--Minerva Extends Level of Integration with Widevine
--Also Secures Middleware Win with ANEW Broadband
MPEG-4 specialist, Envivio, IPTV middleware provider, Minerva Networks, and set-top box vendor, Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB), have teamed on an MPEG-4 IPTV solution targeted at independent operator companies (IOC's). The solution, which the companies will demo this week in Envivio's booth (#813) at the TelcoTV show in Dallas, consists of Entone's standard- and high-definition encoders (the 4Caster B3 and HD3), Minerva's iTVManager middleware, and the latest generation of AVC/H.264 set-tops from ADB. The companies claim that the solution is particularly beneficial for operators that want to deliver HD content at very low bandwidths but with high video quality. "Integrating the Envivio IP video encoders with our open, standards based platform was extremely easy and our customers will appreciate the quality of Envivio's MPEG-4 encoding," Minerva CEO, Mauro Bonomi, said in a prepared statement. "The benefits of MPEG-4 go beyond being able to offer high-definition programming. Not only does the lower bandwidth eliminate network bottlenecks that degrade video quality, but it also allows service providers to extend their network to reach more customers and cost-effectively grow their businesses."
In related news:
- Minerva says that it has extended the level of integration of its platform with Widevine's content-protection technology. According to the companies, which currently offer solutions to over 15 IPTV operators around the world, their joint solution interoperates on a wide range of IP-enabled consumer devices and offers flexible service packaging, allowing operators to deliver a la carte premium linear broadcast and VOD services. "Our partnership simplifies an operator's business decision regarding two critical components required for a successful IP video operation," Widevine president and CEO, Brian Baker, said in a prepared statement. "With our legacy of strong integrations at operators in North America, and now with our expanded partnership, Widevine and Minerva can continue to help operators get to market faster and realize their content acquisition, subscriber satisfaction and revenue objectives. Minerva is clearly the leading independent middleware provider in the Americas."
- Minerva's iTVManager middleware is being used by Florida-based ANEW Broadband for an IPTV service that is based on Eagle Broadband's IPTVComplete turnkey IPTV package, of which iTVManager is a major component. According to Eagle, IPTVComplete provides over 200 linear channels, HDTV support, PVR capabilities, interactive TV and VOD. ANEW's IPTV service is part of a triple-play offering, called "ANEW Vision," that is targeted at multi-dwelling buildings. "This solution will now enable ANEW Broadband subscribers to enjoy high-quality digital video, interactive television, and advanced telephony services," ANEW Broadband CEO, Daniel Contraras, said in a prepared statement. "Our customers will be able to benefit from leading-edge next-generation services such as broadband TV, video-on-demand, games, music and other value-added services in addition to the traditional high-speed Internet and voice all from the same delivery platform."
Originally Published: November 6, 2006 in [itvt] Issue 7.03 Part 2
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