IPTV Feature Article
September 03, 2009
NDS Joins Hands with Access Systems to Bring Pay-TV and FTA Channels to Connected TVs
By Carolyn J Dawson, TMCnet Contributor
NDS (News - Alert) and ACCESS Systems Europe Holdings B.V have teamed up to bring Pay-TV and free-to-air (FTA) channels to connected-TVs without the need for a set-top box (STB). To facilitate this, both companies will integrate the NDS InfiniteTV hybrid content platform with ACCESS’ NetFront Browser.
In Japan, more than one million connected TVs run ACCESS’ NetFront Browser. A number of manufacturers deliver the NetFront Browser pre-installed on connected TVs. NetFront Browser is expected to be available in Europe and the U.S. in 2010. According to Yoni Hashkes, senior vice president of advanced products and markets at NDS, internet-enabled TVs are expected to take off in Europe and the U.S. next year. Hashkes also added that InfiniteTV makes it easy for connected TV consumers to find and watch both broadcast and Internet content.
InfiniteTV enables consumers to view traditional linear channels, catch-up TV, and on-demand content through a single, intuitive user interface. There is no need to install any software or additional hardware. InfiniteTV provides connected TV viewers with access to an electronic programme guide (EPG) and a default set of web channels and widgets supplied by their service provider. InfiniteTV uses both broadcast channels and Internet to add rich metadata to broadcast programmes and also integrates with advanced search and recommendations engines to provide a personalized service. An option to extend the connected TV’s capabilities with time and place shifting through networked DVR and identity management services is also provided.
InfiniteTV supports all popular Internet video formats, DRMs and connected TV chipsets to maintain a secure and high quality service. It enables any service provider to integrate it into their system while authenticating third-party applications to maintain system integrity. It also allows any content provider to make content easily available for different service providers. In addition, Infinite TV includes a software development kit and certification tools for widget providers; a channel builder for content providers to syndicate content; InfiniteTV Headend for service providers and the InfiniteTV client.
NetFront Browser has been designed and optimised to deliver high performance in resource-constrained environments. In addition, NetFront Browser supports almost any OS and CPU, offers low power consumption, easy customization and a range of plug-ins. In addition, NetFront Living Connect, a DLNA-certified comprehensive software solution, enables implementation and control of home networks by integrating multimedia appliances like digital TVs, digital cameras and HDD recorders. NDS supports ACCESS’ NetFront Browser on its MediaHighway STB software platform.
In Japan, more than one million connected TVs run ACCESS’ NetFront Browser. A number of manufacturers deliver the NetFront Browser pre-installed on connected TVs. NetFront Browser is expected to be available in Europe and the U.S. in 2010. According to Yoni Hashkes, senior vice president of advanced products and markets at NDS, internet-enabled TVs are expected to take off in Europe and the U.S. next year. Hashkes also added that InfiniteTV makes it easy for connected TV consumers to find and watch both broadcast and Internet content.
InfiniteTV enables consumers to view traditional linear channels, catch-up TV, and on-demand content through a single, intuitive user interface. There is no need to install any software or additional hardware. InfiniteTV provides connected TV viewers with access to an electronic programme guide (EPG) and a default set of web channels and widgets supplied by their service provider. InfiniteTV uses both broadcast channels and Internet to add rich metadata to broadcast programmes and also integrates with advanced search and recommendations engines to provide a personalized service. An option to extend the connected TV’s capabilities with time and place shifting through networked DVR and identity management services is also provided.
InfiniteTV supports all popular Internet video formats, DRMs and connected TV chipsets to maintain a secure and high quality service. It enables any service provider to integrate it into their system while authenticating third-party applications to maintain system integrity. It also allows any content provider to make content easily available for different service providers. In addition, Infinite TV includes a software development kit and certification tools for widget providers; a channel builder for content providers to syndicate content; InfiniteTV Headend for service providers and the InfiniteTV client.
NetFront Browser has been designed and optimised to deliver high performance in resource-constrained environments. In addition, NetFront Browser supports almost any OS and CPU, offers low power consumption, easy customization and a range of plug-ins. In addition, NetFront Living Connect, a DLNA-certified comprehensive software solution, enables implementation and control of home networks by integrating multimedia appliances like digital TVs, digital cameras and HDD recorders. NDS supports ACCESS’ NetFront Browser on its MediaHighway STB software platform.
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Carolyn John is a Contributor to TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please columnist page.
Edited by Patrick Barnard
