NDS has given details of its contribution towards Kabel BW Videothek, the operator’s video on demand service that launched on the network last December.The system is running on the MediaHighway set-top box software and VOD technology. Content delivery is based on DVB-C with VOD titles streamed over cable. However, for interactivity and commands such as the vital function of ordering a movie, the internet is used. The use of MediaHighway has enabled Kabel BW to rollout VOD right the way across the network and brings in multiple set-tops from a variety of vendors.
Harald Rösch, CEO of Kabel BW, said: “NDS has been instrumental in enabling this innovative hybrid solution which combines the strength of cable for high quality content delivery with the interactive benefits of Internet connectivity.”
Kabel BW boats three million subscribers across the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. In addition to the MediaHighway middleware it also uses the NDS VideoGuard conditional access, XTV PVR technology and an NDS electronic programme guide.
“Kabel BW is a clear innovator in the market. In 2007 they were the first German operator to choose our conditional access technology, and they have since taken great steps to provide their subscribers with quality and choice, through the introduction of an end-to-end suite of technologies from NDS,” commented Yves Padrines, NDS VP Sales Europe & General Manager NDS GmbH.
Earlier announcements have seen On Demand Deutschland, the joint venture between SeaChange International’s On Demand Group and Tele München Gruppe, confirmed as the lead content provider and its technology parent SeaChange/eventIS serve as systems integrator.