GSat Philippines DTH chooses Cubiware middleware

Global Satellite Chooses TiVo’s CubiTV Middleware for Rollout of DVB Services Across the Philippines

SINGAPORE — Cubiware, a subsidiary of TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), today announced that its’ CubiTV hybrid middleware has been selected by Global Satellite (GSat) for delivery of digital video broadcast via satellite in the Philippines. CubiTV will be deployed on set-top boxes (STBs) manufactured by Intek Digital of South Korea and used to provide direct-to-home satellite TV services to subscribers across the Philippines. Initial capabilities enabled by the Intek/Cubiware STBs include high definition digital video and PVR recording. The inclusion of CubiTV provides an upgrade path that will enable later deployment of interactive services and additional enhanced capabilities.

GSat provides international entertainment and information in multiple Asian markets, including not only the Philippines but also other parts of South Asia. With an emphasis on superior coverage, quality programming, and content security, GSat carries both locally produced and international content, including news, multi-cultural programs, distance education, business and economic analysis, governmental proceedings, and other documentary productions. GSat’s services reach remote areas that are often not served by terrestrial broadcast or cable.

“A big part of GSat’s ability to meet the growing demand for a better direct-to-home satellite TV experience is our use of the latest multimedia technology,” said Philip J. Chien, President and CEO of GSat. “With CubiTV middleware running on quality hardware from Intek Digital, we will be able to offer our subscribers a high-quality, cost-effective set-top box that satisfies all of the requirements for our existing roll-out and also provides a future-proof platform on which we can enable interactive services in the future.”

CubiTV features a highly intuitive interface that makes it easy for subscribers to navigate advanced TV functionality. It also includes a revolutionary graphics-rendering engine that delivers fast, sleek menus and program guides with high-quality animation, transitions, and effects. Designed to run on low-power, small footprint DTV and IPTV processors from all major silicon vendors, the STB versions of CubiTV may be deployed on both modern and legacy devices, thereby minimizing the need for hardware replacement.

“We couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity to work with GSat and Intek Digital to bring quality satellite TV services to the Philippines,” said Cubiware co-founder Maciej Grzonkowski. “GSat’s multi-country presence complements our strategy of growth through deployments in Asia and other growing markets worldwide. And Intek Digital is renowned as a hardware manufacturer that not only delivers quality devices but also excels at servicing operators. Collaborating on GSat’s deployment in the Philippines provides us with a great foundation for building long-term working relationships with two very important partners.”