Press Release

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002--Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) has expanded its popular PWRBlazer(TM) family of highly scalable optical nodes with a versatile new model that enhances last mile cable network capacity and availability. Designed for easy installation and maintenance on a wall or in an enclosure, the PWRBlazer III is ideal for the European cable market, which makes extensive use of street cabinets. With the introduction of the PWRBlazer III, cable operators around the world can now deploy a wider range of end-to-end transport solutions from Harmonic, giving them greater flexibility and scalability to accommodate the increasing bandwidth requirements associated with services such as digital television, broadband Internet access, telephony and video-on-demand (VOD). The new node also incorporates redundancy features that increase the level of last mile network availability.

The PWRBlazer III, featuring a compact form factor and removable cover, is optimized for street cabinet deployments. Its unique design minimizes cables, reducing the cost and complexity of maintenance and management, and a further option eliminates the need for an external power inserter. The PWRBlazer node is important wherever operators are required to locate equipment in a larger structure or underground, such as in new housing developments and densely populated areas.

"The PWRBlazer III includes several innovative features, such as the elimination of cables within the node, that evolved directly from customer feedback," said Patrick Harshman, president of Harmonic's Broadband Access Network Division. "The segmentation and redundancy features, which enhance last mile scalability and reliability, combined with a form factor that fits into a street cabinet, will appeal to European cable companies as well as other operators around the world."

Harmonic's PWRBlazer III Architecture Increases Network Flexibility and Capacity

The PWRBlazer III enables the last mile network capacity to be increased incrementally, as user demand requires. For example, the PWRBlazer node can be initially configured so that all return traffic is combined onto a transmitter to the hub or headend. As subscribers are added or new interactive applications are introduced, the increased upstream traffic can be segmented across two independent transmitters. The same can also be done in the downstream direction to add bandwidth for narrowcast applications like VOD. As a result, operators can effectively double the available bandwidth within the same enclosure in a matter of minutes, increasing service to customers without adding network complexity and cost.

The PWRBlazer III delivers maximum results when used in conjunction with Harmonic's industry leading Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transmission systems, which makes the network capacity scalable from the headend to the node. Together they provide a flexible, end-to-end, pay-as-you-grow solution for targeting bandwidth geographically as well as by application.

In applications where services must be reliably delivered to users at all times--as in the provisioning of lifeline telephony--operators can add another receiver/transmitter set and a second power supply to provide hot spares for automatic changeover in the event of a network problem. In addition, an optional HMS (Hybrid Management Sub-Layer) compliant status transponder allows remote monitoring and management to ensure network availability.

PWRBlazer III is compatible with existing PWRBlazer modules, allowing operators to leverage their investments in Harmonic node-based equipment. Operators further benefit from simplified maintenance and reduced training costs. The overall effect is to reduce the cost of ownership.

About Harmonic Inc.

Harmonic Inc. is a leading provider of digital video, broadband optical networking and IP delivery systems to cable, satellite, telecom and broadcast network operators. Harmonic's open standards-based solutions for the headend through the last mile enable customers to develop new revenue sources and a competitive advantage by offering powerful interactive video, voice and data services such as video-on-demand, high definition digital television, telephony and Internet access.

Harmonic (Nasdaq:HLIT) is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., with R&D, sales and system integration centers worldwide. The company's customers, including many of world's largest communications providers, deliver services in virtually every country. Visit www.harmonicinc.com for more information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements describing planned features of the PWRBlazer III optical node and potential benefits to customers who deploy the node, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in documents that Harmonic files with the SEC, including reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.

EDITOR'S NOTE -- Product and company names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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