Metrological said Technicolor has signed on to use its browser architecture in 4K-capable hybrid cable and IP set-top boxes that will enable MVPD partners to more easily integrate over-the-top services.
Under the agreement, Technicolor is adopting Metrological’s Application Platform and Web-Platform for Embedded (WPE) for those boxes, holding that it will simplify the onboarding of premium OTT content and support a unified framework for IP-based video delivery for operators. Metrological’s app platform and WPE include an open source browser and framework architecture with software plugins.
Technicolor, which acquired Cisco Systems’ set-top and CPE business in 2015, has not announced any operators that will take advantage of the set-up with Metrological.
Liberty Global and Comcast, which has integrated OTT services such as Netflix and YouTube on its X1 platform, are among MVPDs that have adopted Metrological’s technology.
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Metrological and Technicolor said they will demo the joint offering at IBC 2017, set for Sept. 15-19 in Amsterdam September 15-19.
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“Operators are making major investments in new generation STBs supporting OTT as one of their main differentiators,” Mercedes Pastor, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Technicolor Connected Home, said in a statement. “This is creating demand for new, flexible and innovative solutions that engage subscribers and generate new revenue streams. By bringing open solutions to the operator community, Technicolor and Metrological are creating opportunities to literally think outside the box by opening the door for new ways to engage with subscribers, while simplifying and integrating how consumers interact with existing services.”
“We are excited that Technicolor and Metrological share a common goal to ensure that operators have the full range of options for delivering compelling content and integrated TV-experiences to their customers,” added Thijs Bijleveld, SVP of sales and marketing at Metrological. "This open, browser based, approach allows operators to integrate apps and Premium OTT content into a single viewer experience. We are proud that Technicolor is adopting our Application Platform and WPE allowing their customers to leverage modern browser based technologies.”
