Pace profiles PayTV innovation at IBC 2009
Leading set-top box developer’s role at the heart of digital TV provides technology backbone for industry growth
September 2 2009
At this year’s IBC, Pace plc, the leading independent developer of digital TV technologies for the global payTV industry, will highlight its key areas of innovation that are enabling operator customers worldwide to advance the digital TV experience in the home. The company will demonstrate how its technology is making it possible for payTV operators to deliver protected content and services and create an enhanced, yet easily accessible interactive consumer TV experience that puts the viewer in control. Through its track record Pace will highlight how the Group’s innovations and initiatives in set-top box, hybrid and networking technology come together to confirm Pace’s position at the heart of digital television.
PayTV operators face the challenge of transforming the prescriptive, linear TV experience into one which allows new levels of digital interactivity and on-demand access to converged content over hybrid networks, around the home and before long to mobile devices. At IBC 2009, Pace will demonstrate its leadership in hybrid and high definition PVR set-top box technology through advanced products and customer deployments that add intelligence into the box, allowing payTV operators to redefine the way they deliver and own the TV-led home entertainment experience.
Commenting on Pace’s presence at IBC 2009, Richard Slee, President Pace UK said, “The traditional TV experience is no longer valid in today’s payTV market. HD delivery and PVR functionality are reshaping the television while operators are also looking at ways to bring the Internet together with TV to offer access to different kinds of content as a way to meet rapidly changing consumer expectations. Our current deployments and extensive range of set-top box and networking products clearly demonstrate that we have the technology expertise to make the converged TV experience of the future a reality today and that Pace is an active contributor to the biggest redefinition of TV since its invention.”
Leadership in set-top box technology – As more operators move away from SD distribution in favour of HD delivery and PVR functionality, Pace is pioneering cutting edge set-top box technology that incorporates best-in-class HD, PVR and hybrid IP technology that’s also unlocking the potential for converged whole-home solutions. For example, Pace has developed well over 20 high definition HD PVRs for payTV operators around the world. All of Pace’s set-top box products now offer hybrid functionality and Pace is leading the market, having launched Europe’s first Satellite / IP hybrid set-top for Canal+ and BT Vision’s terrestrial / IP hybrid product.
Network innovation – Pace’s network innovation allows operators to open up new market segments to boost revenue. Pace’s Networks recently announced Canal Digital, part of Telenor Broadcast, as the first customer of its MultiDweller™ technology. Canal Digital will use Pace’s MultiDweller equipment to enhance its payTV operations in the Scandinavian market. At IBC 2009, Pace Networks will highlight how MultiDweller can support payTV operators wanting to extend their triple-play services into hard to reach places such as apartment blocks and conurbations not connected to major cable TV networks.
Pushing the boundaries in energy efficiency – Since launching its Low Environmental Initiative (LEI) at IBC 2008 Pace is on target to reach the EU’s 2013 directives for energy efficiency in consumer electronics, three years ahead of schedule and in time to meet the upcoming 2010 requirements. In the US Pace’s DTA was the first device to be qualified under the new ENERGY STAR Program. The LEI also aims to reduce CO2 emissions associated with manufacture and packaging and phasing out the use of hazardous substances, beyond current legislation.
Future technologies – Pace is continually developing new technologies to support the growth of the payTV market and help increase potential ARPU for operators. At IBC 2009, Pace will highlight the future of digital TV including: content sharing through connected hybrid IP set-top boxes and DLNA compliant devices; iTouch control over EPGs; 3D graphical interface capabilities; and internet music streaming to the TV.
Pace now works with 35 of the top 100 payTV operators and has the largest market share in Europe.
For more information or to view Pace’s range of payTV products, please visit Stand 1.B19 at IBC 2009 in Amsterdam. More information is also available on Pace’s website at:
http://www.pace.com/corporate/ibc.
