Toshiba and Netgem are launching a new multifunction adapter that will turn standard digital TV receivers into Connected TVs. The adapter, initially available in the French market, will provide access to the Toshiba Places online portal. Additional European markets are likely to be added in 2011.
Built on Netgem’s device and middleware knowhow the adaptor allows consumers to access a range of entertainment services, including video on demand, as well as share their multimedia content with relatives and connect to services and information from the Internet.
“Working with Toshiba, one of the global leaders in consumer electronics, to develop new interactive solutions for connected TVs, is the first success for our ‘Netbox inside’ strategy. Our vision is that one day all TVs will be connected to the Internet,” said Christophe Aulnette, Netgem’s managing director.
The Toshiba Multifunction Adapter developed with Netgem is a customised version of the new Netgem N5000 platform that was announced at the IBC 2010 show.
The adapter offers Ethernet, WiFi and HDMI connectivity with advanced multimedia functionality to access stored content such as videos, photos and music and is UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) for an easier integration to a Home Network. The device ships with 4 gigabytes of Flash memory to ensure the best possible Video on Demand quality and a DTT-HD tuner, which allows navigation between TV and interactive services through a single remote control.
