Return-Path-Data Lexicon: QIP and QAM

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CIMM is taking a proactive role in advancing new media nomenclature and processes with both its Lexicon (terms and definitions associated with return-path-data measurement) and Asset Identification Primer (glossary of asset terms). These documents form the basis of this column, which offers a common language for RPD nomenclature that can expedite the rollout of the data for its many industry applications.

For cable operators, the return-path transfer of the data is done via the Internet. The speed by which the data transfer occurs depends on the amount of available bandwidth. The greater the bandwidth for this process, the faster the transmission. But bandwidth is used for a variety of deliverable services – content, internet access, VOD – and the use of bandwidth for certain services will use up bandwidth for other services.

Solutions to managing bandwidth include Qip Boxes and QAM Tuners. Both are defined below. It should be noted that telecos, which also use data connections, and satcos, whose upstream data can come from either phone lines, the internet or an upstream satellite connection, also must grapple with the issue of bandwidth optimization although not necessarily via Qip or QAM. 

Qip Boxes

See also: QAM, Internet Protocol

CIMM DEFINITION : A hybrid Set-Top Box from Motorola that offers QAM and IP at the same time and connects through the internet.

QAM abbr Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

CIMM DEFINITION: A method of modulating digital signals onto a radio-frequency carrier signal involving both amplitude and phase coding. A modulation scheme used by telecommunications providers. More advanced modulation offers increased capacity (e.g., 256 QAM offers greater capacity/transmission speeds than 64 QAM). (Source: CableLabs)

2: The format by which digital cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable television providers. QAM tuners can be likened to the cable equivalent of an ATSC tuner which is required to receive over-the-air (OTA) digital channels broadcast by local television stations; many new cable-ready digital televisions support both of these standards. (Source: Wikipedia)

QAM Tuner

See also: Bandwidth Optimization, Switched Digital Video

CIMM DEFINITION: A device in some digital televisions or other devices that enables direct reception of any unscrambled digital cable channels with the use of a Set-Top Box. QAM stands for quadrature amplitude modulation, the format by which digital cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable television providers. QAM that uses 6 MHz bandwidth carries 38.47 Mbp/s @256QAM (Source: Wikipedia) Definition currently under review by CableLabs.

Please refer to the CIMM Lexicon online at http://www.cimm-us.org/lexicon.htm for additional information on these and other terms.

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2 comments on "Return-Path-Data Lexicon: QIP and QAM".

1. Mike Einstein from the Brothers Einstein
   

   commented on: April 26, 2012 at 5:23 p.m.
   Does anyone actually talk like this? And if so, does anyone understand what they're saying?
2. Mark Evans from Ionic Media
   

   commented on: April 28, 2012 at 1:46 a.m.
   Yes, your grandfather Albert! ;-] Not really -- only people in the the technical infrastructure side of MSOs would toss these around. Most media folks reading this type of post would never need to dive this deep into the lexicon.

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