Data Sheet

Cisco DCM Series D9901

Digital Content Manager Transcoder

Today’s IPTV channel lineup requirements are growing rapidly with the dual drivers of increased
®
standard and high-definition channels and a need for reduced cost of ownership. The Cisco DCM
Series D9901 Digital Content Manager (DCM) Transcoder is a high-density MPEG-2 to H.264
video conversion platform capable of processing a high number of video streams in a compact form
factor with low power usage over cost-effective Ethernet links. The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder
provides IP-centric headend distributors the ability to convert MPEG-2 compressed MPTS or SPTS
to H.264 SPTS or MPTS. With the flexibility of ASI or IP inputs and outputs, the DCM Series D9901
Transcoder can be placed at multiple points in the content acquisition subsystem. Based on the
industry-proven track record of the DCM Series D9901, the transcoder plug-in cards for the DCM
provides for the next generation of IP-centric headend deployments large and small with high
reliability and excellent video quality.

Figure 1. Cisco DCM Series D9901 Transcoder

Key Benefits
● Dense MPEG-2 to H.264 transcoding for IPTV HE and cable video over DOCSIS®
applications
● Can be housed in existing DCM chassis and coexists with existing DCM cards (requires
Compact Flash upgrade to 16 GB)
● Up to 16 SD / 4 HD channels in 1RU chassis
● Process both SD and HD in same chassis
● Can be combined with other DCM functionality, e.g., DVB scrambling, BISS-1
(de)scrambling, FEC
● ASI or IP I/O and interface conversion
● PSI/SI/PSIP processor
● Input error monitoring
● Advanced redundancy schemes maximizing up-time
● Low power consumption

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● Flexible modular configuration

● Future-proof against changing system requirements
● Seamless IP video networks integration
● Excellent transcoded video quality
● Picture-in-picture (PIP) outputs
● Dolby Digital (AC-3) and MPEG-1 Layer II to HE-AAC audio transcoding
● Audio and metadata pass-through

Physical Configuration
The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder comes in a compact 1RU chassis with hot-swappable and
redundant power supplies and can be configured with up to two plug-in cards. The unit can be
configured with one transcoder module, which can transcode up to 16 standard definition channels.
The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder can use the standard DCM ASI interface card to connect
directly to the ASI outputs of satellite receivers, and/or it can be housed with the standard DCM
GbE interface card for IP reception and/or streaming. For receiving off-air ATSC terrestrial signals,
the unit can be fitted with a high-density 8-VSB input card.

The ASI cards have 10 ASI ports and support full ASI rates, allowing freedom in system design. All
ASI ports can be individually configured as either input or output and all ASI ports support both
MPTS and SPTS streams. The GbE I/O cards support four GbE ports via SFP connectors, with the
card having a total throughput of 2 Gbps in and 2 Gbps out. The GbE ports support MPTS and
SPTS streams. The 8-VSB input card can simultaneously receive up to 8 RF channels and can fully
benefit from DCM’s MPEG processing functionality.

Additionally, the DCM Series D9901 Transcoder can be fitted with co-processor cards to support
advanced MPEG processing functions like DVB Simulcrypt compliant scrambling.

Transcoding
Following today’s rapidly growing IPTV channel lineup requirements, the DCM Series D9901 also
performs high-density MPEG-2 to H.264 video transcoding and is able to support optional audio
transcoding from Dolby Digital (AC-3) and MPEG-1 Layer II to HE-AAC. It is capable of processing
a high number of both SD and HD video streams, supporting 1080i and 720p formats at up to full
HD resolution. It is designed to support numerous advanced features like closed caption handling,
PIP, audio, and metadata pass-through. Functionality of the transcoding modules is enabled via
software licenses, allowing operators to scale and grow to meet their needs.

Grooming and Remultiplexing

The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder supports advanced demultiplexing and remultiplexing
capabilities, including advanced PSI and descriptor handling capabilities. PSI, SI and PSIP tables
can be regenerated and played out, changing dynamically according to input changes and
configurations. Integration with Continuum® DVP SI-Server allows customized PSI/SI situations to
be addressed.

Furthermore, it supports extensive transport stream and program analysis, including program-level
bit rate measurements on both incoming and outgoing streams. This allows operators to easily
configure the content into logical outgoing program groups. Every version also includes monitoring
of many TR 101 290 errors.

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The high processing power of the DCM Series D9901 Transcoder is designed to meet evolving
architectures for certain future applications.

Conditional Access
The built-in scrambler allows easy integration with several Conditional Access (CA) systems.
Integrating multiple CA systems at the same time is possible through the Simulcrypt interface. The
DCM Series D9901 Transcoder also supports BISS-1 scrambling to secure satellite or IP
transmission links. It also provides BISS-1 descrambling functionality for remote locations that need
to receive BISS-1 encrypted video streams over secured primary distribution links.

Redundancy and Reliability

The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder has been designed to help operators configure highly reliable
networks. The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder supports hot-swappable and redundant power
supplies and hot-swappable cooling fans. The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder can be configured in
a hot 1:1 configuration to support maximum up-time with minimum switch-over interruption. To
maximize service availability, the DCM Series D9901 Transcoder also offers port, transport stream,
and service redundancy.

High-Quality Video Transmission over IP Networks

As IP is becoming more and more the transport network of choice, advanced functionality is
required to maximize quality of service. The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder’s extensive set of IP
over GbE features, including extensive protocol support and Forward Error Correction (Pro-MPEG
COP3 release 2 / SMPTE-2022 FEC) functionality, allow for seamless integration with these IP
networks.

ATSC Off-air Reception

The state-of-the art 8-VSB input card allows four or eight RF channels to be received
simultaneously depending on the chosen hardware version. Each RF input is licensed and can be
configured independently to provide full flexibility. After reception, each received transport stream
can use all other DCM processing functionality and allows operators to build a flexible solution.

Security Functions
Today’s IP attack profiles cover operating systems, networks, applications, and protocols. These
attacks can cause hours or days of downtime, affecting availability of resources and creating
serious breaches in data confidentiality and integrity. Depending on the level of the attack and the
type of information compromised, the consequences vary in degree from mildly annoying to
completely debilitating, and the cost of troubleshooting and recovery can become considerable. To
cope with the increased complex and open nature of the IP network environment, the DCM Series
D9901 MPEG Processor is designed with robust and comprehensive security features.

User Interface and Management

The DCM Series D9901 Transcoder is controlled via an easy and intuitive GUI. To keep things
simple, there is no software to load on the user’s computer. The GUI of the DCM Series D9901
Transcoder is a HTML-based user interface that can be opened using Microsoft® Internet Explorer
6.0 and higher or Firefox 3.0. The GUI supports simple program provisioning through drag-and-
drop functionality. The interface provides detailed information to the user, showing the DCM Series
D9901 Transcoder configuration, input and output bit rate measurements, transport stream alarms,
and other information. Additionally, for easy access to content details, sorting of program

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information can be performed on various program criteria, including input and output ports, bit
rates, and program names. The general-purpose inputs on the chassis also allow for triggering of
service backup or digital program insertion.

For integrated network monitoring and control, the DCM Series D9901 Transcoder is integrated
with the ROSA® Network Management and Control (NMC) system. All functionality available via the
HTML interface is available with the ROSA control system.

Features

Interfaces
● Up to 10 ASI interface ports (10 ASI ports per ASI I/O card)
◦ SPTS and MPTS supported
◦ User-configurable as input or output on a per-port basis
◦ Each ASI port supports up to 213 Mbps data rate
◦ Connector type: BNC
● Up to 4 GbE ports (4 ports per GbE I/O card)
◦ SPTS and MPTS supported
◦ Unicast and multicast support
◦ Protocols supported: 802.3, Ethernet, VLAN, RTP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, IGMPv2 / v3
◦ Port configurations: 2+2 backup or 2 inputs + 2 outputs
◦ Quality of Service: Diffserv/TOS 802.1p
◦ FEC according to Pro-MPEG COP3 release 2 (COP3R2)/SMPTE 2022
◦ Low latency dejitter option
◦ Connector type: SFP interfaces
● Up to 8 ATSC 8-VSB RF input ports
◦ 4 and 8 RF input version card available
◦ Each RF input is enabled via software licensing
◦ ATSC A/74 tested
◦ Supports reception of MPTS and SPTS

Transcoding
● Up to 16 SD or 4 HD channels in 1RU
● Up to 32 stereo pairs transcoding of AC-3 or MPEG-1 Layer II to HE-AAC
● Support of audio and metadata pass-through
● Closed caption handling
● Integrated PIP support
● Transcoding features enabled through software licenses on a per-program basis

Remultiplexing
● PID filtering / remapping on each input
● PID tracking
● Auxiliary PID synchronization with video
● Remultiplexing of services and components

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● Content routing from any input to any output port

Monitoring
● Error monitoring on each input
● Input and output bit rate measurements
● Graphical bit rate viewer showing transrater group bit rates

Redundancy
● 1:1 redundant configuration supported
● 1:1 GbE port backup supported
● ASI, GbE port and GbE port pair mirroring
● Input service and transport stream redundancy

Extended PSI-SI Capabilities

● Dynamic PSI/SI regeneration
● PSI/SI playout carousel
● Import of PSI/SI tables according DVB Simulcrypt
● PSI descriptor editing capabilities
● Built-in PSI/SI viewer
● Pass-through and regeneration of PSIP tables

System
● 10 Gbps internal processing throughput with 4 Gbps of I/O capability
● User hot-swappable power supplies and fans
● Redundant load-sharing power supplies, supports both AC and DC power supplies
● Configuration settings stored on Compact Flash card (transferable to cold standby unit)

Management
● SNMP traps
● ROSA management
● Easy control using web browser
● Ethernet interface for communication with management system and web browser
● IPsec
● General-purpose inputs

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Product Specifications

Table 1. Product Specifications

Specification Value
Transcoder Card

Video input coding format MPEG-2 MP@ML (SD) and MPEG-2 MP@HL (HD)

Video output coding format H.264 MP@L3, H.264 HP@L3 and H.264 HP@L4

Video resolutions SD: 525i/29.97 and 625i/50

HD: 720p/59.94, 1080i/29.97, 720p/50 and 1080i/25

Video modes CBR and VBR

Video transcoding Up to 16 SD streams per card or up to 4 HD streams per card

Audio input coding format MPEG-1 Layer II and AC-3

Audio output coding format Pass-through: MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 and others
Transcoding: HE-AAC

Audio transcoding Up to 32 stereo pairs per card

PIP encoding format H.264 main profile

PIP picture size 96 x 96 or 128 x 96 or 176 x 144 or 192 x 192

Chassis Compact Flash size 16 GB required

ASI Interface Card

Number of ports per card 10 ports, each port configurable as input or output

Connector BNC-type

Impedance 75 ohms

Interface type Asynchronous Serial Interface (ASI) (according to EN 50083-9)

Packet format Auto detection: 188 / 204 byte packets

Bit rate 0.1 – 213 Mbps

Syntax SPTS or MPTS (according to ISO/IEC 13818)

GbE Interface Card

Number of ports per card 4 GbE ports, 2+2 (for redundancy)

Connector type Optical/electrical Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) (see Note 1)

Interface type Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) according to IEEE 802.3ab (Electrical) or IEEE
802.3z (Optical)
Support for IEEE 802.Q VLAN Tagging

Protocols MPEG over IP/UDP and IP/UDP/RTP

Maximum throughput 2 Gbps input and 2 Gbps output per card

Syntax SPTS or MPTS (according to ISO/IEC 13818)

Forward Error Correction Pro-MPEG COP3R2/SMPTE 2022

8-VSB Input Card

Number of ports per card 4 or 8 ports, each port independently configurable

Connector F-type, female

Impedance 75 Ω

Interface type ATSC 8-VSB according to ATSC A/53 - Part 2 (A/74 tested)

Frequency range 50 – 860 MHz

Channel range 2 – 69

Input level range -80 – -20 dBm (Note 2)

Syntax SPTS or MPTS (according to ISO/IEC 13818)

Conditional Access

Scrambling Algorithm DVB Common Scrambling Algorithm

BISS Mode 1

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Specification Value
Level and mode of scrambling Service/Program level scrambling support, Component level scrambling
support
Both MPTS and SPTS scrambling supported

Number of CA system connectors 1

Connector type RJ-45

Interface Type Ethernet 10/100/1000 BASE-T

Simulcrypt Simulcrypt version 3

Transport Stream Processing

PID filtering / remapping capability

Built-in PSI Viewer

Dynamic PSI regeneration with advanced descriptor handling support

Detailed bit rate measurement of incoming services

Error monitoring

Management and Monitoring

Number of ports on chassis 2

Connector type RJ-45

Interface type 10/100 & 10/100/1000 BASE-T

Protocols HTTP, SNMP, IIOP

User interface Embedded HTML user interface

General Purpose Inputs 4 (spring clamp terminal block connector)

Environmental Specifications

Operating temperature 0°C – +50°C / +32°F – +122°F

Storage temperature -40°C – +70°C / -40°F – +158°F

Humidity 5% – 95% (non condensing)

Altitude -200 – 10,000 feet (-61 – 3048 m)

Power Requirements

Power consumption (fully loaded) < 190 W

Input voltage
AC input voltage
Nominal 100 – 240 V AC
Normal service voltage range 90 – 254 V AC
Frequency 47 – 63 Hz
DC input voltage
Nominal -48 – -60 V DC
Normal service voltage range -38 – -58 V DC

Chassis Mechanical Specifications

Height 1RU 1.74 in. / 44 mm

Width 19 in. / 483 mm

Depth 22.13 in. / 562 mm

Weight (fully loaded) 23.2 lbs / 10.5 kg

Cooling Front to back, forced air; units are stackable

Notes:

1. SFP Module not included.

2. Input level range for channel 2: -20 to -65 dBm at ambient temperature.

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Figure 2. Cisco DCM Series D9901 Transcoder Rear Panel with 2 AC power supplies, 1 GbE card and 1
Transcoder card

Table 2. Ordering Information Cisco DCM D9901 Components

Description Part Number

Chassis

D9901 DCM MKI Chassis, 1RU, No PSU, Main DCM-MK1-1RU

Hardware Modules (Boards delivered as separate kits)

DCM Transcoder board DCM-TC-MK1

DCM ASI I/O board DCM-ASI-MK1

DCM GbE I/O board DCM-GBE-MK1

DCM FEC board DCM-FEC-MK1

DCM Co-Processor board DCM-COP-MK1

DCM 8-VSB input card with 4 RF inputs DCM-8VSB-4RF

DCM 8-VSB input card with 8 RF inputs DCM-8VSB-8RF

DCM blank plate for I/O slot DCM-BLANK-IO

DCM blank plate for power supply DCM-BLANK-PSU

DCM 16GB Compact Flash upgrade kit (select version in Cisco’s Dynamic Configuration Tool) MEM-DCM-CF16

Power Supplies

AC power supply (AC power cord needs to be ordered separately) PWR-350-AC-1RU

DC power supply PWR-350-DC-1RU

AC Power Cords

Argentina CAB-PWR-DMN-ARG

Australia CAB-PWR-DMN-AUS

China CAB-PWR-DMN-CHN

Europe CAB-PWR-DMN-EU

Italy CAB-PWR-DMN-IT

Japan CAB-PWR-DMN-JPN

UK CAB-PWR-DMN-UK

US CAB-PWR-DMN-US

Software

Software license CD-ROM (Add licenses in Cisco’s Dynamic Configuration Tool) DCM-LIC-UPGR

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Table 3. Ordering Information SFP Plug-ins (see Note 3)

Part Number Description

SFP Plug-ins – WDM types

SFP-WDM-850-0500 GbE SFP module 850 nm (LC, up to 500 m)

SFP-WDM-1310-5 GbE SFP module 1310 nm (LC, up to 5 km)

SFP-WDM-1310-40 GbE SFP module 1310 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP Plug-ins – CWDM types

SFP-CWDM-1470-40 GbE SFP module 1470 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1490-40 GbE SFP module 1490 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1510-40 GbE SFP module 1510 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1530-40 GbE SFP module 1530 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1550-40 GbE SFP module 1550 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1570-40 GbE SFP module 1570 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1590-40 GbE SFP module 1590 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1610-40 GbE SFP module 1610 nm (LC, up to 40 km)

SFP-CWDM-1470-70 GbE SFP module 1470 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1490-70 GbE SFP module 1490 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1510-70 GbE SFP module 1510 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1530-70 GbE SFP module 1530 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1550-70 GbE SFP module 1550 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1570-70 GbE SFP module 1570 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1590-70 GbE SFP module 1590 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP-CWDM-1610-70 GbE SFP module 1610 nm (LC, up to 70 km)

SFP Plug-ins – 1000 BT copper

SFP-CU-RJ45 GbE SFP module 1000 BT copper

Note: 3. All Class 1 SFP plug-ins are according to IEC 60825-1 (1997) Amendment 2 (2001).

Service and Support

Cisco offers a wide range of services programs to accelerate customer success. These innovative
services programs are delivered through a unique combination of people, processes, tools, and
partners, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Cisco services help you protect your
network investment, optimize network operations, and prepare your network for new applications to
extend network intelligence and the power of your business. For more information about Cisco
services, refer to Cisco Technical Support Services or Cisco Advanced Services.

Manage your network with ROSA service and element management. Get faster mean-time-to-
repair, increased uptime, and management that evolves as you provision your networks.
US toll-free 1-800-722-2009. EMEA +32 56 445 445. www.cisco.com/go/rosa.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and
other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks.
Third party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
(1009R)
Specifications and product availability are subject to change without notice.
 2010 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

1-800-722-2009 or 678-277-1120 Part Number 7017812 Rev E

www.cisco.com November 2010

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