Kabel Deutschland (KDG) has chosen NDS to act as an “end to end provider of technology solutions” as the operator looks to build its digital TV services. The 10-million subscriber cablenet becomes the latest German operator to adopt NDS technology after Premiere, Kabel BW, Arcor and Telecolumbus/Primacom.
KDG needs to position itself against the threat from the Microsoft-powered T-Home IPTV platform as Deutsche Telekom begins to make its offer more distinctive. “For the development of our digital TV operations and the introduction of new entertainment services, we selected a technology provider that delivers an advanced end-to-end solution, including future-looking enabling technologies. NDS’ technology portfolio and expertise fulfils our long list of requirements,” said Lorenz Glatz, CTO of Kabel Deutschland, in a prepared statement.
“KDG’s decision to work with NDS is a real honour, and we are thrilled to be able to support Germany’s largest cable operator as it develops its digital TV business. This announcement takes NDS’ position in Germany to a whole new level and is a strong endorsement for our securing, enabling and interactive technologies,” added Yves Padrines, Vice President, Business Development at NDS and General Manager NDS GmbH.
There has been no official confirmation of the NDS technologies that KDG will be adopting. Indications suggest the MediaHighway middleware and XTV personal video recorder technology might be a part of the deployment.
Although Padrines’ statement referred to “securing technologies”, KDG only upgraded to the latest version of the Nagravision CA 12 months ago, making an immediate switch unlikely.
