RCN brings Opera TV Store to TiVo set-top boxes

First cable TV operator launches Opera TV Store on TiVo

OSLO, Norway; PRINCETON, New Jersey; and SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Opera TV Store is set to bring hundreds of entertaining apps to all TiVo set-top boxes for U.S. cable operator RCN. It is the first pay-TV cable operator to launch Opera Software’s app platform on its TiVo devices.

The Opera TV Store – an HTML5, cloud-based application solution – enables premium, over-the-top content for Smart TV devices such as from TiVo. It empowers RCN to offer more entertainment options and brings subscribers a rich selection of video, music, games, social media, news and utility apps for the biggest screen in the home.

As well as making access to over-the-top content seamless, the Opera TV Store gives cable operators full control over which apps are available for their subscribers. It provides RCN with a backend system for advanced statistics on Opera TV Store usage, such as the popularity of individual apps, so they can make continued improvements to bring customers the best apps available. The managed cloud solution can also offer rich customization and branding possibilities, as well as enabling operators to prioritize local apps and content.

Opera’s application platform will be available on all of RCN’s TiVo set-top boxes. RCN TiVo boxes already deployed in homes will be updated over the RCN broadband network, so existing viewers can also enjoy the Opera app storefront.

“The TV space is changing rapidly, and a viable application platform is a must for staying ahead of the game,” said Jason Nealis, VP of Video Operations at RCN. “Opera Software provides the most mature HTML5-based application platform, enabling us to expand our entertainment offering for RCN customers. We are pleased to come on board as the Opera TV Store’s landmark first operator deployment. This partnership is another example of RCN’s commitment to creating a superior customer experience.”

“Opera Software has worked in the pay-TV operator space for more than 10 years, powering portals and premium content through the Opera Devices Software Development Kit,” said Aneesh Rajaram, Vice-President of TV & Devices, Opera Software. “We now strengthen our proposition for operators through the Opera TV Store, which has already proved popular with manufacturers. The Opera TV Store makes it a breeze for operators like RCN to simply turn on a proven OTT content offering for their subscribers.”