Entone brings hybrid TV solution to CATV
July 19, 2012
Entone, a provider of Hybrid TV and Connected Home solutions, has announced that its Hybrid TV solution is enabling cable operators to deliver an enhanced HDTV service that combines traditional cable TV (CATV) service and over-the-top (OTT) services via a seamless user experience.
In partnership with Confluent Technology Group and Minerva Networks, West Alabama TV Cable is the latest addition to Entone’s lineup of Cable TV operators launching its Hybrid TV solution. Enabled by Entone’s Hybrid TV devices and WebVOD application, subscribers in Fayette, Alabama can now enjoy whole-home DVR, rich HD channel line-up, an extensive library of cloud-based video-on-demand content from VUDU, Internet radio from Pandora, social media via Facebook and Twitter, and popular media services such as Flickr, Picasa and YouTube.
“We have moved into a realm of service expansion and feature-rich flexibility that previously was only available to the largest cable companies,” said Kyle South, General Manager at West Alabama TV Cable. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts from Confluent, Entone and Minerva, we are able to leverage our existing broadband infrastructure to enhance the appeal of our service portfolio with a richer and more compelling TV service, while also deepening our relationship with our customers.”
Over 38 percent of all U.S. households now have access to online video via connected TVs, game consoles and specialized set-tops, according to the Leichtman Research Group. As a result, the percent of U.S. adults watching online video on the TV at least once a week has shot up from 5 per cent in 2010 to 13 per cent in 2012, Leichtman reports.
“We continue to see strong interest from MSOs who are choosing to embrace the cloud for augmenting traditional TV services,” said Steve McKay, CEO of Entone. “In teaming with Confluent and Minerva, Entone’s Hybrid TV solution enables a progressive and highly differentiated service that strengthens the subscriber experience and relationship with the operator.”
As part of Entone’s Hybrid TV solution, the Entone WebVOD application can easily be integrated with existing cable headend – enabling cable operators to quickly deploy a complete HDTV service that includes a full-featured, whole-home digital video recorder (DVR), enhanced electronic programme guide (EPG) and rich cloud-based media services.
Entone’s comprehensive suite of Hybrid TV software and devices enables video over IP streaming and interactive applications that integrate a variety of broadcast technologies, such as QAM, ATSC, DVB-C, DVB-T, and DVB-S. Entone’s Hybrid TV solution also offers popular networking options, including HomePNA, HomePlug, MoCA and carrier-grade Wi-Fi for easy integration with existing in-home networks and broadband services. With CableCARD support, Entone’s Hybrid TV solution ensures compatibility with legacy conditional access systems and provides seamless support for analog, digital and hybrid cable systems.
“We are working closely with a number of our cable customers who want to move beyond the limitations of legacy set-top systems to introduce advanced services without incurring the infrastructure costs normally associated with these capabilities,” said Mark Anderson, founder and CEO of Confluent. “Our integrated Hybrid TV solution is truly ideal for operators looking to maximize the capabilities of their existing RF cable system and broadband networks providing digital video and advanced services without the upfront capital expenditures associated with plant upgrades.
“We are pleased to partner with Confluent and Entone in offering a Hybrid TV solution that allows cable operators to capitalize on the convergence of linear content and IP services,” said Mauro Bonomi, CEO of Minerva. “Our TV-over-IP platform is a powerful toolkit that supports the latest Internet technologies to enable cable operators to fend off OTT players.”