Interactive TV Technology Provider, NDS, in Deal with Kabel Deutschland

Interactive TV and conditional access technology provider, NDS, said Thursday that Germany's largest cable MSO, Kabel Deutschland, has selected it as an end-to-end solution provider, in order to enhance its digital TV platform. KDG, which operates cable systems in 13 German states and which is facing a competitive threat from Deutsche Telekom's Microsoft Mediaroom-based and interactive TV-enabled IPTV service, T-Home (note: for examples of the advanced interactive TV services offered by the T-Home service, see [itvt] Issues 8.23 Part 3B and 8.06 Part 3B), claims to provide triple-play services to around 9 million households. NDS says that the process of deploying its technologies on KDG's networks will begin during the coming weeks, and will have "no impact" on delivery of services to KDG customers.

According to NDS, the end-to-end solution it will provide to KDG will support both standard- and high-definition digital TV services, and will enable a range of new entertainment services and future enhancements. "For the development of our digital TV operations and the introduction of new entertainment services, we selected a technology provider that delivers an advanced end-to-end solution, including future-looking enabling technologies," KDG CTO, Lorenz Glatz, said in a prepared statement. "NDS's technology portfolio and expertise fulfils our long list of requirements. We welcome NDS as our technology partner and look forward to bringing a truly exciting entertainment offering to our subscribers." Added Yves Padrines, general manager of NDS's German arm, NDS GmbH: "KDG's decision to work with NDS is a real honor, and we are thrilled to be able to support Germany's largest cable operator as it develops its digital TV business. This announcement takes NDS's position in Germany to a whole new level and is a strong endorsement for our securing, enabling and interactive technologies." NDS is already fairly active in the German market: its other German customers include Arcor, Kabel BW, Premiere, and Telecolumbus.