ActiveVideo Networks, the technology company behind Charter’s Spectrum Guide cloud-based video delivery system, is expanding its act for pay TV operators who want to enable their customers to use Android-based OTT apps.
The San Jose, California-based tech company, jointly purchased in 2015 by Charter and Arris for $135 million, has announced the launch of AppCloud, a new cloud based video delivery system that allows users to tap into OTT apps based on Android APK, no matter how much in the way of computing resources their set-top has.
In Europe and, increasingly in the U.S., pay TV operators have been sating the subscribers’ desire for OTT apps by deploying thin-client, Android TV-based hybrid QAM/IP set-tops, which allow operators to deliver managed network services while simultaneously allowing the customer to tap into any OTT app found in the Google Play store.
Debuting at the IBC Show in Amsterdam this week, ActiveVideo’s AppCloud takes the concept one step further — now, the operator doesn't even have to replace the legacy set-tops.
ActiveVideo’s technology is based on having all app processing done in the cloud — what appears on the user’s TV is actually MPEG video virtualization fo the user interface generated in the cloud … and not the actual user interface.
“There are thousands of Android-based TV apps available today, and with ActiveVideo AppCloud, we bring an immediate breadth of TV apps to the operator,” said Jeff Miller, ActiveVideo CEO, in a statement. “Service providers can...maintain direct relationships with their subscribers, expand the services they offer, and drive new digital advertising approaches with the ActiveVideo AppCloud framework.
Notably, Charter has been in the market with Spectrum Guide since 2014. The cable operator put out a press release Thursday reminding everyone that ActiveVideo’s technology is already available in “millions” of its subscribers' homes. (In its IBC press release, ActiveVideo noted that it is already “delivering virtualized content in 18 million set-top devices.)
“Spectrum Guide has been deployed to millions of set-top boxes across our footprint providing a reliable, modern navigation experience, and virtualization has been key to that success,” said Jake Perlman, senior VP of software development at Charter. “Working with ActiveVideo allowed us to realize the promises of virtualization, deploy a world-class, next-generation TV service at scale and have a flexible platform that supports new features and services.”
