Advanced Television

STB VoD from Shaw Direct

June 25, 2012

In what it describes as a milestone for Canadian television, communication and media company Shaw Direct has become the first DTH provider in Canada to use adaptive streaming technology to deliver On Demand content directly to set-top boxes.

With the launch of Online Video On Demand last April, Shaw Direct customers are already able to accesstitles On Demand through their web browser. Now, On Demand content is available directly to customers’ TVs through Shaw Direct satellite receivers, giving customers easy access to more than 1,500 Standard- and High-Definition movies and TV titles.

“Streaming Video On Demand is the next step in giving our customers access to Shaw Direct’s exceptional programming when they want, wherever they want,” said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications. “Offering online and set-top Video On Demand is just the beginning of big things for our customers this year – and it’s part of our commitment as technical leaders in satellite technology,” he declared.

Shaw Direct customers who own an Essential or Advanced HD Receiver (HDDSR 600 or HDDSR 605) or an Advanced HDPVR Receiver (HDPVR 630) will automatically receive a free software update which enables Video On Demand services to be connected. The technology provides customers in both urban and rural locations with access to the latest titles through their Shaw Direct receiver.

To take advantage of the new offerings, customers will need to connect their hybrid STB to a high-speed Internet connection.

Shaw anticipates launching a number of enhancements for Shaw Direct customers, including the launch of a new High-Definition on-screen guide, external hard-drive compatibility and the launch of the new Anik G1 satellite in autumn 2012. With the capacity to carry well over 100 new HD channels, Anik G1will give Shaw Direct customers more satellite capacity than is available from any other company in Canada.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite, OTT, OTT, Premium, VOD