IBC 2007 (Stand 3.311)
French middleware developer IWEDIA will be demonstrating the first samples of ‘Freeview Playback’ compatible PVRs based on dedicated editions of its Comedia middleware which support PVR-related features on a variety of hardware platforms. The Freeview Playback specification issued by the UK’s Digital TV Group (DTG), and its associated brand, should extend the awareness and popularity of PVRs beyond the realm of pay-TV into the Free TV retail market.
Iwedia is also looking to transform set-top-boxes into genuine multimedia centres through a version of its Comedia middleware, which manages USB storage devices connected to the set-top box. When users connect a digital camera, audio player or a memory stick to their boxes the multimedia centre appears, enabling content available on the device to be browsed, and sorted in slideshows or playlists, allowing for playback of MPEG and DivX video, MP3 audio, and JPEG images on (HD)TV sets. The next step will be offering access to content over the home network.
The demonstrated Multimedia set-top box, based on the STMicroelectronics STi7710 chipset, will be distributed in the UK by a major wholesaler to serve the Christmas period sales.