Amino Launches Virtual Set-Top Software

May 18, 2017
Amino has introduced Amino Enable virtual set-top box software intended to help pay TV operators deliver IP and cloud-based video services ...

Amino has introduced Amino Enable virtual set-top box software intended to help pay TV operators deliver IP and cloud-based video services over both new and legacy set-tops. It will have its public debut at Broadcast Asia and ANGA this month.

"As we move into the era of all IP/cloud television and video, the massive barrier facing operators across the globe is the millions of legacy set-top boxes they are invested in," said Donald McGarva, Amino's chief executive. "It's upcycle or die, as these installed STBs need to be brought into the modern multiscreen, multi-device, multi-service world - but the expense of doing so is chilling. Most players need a cost-effective way to provide state-of-the-art services across their entire customer base. Enable gives them the ability to do that and shift towards a world in which all applications and services can be delivered over IP, on-demand from the cloud to any device, anytime, anywhere."

The Enable platform is the software core for Amino's VIEW IP set-top and is also deployed on third-party set-top hardware platforms. The new version is designed to let operators deliver over-the-top (OTT), subscription video on demand (SVOD), multiscreen, UltraHD video and Android capabilities, along with updated and unified user interfaces on legacy boxes.

"Every day, I am in discussions with operators who are seeking to modernize their TV service with advanced applications such as Android TV and streaming video," said Mark Evensen, chief technology officer of Amino. "In most cases, there is not a straight line from A to B because they want to maximize the value of their existing infrastructure. Enable is the essential tool we use to launch next-generation applications and services simultaneously on legacy hardware, regardless of supplier, and the latest device platforms."

Third party partners for Enable include set-top hardware companies like ZTE, Samsung, Hybroad, and Xavi, and a range of software integrations including CA, DRM and media management. The Enable software is designed to virtualize underlying set-top hardware, providing portability of video applications across both old and new devices.