Shedding some additional light on the technical makeup of Videotron’s 4K rollout, Alticast announced that it is supplying middleware and user interface support on the MSO’s new Ultra HD-capable box.
Videotron introduced its 4K/Ultra HD set-top last August, initially offering it for C$399 and providing access to a menu of VOD titles. The Samsung-made DVR, with multi-room capabilities, can record eight shows at once. The Canadian MSO began to carry live sports in the Ultra HD format in February.
“The ability to combine the richness of 4K content with managed network Quality of Service will be a significant differentiator for pay-TV,” said John Carlucci, president and CTO, Alticast US. “By being the first operator in Canada to bring 4K STBs into subscribers’ homes, Videotron is continuing the leadership that sets it apart from competitors and enhances the value of service bundles.”
“The tremendous promise that 4K UHD holds for our customers can only be realized by true commitment on the part of the entire industry,” added Pierre Roy, Videotron’s VP, engineering, research and development. “Alticast and our other technology partners have helped us to create the technical foundation that had already generated market enthusiasm and satisfy customer demand for UHD services.”
