Telenet proves CI Plus with technology from S&T

LONDON, UK — Strategy & Technology, the leading specialists in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG-5 middleware, is proud to announce that it has successfully completed a CI Plus (CI+) Proof of Concept (PoC) project for Telenet, Belgium’s largest cable TV operator.

CI+ capable digital TV receivers, such as Integrated Digital TVs (iDTVs), include a CI+ Browser – an MHEG middleware engine – for deploying interactive applications via a module inserted into the receiver. The objective of the PoC was to better understand how this capability could be used to deploy an MHEG-based Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and Video on Demand (VoD) solution via an IP-enabled CI+ Module.

The project required close collaboration with other leading-edge technology companies, including Neotion, Sony Corp. and Samsung.

“We have shown that Telenet and other operators are able to deliver a full range of network-based, linear and on-demand video services, including catch-up TV via CI+. We’re honoured to have been selected by Telenet for this project, which clearly illustrates their forward thinking in terms of delivering their services in an efficient way,” explained Mike Alexander, Regional Sales Manager, Europe, S&T Ltd.

The PoC utilises S&T’s MHEG Presenter solution to deliver the EPG and VoD user experience on the TV. Access to VoD and catch-up TV content in a live back-office system was achieved through S&T’s Mediator platform, which provides a head-end based, highly flexible framework for such integration.

Neotion provided their unique IP-enabled Conditional Access Module (IPCAM) technology, allowing MHEG Presenter to communicate with Mediator over Telenet’s network and access the full catalogue of content. All video is delivered via DVB-C with the IP connection also being used for session setup and playback control via RTSP.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the CI+ proof-of-concept project, which has exceeded our original objectives”, explained Bahadir Yavuz, Manager, Technology Strategy at Telenet. “We are more than happy to recommend S&T as trustable and reliable partner in interactive service development.”

The PoC was demonstrated on CI+ iDTVs from both Sony and Samsung, representing a significant share of the HD TV market in Belgium and so an important target audience for Telenet.