DVR STBs from SanDisk and NDS
September 9, 2010
From Colin Mann in Amsterdam
Flash memory card specialist SanDisk and digital pay-TV technology solutions provider NDS have successfully combined NDS MediaHighway set-top box (STB) software and SanDisk P4 solid state drives (SSD) to enable a new range of lower cost set-top box (STB) with DVR like functionality.
By provisioning a STB with a small amount of storage, operators can introduce new revenue generating features such as live-pause and video on demand (VOD) with the ability to enable home networking functionality and advanced advertising solutions, including ad substitution. The new solution also allows for the deployment of energy-efficient STBs with decreased power consumption, small form factors and virtually silent operation.
“For the first time, SSDs are now a cost-effective alternative to hard drives in the STB market,” claimed Doron Myersdorf, senior director, SSDs, SanDisk. “The successful integration of SanDisk P4 SSD with NDS STB software enables new business models in the STB market, and takes Video on Demand content beyond the DVR to offer a high degree of DVR-like functionality on a new range of boxes.”
Jonathan Beavon, director, segment marketing, NDS, said the solution offered operators a low power and reliable alternative to conventional hard disk drives, enabling a new market segment.