Japanese MSO J:COM is using cloud virtualization technology from ActiveVideo to add new functionality to its existing set-top boxes to provide web-like VOD services, including expedited content discovery, faster response times, a more informative display, and the ability to personalize searches.
The new user interface (UI) is intended to enhance the capabilities of existing devices and to perform identically across every set-top in J:COM's service footprint.
"The user interface is the customer's point of entry to our on-demand library," said Masaaki Agaya, general manager, Service Planning Division for J:COM. "The power of the cloud has enabled us to offer our subscribers a next-generation UX that overnight is opening the door to engaging new viewing experiences on the same familiar set-top boxes."
ActiveVideo CloudTV GuideCast is designed to enable pay TV operators to augment current set-top functionality by making the user experience independent of device CPU speeds, memory size and graphics capabilities. GuideCast renders an HTML5 user interface in the cloud and delivers the output as an interactive MPEG video stream to any cable QAM or IP set-top that is supported by a downloadable or preinstalled client with a CloudTV Nano module.