CES: Quick Hits

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 1/16/2012 12:01:00 AM

Verizon Wireless Names CTO For MSO Joint Venture

LAS VEGAS — Shadman Zafar, who previously headed product development for Verizon Communications, has moved into a new role as chief technology officer for the carrier’s involvement in the joint venture with Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks.

Last month Verizon Wireless announced a landmark agreement with Comcast, TWC and Bright House, under which the MSOs are proposing to sell the carrier 122 AWS licenses for $3.6 billion. Cox announced a similar deal with Verizon Wireless, with a proposal to sell its AWS holdings for $315 million.

Also under the deals, the cable companies will resell Verizon Wireless products and services and vice versa, and they will engage in joint development. The agreements have not yet been approved by regulators.

In his new role, Zafar will act as Verizon Wireless’ liaison to the JV, which is charged with providing technology development for new products and capabilities that span wireless and wireline networks. The organization will likely be based in Piscataway, N.J. The number of Verizon Wireless and MSO personnel who will be dedicated to the JV has yet to be determined but Zafar said there is a “sizable investment” from the companies.

“Each of the companies is investing a lot in our core areas,” Zafar said in an interview. “We see a lot of opportunities at the seams of our industries to create new use cases.”

SeaChange Fuels Up Hybrid Gateways Software

LAS VEGAS — SeaChange International has unveiled the Nucleus Hybrid Gateway software, which the vendor is pitching as an engine for cable operators to power up next-generation multiscreen, whole-home digital video recorder and Web-based content services.

The vendor also announced that Humax, a South Korean set-top box manufacturer, is using Nucleus and SeaChange’s Nitro applications suite in a new device aimed at U.S. cable operators.

The Tru2way-based Nucleus software connects SeaChange’s Adrenalin back-office with the Nitro user interface, and enables DLNA connectivity to consumer-electronics devices such as PCs, tablets, smartphones and smart TVs. The software also let MSOs build apps for using smartphones as remote controls.

Warpia Unwraps PC-To-TV Wireless Streaming System

LAS VEGAS — Warpia, a unit of technology distribution and logistics firm Source R&D, is introducing WarpiaTV, a $200 wireless system for streaming Web video and other content — including from Netflix, YouTube and Amazon — from personal computers to big-screen HDTVs that includes a motion-detection controller.

The WarpiaTV system includes a wireless motion controller, wireless USB receiver and transmitter and HDMI cable. The product uses TV-optimized browser software and motioncontroller technology licensed from Hillcrest Labs. According to Warpia, the product lets users stream any content from their notebook or PC wirelessly to an HDTV up to 30 feet away in full 1080p HD with stereo audio.

Comcast to Speed Up Tru2way With Myriad

LAS VEGAS — Comcast will add more oomph to its Tru2way set-top software platform for Xfi nity TV, announcing plans to use Javabased software from Switzerland’s Myriad Group AG in its nextgeneration Tru2way, IP and hybrid set-tops and other devices.

Under the deal, Myriad will integrate its CDCA Java Virtual Machine into the Comcast Device Software Reference Design Kit. That, according to the companies, will deliver a consistent operating environment and improved application performance, as well as speed up the time for manufacturers to deliver.