German receiver manufacturer KATHREIN TechnoTrend and Belgian Digital TV technology specialist Zappware will show interactive applications and a next generation user interface on a new series of hybrid set-top-boxes, the product of their collaboration is to be first shown at IBC.
Interactive TV Browser specialist Espial of Canada is to introduce a new version of its TV Browser – it now supports HTML5 – and the 1.5 version of HbbTV.
Former Siemens set-top-box division Albis Technologies is launching a pair of IPTV boxes that offer 1080P@60 frames per second output over a single HDMI 1.4a connector as part of a wider range of HD IPTV STBs. The SceneGate 9300 is an HD DVB/IPTV STB featuring dual processing, 3D graphics, and 3D TV support to enable a next-generation end-user experience. It supports on-demand, linear TV, and over-the-top (OTT) services.
Through a compact, modular-based design with integrated SD memory card support and an HDD slot, the SceneGate 9300 increases service providers’ revenue streams by providing them with the flexibility to add advanced IPTV services like time-shifted TV and local PVR in the field. The platform’s robust 1600-MIPS dual processor ensures an exceptional picture quality for end-users, delivering HD resolution up to 1080p60 via an HDMIÆ 1.4a interface. The future-proof solution also supports HD picture-in-picture (PiP), is 3D TV ready, and incorporates a graphics CPU supporting OpenGLÆ ES 2.0 and WebGL. In addition a compact series the SceneGate Micro II, that delivers HD resolution up to 1080p via an HDMI 1.4a interface, and is 3D TV ready. And the Scenegate Micro an entry-level or second room box.
“The successful SceneGate Micro has been tuned to deliver even more features,” said Achim Bosse, Albis Technologies. “It now supports HDMI 1.4b and a default memory configuration of 512 MB, better addressing requirements for OTT solutions and applications. It also provides 25% more computing power; further improving the user experience”.
A flexible SDK supports open APIs for integration with native or browser-based middleware clients and applications. Using Albis Technologies’ open API technology, the platform leverages a unified media framework to enable seamless integration with IPTV and OTT channels.
Taiwanese STB chip manufacturer ALi Corporation is taking the opportunity to show the world how it enables lower cost HD set-top-boxes, like the O2Digital HD box recently launched in Thailand by satellite installer, distributor/manufacturer and services provider PSI and RS, the owner of some of the country’s most popular channels. RS is bringing world class content such as 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and La Liga Spain 2013, as well as its major hit channels such as Channel 8 to air on PSI O2 Digital in HD to expand the viewership of RS’s content.
“We are confident that we can build new viewer base with this box and sell more than a million boxes in the first year after the launch”. PSI said in a statement.
KATHREIN TechnoTrend will be integrating Zappware’s Nexx application on its new HTML5-based, HbbTV hybrid, STB series based on Broad-com technology and various encryption systems. Nexx is Zappware’s flagship product for set-top boxes and connected TVs and provides a next-generation user experience in the living room. Nexx is allowing viewers to easily get access to the content they need via ultra-short click-paths. It provides a consistent content-driven navigational pattern throughout the application and uses animation and acceleration to create a lively dialogue with the viewer. In addition it gives the ability to personalise the experience and share the TV experience using social networks.
KATHREIN TechnoTrend is open API middleware enables system providers to integrate their services according to customer needs and create unique business models for the operators. “This new integration project shows the innovative power of KATHREIN TechnoTrend and proves our ability to make our applications accessible to a wide range of devices”, said Patrick Vos, CEO at Zappware and added: “The new strategic alliance with KATHREIN TechnoTrend is allowing us to move into new markets based on a strong technology partnership”.
Volker Belz, CSO of KATHREIN TechnoTrend explained: “Zappware’s solution integration on KATHREIN TechnoTrendís advanced receivers enhances our product portfolio and increases our customers’ flexibility in their rollout of interactive OTT content and applications. Based on an outstanding user experience the Nexx solution will help operators and platform providers to prevent churn and to generate further revenues”.
User interface specialist Espial says its latest TV Browser, delivers a significantly enhanced user experience based on new HTML5, HbbTV, WebKit, and chipset capabilities. The TV Browser recently received ‘YouTube on TV’ approval.
With HbbTV version 1.5, broadcasters can support cutting-edge capabilities such as metadata search APIs, MPEG-DASH, and integration with common DRM systems. The Espial TV Browser also features multiple-resolution support and dynamic resolution switching for HTML5 apps, an advanced memory manager to support unlimited multiple app windows, and sophisticated cache management of HTML5 local storage and offline apps for added security. Picture-in-application, support for live TV tuners embedded in HTML5 apps, intelligent remote control mapping, and support for video trick modes in any HTML5 app. are amongst the new HTML 5 based features, of the multi-tab browser.
“Smart TV and set-top box manufacturers continue to look to the Espial TV Browser as a platform to build their next-generation user experience and apps,” said Dilshan De Silva, head of browser products, Espial. “Our browser continues to be the market leader in supporting the world’s premier HTML5 apps, most recently being one of the first to be approved to deploy the new YouTube for TV premium subscription app. The Espial TV Browser redefines the performance and experience consumers can expect on TVs, providing rich 2D and 3D graphics, extremely fast apps performance, multi-tab browsing, and many more advanced features”.