Viasat Selects NDS Progressive Download Technology for HD VOD

LONDON, UK — NDS Group, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced that Viasat (OMX Nordic: MTGA, MTGB), a leading digital satellite pay-TV operator serving Scandinavia and the Baltic region, has extended its long-standing relationship with NDS with the addition of NDS’ Progressive Download (PDL) technology to the ViasatPlusHD hybrid DVR.

The ViasatOnDemand HD service, represents another successful deployment of NDS’ PDL technology. This premium service offers ViasatPlusHD subscribers the ability to download a movie or series via their broadband internet connection to watch immediately or store to view later. NDS PDL technology delivers uninterrupted viewing by removing the buffering problems associated with slow broadband download speeds.

NDS PDL technology offers service providers a cost-effective way to deliver IP content over lower bandwidth connections while maintaining a quality of service matching that of traditional VOD. It uses the available bandwidth to download content to the DVR’s hard drive; once enough content is cached, then the viewer can start playback without interruption, and any remaining content is downloaded in background mode. Progressive Download also reduces the need for service providers to deploy expensive VOD servers and the high specification networks normally required for HD content delivery.

Viasat already relies on NDS VideoGuard® conditional access (CA), MediaHighway® middleware, XTV™ DVR technology, and a customised electronic programme guide (EPG) which supports nine languages to secure and power its HD pay-TV service. Viasat Broadcasting is the largest business within Modern Times Group (MTG AB), an international media group based in Sweden.

Caroline Le Bigot, NDS Senior Vice President, EMEA, said: “Progressive Download is a critical development for service providers looking to mirror traditional cable-based VOD service quality cost-effectively via a broadband internet connection. Viasat is at the forefront of the HD pay-TV sector in Scandinavia and is another successful deployment of our PDL technology. NDS and Viasat share a common commitment to deliver advanced technology and services to our customers, a major reason why our relationship has continued to flourish.”

Martin Lewerth, CTO of MTG/Viasat Broadcasting, added: “This latest agreement with NDS to support the launch of our ViasatOnDemand high definition hybrid platform makes it possible for us to offer an affordable VOD service to subscribers via a broadband connection. It represents another key milestone for Viasat and NDS, as we work together to ensure that Viasat customers receive the most advanced and exciting viewing experience possible.”