Sky has extended its relationship with OpenTV, licensing new patents and intellectual property rights, to support the ongoing development of its digital TV platform.
The two companies will now work on a proof of concept that could lead to the deployment of the recently announced Core3 next generation middleware on the Sky+ HD receivers. The top-to-bottom architecture simplifies the deployment of interactive services and application widgets.
“OpenTV and Sky have built a strong relationship over the last ten years,” said Ben Bennett, OpenTV’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to enhance our relationship by combining IP licensing with technology provision.”
Although Sky uses News Corp’s own technology company for NDS for functionality on the Sky+ personal video recorder and EPG development it is still reliant on the OpenTV middleware.
“This new agreement with OpenTV underpins our strategy of continuous product innovation. OpenTV continues to be one of our key partners and we look forward to exploring how we might develop our relationship further,” said Roger Lambert, Sky’s Director of Customer Technology.
The middleware has been a part of Sky’s technology platform since the launch of Sky Digital in 1998.