BSkyB, OpenTV to jointly market PVR
BSkyB customers will have available to them advanced interactive and personal TV services in one device.
OpenTV has developed a new multi-pipeline middleware for the recorder that includes extensions for the hard disk functionality and control of twin digital satellite tuners. This new middleware allows viewers to simultaneously watch one digital satellite program while recording another. OpenTV will also contribute approximately $8 million to the development of the market and to assist in the promotion and sales of this new product to UK consumers.
"Sky was the first to launch interactive services and enhanced channels in the UK which OpenTV proudly participated in," noted OpenTV President James Ackerman. "Once again they are leading the way as the superior multichannel platform in the UK with the addition of Integrated Personal Television," added Ackerman. "This partnership is a great investment in the development of a revolutionary product which has opportunities for outstanding personalization and advanced interactive TV services."
Sky's Chief Operating Officer Richard Freudenstein said, "Sky prides itself at being at the forefront of technology development, specifically when it delivers such a substantial consumer benefit. The Integrated Personal Television Recorder is a truly 21st century home entertainment product. It will deliver all the existing advanced interactive and enhanced features Sky Digital customers love, plus offer the option for even greater choice and control over what they watch and when they watch it."
The Integrated Personal Television Recorder is the culmination of development work done by Sky and its technology partners, NDS, NEC, OpenTV and Pace Micro Systems.
Source: OpenTV
OpenTV is the world's leading interactive television and media solutions company. OpenTV's software platform provides a comprehensive solution for the development and delivery of digital interactive services by multichannel service operators to television viewers. The OpenTV solution includes its operating middleware, applications, software tools and strategic consulting services expertise.
OpenTV software has been shipped with or installed in more than 11 million digital set-top boxes worldwide and has been selected by 38 digital cable, satellite and terrestrial communications networks in over 50 countries, including BSkyB in the United Kingdom; TPS and Noos in France; PrimaCom in Germany; Via Digital in Spain; GLA, the exclusive provider of DIRECTV in Latin America; and EchoStar's DISH Network in the U.S.
In addition, 31 digital set-top box manufacturers have licensed OpenTV's software, and OpenTV's authoring tools are licensed to more than 800 independent developers and content service providers.
Worldwide headquarters for OpenTV is located in Mountain View, Calif. Information on OpenTV is available at www.opentv.com.