areas my job focuses on.

Second is leading the way, encouraging others on my technical team to pursue certification. Underhill also noted that “…it is encouraging when you know someone who is going beyond expectation to excel.” I totally agree. Not only have several others from my own office attained one or more certifications, but I have seen individuals from other systems within the SCTE Great Lakes Chapter footprint pursue certification partly because of the path others and I have trod.

Third, and probably my biggest reason, is to push myself in learning the new technologies coming our way—especially when my systems are waiting for the upgrades that would bring the advanced services to our subscribers. I have benefited directly from the knowledge gained, and I know that my career has been enhanced through my involvement with SCTE. It has not been an easy road. Go ahead and ask anyone who has taken an SCTE certification exam—“It ain’t easy, but it is definitely worth the effort!”

So, where do you stand with being SCTE certified? Are you leading the way, or at least working toward joining this elite group? You should be!

If you have any questions or suggestions or would like additional information about the SCTE Certification Programs, please send an e-mail to certification@scte.org.

Marshall Kurschner serves as a member of the board of directors of the SCTE Great Lakes Chapter in Michigan.

Certification

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SCTE Certification—Where’s Yours? (Continued from Page 6)

SCTE newly Certified Members

Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS)Abramson, Jason .........Suddenlink CommunicationsAllen, Leon ................................... Time Warner CableAllison, Dwayne ............Suddenlink CommunicationsAllshouse, Gary ............Suddenlink CommunicationsAnderson, Joshua ........Suddenlink CommunicationsArnold, Johnny .............Suddenlink CommunicationsArreguin, Jacob ............Suddenlink CommunicationsAtwood, Kendall ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBaker, Beaver ..............Comporium CommunicationsBarnes, Gelon ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsBrakefield, Greg ...........Comporium CommunicationsBritton, Kenneth ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBryant, Joseph .............Suddenlink CommunicationsBurt, Gary .....................Suddenlink CommunicationsCain, Roy ......................Suddenlink CommunicationsCaldwell, Bobby ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsCarlyle, Christopher ......Suddenlink CommunicationsCravens, Gregory .........Suddenlink CommunicationsDaniels, Richard ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsDavis, Charles ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsDees, Jedd ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsDeLaCruz, Ramsey .......Suddenlink CommunicationsDeleon, Michael ............Suddenlink CommunicationsDesaulniers, Steven ......Suddenlink CommunicationsDuncan, Eric .................Suddenlink CommunicationsDuvall, Lucas ................Suddenlink CommunicationsEdmonds, James ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsElkins, Nathan...............Suddenlink CommunicationsEstep, Gary ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsFain, John .....................Suddenlink CommunicationsFanning, David............................. Time Warner CableFarnham, David ............Suddenlink CommunicationsFaulkner, Courtney .......Suddenlink CommunicationsFranczak, Matthew .......Suddenlink CommunicationsGwatney, Austin............Suddenlink CommunicationsHall, Jimmy ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsHartwell, Larry ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsHernandez, Michael......Suddenlink CommunicationsHinojosa, Robert .......................... Time Warner CableHopkins, William ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsHortman, James ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsHoward, Christopher ....Suddenlink CommunicationsHudson, Andrew ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsHuerta, Antonio ............Suddenlink CommunicationsJohnson, Casey .........Midcontinent CommunicationsJones, Ramon ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsJoyce, John ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsKawell, Gustave ............Suddenlink CommunicationsKidd, Christopher .........Suddenlink CommunicationsKing, Joshua .................Suddenlink CommunicationsKizer, James .................Suddenlink CommunicationsKnotts, Michael.............Suddenlink CommunicationsKristo, Dalibor ........Comcast Cable CommunicationsLambert, Bradley ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsLedford, James ............Suddenlink CommunicationsLoflin, Matthew .............Suddenlink CommunicationsLopac, Josh ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsLopez, Joseph ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsLynch, Blake .................Suddenlink CommunicationsMariano, Nicholas .........Suddenlink CommunicationsMarshall, Brian ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsMartin, Joseph ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsMartinez, Adam ........................... Time Warner CableMartinez, Felipe ............Suddenlink CommunicationsMcCowan, Jamie .........Comporium CommunicationsMiddleton, Jermie .........Suddenlink CommunicationsMoore, Daniel ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsMosqueda, Antonio ......Suddenlink CommunicationsNail, Kyli ........................Suddenlink CommunicationsO'Neal, Roger ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsOrmandy, Jason ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsOsborne, Michael .........Suddenlink CommunicationsPaisley, James ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsPalmer, Ralph ...............Suddenlink Communications

Paul, Brian ....................Suddenlink CommunicationsPauna, David .............Midcontinent CommunicationsPerez, Gustavo .............Suddenlink CommunicationsPrater, Christopher .......Suddenlink CommunicationsRansom, Derek .............Suddenlink CommunicationsRather, Steven ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsRogers, Wayland ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsRudy, Jeffrey .................Suddenlink CommunicationsRussell, Kenneth ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsSanders, Justin ............Comporium CommunicationsSearan, Aaron ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSeiler, Jason .................Suddenlink CommunicationsSettlemyre, Matthew ....Suddenlink CommunicationsShugars, Matthew ....................... Time Warner CableSimmons, Roger ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsSmith, Benny ................Suddenlink CommunicationsSmith, Rick ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsSteele, James ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsStephens, Shannon .......................Morris BroadbandStovall, Harold ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsTomblin, Ronnie ............Suddenlink CommunicationsTrumble, James ............Suddenlink CommunicationsTucker, Lance .............................. Time Warner CableWalker, Joseph .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWalker, Richard .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWester, Robert ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsWheeler, Garrett ............Suddenlink CommunicationsWhite, William ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsWhitfield, Christopher ...Suddenlink CommunicationsWilliams, Billy ...............Comporium CommunicationsWoodard, Adam............Suddenlink CommunicationsWoodson, Zachary .......Suddenlink CommunicationsYeagle, Zachery ............Suddenlink CommunicationsZeilman, Nicholas .........Suddenlink Communications

Broadband Premises Expert (BPE) Arkley, Robert ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsBessette, Chris ..........Midcontinent CommunicationsDeiss, Jeffery .............Midcontinent CommunicationsDeLaCruz, Ramsey .......Suddenlink CommunicationsDeleon, Michael ............Suddenlink CommunicationsForbes, Randall ............Suddenlink CommunicationsHodge, Clinton ........Armstrong Group of CompaniesJabaut, Justin ..........Armstrong Group of CompaniesJones, Nathan ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsKnight, Mike .................Suddenlink CommunicationsNesmith, Eric ................Suddenlink CommunicationsPage, Steven ................Suddenlink CommunicationsPaisley, James ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsPequeno, Robert ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsRather, Steven ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsRobinson, Nicholas ......Suddenlink Communications

Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) Abraham, Derrick.......Midcontinent CommunicationsAcevedo, Rodney .........Suddenlink CommunicationsAcker, George ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsAgnew, Chris .................... Bresnan CommunicationsAguirre, Bonifacio .........Suddenlink CommunicationsAlbious, Scottie ............Suddenlink CommunicationsAlexander, Ernest ....Armstrong Group of CompaniesAlvarez, Andrew ........................... Time Warner CableAndrade, Evan ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsAnglemire, William ........Suddenlink CommunicationsArkley, Robert ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsArndt, Bryan .................Suddenlink CommunicationsArnold, Jeffrey ............................. Time Warner CableAvery, Robert ................Suddenlink CommunicationsBarrier, John .................Suddenlink CommunicationsBatres, Mario .................................. RWM FiberopticsBeabout, James ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBeason, Raymond ........Suddenlink CommunicationsBell, Matthew ................Suddenlink CommunicationsBellmont, Kristopher ... Midcontinent CommunicationsBenitez, Virgil ................Suddenlink Communications

Benjamin, Joe ............Midcontinent CommunicationsBennett, Joshua ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBergmeier, Jason ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsBernard, Christopher ....Suddenlink CommunicationsBlair, Byron ..................................... RWM FiberopticsBoleman, Jason ........................... Time Warner CableBolton, Erik ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsBoutin, David ................Suddenlink CommunicationsBowling, William ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBressel, Timothy ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBrown, Jacob ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsCaldecott, Robert .........Suddenlink CommunicationsCampbell, Benjamin .....Suddenlink CommunicationsCampbell, Steven .........Suddenlink CommunicationsCannon, David ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsCarder, Thomas ............Suddenlink CommunicationsCarpenter, Mark ............Suddenlink CommunicationsCarrasco, Mark .............Suddenlink CommunicationsCasto, Douglas .............Suddenlink CommunicationsCavalier, Joseph ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsCharlton, Tyler .................. Bresnan CommunicationsChavez, Jose ................Suddenlink CommunicationsChilders, Steven ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsClendenin, Sonny .........Suddenlink CommunicationsCoffey, Gary ...................... Bresnan CommunicationsCollins, Allen .... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeCook, Bruce .................Suddenlink CommunicationsCook, Rodney ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsCook, Verlin ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsCooper, Mike .............Midcontinent CommunicationsCotter, Jason ................Suddenlink CommunicationsCox, Tyrin ......................Suddenlink CommunicationsCrabtree, Clyde ............Suddenlink CommunicationsCrafton, John ................Suddenlink CommunicationsCurry, Marlon ................Suddenlink CommunicationsCurtin, Craig .... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeDavenport, Robert ........Suddenlink CommunicationsDavis, Jimmie ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsDefibaugh, Steven ........Suddenlink CommunicationsDekker, Johannes .........................................Setar NVDela Cruz, Arnel.............................. RWM FiberopticsDeleon, Michael ............Suddenlink CommunicationsDeMint, Louis ...Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeDeolloz, Rickyray ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsDeufriend, Stacy ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsDiemer, John ................Suddenlink CommunicationsDills, Richard ................Suddenlink CommunicationsEastin, Jacob ................Suddenlink CommunicationsElkins, Nathan...............Suddenlink CommunicationsEllis, Qudell ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsFarago, Kyle ..................... Bresnan CommunicationsFarmer, Timothy ............Suddenlink CommunicationsFarriester, James ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsFauber, Travis ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsFerrell, Levi ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsFlorentino, Rojelio .........Suddenlink CommunicationsFluonia, Ferdinand ........................................Setar NVFontenot, Luke .............Suddenlink CommunicationsFunfstuck, Robert .........Suddenlink CommunicationsFutrell, Joseph ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsGallegos, Eujenio ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsGandy, Charles .............Suddenlink CommunicationsGazelka III, Dale ................ Bresnan CommunicationsGeltz, Jeremy................Charter Communications IncGomez, Kiplen ..............................................Setar NVGordillo, Bradley ....Comcast Cable CommunicationsGranado, Raul ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsGrice, Rodney ................... Bresnan CommunicationsGudino, Carlos .............Suddenlink CommunicationsGuillory, Damon ............Suddenlink CommunicationsGuthrie, Ricky ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsHahn, Daniel ..................... Bresnan CommunicationsHendrix, Jason .............Suddenlink CommunicationsHernandez, Efrain ........................... RWM FiberopticsHernandez, Rodolfo .....Suddenlink Communications

Certification News

12 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Hickox, Robert..............Suddenlink CommunicationsHicks, Dennis................Suddenlink CommunicationsHolliday, Daniel .............Suddenlink CommunicationsHollon, Chance .............Suddenlink CommunicationsHolmes Jr., Darrell ....................... Time Warner CableHolzwarth, Joe.................. Bresnan CommunicationsHooper, Corey ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsHopkins, Bryan .............Suddenlink CommunicationsHopkins, Michael ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsHoyl, Justin ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsHunt, Christopher ......Midcontinent CommunicationsHuovinen, Andrew ........Suddenlink CommunicationsJames, Gary .................Suddenlink CommunicationsJenkins, Wendell ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsJohnson, Casey .........Midcontinent CommunicationsJones, Benjamin ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsJones, Chris...........Comcast Cable CommunicationsJones, Lloyd .................Suddenlink CommunicationsJones, Nathan ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsJowett, Adam ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsJuddan, Ahmid .............................................Setar NVJustice, Jimmy .............Suddenlink CommunicationsKelly, Bryan ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsKempf, Robert ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsKern, Brad .................Midcontinent CommunicationsKiefer, Anthony .............Suddenlink CommunicationsKirby, Aaron ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsKnott, Kenneth ............................... RWM FiberopticsKolb, Darron .................Suddenlink CommunicationsKoolman, Leo ...............................................Setar NVLacy, Mike ....................Suddenlink CommunicationsLane, Ryan ...... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeLane, Tyler .................Midcontinent CommunicationsLangley, Loice ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsLarkin, Daniel ............................... Time Warner CableLe, Danny ....................................... RWM FiberopticsLeday, Dalbert ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsLee, Daniel ....................Suddenlink CommunicationsLevasseur, Joshua ........Suddenlink CommunicationsLeverett, Daniel .... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeLovell, Brent .................Suddenlink CommunicationsLowe, William ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsLowtharp, Thomas .......Suddenlink CommunicationsLucas, Dan ....................... Bresnan CommunicationsLundy, Patrick ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsMarlow, David ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsMartinus, Jozef .............................................Setar NVMarx, Bret ......................... Bresnan CommunicationsMauriello, John ................. Bresnan CommunicationsMcCrackin, Joshua.......Suddenlink CommunicationsMcCarron, Pat ...............................Cogeco Cable IncMcCartney, James ........Suddenlink CommunicationsMelgar, Kevin .................................. RWM FiberopticsMilbourne, Charles .......Suddenlink CommunicationsMiller, Eric .....................Suddenlink CommunicationsMiller, Zachary ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsMilliken, James .............Suddenlink CommunicationsMohamed, Edwin .........................................Setar NVMoore, Herman ............Suddenlink CommunicationsMoore, Joshua ............................. Time Warner CableMorse, David ................Suddenlink CommunicationsMorse, Jerome .............Suddenlink CommunicationsMurray, Christopher ......Suddenlink CommunicationsMyer, Jacob ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsMyers, Richard ..........Midcontinent CommunicationsMyers, Stephen ............Suddenlink CommunicationsNapier Cofey, Jonal ............GCI Communications IncNelson, Mervyn.............Suddenlink CommunicationsNesmith, Eric ................Suddenlink CommunicationsNesselrotte, Andrew .....Suddenlink CommunicationsNewberry, Justin ....Comcast Cable CommunicationsNichols, Andrew .......................... Time Warner CableOgden, Preston ............Suddenlink CommunicationsOlk, Duane ....................Suddenlink CommunicationsPack, Harold .................Suddenlink Communications

Patrick, Derek ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsPeck, Sean .................................. Time Warner CablePepper, Dylan ................... Bresnan CommunicationsPerez, June ..................................... RWM FiberopticsPonson, Raul ................................................Setar NVPriddy, T ......................................TMD Telecomm IncQuinlan, Jason ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsRawls, Adam ................Suddenlink CommunicationsRipley, Brett ...............Midcontinent CommunicationsRobles, Cynthia ............Suddenlink CommunicationsRodriguez, Alfonso .......Suddenlink CommunicationsRogers, Lon ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsRose, Glen ................. Wyandotte Municipal ServicesRoss, Seth ....................Suddenlink CommunicationsRoush, Jeanetta ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsRowland, Brett ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsRugg, Richard .................................. CCI Systems IncRuiz, James ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsRuiz, Miguel ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsSalazar, Carlos ................................ RWM FiberopticsSalcedo, John...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSchulze, Weston .......................... Time Warner CableSchwengle, Edelmiro ....................................Setar NVScott, Jordan ................Suddenlink CommunicationsSearan, Aaron ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSeiler, Jason .................Suddenlink CommunicationsSheets, Adam ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsShell, Derek ..........Mediacom Communications CorpShepherd, Michael .......Suddenlink CommunicationsSiebenaler, James .....Midcontinent CommunicationsSmith, Dennis ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSmith, Leland .............................. Time Warner CableSnyder, Charles ............Suddenlink CommunicationsSnyder, Leonard ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsSovine, Jason ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSpencer, Anthony .........Suddenlink CommunicationsSpragge, William .....Comcast Cable CommunicationsSt. Denis, Mathew ....Comcast Cable CommunicationsSteiding, Aaron .............Suddenlink CommunicationsStephens, Christopher ..... Bresnan CommunicationsSuckla, Allen .................Suddenlink CommunicationsSullivan, Erick ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsTaft, Christopher ............................. RWM FiberopticsTeel, Jamike ..... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeThomas, Ja Tayshia ......Suddenlink CommunicationsThompson, Matthew ....Midcontinent CommunicationsThomson, Thomas ........Suddenlink CommunicationsTorres, Pablo................................ Time Warner CableTromp, Hubert ..............................................Setar NVUhrich, Chad ... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeValenzuela, Michael ......Suddenlink CommunicationsVillanueva, Joshua ........Suddenlink CommunicationsWagner, Charles ...........Charter Communications IncWelch, Mitchell ... Northwest Kansas Technical CollegeWells, Mark ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsWells, Richard ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsWestberry, Kyle .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWhipkey, Barry ..........Midcontinent CommunicationsWilkinson, William .........Suddenlink CommunicationsWilliams, Andre .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWilliams, Curtis .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWilliams, Ronald ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsWinterdal, George.........................................Setar NVWortham, Joseph .........Suddenlink CommunicationsWright, Michael .............Suddenlink CommunicationsWriston, Vincent ...........Suddenlink Communications

Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) Abbott, Patrick ........Armstrong Group of CompaniesArkley, Robert ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsBartose, John .............................. Time Warner CableBennett, Joshua ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsBolton, Erik ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsCampbell, Steven .........Suddenlink CommunicationsChisolm, Greg ............Midcontinent Communications

Clark, Harold................................ Time Warner CableCook, Verlin ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsDawson, Alvion ............................ Time Warner CableDeskins, Shawn .......Armstrong Group of CompaniesDunbar, Drew ............................... Time Warner CableEddleman, Adrian ........................ Time Warner CableFerrell, Levi ...................Suddenlink CommunicationsGarcia, Victor ............................... Time Warner CableHale, Mark ................................... Time Warner CableHawkins, Andrew ......................... Time Warner CableHayden, Rick ............................... Time Warner CableHendrix, Jason .............Suddenlink CommunicationsJagneaux, David ...........Suddenlink CommunicationsJohnson, Nathan ......................... Time Warner CableJonas, Matt ................Midcontinent CommunicationsJones, Nathan ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsKauke, Jesse ......................GCI Communications IncMyer, Jacob ..................Suddenlink CommunicationsMyers, Stephen ............Suddenlink CommunicationsNelson, Kenneth .......................... Time Warner CableNesmith, Eric ................Suddenlink CommunicationsPequeno, Robert ..........Suddenlink CommunicationsPonson, Raul ................................................Setar NVRather, Steven ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsRodriguez, Marco .........Suddenlink CommunicationsSalcedo, John...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSearan, Aaron ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsSears, Nick ................Midcontinent CommunicationsYbarra, Joseph ............................ Time Warner Cable

Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS) Acker, Robert ................Suddenlink CommunicationsAlsteen, Louis ...............Suddenlink CommunicationsAtkinson, Bradley .........Suddenlink CommunicationsBerry, Daniel .................Suddenlink CommunicationsCadle, Billy....................Suddenlink CommunicationsCarpenter, Mark ............Suddenlink CommunicationsFranks, James ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsGeorge, Allen ................Suddenlink CommunicationsHann, Robert ................Suddenlink CommunicationsJames, Bryan ................Suddenlink CommunicationsLong, Vernon ................Suddenlink CommunicationsMcCartney, James ........Suddenlink CommunicationsRowland, Brett ..............Suddenlink CommunicationsTripp, William ................Suddenlink CommunicationsWithrow, Kenneth .........Suddenlink CommunicationsYork, Billy ......................Suddenlink CommunicationsYoung, Richard .............Suddenlink Communications

Certification News

WWW.SCTE.ORG 13 WWW.SCTE.ORG 13

Counts of SCTE Newly Certified Individuals (April–June 2012)

Total

broadband distribution Specialist (bdS) 118

broadband Premises Expert (bPE) 20

broadband Premises Installer (bPI) 594

broadband Premises Technician (bPT) 47

broadband Transport Specialist (bTS) 17

broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (bTCS) 1

797

SCTE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

SCTE-Georgia Tech Program

14 THIRD QUARTER 2012

Three of the event’s attendees—Kevin Lipe, Dean Stoneback, and Jasper Williams—explain below what they found to be so valuable about the inaugural SCTE-Georgia Tech program:

Kevin Lipe

By Kevin Lipe Regional Director of Technical Operations and Training Suddenlink Communications Lubbock, Texas

A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending the new SCTE Management Development Program

at Georgia Tech. Having been in this industry for 27 years and having spent the vast majority of those years in a management position, I wasn’t sure I would learn much from the experience. I was wrong.It was an incredibly informative week and one of the best management classes I’ve ever attended. The instructors were top notch; the agenda was very well thought out; and the classes were well balanced between lectures and group breakout sessions. In addition to great topics, instructors, and facilities, the networking side of the program was extremely valuable. I had the opportunity to talk with peers and vendors about various projects on which we’ve been successful, as well as some on which we’ve struggled. As a result, I brought home a number of constructive ideas and implemented them in my day-to-day routine.Perhaps the most important element of the program was the session on “Leading and Managing Change.” In this session, we learned how to think strategically about—and better align—our project resources and timelines. If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself in countless meetings, attempting to assign due dates to a project when you don’t fully understand its scope, the available internal and external resources, or the expectations of your senior management team. The critical importance of first defining those variables was just one example of what we learned in this session. I can’t speak for those who attended the session with me, but I left it with a much better understanding of what makes a good leader and how to foster leadership throughout our organization.In fact, I’m so convinced of the value of the overall program that I’m budgeting for a couple of our employees to attend next year. It’s definitely an opportunity you don’t want to miss.Many thanks to my Suddenlink leadership team for giving me the opportunity to attend. Thanks also to Daniel Howard, Marty Davidson, and the Georgia Tech faculty and staff for putting together a great program.

Dean Stoneback

By Dean Stoneback Systems Engineering Manager Motorola Mobility

I was very excited when I found out I had been accepted into the SCTE-Georgia Tech program. For some time I had been searching for classes to help me be more effective in my job as a manager in a

technology company. The agenda for the SCTE program appeared to be a perfect fit. I went to the classes with very high expectations, and I was not disappointed.

The classes covered a wide range of topics that were relevant to managers in the communications industry. The instructors were true professionals who taught through examples and case studies. In many

cases, we had learned a new principle or concept through the real-life example before the material was even explained to us.

The other major benefit of the week was spending time with other people in the industry. There was a great mix of operators and vendors there with a wide range of responsibilities and experience. The class interaction was very beneficial to the learning experience. In addition, we had a lot of time to interact with each other during breaks, meals, and at several evening activities. The facilities at the Georgia Tech Executive Education Center were ideal for the experience—very well laid out with good sight lines to the projection screens and multiple breakout rooms available for discussion.

Several industry executives participated in sessions at lunch and in the evening. Being a participant in this class gave me contact with people whom I would otherwise never have met. I highly recommend this program to any manager in the communications industry.

Jasper Williams

By Jasper Williams Manager, IP Solutions Comcast Cable Communications

“SCTE What?!”Those were the first words I uttered when I was informed that I was selected to participate in this program. As it was explained to me that my team

didn’t have more answers, they told me to let them know what I thought of it when I finished.

Wow! We’ve needed this type of program for a long time. I immediately noticed this was a little different than the other events in which I have participated in the past.

This one seemed to get it!

Meeting my fellow participants, I immediately noticed the industry diversity from vendors to former MSO vice presidents. The international participants from as far away as Thailand were also intriguing and refreshing. It shows the landscape of our industry is more connected than many may think as technologies continue to grow.

These classes with their decorated instructors allow the next leaders to understand the career choices that they will be involved in and to relate to the leadership that is currently making those decisions. It allows the next decision makers to speak the language now that will help shape the future of this industry.

Mentors are needed but the foundation has to be laid first. This program offers a glimpse into a possible career choice for some and an avenue to understanding the business needs.

I have utilized some of the techniques that I learned there for my involvement in several high-level meetings. Discussions that were normally dull without meaning now held importance as they had relevance to our daily functions. A welcomed pathway has been developed as the industry continues to evolve.

In my humble opinion, the inaugural SCTE-Georgia Tech Management Development Program is just what our industry needed.

To my Comcast team, thanks for the experience!

Catch the program promotional video at www.scte.org/institute.

SCTE-Georgia Tech Impressions (Continued from Page 1)

Society News

WWW.SCTE.ORG 15

SCTE named a general PartnerVECTOR, a European supplier of comprehensive optical solutions for various network architectures and producer and supplier of digital television equipment, named SCTE as a general partner for the 11th Broadband Technology Conference. The conference was conducted May 31–June 1 in Sopot, Poland.

SCTE-Tuck 2012 a SuccessIn its second year, the SCTE-Tuck Executive Leadership Program with the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth attracted 49 senior-level executives, an increase of approximately 25 percent over 2011 attendance. Among the highlights of the 2012 SCTE-Tuck program was a session featuring three senior Comcast executives: Neil Smit, president and CEO; Tony Werner, executive vice president and CTO; and John Schanz, executive vice president and chief network officer. The SCTE-Tuck curriculum also included a view of cable from two analysts, P. Schoenfeld Asset Management’s Rich Bilotti and Gartner Research’s Andrew Frank, as well as a special focus on diversity and inclusion provided by Bright House Networks President Nomi Bergman; Cablevision Systems Corp. EVP Engineering & Technology Yvette Kanouff; and Time Warner Cable Vice President, Systems Operations Terrill Gosa. The program took place April 29 through May 4.

get Your Guidebook Yet?The SCTE Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook is a 500-page comprehensive printed resource containing more than 300 technical illustrations and images. The Guidebook provides in-depth instruction on the technical competencies

needed by field-level in-house or contract installation pro-fessionals. Use it to prepare for the SCTE Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) and the SCTE Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) certifications. Order your copy today at www.scte.org by clicking on the Resources section of the website.

Randy Pike appointedGlobeCast Americas announced recently that SCTE member Randy Pike has been named vice president of broadcast engineering. Pike will oversee all of GlobeCast’s day-to-day technical operations in the Americas, ensuring high quality of service and expert maintenance of systems and equipment for the company’s broadcast clients. Prior to joining GlobeCast, Pike was vice president of affiliate engineering and affiliate relations for Fox Broadcasting Company.

brodsky Serving on foundation boardJulian A. Brodsky, co-founder and director emeritus of Comcast Corp., accepted a seat on the board of directors of the SCTE

Foundation earlier this year for the 2011-’12 term. Brodsky, one of the most respected members of the cable industry, will be actively involved in developing the SCTE Foundation and its mission of driving education related to engineering and operations in cable telecommunications.

Thank You, Polis Classic SponsorsThe SCTE Foundation proudly conducted the 2012 Tom Polis Classic Golf Tournament on June 4 at the Whitford Country Club in Exton (suburban Philadelphia), Pa. All of the proceeds from this year’s event support and promote the educational assistance and career development of SCTE members through the Foundation’s grants programs. The Foundation salutes its 16 sponsors of the 10th annual event: Alpha, CommScope, DNB First, Fox Rothschild LLP, Fujitsu, Harmonic, Innovative Print & Media Group, The Keith Hayes Family, The Mabry Family, MultiView, Pace, The Polis Family, PPC, StrategicLink Consulting, Trion, and TrueNet Communications.

new Cable TV PioneersSCTE congratulates SCTE Board of Directors Secretary Alan Tschirner and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® 2012 Program Committee Chairman Jim Ludington for their inductions earlier this year into the Cable TV Pioneers as part of the Class of 2012. The Cable TV Pioneers was founded in 1966 and through the years has inducted more than 500 individuals into the organization.

Randy love gains Chapter distinctionSCTE congratulates Randy Love, who was recently awarded as the 2012 SCTE Chapter Member of the Year. Love, who resides in Vancouver, Wash., is market project manager with Comcast Cable Communications. Love is chairman of the SCTE Cascade Range Chapter. The award is presented annually to the SCTE chapter member who has made the most significant contribution to his or her chapter through active participation in its programs and efforts during the past year.

In Memory of…Mr. Mark booneMr. Mark D. Boone, 54, passed away back on Feb. 1. He was born Aug. 6, 1957, in Franklin, Ind. He moved to California and worked at Viacom as a risk management supervisor for 20 years. After moving back to Indiana, he was then transferred to Charlotte, N.C., with Time Warner Cable, where he was corporate manager, safety and compliance. Mr. Boone served as a member of the SCTE Safety Awards Subcommittee.

‘ask Me about SCTE’Refer your colleagues for SCTE membership and you can receive rewards—including free SCTE membership and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® registration—through the Ask Me About SCTE annual member referral program. Spread the word about SCTE! See who already has. Visit www.scte.org and click on the Membership section.

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