When Product Management Director Doug Vogel’s team was asked to develop a first-in-class IP solution for Penn State Hershey Medical Center, they imagined how they could improve a patient’s medical experience through access to information. The project was complex, but Doug’s training as a private pilot helped him look at it from 10,000 feet and bring it in for a landing.
His team developed a solution to convert Comcast’s coax signal into an encrypted IP video stream transported over Hershey Medical Center’s computer network infrastructure. Patients use their videos screens in many ways beyond watching their favorite show. Comcast’s solution allows them to access the Internet, watch videos about a procedure, or even view lunch items, depending on which programs the hospital deploys. Without an IP signal, this type of integration would not be possible.
An industry veteran, Doug has seen the evolution of set top boxes (STB) from analog to satellite to digital receivers that help customers stay entertained, informed and connected. Before joining Comcast in 2012, Doug worked for STB manufacturers, most notably General Instrument and Motorola.
Doug’s team started testing a Q2IP proof of concept at Hershey Medical Center in 2017. The gateway unit takes in the Comcast coax signal, encrypts it, and converts it to IP. The output is connected to Hershey’s Computer Network Infrastructure which transports it to patient rooms.
Hershey Medical Center benefits from this technology because they no longer must invest in updating the coax infrastructure, which was pieced together over the years, resulting in poor signal in certain areas of the hospital. By converting to IP, it positions them for future enhancements.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Doug. “Our engineering and technical trial teams worked together to develop a solution that will serve Hershey Medical Center’s patients well into the future.” When Doug thinks about how this IP system will improve the patient experience for so many people, he counts it as one of his biggest career accomplishments.
“The people I work with are the best part of being a Comcaster,” he said. “Even though we’re a global company, Comcast manages to keep that small team feeling. I’ve never felt overwhelmed by the size of the organization and have made personal, individual connections on every project I’ve worked on.” Learn more about careers at Comcast and how to join a team that makes an impact on real people.