NDS Powers Hybrid VOD Service at Kabel BW

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
NDS Group logo

Kabel BW VOD service powered by end-to-end solution from NDS; Provides real-time access to VOD content through DVB-C-based streaming technology

LONDON — NDS Group, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced the provision of an end-to-end suite of technologies to leading cable operator Kabel BW, enabling the launch of the operator’s Video-on-Demand (VOD) service. Kabel BW’s new DVB-C-based VOD system is based on NDS’ MediaHighway® set-top box (STB) software and VOD technology. The launch of the new service in December provided Kabel BW subscribers with instant access to an on-demand video content library.

The VOD solution for Kabel BW builds on the hybrid capabilities of NDS MediaHighway: Content delivery is DVB-C-based with VOD titles streamed over cable. For interactivity and commands such as ordering a movie, the service connects to the Internet. MediaHighway enables Kabel BW to seamlessly evolve their offering and enable service enhancements to be deployed across all addressed STBs from multiple STB vendors in a single roll-out operation.

Harald Rösch, CEO of Kabel BW, said: “NDS have been instrumental in enabling this innovative hybrid solution which combines the strength of cable for high quality content delivery with the interactive benefits of Internet connectivity. We are extremely pleased to be able to provide this new service to our subscribers and look forward to further market innovations with support from NDS.”

Yves Padrines, NDS VP Sales Europe & General Manager NDS GmbH, commented: “Kabel BW is a clear innovator in the market. In 2007 they were the first German operator to choose our Conditional Access technology, and they have since taken great steps to provide their subscribers with quality and choice, through the introduction of an end-to-end suite of technologies from NDS.” He added: “We thoroughly look forward to supporting future innovation at Kabel BW.”

Kabel BW offers innovative triple play services to more than 2.3 million subscribers, serving nearly half of all homes in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. They currently benefit from a complete, future-oriented end-to-end digital TV solution from NDS, including MediaHighway set-top box software, XTV DVR technology and market-leading NDS VideoGuard® content protection, with Conditional Access and DRM for VOD content. The solution also includes an NDS Electronic Programme Guide and NDS Headend technology.