NDS Selected by Cox Communications to Implement its Next-Generation, Set-top Box User Interface

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
NDS Group logo

  • Third largest cable operator in the US chooses NDS to implement its interactive, next-generation video user interface
  • With the new user interface, Cox’s subscribers will be able to access all their digital television services through a central, interactive environment whose functionality can be enhanced to include online community features
  • Advanced user interface designed to run on many deployed set-top boxes as well as Tru2way (formerly OpenCable™) and on other media devices including PC
  • Builds on the relationship announced in January when Cox chose to implement the NDS IEX™ interactive set-top box testing platform

COSTA MESA, USA — NDS Group (NASDAQ: NNDS), the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced it has been chosen by Cox Communications to implement its next-generation video user interface (UI). Cox, a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company, has designed an interactive UI for existing and new set-top boxes (STBs) deployed or to be deployed in its cable networks throughout the United States. The new UI is compatible with many of the existing STBs and is designed to be forward compatible with Tru2way technology enabled devices. This solution will enable Cox’s extensive digital services to be promoted, searched and accessed through a state-of-the-art interface which will deliver a superior user experience.

The next generation UI integrates Cox’s digital video services, which include video on demand (VOD), electronic program guide (EPG), digital video recorder (DVR) and interactive applications, into a centralized, user-friendly UI. Cox and NDS have partnered to further enhance the user experience by enabling personalization by viewers to match their viewing preferences. Network-based community sharing, which enables friends and family members to recommend programs to one another, will also be added.

“Cox is committed to giving our customers the best in simple, consistent and intuitive navigation,” said Steve Necessary, Vice President of Video Strategy and Product Management. “NDS has extensive knowledge in the development of advanced applications and user interfaces for multiple platforms. We are looking forward to working with them to deliver world class services to our customers, on a platform capable of supporting tomorrow’s new technologies.”

“Building on our proven experience in the development of interactive applications, NDS is working closely with Cox to enable a high quality UI that will be delivered to market quickly,” said Steve Tranter, Vice President of Broadband and Interactive for NDS. “As consumers grow more accustomed to a visually appealing, easy way to access their content, Cox has recognized that an interactive and customizable UI is essential to pleasing the customer, and we are delighted with the results of this collaboration.”

In January 2008, Cox selected NDS to deliver IEX™, its automated STB testing solution. NDS’ IEX combines hardware and software to automatically test all interactive applications on STBs operating in both cable and telecommunications environments, a task which was in the past handled manually and often was susceptible to human error. IEX provides a more accurate and cost-effective alternative to manual testing.