Kabel Deutschland Picks S3 for Multiscreen Testing

S3 Group said it has been selected by Kabel Deutschland, the largest cable operator in Germany, to automate the testing of multiscreen services across consumer premises equipment platforms, including Apple iOS and Google’s Android OS devices.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but Kabel Deutschland will use S3’s StormTest Development Center to integrate the testing of its TV services, including mobile video applications into its test framework.

S3 said the agreement announced Tuesday, made in concert with this week’s ANGA COM conference in Cologne, marks an expansion of the use of Development Center in Kabel Deutschland.

“Subscribers want a great user experience, regardless of the device being used. By integrating all devices into our existing test framework Kabel Deutschland will be able to test feature updates and new services faster,” said Bernd Hansen, Teamleiter Service Management at Kabel Deutschland, in a statement. “In particular, mobile video application testing with StormTest will give us a reliable, repeatable, and automated method to assure the quality of multiscreen user experience.”

“The modern television experience is now inherently multiscreen,” added John Maguire, chief strategy officer, TV Technology, at S3 Group. “This is challenging contemporary service delivery methods, requiring more efficient processes, and agile development methods. With StormTest Development Center we will enable Kabel Deutschland to deliver new services and features at Internet speed.”

Kabel Deutschland is also a licencee of the Reference Design Kit, the preintegrated software stack for IP and hybrid QAM/IP set-tops and gateways being managed by Comcast, Liberty Global and Time Warner Cable.  RDK Management is using S3 to oversee its code management function

In addition to KD, S3 Group’s customers include Astro, BT, Comcast, Liberty Global, Mediacom, RDK Management LLC, Sky, Swisscom, Time Warner Cable, and Videotron, among others.