Virgin Media is deploying the Pixelmetrix Electronic Couch Potato (ECP) monitoring system after a demonstration at IBC 2009. The system is now being installed in the company’s central digital headend with plans to trial the units for regional deployment.
Alistair Crook, Head of TV Operations of Virgin Media said, “Having seen a demonstration of the ECP at IBC 2009, it was clear to us how such a device, when tailored for our need to accurately audit our TV packages, could greatly enhance our monitoring strategy.”
ECP is a programmable test robot designed to monitor the customer viewing experience by providing measurements from the end point of the content delivery chain. “The automated package auditing application provided by the ECP improves Content Provider confidence while reducing OPEX. Hence, the ECP makes an excellent choice to optimise their quality of service monitoring,” explained Pixelmetrix President and CEO Danny Wilson.
The ECP connects after the Set Top Box (STB) and provides feedback on various service quality parameters to a central site. It is able to emulate an end-user changing channels on a STB via a built-in infrared (IR) transmitter.
Deployment and operations are being overseen by Digi-Box.co.uk, the official distributor for Pixelmetrix in the UK.
