Cox, Rogers to Test BigBand Gear

Fremont, Calif. -- BigBand Networks Inc. said Cox Communications Inc. and Rogers Cable Inc. have started beta-testing its recently unveiled "Broadband Multimedia-Services Router" (BMR).

The companies did not disclose where the tests are being conducted.

BigBand's BMR uses a patented "NativeMedia" operating system that enables the gear to integrate video, audio and data in their native formats and deliver that content to PCs and televisions.

The BMR -- which sits between application services and the hybrid fiber-coaxial distribution network -- supports Moving Pictures Expert Group, Internet protocol, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet platforms, the company said.

Launched in 1999, BigBand's argument is that existing cable networks are aptly designed for low-bit-rate applications such as voice and electronic mail, but they aren't equipped to handle variable-bit-rate, bandwidth-intensive content such as streaming video.